Older SP101 the same as new?

[44shootist]

I have been offered a 1993 SP101 a guy wants to sell, my questions are was it made different back then? was it better, worse? or would I be better off buying a new one? should I buy this older gun?

(added)--- 357mag cal.

 

[Sal1950]

Older gun is equally as good if not better.
New guns have some MIM parts in them, trigger and hammer to name a few. Whether MIM parts are inferior to the cast earlier ones depends on who you talk to. I'll take the older non-MIM myself.
Older gun is probably smoother from shooting use, you won't have to put that first 1000 rounds or so through it or have a smith polish it up, trigger should be real nice already.
Of course it goes without saying inspect the gun for any possible problems, like timing and lockup, barrel and forcing cone wear. Problems like these are VERY rare on a Ruger but do occur.
Lastly, is the price right? If it is GO FOR IT.
Sal

 

[hittman]

If your '93 model is a .22LR ~ there's LOTS of difference. What caliber is it?

Is it the short frame marked .38 only?

 

[csnider]

hittman,

Curious as to why there is a lot of difference in older models of the SP-101 in 22RF vs. other calibers.

Reason I ask is that I have two older ones in 22RF and was thinking about getting one the newly released ones.

Appreciate your comments.

Thanks,
Charlie, aka csnider

 

[44shootist]

The gun is a 357 mag.

 

[Flash]

If your '93 model is a .22LR ~ there's LOTS of difference. What caliber is it?

Is it the short frame marked .38 only?

You mean "125 grain bullet only" don't you?

 

[hittman]

You mean "125 grain bullet only" don't you?

Yep ~ that's what I was thinking.

 

[hittman]

Curious as to why there is a lot of difference in older models of the SP-101 in 22RF vs. other calibers.

Reason I ask is that I have two older ones in 22RF and was thinking about getting one the newly released ones.

I meant to imply that the "old" .22LR is vastly different from the "new".

 

[stantheman86]

The new SP's will do the same job as the older ones.

Collectors are looking for the older ones, especially the short frame .38's, .32 H&R's, .22 LR and 9mm versions and prices are going up. Even GunBroker sellers are advertising them as "older SP101 with cast parts".

I have no problem with MIM, Ruger isn't going to use parts that make most of their product line inferior to the older guns.

 

[44shootist]

Looked at 2 357's used at the gun shop side by side and the one with the older SN the stainless steal is darker in color, wonder why? different steel used?
Didn't buy either one price was to close to a new one.

 

[Sal1950]

Looked at 2 357's used at the gun shop side by side and the one with the older SN the stainless steal is darker in color, wonder why? different steel used?
.

Probably just age darkening and/or light surface oxidation. A light rubdown with a fine Scotchbrite pad following the direction of the original brush finish would restore the original color if it bothered ya. Nice thing about Rugers brushed stainless finish is how easy it is to restore/repair.
Sal

 

[41manor44]

44 I own both old and new and very little difference. Matter of fact, I've only found one thing and that has to do with a small piece that is molded into the frame at the bottom left side of the cylinder window. I do like the warning on the new on the bottom of the barrel shroud. Both are neat little guns.