First new gun of 2024! 😁

NIGHTLORD40K

NIGHTLORD40K

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Just a nice clean, pre-MIM SP-101
IMG_0246.jpg
IMG_0245.jpg

Got to shoot it too, along with my new/old 5" Model 10-
IMG_0244.jpg

The Smith shot like a dream.
The Ruger, not so much.

The trigger was very light for an SP, so I suspect someone has worked on it, though I didn't get any ignition failures. The problem was it kept shooting very high/right and fast, accurate DA shots for me were, well- challenging would be generous.

So bottom line, I was shooting the gun unacceptably bad. I'm going to try some new grips, but otherwise this one may not stay long.....

Oh well, sure is pretty though. 😁
 
Last edited:
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Just a nice clean, pre-MIM SP-101
View attachment 1187470
View attachment 1187471

Got to shoot it too, along with my new/old 5" Model 10-
View attachment 1187473

The Smith shot like a dream.
The Ruger, not so much.

The trigger was very light for an SP, so I suspect someone has worked on it, though I didn't get any ignition failures. The problem was it kept shooting very high/right and fast, accurate DA shots for me were, well- challenging would be generous.

So bottom line, I was shooting the gun unacceptably bad. I'm going to try some new grips, but otherwise this one may not stay long.....

Oh well, sure is pretty though. 😁
Click to expand...
Sexy little beastie ! .... Well done pop a cap for me brother.
 
This was at the top of my to do list gun when I was in my early 20's but people who don't shoot or know much of anything about guns tell me it's great, but guys on here and elsewhere who I can tell are knowledgeable, at least a good many have said while they are nice quality attractive revolver, but aren't good shooters or known for accuracy. My uncle has an SP101 that seems to shoot ok what lil shooting I've done with it.
 
DustyGmt said:
This was at the top of my to do list gun when I was in my early 20's but people who don't shoot or know much of anything about guns tell me it's great, but guys on here and elsewhere who I can tell are knowledgeable, at least a good many have said while they are nice quality attractive revolver, but aren't good shooters or known for accuracy. My uncle has an SP101 that seems to shoot ok what lil shooting I've done with it.
Click to expand...
I've had two SPs prior to this. The first was a new 2.5" .357 circa 2012 and I remember it as having acceptable accuracy, but a terrible trigger. It did nightstand duty for a while, but I never really carried it much.

The second is an early '90s 4" .22 Target model. The trigger is decent, (though heavier than my new .357) but I could never get it to group worth a damn. I actually suspected the charge holes were not drilled perfectly straight....
I gifted it to my oldest daughter when coronapocalypse hit because she didn't have any rimfire handguns and they were short on centerfire ammo when there was none to be had.
She still has it and seems to like it well enough, though I think she's only shot it a few times. She normally carries a PPS 9mm anyway.

So, my experience has been a mixed bag. All three were solid, attractive revolvers that always seem to be a little frustrating one way or another.
 
I'm gonna have to wait for my first 2024 pick-up. Effective yesterday, 10-day waiting period for everyone.

I picked up one of the first stainless SP-101s when they came out, mostly out of nostalgia for a couple old Rugers I (stupidly) sold along the way (Speed Six and Security Six). Just never warmed to it and sent it on its way.

The blued version, as @swoter shows, to me is much more attractive. Guess I just miss the "old" Ruger revolvers, the GP-100 and SP-101 don't trip my trigger t'all. It's crazy how scarce some of the older Rugers are compared to Smiths, at least up in my region.

Meant to hit up my LGS today (it's closed Sun/Mon), but life intruded. Ah well, manana.

NIGHTLORD40K said:
I got to play with one of the new snubby Pythons at the range today. Now that one's on my list too!
Click to expand...

It's calling my name, too.
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Just a nice clean, pre-MIM SP-101
View attachment 1187470
View attachment 1187471

Got to shoot it too, along with my new/old 5" Model 10-
View attachment 1187473

The Smith shot like a dream.
The Ruger, not so much.

The trigger was very light for an SP, so I suspect someone has worked on it, though I didn't get any ignition failures. The problem was it kept shooting very high/right and fast, accurate DA shots for me were, well- challenging would be generous.

So bottom line, I was shooting the gun unacceptably bad. I'm going to try some new grips, but otherwise this one may not stay long.....

Oh well, sure is pretty though. 😁
Click to expand...
alright… what did you pay!

2024 and I still have not bought a gun!!! Wish me luck on my sabbatical!
 
When did Ruger use MIM on the SP series? I've got one in 9mm but the trigger guard raps my middle finger knuckle. I think a different grip will cure that. I think mine is a 1990s vintage.

My first gun for 24 will be Girsan's aluminum framed Hi Power with red dot cut and light rail.
 
No purchases planned for 2024. If I build an AR pistol on a stripped lower that I acquired pre-2024, would that qualify?

Already have and enjoy very much an SP101. :)

index.php
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Just a nice clean, pre-MIM SP-101
View attachment 1187470
View attachment 1187471

Got to shoot it too, along with my new/old 5" Model 10-
View attachment 1187473

The Smith shot like a dream.
The Ruger, not so much.

The trigger was very light for an SP, so I suspect someone has worked on it, though I didn't get any ignition failures. The problem was it kept shooting very high/right and fast, accurate DA shots for me were, well- challenging would be generous.

So bottom line, I was shooting the gun unacceptably bad. I'm going to try some new grips, but otherwise this one may not stay long.....

Oh well, sure is pretty though. 😁
Click to expand...
I sold my first DAO SP101 2.25" 357 after getting frustrated with not being able to shoot it accurately. Later I bought a DA/SA SP101 2.25"early 173 prefix pre mim like yours. First trip to the range I shot it single action for a while until I was confident it was accurate. Then I moved to slow double action and I shot it much better than I had the other SP. I didn't know if it was me or the 1st gun that was at fault first time(probably me) around but they're not an easy gun to master. Not me fun for me with 357s either.
 
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HPJeep said:
When did Ruger use MIM on the SP series? I've got one in 9mm but the trigger guard raps my middle finger knuckle. I think a different grip will cure that. I think mine is a 1990s vintage.

My first gun for 24 will be Girsan's aluminum framed Hi Power with red dot cut and light rail.
Click to expand...
2014-ish I believe.
Edit/correction- I found a few threads about it on Ruger Forums. The MIM triggers started showing up in early 2011 and the hammers had followed suit by the end of the year.

That would make sense since I got my first SP in '12 and it had the MIM bits.

You can also kinda tell the age of an SP by the machining of the blast shield below the cylinder release button. The first guns had this area fully relieved, but mid-production had a rather rough grind down to the corner of the frame window, along with a long, ugly channel drilled upwards for the button retaining pin.
The newest series appear to be laser-milled in this area, with a much smoother, more finished appearance.
 
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I really like the SP101s. Owned a total of 5, and currently have 3. Never had one with the bobbed hammer. If one popped up at a good price, I'd probably grab it. Gun show this weekend, so who knows. Congrats Nightlord40k
 
bd193 said:
I have to pick up my new 2024 guns tomorrow. Got a Bergara competition 6mm creedmoor, and a Ruger precision 300 prc. I think I have an addiction.
Click to expand...
you know Ruger has the American V2 now! SLICK in a .300 Blk with suppressor
 
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