Ruger SP101
 

I've been thinking of getting another home protection type of handgun. I have a P89 Ruger 9mm but in a home protection situation I'd rather rely on a more fool-proof revolver. I'm considering a Ruger SP101 .357 like in the pic below (hammer-less). There is a pretty cool laser-grip that can be bought for these as well.

Any comments about the selection? What about pricing - are there any decent online wholesalers?

http://ruger.com/Firearms/images/Products/50L.jpg

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1351072/905.jpg

Re: Ruger SP101
 

The Ruger SP101 is a stout little number. I would spend any extra money on the Hogue grips, speedloaders, ammo and skip the laser.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

great little piece, I like it in .357,,,,,,,,,

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I had an SP, nice revolver.
calling it "little" is a stretch, I recall it being real HEAVY in the pocket.
SHOT really nice, packed poorly.
at 25 ounces, the SP weighs as much as TWO S&W 442 or 642 airweights.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

yeah, you're right, it is heavy for it's size, but I still like it,,,,,,,

Re: Ruger SP101
 

keep the Laser idea

I like not haveing to bring the gun up to aim---in a pinch you can stick your hand out around a corner and shoot at the dot. This is fast compared to aiming traditionally.

E-A

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I have a DAO in .357 mag. (no laser) and I might buy another! Yes, it's heavy for it's size, but it's not really a pocket revolver. The weight isn't such a bad thing when firing 125 gr. magnum cartridges. You can stage the trigger and make the revolver fire almost as if in single action. Best of luck to you.

Try this for shopping:
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx

Take care,
Mod1

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I have one for sale in perfect condition, with a bunch of extras (speed loaders, holster, ie....) PM me if interested. I'd be happy to trade gold.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I have three, two in .357 Magnum and one in .22 LR. Good choice. Try www.budsgunshop.com/ for online pricing. I also would look for a used one as they are stout and used guns are good values.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

A very nice gun....if only for home use....otherwise as others have noted....too heavy for pocket carry.

I would strongly suggest no 357 mag loads for in the house.....too loud you will have ringing ears and lose that ability to hear.....at night = too much muzzle flash.....now you can't see or hear....this is bad in a night fight.

Trust me, I've trained at night in the dark with a 357....you will be much better off with 38 Special loads.....even 38+P Specials have a lot of flash from a snubby.

Experience this yourself....take your 357 ....go into the garage tonight and turn off the lights and shoot it into a pile of stacked pieces of 2 x 4 wood. You will be night blind and def.....your ears will ring for a while....this will sell you on the idea of 38 special in enclosed rooms....and a garage is quite large.

Since i would never use 357 loads at home and since it weighs 2X an alloy frame S&W....I would never want one. Get the S&W 442...that is our house gun...and it is still small and light enough to carry in a pocket.

There have been several times when I've went outside with my 442 in my front pocket to check out a situation....you have a gun but noone else knows you have it...even police....this is important depending on the situation. I would never want a home gun that would not easily fit in my pocket......I have a 1911 but would grab the snubby as i could take it outside and walk around with it in pocket if needed...even if the police show up.....you do not want a drawn gun when the police show up....

Skip it and get a S&W 442. The lighter weight is also more friendly for the wife....and still no issue with 38+P.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Ruprick is right.
The S&W 442 'airweight' is a VERY nice pocket pistol.
12.5 ounces empty.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Btw, when shooting .357 loads....you want heavy. Makes follow-up on 38+P easier too!

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I am thinking about getting one of those also. Its a nice little revolver. I think I would prefer the 3" barrel instead of the 2" snubby though.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I have a 101sp 357 with the hammer and the factory laser grips
i also own a airweight SW 38sp p+ with laser grips

i would highly recommend the 101sp

its a stout gun...made to shoot...with 357mags in it, it will pop your hand but with 38 +Ps it is very easy to shoot (range time is a joy with 38s in this gun)

i cant say enough about mine...easy to shoot...shoots very accurate...great grips (i dont use the laser much) but i like the grips that came with the laser.
i imagine it weighs twice as much as a SW airweight but after shooting both i much prefer the heavyer gun for actually shooting this year i paid less than $600 for the gun with the grips

i keep mine in the vehicle as a vehicle carry gun

as for the SW 642 airweight 38sp p+ hammerless cost $750+

it is a light gun and makes a great ladies purse gun it is NOT a joy to shoot its light weight makes shooting a bit uncomfortable to your hand (you wont want to spend a lot of range time with the gun) for me it is not as accurate a shooter as the 101 but it makes a very good lightweight pocket/purse CC gun.

both of my guns have the laser grips....after sighting in and adjusting the laser grips....i really dont use them in normal shooting because they are only accurate in both planes at one specific range but i do see that they would serve two purposes...#1 they would be good in a panic situation and low light...#2 they enhance the value of the gun..

in our house the 101 is a car gun
the 642 is the girls purse guns
i carry a kahr pm9

Re: Ruger SP101
 

TAZ; tell me about that KAhr pm9.... looks cute as a button, have you many rounds through it?
Does it feed JHP's reliable?
Any problems getting it broken in, or was it 100% out of the box?

Re: Ruger SP101
 

It was pretty rough and stiff to begin with i am at probably 300rnds and it is working smoothly now. the book says 200rnd break in and i believe it.

I have been feeding it 115fmjs during the break-in and haven't tried the HPs yet

i do like the gun but not sure it is worth the money difference between it and the slightly larger Kahr CW line that is $200 less

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I LOVE my SP101, by far my favorite revolver for carry or home defense. It is a bit heavy, but I have the 357. If I had to do it again I would get the 38 or the 38 +P SP101. By definition, a snubbie is a purely defensive weapon, so accuracy with sights is a non issue. the 38 SP101 loaded with golden sabre would be great. I use 38 +P Golden Sabre and Gold Dot.
I had mine polished mirror, and melted. I told the gunsmith I wanted my SP101 to look like a stainless steel teardrop. I often carry the gun in my pocket, NO HOLSTER. So, being hard melted as it is, it comes out of the pocket smoothly every time.
I also had mine ported by MagNaPort.
The feel of this gun in my hand is PERFECT. Yes, a bit heavy though.
I have the CT Laser not so much for aiming so much as for intimidation. In that split second between my draw and my trigger squeeze, the laser may cause the bad guy to stop his agression. If he stops in that narrow moment of time, then he may not get shot and maybe it can be a happy ending for everyone.
If I did not have the CT grips on it I would have some custom Hogues or cocobolo grips on it.
Hope this helps!

Re: Ruger SP101
 

IMHO, the quality diference between Ruger and Kahr... well, it is not even a debate. Any Ruger is 3 times better than any Kahr. I mean... this is RUGER we are talking about... guns built to for function and reliability.
My experience with Kahr has been... well... Let's just say I would never choose Kahr over Ruger.
I think Gun Test Magazine backs up my position.
If you can afford the Ruger, get the Ruger.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I looked back through my Gun Test Mag archives ...dont see either the Ruger or the Kahr reveiwed (i am missing a few issues)(only looked back a couple of years)

the kahr pm9 is a fine gun i cant compare it to other kahr's but i have no issues with its workmanship or function i dont think any of the polymer semi autos will ever compare to a nice steel revolver in looks or workmanship

but we agree on the ruger..great gun but heavy by far the most bang for buck i would much prefer the ruger to the SW

BTW great looking gun......
did the porting help at all with the heavy loads??

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Do you still have it? PM me with a complete list of what it has and pics if you dont mind.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

That little Ruger you have is a jewel! Very nice!
Was it worth it to get the Magnaporting done?

Re: Ruger SP101
 

I sold it and evrything else I had for sale last week to one buyer.
That made it very easy for me, the guy got a great deal too.

Thanks to all who showed interest.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Damm wish I had seen your post earlier. I wouldnt mind having two of these puppies. Do you mind if I ask what the final sale price was? You can PM me if you want with details.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

They look fantastic...not excited about another calibur, but damn they look fantastic.

Re: Ruger SP101
 

Don't really know. I sold a lot of 13 guns total with a bunch of ammo.