Ruger SP101 Range Report, Wife getting CCW, and Primer Pressure Question
I apologize for this somewhat rambling multi-topic post, but here goes. Earlier in the week I picked up a new Ruger SP101 in 357 mag. Today, I had a chance to get it to the range for the first time. Also, todays visit to the range was kinda unique in that my wife who has recently decided to get her concealed carry permit accompanied me, and we are trying to decide what type/model firearm would best suit her. Right now we are deciding between a Glock 26 (a G26 is what I carry, and I have a second which isn’t being used.), and the new Ruger SP101 (I doubt she could handle an Airweight 642 with self-defense ammo). So, we take the guns to the range, and must say that I really like the SP101. Earlier in the week, I had picked up a S&W 340 M&P, and after a couple of range trips, had decided that recoil was just too much to shoot regularly with any pleasure. The SP101 in contrast is a pleasure to shoot with 38 Special practice and 158gr FBI load +P ammo. It is not at all uncomfortable with the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain short barrel 357 mag ammo which is the load I plan to carry in this gun. I also shot some Federal 158 Hydrashock hollowpoints out of the Ruger, and although recoil was “stout”, it was still tolerable. In contrast, I couldn’t bring myself to shoot a 5 round cylinder full of these in the S&W. The trigger on the Ruger was pretty nice in my opinion, long but smooth. Single action fire was very nice also. I bought the model with the hammer spur because I want to have fun with this gun at the range, as well as use it for possible CCW/woods gun. Anyway, the only issue that I noticed with the Ruger was that the 357 Magnum rounds seemed to somewhat flatten the primers when fired. Not drastically, but visually different in comparison to the 38 Special ammo, which wasn’t flattened at all. This was true of both the Federal and Speer ammo. The breech face is somewhat rough on the Ruger, and you can also see the imprint of this on the primer. Is this normal? I’ve posted a picture below. The round on the left is one of the flattened primers, with the lines. The one on the right was fired by the S&W 340 M&P, and it doesn’t appear flattened to me. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me if this is normal.
As far as my wife choosing a gun, she likes both. She shot the Ruger better, which was a big surprise to me. The Glock is a very accurate gun. She claims to have no preference for the "feel" of either gun. She likes the Glock better, I think due to number of rounds, and ability to shoot more quickly, as well as faster reload. That said, she isn't opposed to carry the Ruger, and she shot it noticably better. Recoil wise, it was a toss up, both noticable to her, but neither bad, and both within acceptable limits. Again, I kind of like the idea of a small J-frame for her, but I think the Ruger is much easier to shoot. Also, she plans to pick up a purse with a gun pocket as mode of carry. Not the best idea, I know, but she is small framed, and I don't see her carrying it any other way, except maybe a fanny pack. Anyway, thanks for any feedback, I'm really curious about the primers, and for anyone looking at the Ruger SP101, I'd say go for it. It is a nice little gun. Same for the G26.
I apologize for this somewhat rambling multi-topic post, but here goes. Earlier in the week I picked up a new Ruger SP101 in 357 mag. Today, I had a chance to get it to the range for the first time. Also, todays visit to the range was kinda unique in that my wife who has recently decided to get her concealed carry permit accompanied me, and we are trying to decide what type/model firearm would best suit her. Right now we are deciding between a Glock 26 (a G26 is what I carry, and I have a second which isn’t being used.), and the new Ruger SP101 (I doubt she could handle an Airweight 642 with self-defense ammo). So, we take the guns to the range, and must say that I really like the SP101. Earlier in the week, I had picked up a S&W 340 M&P, and after a couple of range trips, had decided that recoil was just too much to shoot regularly with any pleasure. The SP101 in contrast is a pleasure to shoot with 38 Special practice and 158gr FBI load +P ammo. It is not at all uncomfortable with the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain short barrel 357 mag ammo which is the load I plan to carry in this gun. I also shot some Federal 158 Hydrashock hollowpoints out of the Ruger, and although recoil was “stout”, it was still tolerable. In contrast, I couldn’t bring myself to shoot a 5 round cylinder full of these in the S&W. The trigger on the Ruger was pretty nice in my opinion, long but smooth. Single action fire was very nice also. I bought the model with the hammer spur because I want to have fun with this gun at the range, as well as use it for possible CCW/woods gun. Anyway, the only issue that I noticed with the Ruger was that the 357 Magnum rounds seemed to somewhat flatten the primers when fired. Not drastically, but visually different in comparison to the 38 Special ammo, which wasn’t flattened at all. This was true of both the Federal and Speer ammo. The breech face is somewhat rough on the Ruger, and you can also see the imprint of this on the primer. Is this normal? I’ve posted a picture below. The round on the left is one of the flattened primers, with the lines. The one on the right was fired by the S&W 340 M&P, and it doesn’t appear flattened to me. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me if this is normal.
As far as my wife choosing a gun, she likes both. She shot the Ruger better, which was a big surprise to me. The Glock is a very accurate gun. She claims to have no preference for the "feel" of either gun. She likes the Glock better, I think due to number of rounds, and ability to shoot more quickly, as well as faster reload. That said, she isn't opposed to carry the Ruger, and she shot it noticably better. Recoil wise, it was a toss up, both noticable to her, but neither bad, and both within acceptable limits. Again, I kind of like the idea of a small J-frame for her, but I think the Ruger is much easier to shoot. Also, she plans to pick up a purse with a gun pocket as mode of carry. Not the best idea, I know, but she is small framed, and I don't see her carrying it any other way, except maybe a fanny pack. Anyway, thanks for any feedback, I'm really curious about the primers, and for anyone looking at the Ruger SP101, I'd say go for it. It is a nice little gun. Same for the G26.
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