take a chance on SP101 22?

[humdinger]

Local gunshop advertised they have sp101's in 22 in stock and I may go look at them.
2 questions:

1. Any reasons not to get one? How do they do compared to a SW 617?

2. (with story) I always grab my 617 over my single six because it shoots way better... How does the SP101 accuracy compare to a single six?

Thanks for your opinions in advance.

HD

EDITS:
I have a SR22 i'm not real impressed with accuracy, but I have not tested many variety of loads (just can buy them :-( ) How does a SP101 compare to a SR22?
I also have bull barrel Mark 2's that are great, but heavy to carry (5.5" and 6.8") and dont shoot quite as nice as the 617... and probably similar weight.
Sadly.. I think I want an old SW 34 kitgun more than a SP101, but they rarely come up for sale.
Please throw me opinions on all of these. Somehow I suspect I will round out my collection with a 22/45 light in my quest for a smaller & lighter gun that shoots better. Or learn to love my single six more (That reminds me of the song... Love the one your with...)

 

[G2]

While I am a Ruger fan and think the new sp101 8 shot is a neat smaller 22, it is not even in the same league of the S&W 617 or 63.
It is its own little nitch, solid, heavy, over built. An oversized heavy J frame size.

To me it compares better to the 63 (J frame) However for a few hundred more the 63 is a sweet platform, very well matched to the .22 cal. Mine is a older 4" RB, very accurate.

The 617 is a K frame, Full lug, 10 shot, Target Gun, biggest of the 3 and IMO not even in the same category.

The SP101 is going to need a tear down, deburr, slick up, springs, to get it to run smooth, can be done, and needs to be done to bring it to a level of shooting enjoyment. The grips sure look nice but some hardwood($64) or rubber($16) Houges give the gun a whole lot better feel.
It blows my mind that people buy these SP's and then "shoot them in" :roll: :roll: don't ever handle one that has been properly gone thru,,, it will ruin you and tick you off that you have been suffering for so long.
They can be gone thru and made to run smooth & reliable. (~$150)

The 8 shots, new fully adjustable sights, and half lug barrel are a good improvements over the SP's of days of o'l.

I see you already have a 617, go down to the gun shop, check it out, I highly doubt you will buy it. I would say accuracy is about the same as a single six, but that doesn't say much because I have a single six that is dead on and others that are,,, shall we say ok.

 

[eveled]

I have an older 6 shot sp101 .22, it is a fine gun. My 617 is a lot nicer to shoot, and my 317 is easier to carry. So the SP101 is kind of the odd man out. Worth mentioning that my new model single six gets the most use.

 

[JFB]

I can't make the comparisons since the 22SP101 is my second DA, the first being a 44Alaskan. I can agree with the previous comments made, it is not the "best" handgun for the joy of shooting.

However, it did met the requirements I was looking for. First it is a Ruger, it is good looking and it definately will provide DA trigger finger exercise. I do not shoot nearly any at all lately, but I can say a few cylinders with the 22SP101 prior improves my one cylinder with the 44Alaskan

 

[jjas]

I used to own one of the new sp101 .22s. The double action trigger pull was so heavy it was ridiculous. I kept it a few months, ran a few hundred rounds through it hoping it would improve (it didn't) so I sold it.

 

[kwh]

Can not address the accuracy of the SP101 to the S.A. and S&W's. I bought the SP101 in .38 Spl. and .22 because that is the only D.A. that fits my small hands. The .22 definitely has a hard trigger pull in order to ignite the rimfire primers. However, after installing the Wolff spring and shim kit from Michigan Center Outdoors, I can tell little difference in the trigger pull from my S&W Mod 19. Dis-assembly, polish, and instillation is easy and video is on-line. Do it your self for $20 or less, huge difference. I also have a Ruger SR22 with laser and a Mark1 Bull barrel. I like them all, and they are all different.

 

[Mobuck]

I had the opportunity to shoot a 4" SP 22lr over the weekend. No clue as to the history of the gun and maybe it needed some serious cleaning but the accuracy was unimpressive. Primary targets were typical 22 fodder-swingers and plastic prairie dogs. When even the better shooters failed to make consistent hits, we fired 8 shots on paper at 10 yards. 2" group with what appeared to be 3 keyholes. At that point, the SP was retired to the gun bag.
BTW
The fiber optic insert may look cool but it doesn't help sighting unless you're in the dark.

 

[humdinger]

Results:
I went and looked at it and I wasn't impressed. The single action cocking was gritty and had a weird camming feel. I couldn't try the DA because I didn't have snap caps.

The thing doesn't feel even close to my 357 SP 101.
I tried a Taurus 94 many years ago and this on seemed on part, although the ruger felt much nicer.

So I will try to get my sr22 in better shape to be my small 22 and learn to love my others better.

 

[jules]

Not even close to a Smith. I had the 8 shot SP for as long as it took me to run enough ammo through it only to find it was not very accurate. I smoothed the insides and installed a spring kit but got misfires with a few types of ammo. Maybe it was just a bad one but down the road it went. This is the first Ruger I was not happy with.

 

[Mobuck]

We cleaned and re-shot the SP101 22lr over the weekend. Some improvement but not comparable to the accuracy of most any MK or 22/45. Aprox 1.5" group at 50'. I still can't manage the fiber optic front sight for best accuracy but Son seemed to do as well with it as I did.

 

[Seven High]

I have a SP101 22lr. It took approximately 1000 dry fire cycles before things smoothed up. Trying different brands of 22lr ammunition will allow you to find the most accurate one. No, its not a 617 or will it ever be. I would buy another one if I didn't own this one. A Wolff trigger return spring helps a lot.

 

[Fackler Rebel]

I have owned many Smith and Wesson revolvers down thru the years, I am 65. I have cut down the number of guns I own, and now have a SP101 .22LR that I bought 25 or so years ago, and recently got rid of my S&W K22 and picked up a Ruger GP100, 4 inch, blue, .357 magnum. I used to sweat pulling the side plates off my S&W's. Ruger made both of these revolvers to last and go bang every time the trigger is pulled. I rarely ever shoot a pistol in double action, and thank God, ran into a NRA Instructor at my last range trip and when that subject came up, he told me he does not teach his students to shoot double action, take aim and shoot for a one shot hit. Anyway, I love my SP101. Is it as accurate as the 6 inch barrel S&W I just got rid of? No, it is not, but accurate enough for me.

 

[Seven High]

Does anyone know what the diameter of the cylinder and barrel is? I wonder if the Paco Kelly gizmo might improve accuracy.

 

[JFB]

0.2267" & 0.2177"

 

[RetiredTwice]

I have a SP 101-22. Back to Ruger after the first 100 to 200 rounds as about 25% of the fired rounds would not extract (had to use a long screwdriver to tap them out). Ruger replaced the cylinder and the paul.

Fired another 1000 rounds and the cylinder started locking up when trying to cock. I could open the cylinder and close it and the cocking cycle could be completed and the pistol fired. Back to Ruger. Ruger replaced a spacer and "adjusted" the cylinder.

So far, 200 rounds, no problems. I'll see how it works for another 1000 rounds or so before deciding whether I'll keep it or not.

 

[rammerjammer]

I love my SP101 22 8 shot, but if you already have an S&W 617 you're probably not going to be able to find a better trigger or more accurate rimfire wheelgun.

 

[AKDRSS]

Bought one a few years ago and sent it off to Clements for a action job. Clements sent me three springs to try out and with the heaviest it fires 100%. Changing ammo might allow me to use a lighter spring but I am ok with it.
As accurate as I am capable of. Good value for a DA rimfire revolver.
But, it is nowhere close to being in the same league as the 617. On the flip side it is also smaller and easier to carry.

 

[Prescut]

I bought a new Ruger SP101 about three years ago. I do not normally buy new guns. I have dozens of 22 revolvers I love. The SP101 had the worst double action trigger I ever pulled (14+ lbs). Ruger said that was within specs. After a thousand rounds, it still had the worst pull. After a $150 action job, it had multiple light strikes. It was repaired again. I can now pull the double action, but the accuracy still sucks compared to anything else. Once I lose trust, it's hard to get back.

Ruger blew it with this revolver. Read the other people on here that had the same problem. Ruger's Support refusal to recognize the problems just made it worse. That has been a real dumb-ass move on Ruger's part. Shooter's don't forget when they find out what customer support is really like.

Let me be clear. Do Not buy the SP101. or like the OP said "take a chance".

 

[pjkid]

I feel the need to comment as I love my SP101 22lr. My experience is different than most above.
Bought this gun primarily to shoot at my clubs indoor range in the winter.
I have found mine quite accurate and have only had issues shooting Winchester ammo. Primarily shoot CCI.
Bought mine used a few months ago so don't know if anything was done by previous owner. The LGS owner is quite sure it was untouched.

Also if they ever make the SP101 in a 22mag I will be first in line but cant justify buying another 38 or 357.

 

[Ring3]

I love my SP. No issues so far. Never shot a SW 617 so can't compare. My 22/45 is more accurate in my hands....so far.

I am new to revolvers. Learning slowly. Looking forward to trying some spring kits, especially in the SP.

 

[reloader]

Before buying a 22LR revolver you will be doing yourself a big favor to go to a range that has a few different brands and models to rent and try them all before you make your decision.
The trigger pulls and accuracy of some double action 22's are quite bad. If it isn't fun, don't buy the gun.

 

[WAYNO]

Let me echo...The SP101 does not compare, and is in a completely different league than the 617. But the SP101 has a place too. As a kit gun that's easy to keep at hand, it's fine. As a target gun, it's not.

So, depends on your needs. Do you need a really nice .22 that can be quite accurate, but really needs to be carried on a heavy belt? Or do you need a smaller-but-robust kit gun that you can keep handy for shorter shots of opportunity?

I have a need for both, but I don't think I'll ever own another SP101 in .22 . I really was never pleased with it. Other folks love 'em.

So ya gotta try one out for yourself.

WAYNO.

 

[41 Magnum]

I've have many .22 pistols & revolvers accumulated down thru the years, from quite a few manufacturers. I saw the first mention of the 617 in American Rifleman, before it was even available. I sent a letter off to S&W asking when they'd be available, & got an immediate reply. The 617 would be available here in about 2 months. S&W sent me another letter when the 617's were shipped to my home town gun shop, & I bought the very first one anyone near here had ever seen. I've never had or have I been able to find another .22 as accurate as my 617, & it is a 10 shot with a 4" Bbl. !

Quite a few co-workers saw mine & also ordered one of their own almost immediately after handling mine. Do I shoot my other 22's, yes, absolutely, and very often !
I truly love my .22's, but the 617 is by far my favorite !!! :D :D :D :D :D :D

I bought a set of square butt L frame grips here on the forum, & modified them to fit the round butt 617, because contrary to most of the shooters I know, I tend to like the S&W's hand sized grip, & absolutely despise Hogue grips !!!!!!

 

[reloader]

Nice job converting those grips! That is also my favorite 22 double action revolver and grip combo.
Not sure who is making the rubber grips on the current S&W's but I like them better than Hogues.

 

[GetGunz]

I had one for one week last month. Metal finish and fit excellent. Trigger awful. Traded for this:


Get a Dan Wesson 22LR I have one and love the revolver.

 

[Prescut]

that looks like a beautiful Dan Wesson VH (vented with heavy underlug). Many times better of a revolver than the SP101. Except for size, that is one of the sweetest wheel guns ever made. Great accuracy and reliability. They don't usually have any holster wear as nobody is crazy enuf to try and carry one.

Prescut

 

[AKDRSS]

41 Magnum
Your 617 looks like it has a stainless cylinder. I thought all the early models had aluminum cylinders? I am guessing mine was purchased new 12-14 years ago and the cylinder on it is a 10 shot aluminum.

 

[41 Magnum]

All the 4" versions I've seen around here are all Stainless. I had a friend later bought a 6" here, & it was Aluminum. I wouldn't have bought it had it not been Stainless. I'm kinda fussy that way I guess ! All but two of my many revolvers are Stainless. Although, I am not too fond of stainless in rifles.
I worked in a Steel Mill for over 40 years of my life, melting & making Stainless, in several dozens of various grades, & I know it's properties very well. I love it !!!