When did the SP-101 first be chamberd in .357?

Deaf Smith · February 8, 2013, 09:25 PM

I picked up a SP-101, in .38 Spl. with Sn 570-0xxxx, apparently one of the first runs. $319, tax included.

But when did they first change over to .357? Second year or third?

Thanks,

Deaf

Nanuk · February 8, 2013, 10:25 PM

It was 1988, have no idea on SN.

Deaf Smith · February 9, 2013, 05:43 PM

Production didn't start till 1989.

http://www.ruger.com/service/product.../RE-SP101.html

Ah.. I found it.

1989 SP101 released and chambered in 38 Special only
~1991 SP101 changed to use .357 but only 125gr bullets due to cylinder length
~1992 SP101 frame and cylinder lengthened to use all .357 ammo.

So the .38 version was only produced for 2 years. And that is why I see them for $600. Good, I just bought one, first year prod, at a pawn shop for $319, tax included. And at the range, it shot dead on!

Thanks,

Deaf

Armybrat · February 9, 2013, 08:35 PM

Bought my SP101 .357 new in 1993 - #571-41XX

Sweet little magnum, built like the proverbial tank.

Nanuk · February 10, 2013, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Production didn't start till 1989.

Beats me I could swear I looked at one in a Gun shop in 1988 while at the BP academy that had a 38 length cylinder and was chambered in 357.

GP100man · February 10, 2013, 08:41 AM

Here`s my 3" 38 first yr. 101, as I understand it only 700 3"s were produced in `89, but I have `bout 340 in it .

It has turned into my everyday carry peice with the help of a MTR IWB holster.

Jim March · February 10, 2013, 06:29 PM

Right, the earliest ones had a 38-length cylinder but it was strong enough for 357Mag, just not long enough for the heavierweight rounds. Incidentally, the 125gr all-copper hollowpoints will not work in those early SP101 "357" guns as the round is longer than normal for a 125 (copper is less dense than lead).

The 2nd gen types have a longer frame and cylinder and are true 357s.

ALSO: there were 38s produced on the long frame too, for sales overseas where the 357 is banned and for some security and police contracts. I believe the 38Spl SP101 is still cataloged - if not batches are still made for those special purposes and over-runs hit the market.

Deaf Smith · February 11, 2013, 10:29 PM

Thanks Jim.

I saw at a gun show a Ruger GP-100 3 inch adjustable sighted revolver in .38 Special. Might heavy for .38s but I bet it was for overseas to.

Would have liked it but $500+ I just could not justify a .38 at that price unless it was a Colt or older S&W.

Deaf

February 8, 2013, 09:25 PM	#1
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	When did the SP-101 first be chamberd in .357? I picked up a SP-101, in .38 Spl. with Sn 570-0xxxx, apparently one of the first runs. $319, tax included. But when did they first change over to .357? Second year or third? Thanks, Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

February 8, 2013, 10:25 PM	#2
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	It was 1988, have no idea on SN. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

February 9, 2013, 05:43 PM	#3
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Production didn't start till 1989. http://www.ruger.com/service/product.../RE-SP101.html Ah.. I found it. 1989 SP101 released and chambered in 38 Special only ~1991 SP101 changed to use .357 but only 125gr bullets due to cylinder length ~1992 SP101 frame and cylinder lengthened to use all .357 ammo. So the .38 version was only produced for 2 years. And that is why I see them for $600. Good, I just bought one, first year prod, at a pawn shop for $319, tax included. And at the range, it shot dead on! Thanks, Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

February 10, 2013, 08:41 AM	#6
GP100man Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2007 Location: Tabor City , NC. Posts: 1,969	Here`s my 3" 38 first yr. 101, as I understand it only 700 3"s were produced in `89, but I have `bout 340 in it . It has turned into my everyday carry peice with the help of a MTR IWB holster. __________________ GP100man

February 10, 2013, 06:29 PM	#7
Jim March Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 1999 Location: Pittsburg, CA, USA Posts: 7,417	Right, the earliest ones had a 38-length cylinder but it was strong enough for 357Mag, just not long enough for the heavierweight rounds. Incidentally, the 125gr all-copper hollowpoints will not work in those early SP101 "357" guns as the round is longer than normal for a 125 (copper is less dense than lead). The 2nd gen types have a longer frame and cylinder and are true 357s. ALSO: there were 38s produced on the long frame too, for sales overseas where the 357 is banned and for some security and police contracts. I believe the 38Spl SP101 is still cataloged - if not batches are still made for those special purposes and over-runs hit the market. __________________ Jim March

February 9, 2013, 08:35 PM	#4
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	Bought my SP101 .357 new in 1993 - #571-41XX Sweet little magnum, built like the proverbial tank.

February 11, 2013, 10:29 PM	#8
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Thanks Jim. I saw at a gun show a Ruger GP-100 3 inch adjustable sighted revolver in .38 Special. Might heavy for .38s but I bet it was for overseas to. Would have liked it but $500+ I just could not justify a .38 at that price unless it was a Colt or older S&W. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides