What to do with SP101

General Firearms Handguns - Revolvers
1

Before I go into this if it has already been posted elsewhere I apologize (my search-fu has been weak today)

I am the owner of a 2.25" bbl Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum and I am having trouble finding a use for it at this point. It is a wonderful firearm (after a little work). Unfortunately I have found the role of backup gun filled by my J frame and the role as my main carry piece is soon to be taken over by a G19.

I really like this little firearm (as it was my first and holds sentimental value) but I hate wasting safe space on a gun that doesn’t get regular use.

So my question is, if you were in my shoes what would you do with the SP101?

Thanks in advance.

2

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The neat things about guns is they don’t “spoil”. If it has sentimental value, keep it. Ain’t like it is an FIE or something.

Just keep some ammo onhand for it. A gun without ammo is useless and an SP101 is a useful gun. Load it and keep it on top of a bookcase … JIC.

But maybe it’s just me…

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3

Normally, I say ditch it if it’s not getting used. However, I do understand sentimental value, and even wish I still had my very first firearm. The fact that I no longer own it due to the fault of others probably helps with that.
So while the SP101 certainly doesn’t take up much room in the safe, if it isn’t giving you any joy owning it, then it’s not worth keeping around.

4

They are a solid little gun–although I prefer the 3" barrels and they do benefit from lighter springs. Unless you need to convert it to cash or use it for trading stock I find that getting rid of serviceable guns doesn’t pay over the long haul. It’ll probably appreciate over time (or at least stay even with inflation!) and they come in handy aas a loaner. If times get rough something like that can be worth its weight in gold to somebody. And it will definitely last longer than you do.

As mentioned, if it were a Taurus or something the story would be different.

5

Shoot, some people even hang into kidney stones. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

-Chris-

6

Do what I did with my SS SP101, hung it in my safe next to my other pistols. I purchased it when they came out years ago so I am going to hang onto mine

7

Personally I’d hang onto it to use as a training gun. Going to a snub class with an airweight just plain sucks after awhile, even with non +P ammo.

I used to have a S&W 640 that I got rid of after getting a 642, now I wish I still had the 640 to use for training.

8

Hang onto it. You never know if you might need a loaner to someone who isn’t a gun person and needs something dead nuts simple and reliable.

9

I have an SP101, too.

The only real reason that I have it, is because I wanted one.

Don’t get rid of it, you’ll always regret it.

Although it’s a bit heavy for pocket carry, it works in a coat pocket when your primary is under a few layers during the winter.

10

Unless you’re really strapped for cash,keep it! You’ll regret it if you don’t. Speaking from experience.:smiley:

11

Snubbies are like multi-tools and flashlights. You just can’t have too many stashed away.

12

Ditto, it doesn’t take up that much space.

13

You can’t really sell it for that much anyway. I’d keep it as a beater gun.

Nothing wrong with shooting something a little different every now and then.

14

Are you into camping/hiking/outdoors activities? A .357 of that size is a good tool to have with you in the woods. It’s no .44, but it’ll take care of most of the larger critters you may encounter in North America should the need arise.

Besides that, a good revolver is just always good to have around.

15

I’ve got a 2.25" SP101 that I just mailed off to Gemini Customs to get dolled up. I love that little gun and can’t wait to get the new, improved version back.

16

I say keep it, you never know when some situation will pop up that it can fill that role. Recent experience has shown this to me, I had an old J-fram sitting in the safe also that got no use and then my mother and father in-law decided that they needed something to have on hand for defense because they were growing more concerned with the recent current events going on but dont have alot of spare income. Long story short I ended up giving them the J-frame as a gift, since something is better than what they had, which was nothing.

It is getting put to good use and it is staying in the family. Just my .02 cents.

17

Great choice! Marc does fantastic work:

For the OP - I kept the -101 for my wife to have when I couldn’t get her to go to the range with a traditional semi-auto pistol I felt comfortable using / carrying and practice. It’s about as simple as it can get.

Cheers,
Pk

18

After a while, you will regret selling it… Keep it !

19

I just wanted to thank everyone for their prompt and helpful responses. I have no clue what must have possessed me that evening, but I will definitely be following the masses on this one and keeping the Ruger. Maybe I’ll even have Ruger put the 3" barrel on it and use it for a hiking/camping gun. Who knows, either way it wont be going anywhere for a long time.

Thanks again. :slight_smile:

20

Good call.

My wife bought me a 3” SP101 for Christmas last year and I really like it so far. I have never been real big on wheel guns but the 101 seems to be a good compromise between a J-frame and a full sized revolver. I have not carried it out on the town but I have carried it a good bit in the woods. Should be more than enough to handle any of the 4 legged pests that I might bump into.