I run across a Ruger 101 2 1/2 barrel hammerless 357, anyone have one? Iv never owned one, a bit heavey, but thinking the weight would help with the recoil from the 357s. Oh its a 5 shot price $450.00 plus tax was asking 499 they have had this one awhile! I was looking and I have alot of 38 & 357 ammo but no gun at this time, seemed to point well, and enought grip to hang on too! asking for thoughts on this one!

I've always liked the SP 101. Never had one, but they seem like excellent little revolvers.

With that much weight I prefer the 3" version. I have one that I converted to the spurless hammer which I myself have only seen on the shorter barreled guns. Mine has worn a few different grips but I keep going back to the originals. Nice shooter. Lots of my handguns have gone down the road over the years but this one is still here and will stay here. It has earned its keep.

I haven't had a 101 but my experience with the 357 and snubby 357's leads me to believe they are a bad combination in terms of shootability and blast. So I can' to the conclusion if I want a snubby it'll be a .38 and I won't pay the weight penalty of a 357. and if I want a 357, it will ahve at least a 4" barrel.

This is my idea of a compact 357 Ruger

Yes I think the hot 357s would be a bit much thinking more like 38+ps would be a good set up! Just kinda kicking it around I guess!

Don't know much about the 357. My 101 is a four inch six shot 327.

Not the pinnicle of concealability. But damn, it sure is fun to shoot even with the stoutest 115 gr loads

I have the 3 inch version. I love it.

I usually carry the Lyman 358156 with about 14 grains of 2400. Just right. I have small hands, and this in a Simply Rugged pancake holster is a great knock about woods gun. If I'm going hunting I'd take my 61/2 inch 629 44 mag.

I've had my SP101 since the mid 90's. Had a snub-nose urge and ended up with a .357 with the 2.25 barrel, spurred hammer. Very comfortable with .38 special standard and +P ammo. Will get your attention with full power .357 mag, but still manageable. Will occasionally shoot 145 gr Silvertip .357 in mine for full power loads. More likely to use 158 gr .38 +P lead SWCHP or one of the Federal or CCI short barrel +P loads in the 125 to 135 gr JHP range. Federal also has a 130 gr JHP reduced recoil .357 load that works well. The trigger has broken in nicely over time, plus I put in some reduced power Wolff springs about 10 yrs ago that made a noticeable difference. My only other revolver to compare it with is an early 80's vintage Dan Wesson 715. The DW trigger is better in single action, but my 101 is better in double action (not really lighter, but smooth and easier to stage). The Crimson Trace laser grips I put on a couple of yrs ago are a little better than the original grips.
Anyway, I've had it over 20 yrs and plan to keep it!

I like the snub, in .357. Everything I like about S&W Model 60, including holsters/speedloaders, but easier to control, due to weight. I couldn't shoot it at all well, until serious spring lightening. It's now my favorite DA. Sure, it's only a .38sp +P due to barrel length, but that's not bad, in such a compact. A heavy-built little gun just seems to have a neat role, if you have a role for it.

The Ruger 101 is a great gun. The SN hammerless would be a good pocket gun. The good thing about the .357 is you have the choice of .38 for practice and .357 for carry.

I almost bought one a couple years ago but let it slip away. Since then I've acquired a S&W mod 66 2 1/2" and a mod 60 2.25". The mod 60 is my current carry gun and the 66 is my woods gun. Buy it, you will be glad you did.

In my experience the SP 101 with 2 1/2" is easy to shoot and hit with, as it has enough weight to dampen recoil. The heft makes the 101 a bit large for a pocket pistol in my opinion.

I like the 101's

I really like the SP101, I've got some in 3" and a couple in 4". Don't care for the stock grip, most have Hogues or Trausch grips. I really prefer those. They change the grip angle and you don't get your middle knuckle whacked. Easier to control the mag loads. I've never cared for the bobbed hammer version, I've got an LCR to cover the pocket gun.
The SP has a long enough cylinder to handle 180 grain hc, so makes a decent woods walking gun as well.

I sold mine, too heavy for what it was, so then 2 inch barrel and .357 magnum....

Have had a 2 1/4" in .357 for about 20 years. Haven't seen it in 8 or 10. My brother borrowed it and prefers it over his 3" model 66 as a "bench gun". (He's a judge.) The da trigger smoothed out very nicely with a lot of dry firing while driving around. With full-tilt 125 go loads it's a manageable handful. With heavier bullet loads it's painful. As with any .357 snubbie muzzle blast is incredible and may be a weapon in and of itself. I like the Hogue grips I put on it better than issue for comfort and controllability . I've recommended my brother use 158 grain .38 Special plus p LSWHP as he's not a real gun guy (probably owns less than 30 guns and only shoots every couple of weeks.)

I never warmed up to the 101's. But I LOVED my Speed Six.
I miss that chunk of steel.