Experience with SP101 .22

[bowzette]

I like the size and weight of this revolver. What are the downsides/issues with this model? My understanding the DA trigger pull weight is heavy. Does this lighten up with use? Any experience with Mcarbo kit and polish job? I realize if the hammer spring is reduced very much there will likely be light primer strikes. I have a LCR .22lr that I like very much. I shoot it well and the trigger is probably 14lbs, but it is very smooth. The Ruger GP100 .22, S&W 617 4" and the new Colt King Cobra 4.25" are much larger, heavier, and more expensive. I had a 617 6" and sold it as I didn't like the weight and balance. Over the years I've sold off my large, heavy range handguns. If I decide I want one I will buy it used. With Ruger's "non-warranty,warranty" and excellent CS not much risk in buying a used Ruger

 

[dobegrant.45]

I have one for about 8 years and love it, very accurate, it smooths out very nicely which feels lighter , the gun is very manageable in double action.

 

[bowzette]

Actually the Colt King Cobra Target isn't much larger and heavier, but a lot more expensive and beta issues of a new model. But it is really great looking! And for $1,000 it had better be good looking. Except for the rubber grips similar to the Smith 617 grips. At least the grips on the Ruger isn't dog face ugly-no offense to any canines in the audience.

 

[dobegrant.45]

I also have both the 6" and the 4" king cobras , they are very nice as well, I like all three guns. Have both the Ruger and the Colts in rimfire steel matches, both guns do well.

 

[pauly]

I have a 6 shot .22 SP101 revolver , it is my favorite of all my guns .
as to the M Carbo trigger kits , they are excellent if you watch his video's the installation and polishing is easy even for a 75 year old man , I have fitted them to all my SP101 revolvers .357 match champion , .327 and .22 .

Regards Paul .

 

[eveled]

Mine is also a 6 shot model. It has been flawless my wife's favorite gun. I prefer my 617, my boys prefer the single six. Nobody likes shooting the 317 or Bearcat.

 

[bigfuzzy]

I have the older 6 shot, smother after shooting a lot, then a spring helped(don't go too lite or you will have miss fires) Also needs to be kept clean, or it will bind up.

 

[Captain America]

My 8 shot SP101 .22lr is by far my favorite gun, typical stiff .22 trigger pull but you can slick it up nicely with some minor work or it will naturally smooth out with lot's of shooting.

 

[sharpblade7777]

I surely do enjoy mine.

 

[contender]

As noted,, the SP-101 is a heavier gun over some others. But it's also a good companion training gun for the .357's because of the weight.
The trigger pull,,, like just about all mass produced factory guns can be improved. Often,, just a good polishing of the mating parts in an action makes a huge difference. But make sure it's done by someone who knows HOW to do that.
Adding aftermarket stuff isn't necessary if a proper action smoothing is done.
Yes,, you need a good spring to assure reliable ignition. I leave my mainsprings alone for this very reason.

I've used one in our clinics to teach ladies how to shoot. They all seem to like it,, once they understand the physics of weight. Heavier, less recoil & harder to carry. Lighter,, more recoil, & easier to carry.

And you can get different grips for them to make them fit YOUR hands better.

I guess I'm saying that there isn't a downside in my opinion.

 

[ammo dave]

I did the Mcarbo trigger job on my .357 SP101 and ended uo with a smooth 7.5 lb DA trigger pull. The Mcarbo video will guide you thru the process. It’s still not as good as my. S&W 610 but it’s pretty good. The weight of the SP101 is still a big negative.

 

[Watertender]

If you have a heavy or stiff trigger pull buy a set of snap caps. While you are watching TV sit there and keep pulling the trigger. It will smooth out the more you pull the trigger. A Wolff spring kit also helps but you may have to experiment with the springs until you get the right balance of reliable firing and lighter trigger pull.

 

[arfmel]

I have one, a six shot model. It hasn’t been out to the range for probably 20 years. I should probably sell it.

 

[bowzette]

I appreciate the responses. My handguns are mainly Glocks and Rugers. I find the KC Target beautiful but it is a $1000 and then the grip would have to be replaced (wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing rubber grips were on it) and the rear sight is "iffy" it may or may not need to be replaced. I can buy a used 101 .22 in good condition for $500 +$100 in cost over the gun. I can get an Mcarb trigger kit for $20 and whatever I need to polish the trigger with cheap.

 

[bowzette]

BTW should I have posted this thread in the rimfire forum?

 

[jimbo1096]

I’d love to have one in 22. Unfortunately, I haven’t found one on the local market. I have the 357 which I mainly shoot with hand load 38s and it is a fun gun to take to the range. I’m going to use it to train my granddaughter on how to shoot larger caliber. Right now she’s only working with a 22, mainly in the Mark I and II semi-autos.

 

[bowzette]

I found this YT shooting comparison of the GP100 5" .357 vs SP101 4.25" .357 at 35 yards from a rest. Considering the GP100 had a dot sight and the SP101 was shot with iron sights, I was impressed with how well the SP101 performed.

 

[needsmostuff]

I really have developed a "thing" for the 4" SP-101.
But the .22lr is a constant reminder how unnecessary the full underlug is.
Thinking they would be even more convenient (and way better looking) without underlugs.

 

[Richard76]

to each his own, but I have always considered a full underlug a better looking pistol no matter what brand

 

[Bad Barlow]

I really have developed a "thing" for the 4" SP-101.
But the .22lr is a constant reminder how unnecessary the full underlug is.
Thinking they would be even more convenient (and way better looking) without underlugs.

View attachment 68060

So true about the underlug,I actually had a machinist remove the lug from a 32H&R SP101.Now it looks like the gun on the left.

 

[hittman]

To me a full underlug on a 4 inch or longer revolver is a waste of metal and dead weight. Maybe I’ve got a weak wrist but guns like my 6 inch GP100 feel SUPER nose heavy …. And it serves no purpose in function or accuracy that I can tell.

 

[oldbrass33]

I like the size and weight of this revolver. What are the downsides/issues with this model? My understanding the DA trigger pull weight is heavy. Does this lighten up with use? Any experience with Mcarbo kit and polish job? I realize if the hammer spring is reduced very much there will likely be light primer strikes. I have a LCR .22lr that I like very much. I shoot it well and the trigger is probably 14lbs, but it is very smooth. The Ruger GP100 .22, S&W 617 4" and the new Colt King Cobra 4.25" are much larger, heavier, and more expensive. I had a 617 6" and sold it as I didn't like the weight and balance. Over the years I've sold off my large, heavy range handguns. If I decide I want one I will buy it used. With Ruger's "non-warranty,warranty" and excellent CS not much risk in buying a used Ruger

Have to disagree about Ruger CS. My GP100 Match Champion locked up tight three times, two trips to the factory, never fixed it, accused me of swapping parts in it, sold it off. Historically great CS, but the Ruger family is GONE! I have an SP101 in 22 lr, I love it! Size, accuracy, ruggedness, sights, a nice handgun that I’ll keep and pass down.

 

[Ditmo64]

Mine slicked up nicely and is a decent 22 DA revolver. It doesn't hold a candle to my S&W 18 or 63 however. My favorite now is my 617 Mountain Gun after being sent to the mothership and returned working correctly.

 

[mjh]

I've had a GP 100 in .22lr (4 inch barrel) and the SP in .22lr. 8rds. Both at the same time. Sold off the GP. I like the GP model in 357 for sure but in .22lr the revolver was more than I needed. Fine for range time but big and heavy for field use. The SP on the other hand it the right sized .22lr revolver. Fine on the range or in the field. Yes the DA trigger is heavy out of the box. Shoot, clean, repeat often. More accurate with the SP. Likely due to have owned it longer, before I bought the GP. While the new Colts look and feel nice--trigger pull seems good from handling at the GS---but I'll stick with my SP--it's my go to .22lr revolver.

 

[Ranger]

I think the Colt is about 3.5 ounces heavier than the Ruger. It is more expensive.

I almost bought a like new SP101 .22 several years ago. Guy bought it for his wife. She shot part of a cylinder through it. Said the trigger was too hard to pull and she didn't like it. I think I could have bought it for about $225. Seriously thought about it. Had read about trigger pull being too hard, that some were having misfires after they lightened it, and money was a little tight at the moment so I didn't. Wished I had bought it; but truthfully, I really like my Colt.