The Ruger Sp101 is the quintessential medium sized carry revolver. The SP101 shines among its ultralight peers. At 26 oz, it has the weight to soak up recoil from murderously heavy recoiling Three-Fifty-Seven Magnum rounds and the concealability to disappear beneath a T-shirt. The revolver will accept a multitude of different grips to suit any shooters hand, from wood to rubber. Furthermore, I opine the stock grips that come with the revolver leave a lot to be desired. This example currently sports squishy Pachmayr Diamond Pro stocks that absorb hard recoil, aid in controllability during rapid fire and fill the hand. I also have a pair of Badger Boot grips for this pistol, they do not extend past the butt, and would be a good option when concealability is a priority.
A wheel gun of this size fits an interesting niche, too big for pocket carry and just right for IWB carry, but also comfy to shoot. This revolver sports a 2.25 inch barrel, at this time it is also available in a 3 and 4 inch barrel. Moreover, its size makes it a potential recreational piece, and a neat pack gun for the woods. One could load up with hot 357 magnum rounds for critter defense and milder rounds for target practice. A 5 shot revolver, such as the SP101 will take care of most any grave social situation that any armed citizen is likely to encounter. Some will argue that 5 is not enough, I will agree that it is certainly a disadvantage compared to a modern magazine fed auto. However, it more than makes up for this in concealability, reliability and ease of use. The SP101 is more likely to be there when needed compared to the big Government 1911, and more controllable than a lightweight J frame revolver.
The 2.25 inch version is equipped with fixed sights, calibrated for 357 magnum ammunition of the heavier variety. The sights are snag free and low profile, this sp101 wears a gemini customs fiber optic front sight. Moreover, night sights are also available for those so inclined. I opted to leave the hammer intact, leaving the option to cock the gun single action, in the very unlikely event needed. If so concerned, covering the hammer with the thumb during the draw will remedy any snags that will unlikely occur, or bobbing the hammer will certainly solve the issue. I will warn a potential buyer that a trigger job is in order with most Ruger arms. The trigger is not horrible, nor good, a trigger job would certainly smooth it out and make this snubby more accurate. Ruger has excellent customer service in my experience, but will revert a modified pistol to stock configuration when sent in for repair or service. I advise one to check and test for function at the range, before modifying the pistol.
Evan W
A wheel gun of this size fits an interesting niche, too big for pocket carry and just right for IWB carry, but also comfy to shoot. This revolver sports a 2.25 inch barrel, at this time it is also available in a 3 and 4 inch barrel. Moreover, its size makes it a potential recreational piece, and a neat pack gun for the woods. One could load up with hot 357 magnum rounds for critter defense and milder rounds for target practice. A 5 shot revolver, such as the SP101 will take care of most any grave social situation that any armed citizen is likely to encounter. Some will argue that 5 is not enough, I will agree that it is certainly a disadvantage compared to a modern magazine fed auto. However, it more than makes up for this in concealability, reliability and ease of use. The SP101 is more likely to be there when needed compared to the big Government 1911, and more controllable than a lightweight J frame revolver.
The 2.25 inch version is equipped with fixed sights, calibrated for 357 magnum ammunition of the heavier variety. The sights are snag free and low profile, this sp101 wears a gemini customs fiber optic front sight. Moreover, night sights are also available for those so inclined. I opted to leave the hammer intact, leaving the option to cock the gun single action, in the very unlikely event needed. If so concerned, covering the hammer with the thumb during the draw will remedy any snags that will unlikely occur, or bobbing the hammer will certainly solve the issue. I will warn a potential buyer that a trigger job is in order with most Ruger arms. The trigger is not horrible, nor good, a trigger job would certainly smooth it out and make this snubby more accurate. Ruger has excellent customer service in my experience, but will revert a modified pistol to stock configuration when sent in for repair or service. I advise one to check and test for function at the range, before modifying the pistol.
Evan W