First range trip with a new Ruger SP-101 in .327 Federal

[Jason_W]

I’m liking it so far. I ran some factory .327 Federal loads (85 grain American Eagle) as well as some .32 H&R 100 grain wadcutter handloads powered by a small charge of Red Dot for an estimated velocity of around 700 FPS.

The .32 H&R loads were pleasant cat sneezes while the full magnums were a bit of a handful (though not nearly on the level of a full power .357 mag load). Holy crap are they LOUD though. Even with earmuffs on they were borderline uncomfortable and I could feel the pressure in my face.

One concern I had was that the trigger wasn’t resetting quickly sometimes and was hanging up in the pulled position. That may have something to do with the fact that I didn’t clean it before its maiden range session. I’m going to take the grips off tomorrow and blast it down with break free. Hopefully that solves the problem.

My groups certainly weren’t award winning, but I hadn’t fired a handgun in nearly a decade before today, so I was psyched that I was able to get all rounds on a bad guy sized target out to 20 yards.

 

[troy fairweather]

nice gun good luck with it.

 

[RealGun]

I’m liking it so far. I ran some factory .327 Federal loads (85 grain American Eagle) as well as some .32 H&R 100 grain wadcutter handloads powered by a small charge of Red Dot for an estimated velocity of around 700 FPS.

The .32 H&R loads were pleasant cat sneezes while the full magnums were a bit of a handful (though not nearly on the level of a full power .357 mag load). Holy crap are they LOUD though. Even with earmuffs on they were borderline uncomfortable and I could feel the pressure in my face.

One concern I had was that the trigger wasn’t resetting quickly sometimes and was hanging up in the pulled position. That may have something to do with the fact that I didn’t clean it before its maiden range session. I’m going to take the grips off tomorrow and blast it down with break free. Hopefully that solves the problem.

My groups certainly weren’t award winning, but I hadn’t fired a handgun in nearly a decade before today, so I was psyched that I was able to get all rounds on a bad guy sized target out to 20 yards.

Do you reload? There is a range of possibilities, including a subsonic round that is still more powerful than the wildest 32 H&R.

 

[somethingbenign]

Glad you enjoy it. As I mentioned before I run both muffs and plugs for ear pro when I'm shooting indoors with my 327. Really helps with the noise and the flinch I developed because of it. I haven't noticed any issues with my trigger but I've been focusing of slow deliberate pulls since I'm new to revolvers, maybe when I speed up I'll see something.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

A SP101 is not hard to tear down and clean. YouTube can help if you want to give it a deep cleaning.

Just don't pull the trigger with the trigger assembly removed! The springs are a bitch to get back together properly if you do that and they can go flying.

 

[Monac]

Thanks for writing this, Jason W. I like 32 revolvers. Apparently the accuracy was nothing to complain about?

 

[SeanSw]

We had a factory new SP101 that was sticky as well. There was some rust on the hammer dog causing a lot of hangups. I suggest you disassemble it and clean it well, that should clear it up.

 

[Rodentman]

I enjoy my SP101 in .327 but I reserve the Fed Mag rounds for the GP100. Reloading gives lots of options of course.

 

[cheygriz]

After cleaning, lube that trigger assembly well with a dry lube like EEZox or Dryslide.

It will make a difference!

 

[Armybrat]

Gotta have a pic...

 

[FROGO207]

Jason W You got a great revolver there. I like the 327 FED. I converted a Ruger Blackhawk to 327 for target shooting and really love the round. I am thinking of getting one like yours myself next spring. Yeah reloading is the thing for shooting it inexpensively and loading the power you want. The trigger problem may get better with some cleaning/use but if it persists I would send it back for them to remedy.

 

[stonebuster]

I've been told by a few SP 101 owners that the trigger spring channel often needs to be deburred on new SPs. If you choose to return it to Ruger they will send you a prepaid shipping label, repair the gun and get it back to you at no charge usually 7-10 days tops. I sent mine in for repair recently and they received it last Monday and I got it back on Friday, fixed at no charge.

 

[sequins]

When I got my first sp101 the trigger exhibited the exact symptom you're describing. I removed the trigger assembly per the field strip instructions and hosed it in CLP, reassembled, and dry fired it a bunch and the problem was 100% resolved.

They ship completely unlubrucated apparently.

 

[SwampWolf]

One concern I had was that the trigger wasn’t resetting quickly sometimes and was hanging up in the pulled position. That may have something to do with the fact that I didn’t clean it before its maiden range session. I’m going to take the grips off tomorrow and blast it down with break free. Hopefully that solves the problem.

Problem solved? A simple "fix" never seems to work out for me-hope it did for you.

 

[Jason_W]

Problem solved? A simple "fix" never seems to work out for me-hope it did for you.

I actually haven’t had a chance for another range trip yet. I have the next few days off, so hopefully I can work in another range session.

 

[Frulk]

Great acquisition and sounds like you're a reloader. That will help significantly in the .327 FM getting its teeth into you nice and deep as it will preclude the sticker shock and hassle of hunting for and finding (on occasion) store bought ammo. The .327 is nothing short of a laser. I shoot torso sized plate steel at 100 yards standing with my SP101 and get a satisfying ring fairly routinely for my efforts.

It should be mentioned that lately the .327 FM seems to be picking up some steam particularly with Ruger's help. Last time I looked Ruger was making the SP101, Single 7 in 3 barrel lengths, the GP100 in two barrel lengths, and the Single 7 with a birds head grip. Add to that Henry releasing it this year in 3 different rifle versions and it seems that little hot rod is on a roll. Now I'd love to see Marlin bring it out in a tapered octagon barreled Cowboy.

The particular SP101 below was unoptanium 3-4 years ago when I picked it up. Walked into a local mom and pop gun shop and it was under the glass for $545.00. I'd been looking for one for 2 years straight before that and the only ones I saw were on internet gun sites and selling for close to $900 or a little north of there when they came up.

 

[lincen]

Great acquisition and sounds like you're a reloader. That will help significantly in the .327 FM getting its teeth into you nice and deep as it will preclude the sticker shock and hassle of hunting for and finding (on occasion) store bought ammo. The .327 is nothing short of a laser. I shoot torso sized plate steel at 100 yards standing with my SP101 and get a satisfying ring fairly routinely for my efforts.

It should be mentioned that lately the .327 FM seems to be picking up some steam particularly with Ruger's help. Last time I looked Ruger was making the SP101, Single 7 in 3 barrel lengths, the GP100 in two barrel lengths, and the Single 7 with a birds head grip. Add to that Henry releasing it this year in 3 different rifle versions and it seems that little hot rod is on a roll. Now I'd love to see Marlin bring it back in a tapered octagon barreled Cowboy.

The particular SP101 below was unoptanium 3-4 years ago when I picked it up. Walked into a local mom and pop gun shop and it was under the glass for $545.00. I'd been looking for one for 2 years straight before that and the only ones I saw were on internet gun sites and selling for close to $900 or a little north of there when they came up.

View attachment 818382

Ruger also makes the LCR and LCRx in 327 FM. I’m really deep into the 327 FM and 32 H&R magnum. Probably shoot the GP100 seven round, LCR, and the Single Seven birdshead the most ! Even bought a John Wayne and Last Cowboy in 32 H&R. It’s neat to watch the change in point of impact change as you go from 32 S&W longs to the 327 FMs in the same gun.

 

[Texas10mm]

I'm going to go to the bench today and reload another 200 .327 Fed Mag rounds. I wanted one for years and the Single Seven is awesome. I'm already planning on picking up a Ruger DA revolver in the same. Ideally I'd like one of the new Henry single shots in .327 Federal.

 

[somethingbenign]

Ruger also makes the LCR and LCRx in 327 FM.

Everywhere I look the LCR is out of stock in the 327, sent Ruger a message asking when they expect to be shipping more out. Could be a sign that the 327 is gaining in popularity or that Ruger is cutting their loses but I doubt that with how many other offerings they have in 327. Also my LGS's suppliers just sold out of Lee 32 H&R dies before I could order a set, my gut is it is picking up traction.

 

[Armybrat]

 

[WestKentucky]

Do you reload? There is a range of possibilities, including a subsonic round that is still more powerful than the wildest 32 H&R.

You sir have my attention. What load are you speaking of?

 

[RealGun]

You sir have my attention. What load are you speaking of?

327 brass, 4.5 gr Power Pistol, 100 gr Xtreme LRNFP, rated subsonic. Source is Brian Pearce's Handloader article, when the Single Sevens were introduced. My SP101 carry load in lieu of wearing hearing protection.

 

[Jason_W]

I got back to the range today and it turns out the gun just needed a good cleaning. I took the grips off this morning and blasted everything down with break free. That seems to have fixed the problem of the trigger sticking.

 

[Frulk]

Good to hear. SP101's are like little anvils and should hold up well to the abuse full house .327's will give them over their lifetime.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

When I got my first sp101 the trigger exhibited the exact symptom you're describing. I removed the trigger assembly per the field strip instructions and hosed it in CLP, reassembled, and dry fired it a bunch and the problem was 100% resolved.

They ship completely unlubrucated apparently.

I had the same thing happen also the cylinder would bind up after a 100 rounds or so And as long as it was apart I put wolf springs in it thousands of rounds down range now and no issues