SP101 recoil

[AFG]

I have long admired the Ruger SP 101 but have never had the oppotunity to shoot one. The itch to buy one comes and goes but its back again. The problem is that I have arthritis in the thumb joint in my shooting hand and I am concerned about how I can do with the recoil in this gun. I can shoot 9 mm fine, even .40 in a semi auto. Unfortunately I no longer reload so it's going to have to be factory ammo. Do you think 38 special will be manageable for me in this gun if I use Hogue grips? I don't see long range sessions with it but I'd like to be able to use it in relative comfort. I was watching a you tube video recently and it looked like even 38's were stiff for the shooter. Maybe I should just go to a larger frame revolver but I have this itch...

 

[tookalisten]

I put the Hogue grips on mine. It makes the .357 load much more comfortable. A .38 Sp load is no problem at all.

When I first bought mine, I was recovering from hand surgery. (Cut a saggital band that had to be repaired, wrapped for 6 weeks, and then 6 weeks of Rehab to regain full use) With a .357 factory load and the original grips, I definitely felt a "sting" that made it uncomfortable to shoot. I switched to the Hogues and could shoot the same load without a problem.

It is a great gun - no regrets and I would definitely recommend getting it - especially since you have option of .357 or .38, if the .357 is uncomfortable with your arthritis.

 

[mist]

I replaced the standard grips on my SP101 with the Hogue shortly after purchasing the revolver. The .38 special target load I fired had about the same or slightly less recoil than the 9MM target load I fired through my M&P 9C. The Hornady Critical Defense 125 grain .357 Magnum I fired had felt recoil comparable to the Speer Gold Dot 165 grain .40 S&W GDHP fired through my M&P 40C.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

38 specials are a piece of cake in the SP-101 especially in the 3" version, although they usually hit a little low when aiming. The weight of the gun greatly reduces the recoil. Of course there is even less recoil in a full-size GP-100. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[Verndog]

If you are concerned about recoil, and want more punch then 38, take a look at the SP101 .327 magnum. For range work 32's shoot very lite and are great for practice and those strength issues. For defence there is a Federal 85g low recoil round that pack 370 ft lbs energy, considerably more then 38. Even the full on 115g magnum (although loud) are 20% less recoil then .357, and at near 500 lbs energy near .357 power.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Hogues definately help, but for real control the Trauch grips are the answer. IMO YMMV

 

[AFG]

Thanks for the feedback. I have to take a road trip on Friday and there is a gunshop on the way that has one in stock, considerably less than a local dealer. I have considered the .327 but lack of ammo locally will probably not make it feasible. If this all works out I will probably start with Hogue for grips although the Trauch look interesting.

 

[EastKY_DO]

I have a little bit of 'Arthur' in my hands as well, and I don't find the recoil in a 3 inch SP101 bad at all. That's especially true with .38 Special loads. It sure as heck has MUCH less recoil than my S&W 329PD with magnums in it. Although, it's not too bad with .44 Specials.

Some say I'm more recoil tolerant than average though. 8)

 

[soonerboomer]

I love my SP101 and the recoil is no problem, especially with .38 special. In fact, this set up is what I've used to teach my teenage children how to shoot a defensive handgun.
Even with .38+P or hot .357 Mag loads, the SP101 is not uncomfortable (assuming a healthy hand/wrist). In fact, I believe the SP101 with Magnum loads is more comfortable to shoot than the 642/442 with .38+P loads.
The factory grips are very good, and do a great job of absorbing recoil. IMO, you don't need the Hogue grips. However, if you get the Hogue grips, just be mindful that they add a bit in grip length.

 

[Elad]

I agree with getting a 3 inch in .357 and start with .38 standard pressure loads. The extra weight of the longer barrel really takes the bite out of most any load/combo you shoot.

A little action polishing and Wolff springs and you'll be amazed how well the little SP's handle and hit for you. The stock grips are very well designed and absorb recoil well.

 

[44shootist]

Was kind of wondering this myself I have a band new SP101 2 1/4" I have not shot yet I bought to carry, I am so use to shooting 44mag. I was worried the SP101 may not have enough kick , l will be shooting 357mags hope it don't seem whimpy to shoot.

As for the guy with the bad hand that don't want no recoil if 38spl. is to much for your hand, you could use cowboy loads using IMR trail boss powder with lead bullets and bring the recoil down close to what a 22 is.

It is a fine gun and feels so nice in my hand I like the feel of the factory grips.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I have 2 of the sp101's with the short bbl's. I love shooting 38's in them. The recoil is mild with factory loads and also with reloads loaded to the top loads. with 357 loads the sp is a different gun the recoil is a handful not brutal or anything just a totally different feel. I guess its the smaller grips or something. I shoot a lot of bigger calibers in bigger guns and really don't pay much attention to recoil. I have a 500 S&W a 45-70 bfr and a 454 alaskan and a 475 linebaugh and also a couple of 480 rugers. I shoot these quite a bit and recoil doesn't bother me but the sp101 is a little sweethart to shoot with 38's I like it soo much I have about 3000 rounds of 38's loaded for them. I use 3.5 gr of 231 behind a 158gr swc bullet. using this load I get 2000 loads out of 1 pound of powder. I cast my own bullets so the major expense is the 3 cent primers in 38's. I figure it cost me about 5 cents per shot

 

[GhosT]

AFG,


A shame RUGER doesn't still put out the 9MM model.

My SP101 2 1/4" barrel...(.357 magnum)
KICKS HARD...cause full powered 125 grain JHP's...but...
Think can help.
Mine wears the original CRIMSON TRACE LASER GRIPS....
They suck at recoil reduction...version 2 absorbs recoil...lol
The factory grips do too.

But I have in stock, the Hogue grips...they are better than factory IMHO ,cause a full fit for all yer fingers. Way more controllable.

PLUS, I had my SP101 MAGNAPORTED.......
Not overly expensive, yet REALLY EFFECTS the felt recoil level!

I honestly think the SP101 would be a great choice for you.
Keep in mind, There are a shitload of ammo choices from .38 special to .357 magnums.

Ya find the level you are comfortable with,...............
At every level...there is VERY effective ammo.

And if yer looking for a snubnose...the added weight of the SP101, with the right holster ya never notice, but when ya need the gun...helps with recoil!


Again, JMHO, but the gun is a GREAT CHOICE...The trick is Finding the ammo combo that ya shoot well, and can handle.

My SP101 is one of my keeper guns,will never sell or trade away.

 

[44shootist]

Ghost, must not have been enough interest in 9MM SP101 cause it was discontinued, likely lack of sells, and or people not wanting to deal with moonclips.

 

[ronto]

I have a touch of arthritus in all my fingers except my thumbs. The Hogue rubber MonoGrips and 357 Magnum Speer 135gr GDHP "Short Barrel" ammo makes the 2 1/4" SP101 recoil manageable for me. It still causes some discomfort but not unbearable pain.