Ruger SP101 Gun Review
by Teresa
Specifications
Gun Manufacturer: Ruger
Model: SP101
Caliber: .357
Barrel Length: 2.25
Ammunition Capacity: 5
Price: $500
Ruger SP101 Usage and Features
Primary Use
Home Defense
Are you right or left handed?
Right Handed
What features does this gun have that appealed to you?
I love the stainless steel brushed finish on this gun. It is indestructible.
The cylinder latch on the SP101 is very intuitive. The cylinder pops right out when you press it making loading/reloading/unloading very easy.
The trigger is a double-action trigger, you have a long pull and then you have a short pull. If the hammer is cocked (single action), you have a very smooth, very clean, very crisp break. If you are using double-action and the hammer’s already down, it is a long, clean, strong pull and the break is the same spot it would be in single action, just a much longer pull.
Tell us about shooting this gun.
I personally love this gun. It never fails to fire. I qualified for my Texas LTC with it 25 years ago. It has a long trigger pull, so that may not be for everyone. I use only .357 magnum ammunition in the gun and that ammo has been difficult to find since 2020 (just something to think about if you are purchasing a .357, although I am beginning to see more of it in stores and online). I replaced the stock grips with Hogue grips. The Hogue are a tad larger and fit my hand better than the stock grips.
How would you describe the recoil, is it manageable?
The recoil with this gun is harsh (in the 2.25 inch barrel). This is not a gun that one would take to the range and shoot 500 rounds. I replaced the stock grips with Hogue grips and those absorb a tab bit more of the recoil.
How does it fit your hand, are the controls of this gun easy to use? (Safeties,slide pull, magazine release, trigger pull, etc.)
This gun is extremely easy to use. Load it and pull the trigger. It fires every time.
Do you like the sights on this gun?
The front sight is a standard black pinned front post. The rear post is actually a part of the frame of the gun and you can get a pretty easy, clear sight picture, especially when you have your hammer cocked.
I like the sights. They don’t compare to Trijicon or any of the higher end sights on polymer guns but for revolvers, these actually come through pretty well.
How reliable is it?
Only defective ammo could cause a problem with this gun. It is 100% reliable. If it’s loaded, it goes “BOOM” when the trigger is pulled.
Any problems with any type of ammunition?
I have never had any issues with this gun and I’ve owned it for more than 20 years.
Was it easy to take down and clean?
There is no “take down” for this gun. Cleaning and oiling is super easy.
Is there anything you dislike about shooting this gun?
This gun is a lot of fun to shoot, but the recoil is harsh. My hands are usually sore after putting about 50 rounds down range.
For someone considering this gun, what would you tell them?
This is no longer my choice of an every day carry gun as it is heavy. I did carry it daily for many years.
However, for anyone who does not mind the weight of the gun, it is completely reliable.
Would you recommend this gun? If no, do you have a preferred gun?
Based on reliability, I definitely recommend this gun. However, for anyone who is thinking of purchasing one, I strongly recommend renting one and firing a few rounds through it.
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