SP101 4.2" .38/.357 accuracy and experiences?

[Triggernosis]

There sure was a lot of fanfare when the 4.2" SP101 was released last year, first the .22LR followed by the .357 version. But, I don't hear much about them anymore. Can anyone share their experiences regarding handling and accuracy of the ..38/.357 version, please?

 

[paochow]

I'm more accurate with my 4.2" 357 than my .22lr one. At 25yds firing from a supported position I can consistently shoot 4-5" groups. I think with a dedicated handgun rest, I could probably half that. I've shot at silhouette targets at 100yds just for fun and was surprisingly able to keep all but 2 of my 25 rounds within the body.

I did a polish, spring , and shim job to the action which greatly improved the trigger pull.

 

[woodsy]

I'm more accurate with my 4.2" 357 than my .22lr one. At 25yds firing from a supported position I can consistently shoot 4-5" groups. I think with a dedicated handgun rest, I could probably half that. I've shot at silhouette targets at 100yds just for fun and was surprisingly able to keep all but 2 of my 25 rounds within the body.

I did a polish, spring , and shim job to the action which greatly improved the trigger pull.

My 14 month-old Sp101, 4", .357, shoots as good as that, offhand (no support, DA). My only complaint was that the pretty factory grips were too small for my hands, and replaced with Hogue soft rubber. Just LOVE that F/O front sight.

 

[JustsayMo]

I've found the accuracy to be VERY good with both 38 and 357 loads. Very practical gun.

 

[DeletedMember26309]

I have had good experiences. I concur with the small factory grip, I went to hogue soft rubber and it was better, but not preferred. I went with hogue rosewood after and get a much better grip.

I have found it to be pretty accurate. I shoot .38s better than .357, but I can't say I don't have a part in that. In all, I'm pleased with the firearm. The trigger pull is the only thing that I'm not a huge fan of, but it's something that can be worked with.

 

[BogieDog]

I bought mine this past May and have put approximately 700 rounds thru it - mostly .357 range ammo and absolutely love it.

Like others, I replaced the factory grips with Hogue rubber, a vast improvement for me. Accuracy is very good at 7-10 yards, I haven't re-configured the sights because I'm in the midst of cataract surgery! (Left eye just done this week and right eye to follow in November).

But I figure, if I'm getting good-great results at 7-10 yards now, just wait till I can see!!!!

To me this revolver is a perfect balance of power, accuracy and size/weight.

 

[jazzman]

I think the reason you don't hear about them much anymore is because they are hard to find. I saw one once in LGS and that was that, it was gone next day. Maybe it's just my gun store but I haven't seen any ruger revolvers lately.

Jim

 

[ftlupton]

My LGS says he can't get revolvers especially Rugers.

 

[woodsy]

One doesn't hear too much, normally, about "perfect" things. Such is my conclusion about my 4" SP. Accuracy is wonderful, reliability beyond expectations, front sight made me get a similar one for my GP100. My only complaint, apparently confined to me only: factory grip too small, went with a Hogue rubber one, with great improvement. Also, I am NOT impressed by pretty grips, just ones which allow me to shoot better.

 

[glenkans]

My son bought one maybe a month ago. He moved back in after losing his job in the aircraft industry.That was right after Obama gave his speech about corporate fat cats riding around in their jets.The industry took a nose dive since and he moved into his old bedroom.Glad to have him cause I get to shoot all his guns too.Anyway,I have the combination to his gun safe and his 4" sp is easier to shoot than my 3".Don't mind the grips at all and wouldn't change a thing about the gun.Getting ready to cast some 168 Keiths for a bisley and I'll cast enough to try some in the sp. I have shot some in mine but I don't have adjustable sights on mine and it shoots high.It was plenty accurate but the sights were regulated with a file for a lighter weight bullet.GREAT little guns with plenty of power.Wish I could justify one for myself but I like single actions tooooo much .Best wishes,Glen

 

[AGE Ranger]

Have to agree most of the above.
I love mine, today was the first time I was able to shoot it with the Hogue grips.
It shoots just as nice with the factory grips only problem is my hands are large.

 

[mr surveyor]

you guys with big hands need to stick to the GP's and leave the little small grip SP's available for those of us that are "digitally challenged" :mrgreen:

 

[woodsy]

you guys with big hands need to stick to the GP's and leave the little small grip SP's available for those of us that are "digitally challenged" :mrgreen:

I'm sure that Ruger will accomodate you. Meanwhile, I keep my 4" SP for "east of the Mississippi" and my 6" GP for "west of the Mississppi" (and the target range, where it truly excels anything else).

 

[Smith66]

I still prefer my 4 inch custom GP-100

Eric

 

[Black Fly]

I've had mine since early spring. I've replaced the grips with the Hogue soft rubber grips. Otherwise it's original. I've shot it a lot. Just loaded up another five hundred rounds the other day. It shoots better than I do. The trigger and action have gotten a lot smoother with use. I liked the fibre optic sight so much that I put one on my 4" 22LR SP. It's an older full lug model like the 357. I've sold my Blackhawks and Single Sixes since I got these two. Of all the bunches of handguns I've owned(the first was in 1967), these two SP's are my favorites.
Bfly

 

[mattsbox99]

glenkans, you are gonna really like those 168 Keiths. Mine come out right at 170 grains and they shoot extremely well.

 

[rugermayne]

I've had mine for over a year now and really like it. Like others have said I loved the look of the original grips but they just didn't feel good in the hand. I went for a Hogue grip in cocobolo, it was a long wait to get it but well worth it to me. This is the first revolver I've ever owned and I decided I wanted a smother and lighter trigger pull. I installed a Wolff spring kit and trigger shims from Lance on this forum. It was a learning experience, but in the end turned out really nice. I still am having trouble getting the sights right for me but that's mostly operator error. Overall it's a really nice piece and I'm glad I picked it up. Pat

http://s1355.photobucket.com/albums/q706/unclepat125/?action=view&current=photo_zps498dd0b9.jpg

 

[Triggernosis]

Nice grips, rugermayne - where'd you get them?

 

[woodsy]

Judging by what I frequently see, and this previous post, not many (or enough) people are aware that one can get hardwood grips direct from Hogue.
rugermayne:
How large is that picture file? Even after a couple minutes it didn't fully download. Perhaps resizing it next time?

 

[Triggernosis]

Woodsy, it appears to be only 138 kb - when I click on it it pops right up.

 

[rugermayne]

Sorry guys, first time posting a picture and I went through hell trying to figure it out ha. I ordered those grips directly from Hogue, took almost 4 months to get them but they came out really nice. Pat

 

[mhuxtable]

I wanted that gun so badly when i saw it. Great size and I love the front site. Couldn't find one anywhere....ended up getting a 4" S&W 686 instead....still wish it had the fiber optic front site.