Ruger SP101 w/ 3 1/6" Barrel Review

[allglock]

Nice writeup! You might want to try the Trausch grip. It helps with the heavy loads.
I have both the 3" Sp101 and the 3" Gp100. The big trade off, is weight IMO. But the GP100 soaks up the .357 loads waaay better thatn the Sp101. I prefer to shoot .38+Ps through the Sp101.
Also the Sp101 with a spring kit, is a great training gun for new revolver shooters.
Here is some pics of my 3" Sp101 with 3 different grips, and I also include a picture of my 3" Gp100.
3" SP101 with Trausch grip installed.

3" GP100

[bittr]

Well done. I have considered this revolver for a carry piece. Any suggestions for an IWB holster?

[RoyJackson]

Well done. I have considered this revolver for a carry piece. Any suggestions for an IWB holster?

Don Hume makes a high quality IWB holster. Cost is around 30 bucks. If your revolver has the 3.06" barrel, you'll find OWB works better.

[coalman]

nice writeup, joe. i had a 2.25" sp101 traded it on my kimber , always missed that little pistol. then last spring picked up a 3 inch , actially picked 2 3inchers. 1 for me and 1 for the wife. fitted them with hogue mono grips. shoot everything out of it that i shoot out of my gp100. not saying that all loads are comfy to shoot from it but they are controllable.as far as front sight goes same prob here was considering getting a meprolight front sight to see quicker and easier. i carry it in a galco summer special iwb with the snapped belt loops. or when in the woods i use a uncle mikes paddle holster.when using tthe paddle holster have to keep checking to see if i still have the pistol with me , its that comfy. all in all 1 damn fine pistol , won't be trading this one for sure.

[WhiteWolf]

I have two of these in 2" (one with hammer spur, one without) and love them. Smallest 357 I would ever want to pull the trigger on twice (I'll try anything once tho)

I get most of my holsters from D.M. Bullard. He's got a great one that rides just over your back pocket. Easy fast draw and quality is top notch.

[kmrcstintn]

excellent review & nice videos...

I am sitting here heavily leaning toward getting a Ruger SP101 in .357 mag w/ 3 1/16" barrel to squeeze into the niche between my S&W 442 airweight (CCW) and Ruger GP100 w/ 4" barrel (multipurpose); if it ships with the older style factory grip I'm gonna invest in a Hogue Monogrip for better recoil control with heavier hitting magnum loads

[Rundownfid]

A very good review with excellent pictures. It occurred to me while reading this that an even more useful review would be a side by side with a S&W Model 60 3". Unfortunately, the original poster appears to live in Indiana.
Perhaps I could suggest that reviews with side by sides could be arranged after the original post by people with similar guns contacting the original poster. Then a pleasant day at the range trying each others' guns and a joint write-up; this would really help people who are considering the purchase of a similar firearm.
One of the great things about this forum is that even in a state as big as Pa. I often find people who live very close to me or where I will be soon. So if you do a review perhaps you could also be open to the suggestion of a side by side comparison test?
I'll start, I have a very nice Model 60 3", does anyone in the Harrisburg area have a 3" Ruger for a side by side with?

[WVBob]

well done. You took the time to do this right.

[Jettagls00]

Great review! After reading it I want to get a revolver now.

[joseywales]

I've had one of these in the 3 1/6" for 20 years? It was when they first came out and you need to be aware that some, like mine, are for 38s or for 357 in 125 grain ONLY. Any 357 larger than that and you'll have an issue, because the cylinders on the 125 grain only variant is shorter. I'm sure it's stamped somewhere on the gun, but I don't have it in front of me. The shorter cylinder might even make the gun a tad shorter as well.

IMO, 125 grain is all you need. I absolutely love this gun and will be buried with it. That is, if I can get it back from my wife!!