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Posted: 3/3/2022 4:04:19 PM EDT
[#1]
I have two that have had no problems. They are solid, but pretty heavy for ccw. Shooting full-power .357 mag loads are okay in limited quantities. 38spc loads are easier on the hands.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 4:12:39 PM EDT
[#2]
I like them very much. Pretty sturdy. The first one I bought was a .357 in the early 90. I’ve had them in varying calibers over the years. I currently have .357, 9mm, and 22. The actions can usually use a little cleaning up and a spring upgrade.
What’s the barrel length on the one you are considering?  From the bottom up… 9mm, 357, 22. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 4:18:32 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like them very much. Pretty sturdy. The first one I bought was a .357 in the early 90. I’ve had them in varying calibers over the years. I currently have .357, 9mm, and 22. The actions can usually use a little cleaning up and a spring upgrade. What’s the barrel length on the one you are considering? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/83325/FADB8558-A523-4647-A1FE-609E09519E23-2072136.jpg From the bottom up… 9mm, 357, 22. The smallest one, 2.25" I think. Is $475 decent for a used one? It looked to be in decent shape with only a few scratches near the muzzle from what I assume was a holster. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 4:19:33 PM EDT
[#4]
Mine is 2nd hand. it is SOLID. 3 inch barrel with fixed sights. BOMB proof build. Also since is is so heavy it really helps with recoil, with .38's it is a cut above .22's but not bad at all. Just dont get a stupid airweight or titanium/skadnium ect .38/357 they are "shoot 5 and leave in safe" guns. Sure ther are some guys here who also liked pissing off the catholic school nuns bnut most of us dont.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 4:21:43 PM EDT
[#5]
The SP101 would be easy shooting with 38's I passed up a 3" SP101 that was $350 and I still think about that mistake.
In these times, the price isn't bad. My buy now price is $350 on Ruger Revovlers. The 642 with 148 gr wadcutters shoot somewhat mild. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 5:00:03 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The SP101 would be easy shooting with 38's I passed up a 3" SP101 that was $350 and I still think about that mistake. In these times, the price isn't bad. My buy now price is $350 on Ruger Revovlers. The 642 with 148 gr wadcutters shoot somewhat mild. Yeah, my price is $400 or less that's why I hesitated on the $475. While I was at the gunshop I picked up a box of Winchester .38s that I think were 130gr. I hope those are decent to shoot. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 5:08:45 PM EDT
[#7]
I considered myself lucky to buy a used 3" SP101 .357 stainless for $400.00 a few years ago. I'm sure like everything else they have gone up in price (they have in my area). If I wanted a revolver that's built like a tank I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Then your missus could shoot .38's in it with mild recoil.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 5:13:40 PM EDT
[#8]
The SP101 is a great gun. Built like a tank and will be great for your wife to shoot when loaded with .38’s. It’s a way better gun to get her engaged than most guys that try to get an air weight and expect them to enjoy it.
$475 isn’t a bad price, especially in my area where most are around $525-550. With the wear you saw it might sit for a while, and see if they’ll drop it a bit more. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 5:16:11 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The SP101 is a great gun. Built like a tank and will be great for your wife to shoot when loaded with .38’s. It’s a way better gun to get her engaged than most guys that try to get an air weight and expect them to enjoy it. $475 isn’t a bad price, especially in my area where most are around $525-550. With the wear you saw it might sit for a while, and see if they’ll drop it a bit more. Well the sticker on it was $575 but I was talking with the manager a while and have bought a few guns from them recently so she checked to see what they had in it. She told me the best they could do was $475. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 5:59:01 PM EDT
[#10]
Great gun, I have two. A 2.25 and a 3. The 2.25 is part of my carry rotation, the three is one of the French National Railway Police trade-ins. $475 is an ok price. Not exactly take my money now, but today's market is so weird putting value on anything is a crap shoot.
They are heavy. Pocket carry isn't really an option. Helps absorb recoil. Triggers are ok if on the heavy side. Note that Smith J frame triggers aren't necessarily better. Front sight can be swapped for a fiber optic, which I did on my 2.25. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 6:21:58 PM EDT
[#11]
Brand new they are $650 or so depending on the model. If it is indeed only 'lightly-used' then $475 isn't too bad in today's market.
They are solid guns and the trigger just keeps getting better with use. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 7:17:16 PM EDT
[#12]
I've been very pleased with my Ruger SP101 .357 magnum 2.25" over the years. Built like a tank, it will last a lifetime. With proper holsters & belts it's no problem CCW. Very tame with .38spl loads, but tolerable with full house .357 magnum loads (I usually CCW 125gr. Remington JHP). $475 is a decent price from a gun shop.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 8:20:17 PM EDT
[#13]
I really appreciate everyone's input!
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Posted: 3/3/2022 8:50:40 PM EDT
[#14]
Great guns, built like a tank and can take a beating. I’ve had two, one in .357/.38, and now I have one in .327/32H&R Mag, 32S&WL/32S&WS/.32ACP that is a blast to shoot in any round that fits. Scored big time on it before ammo went through the roof and got the gun with 1500 rounds (1100 327fed mag and 450 H&R mag) for $600!!! Now i just need a side gate lever gun in .327 to go with it (Ruger/Marlin, are you listening?)
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Posted: 3/3/2022 8:54:08 PM EDT
[#15]
Fantastic guns. I currently own a 9X19 but have owned a spurless .38spl in the past. A stainless 3" SP101 .357Mag with adjustable sights is on the to-buy list. I own it's bigger brother in that configuration.
BFD, very nice collection you have there, and they're wearing my favorite practical grips for actually shooting! Cheers |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 8:57:47 PM EDT
[#16]
My wife and daughters like shooting the SP101 with .38's almost as much as shooting .22lr. I like mine alot.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 9:20:59 PM EDT
[#17]
When you are out of ammo they make a good club.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 10:21:24 PM EDT
[#18]
I've wanted an SP101 for years. I've always convinced myself that I didn't need one. One of these days I'll get one or a GP100.
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Posted: 3/3/2022 10:27:13 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My wife and daughters like shooting the SP101 with .38's almost as much as shooting .22lr. I like mine alot. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/100613/IMG_8891_jpg-2300407.JPG Now that's pimp. Did it come from Ruger that way? Looks great. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 10:33:39 PM EDT
[#20]
I have a 2.25 DAO SP101. I like it alot, but its too heavy and a tad to big for pocket carry. I could carry on belt but at that point I will just use my G26. When I bought it their was horrible tool chatter marks in the bbl and tool marks on the breech face and top strap. Should never have left the factory but Ruger QC is on the user. Sent it back to ruger and they put new bbl and polished everything for free though. Shoots great and looks good now (actually shot pretty good with the old bbl fwiw).
I have been tempted to get a .22lr SP101 for a while now... |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 10:42:12 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Now that's pimp. Did it come from Ruger that way? Looks great. Ruger Deluxe Engraved. They make a blued engraved model now that is even nicer in my opinion. It's a factory gun and has been smooth as silk. I have not felt the need to change springs or shim it as the trigger is just fine the way it is. |
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Posted: 3/3/2022 11:21:30 PM EDT
[#22]
In my searching I learned that they made an SP101 with a rose gold cylinder. I would love to find one of those used. My wife's wedding rings are silver with rose gold and she got me a nice watch that is silver with rose gold. If I could find a rose gold SP101 it would go with the theme.
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Posted: 3/4/2022 12:00:12 AM EDT
[#23]
in the last few weeks I bought a French police 3" SP101 in 38 from gunbroker for $425. It's the perfect size for a carry gun. I like it a lot and I haven't shot it yet.
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Posted: 3/4/2022 9:52:47 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: in the last few weeks I bought a French police 3" SP101 in 38 from gunbroker for $425. It's the perfect size for a carry gun. I like it a lot and I haven't shot it yet. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/pix957874404-2296010.jpg Those would make a perfect 6 shot .38 |
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Posted: 3/4/2022 10:54:52 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Great gun, I have two. A 2.25 and a 3. The 2.25 is part of my carry rotation, the three is one of the French National Railway Police trade-ins. $475 is an ok price. Not exactly take my money now, but today's market is so weird putting value on anything is a crap shoot. They are heavy. Pocket carry isn't really an option. Helps absorb recoil. Triggers are ok if on the heavy side. Note that Smith J frame triggers aren't necessarily better. Front sight can be swapped for a fiber optic, which I did on my 2.25. I have the 9mm. It was miserable til I put Hogues on it. It is my jacket pocket carry gun. |
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Posted: 3/4/2022 10:55:24 AM EDT
[#26]
My wife and I both have one. She has the 3" .38 special and mine is the 4" .357. I was able to get a good deal on mine,as it was used, from a dealer last year and really like shooting it.
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Posted: 3/4/2022 11:25:13 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Those would make a perfect 6 shot .38 Although the new Taurus 856 Defender has a 3" barrel and 6 shots. I thought hard about it but settled on the Ruger as the better buy. |
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Posted: 3/4/2022 3:27:39 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In my searching I learned that they made an SP101 with a rose gold cylinder. I would love to find one of those used. My wife's wedding rings are silver with rose gold and she got me a nice watch that is silver with rose gold. If I could find a rose gold SP101 it would go with the theme. Found these on a quick Google search I’d do some research on them to make sure they’re legit places, but seems like they could be great options if they’re actually in stock like they show. Rose Gold SP101 Another And Finally |
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Posted: 3/8/2022 9:53:38 PM EDT
[#29]
@Neomonk21
Put some good after market rubber grips on, it will help with recoil and control. |
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Posted: 3/8/2022 10:07:02 PM EDT
[#30]
Tank of a snub nose. I got mine in the mid 90’s for $332.99
They sell for double that now. Ugh |
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Posted: 3/8/2022 10:11:43 PM EDT
[#31]
French trade in for $425 with Houge grips
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Posted: 3/9/2022 10:33:00 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @Neomonk21 Put some good after market rubber grips on, it will help with recoil and control. Quote HistoryQuoted: @Neomonk21 Put some good after market rubber grips on, it will help with recoil and control. Thanks for the tip. I might head back to the gun shop today or Friday to see if it's still there. Quoted: Found these on a quick Google search I’d do some research on them to make sure they’re legit places, but seems like they could be great options if they’re actually in stock like they show. Rose Gold SP101 Another And Finally Quoted: @Neomonk21 Put some good after market rubber grips on, it will help with recoil and control. I did some searching on some of the online stores that I trust and haven't found any yet. Thanks for passing along the links. I'm not sure I'll risk buying from those sites, I haven't heard of any of them. |
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Posted: 3/9/2022 2:20:45 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the tip. I might head back to the gun shop today or Friday to see if it's still there. I did some searching on some of the online stores that I trust and haven't found any yet. Thanks for passing along the links. I'm not sure I'll risk buying from those sites, I haven't heard of any of them. https://tombstonetactical.com/product/USED-RUGER-SP101-POLICE-TRADE-IN-38SPL-3-SS#product_detail Tombstone Tactical is good people, brick and mortar stores in Phx and Chino Valley. Price is inching up from the original |
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Posted: 3/9/2022 2:44:38 PM EDT
[#34]
On and off backup and pocket carry gun for well over 20 years.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 3/12/2022 1:57:10 PM EDT
[#35]
If you are looking for good grips, I suggest checking out the Crimson Trace rubber model. Tames recoil quite a bit. With only 5 shots I want all the aiming assistance I can get!
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019545568?pid=985444 |
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Posted: 3/14/2022 12:36:23 PM EDT
[#36]
I still haven't made it back to the store to see if it's still there. I wanted to today over lunch but it didn't happen. Maybe on Wednesday. I hope she remembers what price she told me.
The Crimson Trace grips would be neat. I never had a pair of their grips on a gun before. |
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Posted: 3/21/2022 1:46:02 PM EDT
[#37]
Well I finally had time to go back to the shop to get this and it was gone.
 My search continues. |
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Posted: 3/21/2022 2:06:27 PM EDT
[#38]
200 on Gunbroker but nothing in that price range. Still a decent number of the French trade ins but those are three inch and 38 Special. You might be able to snag one of those for about the money you were looking at. I have one, love it. Mine was in excellent condition. Not a pocket gun by any means, but neither is the two inch. Have one of those that I carry often.
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Posted: 3/21/2022 9:05:23 PM EDT
[#39]
Stopped by an LGS the other day and they had one of the French models in the case for $425.
 I cleaned out the sticky crud it had various crevices/orifices, hit it with some Mother's polish, polished the internals, and installed Wolff springs. First 5 rounds on paper (158gr. FMJ) to check POA/POI...my 120gr +P carry load had a similar POI as the 158's. (the other two hits and the snake shot were from a previous revolver)  "That'll do donkey...that'll do." |
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Posted: 3/22/2022 8:03:33 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 200 on Gunbroker but nothing in that price range. Still a decent number of the French trade ins but those are three inch and 38 Special. You might be able to snag one of those for about the money you were looking at. I have one, love it. Mine was in excellent condition. Not a pocket gun by any means, but neither is the two inch. Have one of those that I carry often. I might look into one of those. I really just want a range gun that shoots 38 Special so my wife can shoot it. I would like to have 357 to shoot for myself but it wouldn't be a requirement. Someday down the road I want a revolver and lever action in 357. |
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Posted: 3/24/2022 9:00:45 PM EDT
[#41]
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Posted: 3/27/2022 2:52:59 AM EDT
[#42]
They are very good little revolvers and even warm .38's will be mild out of one. Shooting "normal" .357 mag loads isn't really fun and "heavy" .357 mag loads are absolutely brutal out of an SP101. I'll stick with my 3" GP100.
Personally I wouldn't bother with the rose gold cylinders as they don't even look like rose gold to me from the photos. Maybe they look better in person but then you have to wonder how long it will stay looking like that. At $475, in this market, you should have jumped on that deal. I'd bet the next person they offered it too even close to that bought it. I've made the same mistake more than once and will eventually do it again I'm sure. The curse of being a poor I guess lol. |
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Posted: 3/28/2022 8:19:36 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They are very good little revolvers and even warm .38's will be mild out of one. Shooting "normal" .357 mag loads isn't really fun and "heavy" .357 mag loads are absolutely brutal out of an SP101. I'll stick with my 3" GP100. Personally I wouldn't bother with the rose gold cylinders as they don't even look like rose gold to me from the photos. Maybe they look better in person but then you have to wonder how long it will stay looking like that. At $475, in this market, you should have jumped on that deal. I'd bet the next person they offered it too even close to that bought it. I've made the same mistake more than once and will eventually do it again I'm sure. The curse of being a poor I guess lol. Definitely realize that now. I didn't jump on it because I had no idea what they were going for. Once I checked with you guys and some random auctions I saw that it was a decent deal. I just couldn't make it back soon enough to get it. I'll get one eventually! |
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Posted: 3/28/2022 8:28:24 AM EDT
[#44]
Got SP101, "hammerless" for my wife. 2.25" barrel. Excellent gun for the purse, car, bedside, etc. I like hammerless because of no snag, and I teach never to cock a revolver in a defensive situation, anyway. Load it with good defensive .38 Special loads.
I would highly recommend it for your purposes. I would also teach wife not to cock the gun but to master double action even if your revolver is "cockable." |
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Posted: 3/28/2022 8:33:48 AM EDT
[#45]
Go with the SP101 over any Airweight S&W. Letting her shoot full power .38spl, especially +P loads, out of an Airweight will be a good way to turn her off shooting pistols.
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Posted: 3/28/2022 7:46:26 PM EDT
[#46]
Definitely not getting a light revolver. She'll probably shoot it a dozen times and then not touch it again so I want a nice range revolver. They do have a used hammerless at the gun shop but I prefer one with a hammer.
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Posted: 4/23/2022 11:05:11 AM EDT
[#47]
I must be the odd man out, but I don't care for any grip nearly as much as the factory rubber with the wood insert.
Head and shoulders above any finger groove grip. JMHO Doc |
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Posted: 4/23/2022 11:24:25 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I must be the odd man out, but I don't care for any grip nearly as much as the factory rubber with the wood insert. Head and shoulders above any finger groove grip. JMHO Doc I could do w/o the finger grooves on the Houge, but it made the 9x19mm 101 far more shootable than the factory ones. |
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Posted: 4/23/2022 1:21:21 PM EDT
[#49]
I know that my 4" .22 SP101 feels a world different with some full size finger groove hogues. It makes it a good companion/trainer for my TRR8 that has similar grips & capacity.
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Posted: 4/23/2022 1:42:48 PM EDT
[#50]
The SP101 is the most shootable "small" 357 Magnum made. I have nothing bad to say about them, trigger can be made better with a Wolff spring kit but really that could be said of any revolver. It is "small" but it's not really a pocket gun, its still a bit large for that unless you happen to have deep pockets.
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