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General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Nostayhome on December 25, 2019, 05:52:29 PM

Title: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Nostayhome on December 25, 2019, 05:52:29 PM
I’m thinking about picking up a 9mm revolver. I was considering getting the Ruger SP101 and was wondering if anyone here has one? If so, could you tell me the pros and cons or if there is another company/model I should look at.
Thank you ahead of time and Merry Christmas..
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 26, 2019, 07:20:20 AM
I’m thinking about picking up a 9mm revolver. I was considering getting the Ruger SP101 and was wondering if anyone here has one? If so, could you tell me the pros and cons or if there is another company/model I should look at.
Thank you ahead of time and Merry Christmas..
I like 9mm revolvers and I own a couple of them. I feel the 9mm cartridge offers some advantages in velocity and power out of a short barrel over the .38 Special. But with the advent of new bullet design and new ammo loaded specifically for short barrels, my opinion is not as valid as it used to be.

I used to own one many many years ago and sold it. When I sold it, I didn’t like it. It was accurate enough and concealable enough. The problem for me was that it cut into my hand when fired. It has a smaller grip and I have a larger hand. Because it is a smaller revolver and lighter it has a bit of a snap when fired especially +P rounds. I even tried putting Hogue grips on it. While it helped, I still didn’t care for it.

Fast forward 20 or so years. With all that said, my nephew in CAL has one from the same time as the one I owned. And last time I was there I fired it and I want one again. I offered to buy his but he doesn’t want to sell it. So I will consider a new one since they are making them again. I don’t know why I like them again. Maybe mine had a sharp edge or maybe with the +P ammo it was just enough to turn me off to it. It was so long ago I don’t recall exactly.

The originals were in stainless only. The new ones also come in blue now. That might reduce the price a bit. I have not seen one in blue in person but the photos make it look like Ruger did a nice job on the polishing and blueing. If it fits your hand well, balances well and the trigger pull is acceptable to you, I would not hesitate to buy any Ruger revolver. Just remember that using 9mm cartridges requires using moon clips. Or I made a poker to poke out the cases after being fired. If you use moonclips I suggest you get the tool that makes loading and unloading moonclips easier. What I do is buy a shitload of moonclips and load them all up before I leave for the range. Then I don’t have to spend as much time unloading and reloading the clips at the range. I also prefer using moonclips to using a speedloader for my speed reloads.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: macsak on December 26, 2019, 09:00:11 AM
Just remember that using 9mm cartridges requires using moon clips. Or I made a poker to poke out the cases after being fired. If you use moonclips I suggest you get the tool that makes loading and unloading moonclips easier. What I do is buy a shitload of moonclips and load them all up before I leave for the range. Then I don’t have to spend as much time unloading and reloading the clips at the range. I also prefer using moonclips to using a speedloader for my speed reloads.

clips
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 26, 2019, 09:05:17 AM
clips (Moon)
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Nostayhome on December 26, 2019, 09:41:21 AM
Mahalo Inspector
That’s the kind of feedback I was looking for. I didn’t know the 9mm version came blued so I’ll be on the lookout for one!
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 26, 2019, 02:27:27 PM
Mahalo Inspector
That’s the kind of feedback I was looking for. I didn’t know the 9mm version came blued so I’ll be on the lookout for one!
Sorry, my mistake. The blued version is only available in .357.  :shaka:
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: stangzilla on December 26, 2019, 02:46:27 PM
Pros - it's a Ruger
Cons - it's not 357  ;D

Just kidding. Like Inspector said, out of short barrel the 9mm does very well.
I dont own one, but I shot one , and was very manageable to shoot
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: groveler on December 26, 2019, 03:01:34 PM
I like 9mm revolvers and I own a couple of them. I feel the 9mm cartridge offers some advantages in velocity and power out of a short barrel over the .38 Special. But with the advent of new bullet design and new ammo loaded specifically for short barrels, my opinion is not as valid as it used to be.

I used to own one many many years ago and sold it. When I sold it, I didn’t like it. It was accurate enough and concealable enough. The problem for me was that it cut into my hand when fired. It has a smaller grip and I have a larger hand. Because it is a smaller revolver and lighter it has a bit of a snap when fired especially +P rounds. I even tried putting Hogue grips on it. While it helped, I still didn’t care for it.

Fast forward 20 or so years. With all that said, my nephew in CAL has one from the same time as the one I owned. And last time I was there I fired it and I want one again. I offered to buy his but he doesn’t want to sell it. So I will consider a new one since they are making them again. I don’t know why I like them again. Maybe mine had a sharp edge or maybe with the +P ammo it was just enough to turn me off to it. It was so long ago I don’t recall exactly.

The originals were in stainless only. The new ones also come in blue now. That might reduce the price a bit. I have not seen one in blue in person but the photos make it look like Ruger did a nice job on the polishing and blueing. If it fits your hand well, balances well and the trigger pull is acceptable to you, I would not hesitate to buy any Ruger revolver. Just remember that using 9mm cartridges requires using moon clips. Or I made a poker to poke out the cases after being fired. If you use moonclips I suggest you get the tool that makes loading and unloading moonclips easier. What I do is buy a shitload of moonclips and load them all up before I leave for the range. Then I don’t have to spend as much time unloading and reloading the clips at the range. I also prefer using moonclips to using a speedloader for my speed reloads.
Since I have a S&W model 940 SS 9mm, I'll limit my comments to "moon" clips.
Like Inspector I also prefer using moonclips to using a speedloader for my speed reloads.
Buy extra moonclips, as  they do bend.  I wasn't aware a tool was available to load the clip up.
Moon clips are a pain but they do allow you to mix and match semi auto and revolvers.
So I would not hesitate to buy a 9mm revolver.


Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 26, 2019, 03:09:02 PM
Pros - it's a Ruger
Cons - it's not 357  ;D

Just kidding. Like Inspector said, out of short barrel the 9mm does very well.
I dont own one, but I shot one , and was very manageable to shoot
Yeah, but .357 does so much better than .38 SPL or 9mm. In the SP101 it is a bit of a handful for me. Especially the hotter loads. Not that it hurts so much but it is much slower to get back on target. Which is why I like 9mm in the short barreled smaller revolvers. Easier shooting and quicker to get back on target for me.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Nostayhome on December 26, 2019, 06:08:18 PM
Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the input.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: stangzilla on December 27, 2019, 08:21:07 AM
Yeah, but .357 does so much better than .38 SPL or 9mm. In the SP101 it is a bit of a handful for me. Especially the hotter loads. Not that it hurts so much but it is much slower to get back on target. Which is why I like 9mm in the short barreled smaller revolvers. Easier shooting and quicker to get back on target for me.

I agree.  out of a short barrel, don't really enjoy shooting 357mag that much.  that's why I got my LCR in 38sp.  the sp101 may be a little better on recoil but its still a smaller frame revolver, not much to hang on to.  I don't own any 9mm firearms, but if I did this sp101 in 9mm would be one to consider.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: drck1000 on December 27, 2019, 10:28:20 AM
I recall there being some function and/or reliability issues with 9 mm revolvers. I know one issue was the casing meant for semi-autos sometimes being harder to seat in the cylinder consistently.  I believe most were ok with moon clips though.

My personal fav revolvers are .357 Mag with 4-6” barrels. With the pricing of 9 mm ammo and what I usually have anyways, I’ve thought about 9 mm revolvers here and there.

Good luck with your search! Hope you find a good deal on one!
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: 6716J on December 27, 2019, 11:18:09 AM
Get em while they're hot

https://www.guns.com/news/2019/12/24/ruger-debuts-new-9mm-gp100-competition-revolver?fbclid=IwAR0r3XjrOMzQBgxaO5ybnQWb6yWckLSGQmrLXzqXllMt175PZpMM6k91Bmk

(https://news.guns.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Ruger-Debuts-New-9mm-Super-GP100-Competition-Revolver.jpg)
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: drck1000 on December 27, 2019, 11:53:16 AM
Get em while they're hot

https://www.guns.com/news/2019/12/24/ruger-debuts-new-9mm-gp100-competition-revolver?fbclid=IwAR0r3XjrOMzQBgxaO5ybnQWb6yWckLSGQmrLXzqXllMt175PZpMM6k91Bmk

(https://news.guns.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Ruger-Debuts-New-9mm-Super-GP100-Competition-Revolver.jpg)
MSRP $1549! Wow!

I mean I bet it’s quality and worth $$$, but dang.

I’ll wait till Stang gets one.  ;D
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: dogman on December 27, 2019, 07:32:28 PM
I’m thinking about picking up a 9mm revolver. I was considering getting the Ruger SP101 and was wondering if anyone here has one? If so, could you tell me the pros and cons or if there is another company/model I should look at.
Thank you ahead of time and Merry Christmas..
My 9mm SP101 is far from my favorite revolver to shoot. It's a nice gun, shoots great, no issues, but I enjoy 38 special /.357 magnum out of a longer barrel more. My SP101 is in front of me right now (along with my P30) loaded with Gold Dots. If the situation presents itself, I can drop the Ruger in my pocket and walk out my front door. If I take the Ruger to the range I put maybe 20 rounds through it. The same day I probably will put 100 rounds each through my Mod 28, HK and Glock. If you are looking for a self defense revolver ;D ,the SP101 isn't a bad choice and that is the reason I bought it. If you are looking for a revolver that you can also have fun at the range with, my opinion is get a 38 special (should actually be called .357 special :shake:) or a .357 magnum.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Nostayhome on December 27, 2019, 07:52:57 PM
My 9mm SP101 is far from my favorite revolver to shoot. It's a nice gun, shoots great, no issues, but I enjoy 38 special /.357 magnum out of a longer barrel more. My SP101 is in front of me right now (along with my P30) loaded with Gold Dots. If the situation presents itself, I can drop the Ruger in my pocket and walk out my front door. If I take the Ruger to the range I put maybe 20 rounds through it. The same day I probably will put 100 rounds each through my Mod 28, HK and Glock. If you are looking for a self defense revolver ;D ,the SP101 isn't a bad choice and that is the reason I bought it. If you are looking for a revolver that you can also have fun at the range with, my opinion is get a 38 special (should actually be called .357 special :shake:) or a .357 magnum.

Mahalo Dogman
I do own a 5” 686 and do love the way it shoots. I was looking for a 3” barrel revolver for the range, self defense, and also something my wife can shoot. She held the 686 but it was way to heavy for her. She shot my glock 34 and cz P10c but she has a hard time manipulating the slide.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: drck1000 on December 27, 2019, 11:27:26 PM
My 9mm SP101 is far from my favorite revolver to shoot. It's a nice gun, shoots great, no issues, but I enjoy 38 special /.357 magnum out of a longer barrel more. My SP101 is in front of me right now (along with my P30) loaded with Gold Dots. If the situation presents itself, I can drop the Ruger in my pocket and walk out my front door. If I take the Ruger to the range I put maybe 20 rounds through it. The same day I probably will put 100 rounds each through my Mod 28, HK and Glock. If you are looking for a self defense revolver ;D ,the SP101 isn't a bad choice and that is the reason I bought it. If you are looking for a revolver that you can also have fun at the range with, my opinion is get a 38 special (should actually be called .357 special :shake:) or a .357 magnum.
Can I try your SP101? 🤔
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: stangzilla on December 28, 2019, 05:44:06 AM
Mahalo Dogman
I do own a 5” 686 and do love the way it shoots. I was looking for a 3” barrel revolver for the range, self defense, and also something my wife can shoot. She held the 686 but it was way to heavy for her. She shot my glock 34 and cz P10c but she has a hard time manipulating the slide.

I know this isn't the firearm in question, but I have a 3" GP100 Wiley Clapp. It's not much more than the normal GP100. But it can handle 357 magnum loads really well, the grip is plenty to hang on to. Great for range, defense, but it's too big to fit in the pocket, more of a OWB carry, IMO. I changed the Novak sight to fully adjustable Novak sight and looks like factory sight. Did the Wolff spring upgrade, which was easy to do, trigger is much better now. It's a great large frame 3" 357
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: stangzilla on December 28, 2019, 05:52:02 AM
MSRP $1549! Wow!

I mean I bet it’s quality and worth $$$, but dang.

I’ll wait till Stang gets one.  ;D

That's a lot of dough. I'm a Ruger fan but, that's stretching my wallet a bit. I'm gonna wait to see how the new Python turns out first  :D
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 28, 2019, 05:56:23 AM
My 9mm SP101 is far from my favorite revolver to shoot. It's a nice gun, shoots great, no issues, but I enjoy 38 special /.357 magnum out of a longer barrel more. My SP101 is in front of me right now (along with my P30) loaded with Gold Dots. If the situation presents itself, I can drop the Ruger in my pocket and walk out my front door. If I take the Ruger to the range I put maybe 20 rounds through it. The same day I probably will put 100 rounds each through my Mod 28, HK and Glock. If you are looking for a self defense revolver ;D ,the SP101 isn't a bad choice and that is the reason I bought it. If you are looking for a revolver that you can also have fun at the range with, my opinion is get a 38 special (should actually be called .357 special :shake:) or a .357 magnum.
This is a great analogy of the SP101.  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: dogman on December 28, 2019, 12:57:32 PM
Mahalo Dogman
I do own a 5” 686 and do love the way it shoots. I was looking for a 3” barrel revolver for the range, self defense, and also something my wife can shoot. She held the 686 but it was way to heavy for her. She shot my glock 34 and cz P10c but she has a hard time manipulating the slide.
Look at the S & W "K" frames in 38 special, Model 10 (the original M&P), 64,14,15,67, without the heavy barrel or Model 13, 19, 65, 66 in .357 (I'm a S&W fan).  :geekdanc: There is one S&W "K" frame in 9mm which was the most expensive revolver S&W produced in the early 80's, pretty much a collector's item now but I know a member who still shoots one  :worship:.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: Inspector on December 28, 2019, 01:17:17 PM
Look at the S & W "K" frames in 38 special, Model 10 (the original M&P), 64,14,15,67, without the heavy barrel or Model 13, 19, 65, 66 in .357 (I'm a S&W fan).  :geekdanc: There is one S&W "K" frame in 9mm which was the most expensive revolver S&W produced in the early 80's, pretty much a collector's item now but I know a member who still shoots one  :worship:.
My Model 10-6 has a reworked trigger, DAO with 3” heavy barrel and a nice re-crown. It started life as a SA/DA with 4” heavy barrel. Whoever owned it before me had all the work done to it and it was done very well. It took me quite a bit of practice to be able to shoot it acceptably due to it being DAO. I intend for this gun to be my carry gun after I move.

Speer Gold Dot makes ammo in .38 SPL specifically for short barrels.
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: drck1000 on December 30, 2019, 03:16:39 PM
Shot dogman's SP101 this past weekend and it was VERY NICE!  Nice trigger, quite mild recoil feel/feedback for such a short barrel, very compact size, and very easy to ring steel plates a little smaller than torso size at maybe 20 yards.  If there was a model that could shoot both .38 SPL and 9 mm, I'd be very interested in getting one.  Besides that, I could see my self owning an SP101 in 9 mm for many reasons.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: macsak on December 30, 2019, 03:23:52 PM
Shot dogman's SP101 this past weekend and it was VERY NICE!  Nice trigger, quite mild recoil feel/feedback for such a short barrel, very compact size, and very easy to ring steel plates a little smaller than torso size at maybe 20 yards.  If there was a model that could shoot both .38 SPL and 9 mm, I'd be very interested in getting one.  Besides that, I could see my self owning an SP101 in 9 mm for many reasons.   :thumbsup:

20 yards?
if they were as far as when I saw them, I think you are overestimating the length

and yes, that is what she said
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: drck1000 on December 30, 2019, 04:02:42 PM
20 yards?
if they were as far as when I saw them, I think you are overestimating the length

and yes, that is what she said
It paced off about there. . .

And I didn't know you spoke to wimmen. . .  ???  :rofl:
Title: Re: Sp101 9mm thoughts
Post by: macsak on December 30, 2019, 05:26:09 PM
It paced off about there. . .

And I didn't know you spoke to wimmen. . .  ???  :rofl:

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