SP101 and canted barrels?

[trtrtr58]

Hi all. I am new to this forum. I got an itch for a 3" SP101 in .357, but have looked at the gun at two different gunshops and both had barrels that were canted to one side or the other when you looked at the barrel top next to the top strap on the frame. Is that common with these guns? I did some Google searches that showed this was an issue some years back but did not see any recent posts.

I have a S&W J frame that I like for every day carry, but I like these Ruger SP's and GP's just on looks alone. They're a good looking gun, but I don't want to pay for a twisted barrel. With a flat top barrel and frame top strap, the twist really stands out to my eye. Am I being too picky?

I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I sent an SP101 .22 back for a canted front sight issue. Ruger made it right and turnaround time was about 10 days.

 

[ADP3]

I have a number of SP101's and shoot them extensively. I've seen a fair number with canted barrels in the shops over the years and passed on them. None of my current flock have canted barrels and windage is dead on with all of them. Maybe the barrel isn't at top dead center to regulate windage. Maybe it's because tightening the barrel would produce an out of spec barrel cylinder gap. My advice is too keep looking and not order online since you can't inspect a gun thoroughly over the internet. Ruger makes more everyday. Sooner or later you'll find one that suits you. Often gunshows will have a fair number to sort through.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

When I ordered my SP 101 8 shot .22 they were as scarce as hen's teeth and I was just happy to find one at all. When I found the barrel was not properly clocked I gave Ruger service a call. They did not even send me a call tag, they had UPS come out to my house to get it,all I had to do was put it in a box and tape it up. A few days later the UPS driver handed me a box with a repaired revolver inside.

ADP3 is correct, regular 101's are not difficult to find so no reason to accept anything short of perfect. Now if it was a used gun or some kind of special price cut then Ruger will make it right.

 

[trtrtr58]

Thank you gentlemen. Good advice. I am heartened that I am not alone in thinking these canted barrels need to stay on the dealer shelves.

I like the gun show idea and may have to hit up the next local one. Haven't been in quite a while.

 

[alping45]

I picked one up at a gunshow and didn't realize till I got home that the barrel was canted. The top of the front sight had been filed flat & reblued so the sight looked straight, and the windage is dead on. I am wondering if this was possibly done by the factory to correct the windage? That being said, if I had noticed the canted barrel at the gunshow, I would not have bought it.