Ruger SP101

[JLBTEX18]

Recently purchased a Ruger SP101, 4.2 inch bbl. in .327 Federal Magnum. This revolver is a real handful. Tame with S&W Longs or even .32 H&R Magnum. With .327 Federal, 85 grain, get a good grip and make sure your hearing protection is good. This is one loud cartridge out of my SP101. The grips are a tad small for the .327 Federal.
Great shooting gun and mighty powerful for a .32

 

[Dawico]

Any comparison to the same with 357 Magnums? I have never shot one and assume it is the same exact gun.

 

[JLBTEX18]

Never fired a .357 Magnum. Reviews are that the .327 Magnum is easier to handle than the .357. I don't have the grip strength I used to have. To me the .327 is more than powerful enough for my use. The recoil is not any worse that my Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt. Its the muzzle blast that got my attention.

 

[Mloot]

If the stock grips are a little small, you might try the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips. I have those on my 3" and I like them even better than the Hogue monogrip.

 

[JLBTEX18]

If the stock grips are a little small, you might try the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips. I have those on my 3" and I like them even better than the Hogue monogrip.

Just ordered a pair this afternoon. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Texasgordo]

I used to have one in .357 a few years ago. The factory grips were too small for me so I changed to rubber Hogue grips. They were not only wider but also longer than the original grips. Full power .357 were still painful but .38spl were really tame.

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[DubiousDan]

I used to have one in .357 a few years ago. The factory grips were too small for me so I changed to rubber Hogue grips. They were not only wider but also longer than the original grips. Full power .357 were still painful but .38spl were really tame.

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38 +Ps are not bad.

 

[JLBTEX18]

38 +Ps are not bad.

I used to have one in .357 a few years ago. The factory grips were too small for me so I changed to rubber Hogue grips. They were not only wider but also longer than the original grips. Full power .357 were still painful but .38spl were really tame.

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I am not sure why Ruger engineered the SP101 with a small grip frame. Even the profile looks a little odd. The grip surface does not support the little finger. Reminds me of my Ruger LC9.
Looking forward to getting the larger grips.

 

[BRD@66]

I am not sure why Ruger engineered the SP101 with a small grip frame. Even the profile looks a little odd. The grip surface does not support the little finger. Reminds me of my Ruger LC9.
Looking forward to getting the larger grips.

Original version of the SP101 was designed for wad-cutter length .357 only (or .38). Full length-sized .357 were too long for the cylinder. I guess to keep that magnum bite downsized. Buyers demanded & got the bigger package - still with small grips.

 

[JLBTEX18]

Good information.

 

[DubiousDan]

I am not sure why Ruger engineered the SP101 with a small grip frame. Even the profile looks a little odd. The grip surface does not support the little finger. Reminds me of my Ruger LC9.
Looking forward to getting the larger grips.

Small grips to make it more concealable and hard plastic grips so clothing wont catch on the grips. The SP101 is meant to be concealable.

 

[JLBTEX18]

I ordered a holster for the SP101. Since the .327 has a 4.2 inch bbl I wonder how concealable it will be. The holster can be worn cross draw so that may make it more concealable particularly in cooler weather when I can wear a jacket. Hope I can use it concealed. Would like to carry it sometimes in place of my Kimber.

 

[seeker_two]

The SP-101 was originally ppl made in .38Spl. Massad Ayoob convinced Bill Ruger to make a limited number in .357Mag to prove that people would buy them. After Mas was proved right, Ruger stretched the frame to accomodate all .357 rounds.

My SP-101 3" conceals well in a Bianchi pancake holster. A good belt is a must. That said, I may sell it to get a LCR in .357. I find myself needing a lighter revolver lately.



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[JLBTEX18]

The LCR also comes in .327 Federal. I am not sure that I want any heavier recoil than the .327. At 17 ounces I imagine that would be very noticeable.

 

[smittyb]

Recently purchased a Ruger SP101, 4.2 inch bbl. in .327 Federal Magnum. This revolver is a real handful. Tame with S&W Longs or even .32 H&R Magnum. With .327 Federal, 85 grain, get a good grip and make sure your hearing protection is good. This is one loud cartridge out of my SP101. The grips are a tad small for the .327 Federal.
Great shooting gun and mighty powerful for a .32

I have one as well. I agree the factory grip is way too small. I changed mine out for a Hogue.
If you think the 85 grainers are stout, you obviously have not tried the 100 grain JSPs. They are on another level!
As far as comparison to a 357, they are like shooting a hot 38+p through a lightweight snubby.

 

[JLBTEX18]

I have not tried the 100 grain JSP load. I will at some point. MidwayUSA had a good price on Federal 85 grain load and Federal has a 25% rebate on their ammo. Makes for fairly cheap shooting and gives me Federal cases to reload. Also bought some .32 H&R Mag rounds for practice.

 

[smittyb]

Yes I maxed out the rebate on half 85s and half 100s from Vizards.

 

[Armybrat]

Bought my .357 in 1993 and shooting factory loads haven't been too bad with the recoil. Noisy as all get out though.
I'd love a 3" in .327 for carry.

 

[smittyb]

If you want a 3" SP101 in 327, be prepared to spend big money.
4.2" can be had reasonably.

 

[DubiousDan]

Bought my .357 in 1993 and shooting factory loads haven't been too bad with the recoil. Noisy as all get out though.
I'd love a 3" in .327 for carry.

That's an improvement over the grips mine came with.