For these early SP101s is this inscription on the barrel merely a cartridge length consideration? These revolvers are pretty tough so I'd think that the cylinder and frame could handle some stout loads. Also will Ruger upgrade these? Thank you.
Question about 125gr only .357 SP101
- Thread starter atlas366
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Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
The cylinder is to short to handle most other bullet weight loads is what I have been told.the later .357's were made with a longer cylinder. I dont think there is an issue with strength,only with length.
That said,I dont own a 125 gr. Only SP so I have never actually compared them myself.
That said,I dont own a 125 gr. Only SP so I have never actually compared them myself.
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
That is exactly what I have heard also. Why Ruger started with a short cylinder is one of those mysteries.Chuck 100 yd said:
Chuck 100 yd
Hunter
I think that since they already were tooled up and producing it in .38 sp. and the fact that the 125 gr. loads were popular self defence loads, that ruger just lengthened the chambers and changed the markings to convert it into a .357. Later to redesign the frame to handle standard .358 loads.
Frame window is too small (short) for the longer cylinder. I'd not want to exceed standard (or +P) .357 mag. pressures in any SP101.
It's my belief, that the short frame SP-101 was one of Bill's very few marketing goofs. He was kind of following S&W with their 'J' frame and Colt with their Detective Special (both in .38 spl.) but .... the SP-101 came out about the same time S&W and Colt began working with improved metallurgy and began offering very small .357 magnums.
The solution was, initially to simply lengthen the chamber with the 125 gr. limit, and then to lengthen the frame a couple of 16ths and allow a longer cylinder.
The change over occurred after about the first 63 thousand. There are about 3,000 of the short frame (125 gr. only) .357 magnums. They could be considered collectable.
I have a 2" and a 3" SP-101 marked "125 gr. only".
A standard .357 magnum cylinder will not fit in the short frame gun - the cylinder window is too small.
Terry T
It's my belief, that the short frame SP-101 was one of Bill's very few marketing goofs. He was kind of following S&W with their 'J' frame and Colt with their Detective Special (both in .38 spl.) but .... the SP-101 came out about the same time S&W and Colt began working with improved metallurgy and began offering very small .357 magnums.
The solution was, initially to simply lengthen the chamber with the 125 gr. limit, and then to lengthen the frame a couple of 16ths and allow a longer cylinder.
The change over occurred after about the first 63 thousand. There are about 3,000 of the short frame (125 gr. only) .357 magnums. They could be considered collectable.
I have a 2" and a 3" SP-101 marked "125 gr. only".
A standard .357 magnum cylinder will not fit in the short frame gun - the cylinder window is too small.
Terry T
Guy M
Bearcat
The good point is, that the 125 grain hollow point .357 mag load is a very serious, well-respected self-defense load.
If limited to one type of ammo, that's a good type!
Guy
If limited to one type of ammo, that's a good type!
Guy
chet15
Hawkeye
Jimbo357mag said:That is exactly what I have heard also. Why Ruger started with a short cylinder is one of those mysteries.Chuck 100 yd said:
Yeah...they weren't thinking about future possibilities when they came out with the SP101...originally it was in .38 Special.
It wasn't the cylinder that was the issue...it was the frame window length.
Chet15
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