Another New Ruger Owner

[mist]

I've been away from revolvers for several years. Previously owned mostly Smiths with a few Colt and Ruger here and there. Recently got the bug to add a revolver to my small collection of a Baretta 21A, Kahr P380, Kahr PM9, S&W M&P40C and Rock River LAR-15 .223 patrol rifle. I looked around a while and was pretty much set on either a pre-owned 2.5" S&W model 66-2 from one of the LGS or a pre-owned 66-7 on Gunbroker.com. After I was outbid on the 66-7 the seller, who was local, told me he had another one available. I did a little bit of research and wasn't too enthused about the safety lock on the new Smiths so I disregarded that one. I went back to the LGS only to find the 66-2 had sold that morning. I decided to make yesterday a shopping day to see what else was out there and visited six different gun shops. After a full day of driving around the county and a little bit of research on the smartphone I decided on a brand new SP101 in .357. My secondary decision was whether to go with the 2.25" or 3" barrel. The 3" barrel came out on top requiring nothing more than me trading 508 of my hard earned dollars to walk out the door with it. That's tax and background fee included, plus they threw in ten vouchers for free range time. What do the Ruger Gurus think - good deal, fair deal, not so good deal? Either way, I'm happy with the purchase. Of course I couldn't leave the store without also picking up some Hogue grips, a cheap ambidextrous pancake holster, gun rug, miscellaneous cleaning accessories and a box of Hornady .357 Critical Defense ammunition.

Now....to the range....and step on it!

 

[Merlinspop]

Sounds good to me. Enjoy!

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
Just yesterday, (saturday) I was teaching a NRA Women On Target clinic, (we are in our 11th year of this,) and I use a pair of SP-101's a Security-Six alongside my S&W 19 for the ladies to compare all of them. W/o fail, most will select the SP-101. (They usually prefer the one with the Hogues too.)
So, do I think you made a good choice,, I say look at how many folks enjoy their SP's and smile. You got a fair deal, (not a barn burner, nor a hosing.)

 

[Laker]

I own a 2.5 S&W 66 and a 3"SP101. Although I love them both, the SP101 is my EDC. Enjoy yours.

 

[JimMarch1]

I just saw brand new SP101s in Tucson for $510 (Diamondback Police Supply on Kolb near Broadway) so a tad over $500 seems like the going rate. I think they're well worth that. The newest batch of SP101s and GP100s seem to be well-made including very decent trigger feel out of the box.

If you spend $500 on an S&W I don't think you get as much gun!

As to the 3" barrel, that's absolutely the right answer. The difference in concealment is more or less nill except for pocket carry and honestly, I think the SP101 is just a touch too big for that. Any other carry method, the extra barrel length won't matter. The shorter barrel is 2.1", not 2.5" so there really is an ammo performance difference.

 

[Kevin]

Contender is right the SP101is a great pistol. Also 508 is fair. With the range vouchers it's better. Is the indoor range nice? I've shot at some nice indoor ranges and others without good ventilation and you couldn't even breath. Didn't stay of course...

 

[Floridaoutdoors]

Mist I think you did well in all respects.

I recall years ago writing Bill Ruger,requesting consideration for a Ruger compact five shot revolver.
I have had both SW 686 snub,Colt Detective Special,GP 100.
And a short barrel 101 since first offered.
The three inch is what I would go with now.The snub is in fact too large for Florida clothing carry,the three inch offers positives in a compact package.

I don't recall what I paid for the 101.......would have to pull the file,the amount was within "market" and beyond that it really doesn't matter.

Enjoy!