Looking at picking up another SP101

[JimHPTN]

Good morning, everyone! I'm looking at picking up a third SP101 and might have to order it as I can't find the model that I want on the shelves locally. Can anyone tell me how the quality is looking these days in general?

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum.
I’ve never considered passing on a Ruger revolver because of quality or customer service fears.

 

[bigbillyboy]

I have two , they are about seven or so years old . Both are nice as to fit , finish , and function. What the recent built ones are like , don't know .

 

[hittman]

I had two or three SPs in the 90s and 00s. Think a snubby 357 and a first generation 4-inch in 22LR. They were good enough but I never warmed to them a great deal. Both ended up traded or sold for a Six Series double action if I remember right.

I wasn’t looking for one but am a sucker for the more odd-ball stuff and this one came my way just last week. Dates to 93 I believe and 22LR. Maybe you should look for a nice used example.

 

[sharpblade7777]

Sp 101's are nice.

 

[contender]

The OP is asking about current quality. He's well aware of how good they have been.

hittman nailed the answer in my opinion.

 

[needsmostuff]

New, old, doesn't seem to matter on the ones I bring home.
They ALL need to have internals looked at to make them smooth operators.
Simple springs and cleaning all the way to fluff & buff.
No out of the box sweetness, but easy to get there.

 

[Fox Mike]

I have a 2021 year model and have noting but good to say about it. Mine was originally a DAO but I installed a spur hammer . Hits where you point it; no complaints.

 

[deac45]

There is always going to be more comments made about the ones that come out of the factory with something out of spec than the ones that come out all in spec. No doubt the percentage of new guns having to go back to Ruger for repair is up, but I'm curious as to what percent of total production it is as total production numbers are likely up also.
That's the long way around the block to say...don't let recent tales of woe stop you. If you see one you want, get it. If it's not right, Ruger will make it right.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I’m somewhat of a tightwad and as a result tend to look for used ones. They are well built guns and have not run into a single SP that was used hard enough to tell any difference. Frankly that model is one of my favorites. I do have meaty paws so most revolvers trigger guard whack my knuckle, so I invariably change the grip out.

 

[Armybrat]

I just got this one a couple of weeks ago - the fit & finish are very good and equal to my 1993 snub SP.
I have not shot it yet though.

 

[JimHPTN]

I just got this one a couple of weeks ago - the fit & finish are very good and equal to my 1993 snub SP.
I have not shot it yet though.View attachment 102286View attachment 102287View attachment 102288

Is your 93 a 357 or 38?

 

[Armybrat]

357

I also had an SP in .327 from 2016 - son owns it now.

 

[Hertervillian]

I hate to say it but you will be the QC inspector if past results are indicative of future performance.

This doesn’t mean the individual gun will be faulty. It means you need to spend some “alone time” before you sign the check. The days of trusting it will be good and true have sadly passed. Revolvers need a bit of hands on fit and finish that semiautomatic pistol can get by without. I hope with things slowing down a bit my recent experience is not a thing anymore.
Having said that I would have no problem purchasing another SP-101. I feel like they are the Goldilocks. I keep my eyes open for a 3” in .327 Fed.