Customer Reviews for Ruger SP101 Spurless Hammer 357 Magnum Revolver

Excellent little gun. But let's start with the bad news. First, it's heavy. Built like a tank, and weighs as much...for its size, anyway. Because of this, the SP101 is not a good pocket gun. Nor is it really fit for firing from a pocket--it has an exposed, though bobbed, hammer. It can easily be drawn from a coat pocket, but shooting it from inside a coat pocket is chancy, because material can get snagged between the frame and hammer. Also, the trigger is a bit heavy. It's a good, smooth trigger, with a predictable break...but heavy. Luckily, that is easily remedied by replacing the hammer spring (instructions online, parts from Wolff Gunsprings). Or, if you have more patience and want to build some finger strength, you can dry-fire the gun a thousand times or two, and the trigger lightens up and smooths out. (I did both, and the trigger is great, now.) On the bright side, it's heavy. Built like a tank, and weighs as much...for its size anyway. This means that when you're shooting full power .357 Magnum loads, a lot of the recoil gets soaked up by the heavy frame. You feel it, certainly, but it doesn't hurt. For comparison, I've got an S&W 340PD, which is also a .357 Magnum, but weighs only 12 ounces. *That* HURTS to shoot. Also helping to tame the recoil are the Crimson Trace LaserGrips, which do a great job in helping you to grip the gun firmly and comfortably, and aim it quickly and easily. I did have to sight in the laser when I first got the gun, but it was easy to do, and the tools are included. I am extremely happy with this gun, and would definitely buy it again. In fact, I just might buy another one...