Looking for Thoughts on Ruger SP101 357 - Anyone Tried It?

I’ve been doing some research on the Ruger SP101, particularly the .357 Magnum variant, and I’m really interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with this revolver. There seems to be quite a bit of buzz about its performance and usability, but I’d love to get some first-hand accounts.

Here are a few points I’m curious about:

  • Handling: How does it feel in your hands? Is it comfortable to shoot, especially with .357 loads?
  • Accuracy: What has your experience been with accuracy at various distances? Any tips or tricks for shooting this revolver?
  • Usability: How easy is it to reload or maintain? Are there any particular quirks that a new user should be aware of?
  • Comparisons: If you’ve shot other revolvers (like the Smith & Wesson J-Frame), how does the SP101 stack up?

Personal Experience or Videos?

If you’ve got any video links or personal stories, I’d appreciate those too! I’m looking for a solid understanding before making a purchase, and it really helps to hear from the community.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and insights on the Ruger SP101!

I’ve had my Ruger SP101 in .357 for a couple of years, and I must say, it’s surprisingly accurate! I’ve gotten consistent group sizes around 2 inches at 15 yards. Very impressed!

That’s great to hear! What ammunition do you find gives you the best results? I’ve heard mixed reviews about different brands.

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I’m curious too about ammunition. I tried some American Eagle and got decent groups, but their Magnum rounds kicked like a mule! Anyone use something with less recoil?

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I’ve had a good experience with Winchester White Box. The recoil is manageable, and the accuracy is still solid at 10 yards.

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I agree with calderonmichael! At the range, I once shot a 1.5-inch group at 25 yards with Hornady Critical Defense. The SP101 holds up well for self-defense too.

I’ve mostly shot .38 specials through mine since I like to keep it fun. It’s surprisingly accurate, but I haven’t tried many .357s. Just don’t tell the snobs at the range!

Anyone else experience issues with the trigger pull? I find mine a bit heavy, which might affect accuracy at longer ranges.

I’ve noticed the same! It takes some getting used to. Once you adapt, the groups stabilize quite a bit.

Overall, I’m happy with my SP101 despite the quirks. It’s my favorite revolver! What are your thoughts on reliability over time?

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I think the reliability is top-notch! I’ve run several hundred rounds through mine without a hitch. It’s a workhorse.

Just don’t drop it! I had a buddy who did that, and let’s just say the SP101 is still rugged but not bulletproof! :joy:

I’ve had my Ruger SP101 .357 for about a year now, and I love the balance. The weight feels just right and the grip is comfortable, even during extended shooting sessions.

I totally agree! The grip’s design makes it really manageable, even for smaller hands. I’d say it’s one of the best features of the SP101.

The SP101 has a solid feel to it. I primarily use it for concealed carry and find it easy to handle when drawing quickly. Has anyone experienced it in more rough conditions?

I’ve carried it hiking and it’s held up really well. The balance is perfect for quick access. But you do need a solid belt to support it properly!

How’s the weight for all-day carry? I’m considering it for both daily carry and outdoor use.

It’s not too heavy, but you definitely feel it after several hours. But the trade-off is worth it for the reliability in tough situations.

What about the recoil? I’ve read mixed reviews on how manageable it is with .357 rounds.

The recoil can be snappy, especially with .357s, but practice makes a difference. If you use .38 specials, it feels much more control.