Early SP101 Serial number

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Jlmerie

Bearcat
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Apr 16, 2022
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I have a SP101 that I have owned for about 30 years. I had not paid a lot of attention to the details until I decided I wanted to get another caliber. I have the original box and most of the paperwork. What I am confused about is the "Catalog No". The sticker on the original box lists "KSP-183". I am including a picture of the gun and box. I don't see that catalog number in any of the reference material I have checked. What am I missing?
 

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hittman

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They still make the SPs in 38 Special, just not with 3 inch barrel.
Think yours was a regular production item for a number of years.
If you subscribe to RENE you'll get more details I believe.
 

contender

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KSP means; Stainless SP-101
"183" isn't listed in the RENE Guide "KEY" section.

Interestingly,, 831 IS listed,, as a "38 Spl with a 3-1/16" bbl, and a full shroud."

But,, upon reading in the RENE Guide,, under "Variations" KSP-183 IS listed with the following info; "KSP-183 (later became the KSP-831"
It's also listed in the intro section under "Models;" saying that the "KSP-831 (Ruger model 5702 also known as KSP-183 in 1988,)

There is other information on a few very early ones shipped with Goncalo Alves grip inserts.
There's a whole paragraph under the "Variations" section about this with the serial number range etc.
 

NikA

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Is KSP-183 the pre-cylinder-lengthening model designation? I don't have a box from that era to check but that would be my guess.

ETA: did some reference checking and it looks Ike the model designation change was for the 1990 model year.
 
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Dec 19, 2001
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It is a vintage model that's not produced any longer. The biggest deal is it has the short cylinder and the short frame as NikA indicated. Still a nice gun, may not be able to use some of the heavier bullets in it, but the truth is most people just shoot 38's out of their SP101. Even some of the ones Ruger built for the French have short frames.
 

Jlmerie

Bearcat
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Apr 16, 2022
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Weld County
Thanks, that is starting to make some sense. I have always been aware it is a .38 only, but that is what I wanted since I already had three of the Security Six style in 357 mag. I also figured with a serial number 03441 it was a very early gun.
 

Ruger 10/22

Bearcat
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Mar 23, 2022
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Clarksville Indiana
570-03441 does date to 1989 = 1st Year SP = Special Purpose
Most early SP101s had green polymer grip inserts from my recollection back then
Congrats on that Early 38spl SP-101 3 1/16" @Jimerie
 

G2

Hunter
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May 8, 2006
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UT/AZ
I have 570-0188X, .38 special 3" barrel (most likely 3-1/8) They were not very good sellers because the 38 special chambering.
Then the gun got a little longer cylinder, frame & 357Mag. I have that too.
The early 38S gun is the smoothes, slickest, gun with some Hogue one piece wood grips and one of my favorites.
The 357M is good, I rarely run 357 in it, most of the time the same 38's, it wears a Rubber Hogue.
When compared side by side, Others always try to buy the 38 from me, I don't know if it's the wood vs rubber or just what,,,
but the 38 is a gem.
 

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