Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns SP 101 in 22 LR

Have any of you folks had any experience with a Ruger SP 101 in 22 LR? It looks as if it would be a dandy pistol, but I would appreciate any available feedback before pulling the trigger. This one has a 4 inch barrel.

I was looking at the same pistol yesterday at my LGS. 22lr / 4" SP101 8 shot ?

I really liked the balance. Trigger was a little heavy, but I'm sure a Wolf Spring Kit would really help. Only thing I didn't like we're those damn fiber optic front sights.
I was going to check with Ruger Customer Service on Monday.

If I can get another plain ole black front sight from the factory for a reasonable price, I'll probably go ahead and buy it.....

I have one (current version). Nice gun, but the springs are hell for stout. Wolf says that their existing SP101 springs won't work with the new 22s:

RUGER SP-101 REVOLVER
Important Note:
Due to changes in this gun by the manufacturer, the spring below will not function in SP101 .22 caliber rimfire models manufactured during and after 2011.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolvers/RUGER/SP-101/cID3/mID52/dID234

Paul

I have one of the original ones with a 4" barrel and the rear sight that is adjustable for windage. It's incredibly rugged and stout. It is certainly a dandy. I wholeheartedly recommend em'.

I have a newer one (last year). Like the pistol. Hated the trigger. Was a workout single action and double action. Decent accuracy, nice weight and balance. Changed to Altamar grips (good functional improvement for me).

It's a fun, accurate pistol, that is built very well. I sent it back to ruger and asked them to fix the trigger (which they did) after a wolf spring kit was only minor improvement and left two of the eight as consistent misfires (replaced the cylinder best I can tell). Now it's 100%. Goes in the range bag most trips.

I picked on up a while back. Great little revolver. I switched the grips out for some Hogues and the trigger is heavy in double action but is pretty smooth. I like the sights, they're quick to pick up. Very happy with it.

Have had one for about 4 months... shot at least 1,000 rounds through it. Don't have the slightest idea why some find the trigger difficult when single action... it is crisp and light and easy to hold very steady. Double action is stout, but I have been learning that it is easy to "get used to". I am shooting double action at 50 yards on targets to see how well I can "hold the point of aim", and I'm getting very good at it. The gun itself is a tank... I will not be selling it, ever. Too nice a firearm. Good luck.

I tried one, the trigger pull is excessive for a gun of this type so I did not buy it. I also detest any and all fiber optic sights.

I considered one recently. I wanted a quality 22 revolver but found this 18-2 S&W and considered it a better choice for me.


I saw a few on gunsamerica in the same range as the Ruger.
I'm sure the Ruger is a fine revolver but the trigger and accuracy of the S&W is the standard by which others are measured.

I still have my M17 K22 I bought in High School back in the 1960's but want something to carry in my boat in addition to general plinking. It is hard to beat a S&W.

I understand that and I also considered the Taurus 94 but I found that Smith for $458 and it has some bluing wear and rust specks so I'm not afraid to carry it.

If I just wanted a boat gun, as in the bottom of the gear box, I might just buy a cheap under $200 H&R or Ruger Mark II.

They are bullet proof with stout triggers and good accuracy. Should last for many generations and after a nuclear blast.

It is a wee bit heavier than most of it's competitors but some lads like the weight. I passed on one after shooting my buddy's due to the weight.

S&W is the way to go IMO

I've had a 4" SP101 22lr since it came out last year. It is a big mistake to judge these revolvers by how their trigger's feel in the gun store. Mine, now that I've put about 1,500 rounds through it and dried fired it at least four times that amount, has a very smooth trigger. How smooth? I've also got S&W K22's, 617's and 317's and the SP101 trigger--now that it's broken in--is just as good as the factory triggers on my 'Smiths.

Straight from the factory the SP101 22lr's are rough--they absolutely must be worked in. No need to change springs, do exotic exercises or consult wizard-like gunsmiths--just shoot the darn thing and dry-fire the heck out of it.

The Hogue grips are a great addition to the SP101; they also lower the perceived weight of the trigger pull--for me--because they increase the trigger-reach slightly placing my index finger at a more natural angle much like my larger framed revolvers. It is a subtle difference, but the change in grip certainly made the trigger feel lighter.

I'm keeping mine.