$399 SP-101 at CDNN - .38 Special

[mmc45414]

These seem interesting, considering many folks are focused more on .38 these days:
https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-sp101r-38spl-3-inch-stainless.html#.XKh9vXdFyUk

No affiliation, just heads-up.

[RJ]

Dammit that is a smoking deal...

[mmc45414]

Dammit that is a smoking deal...I thought so too, I already have the 3" .357 or I would be thinking impure thoughts...

[camsdaddy]

I have not seen the 3” 38 special guns. I wonder if this was a special run? I’ve fired a few 357’s in a Sp101 and think 38 only would suit me well. This is very tempting.

[mmc45414]

I wonder if this was a special run?Probably, the lanyard loop is another unique feature.

[JonInWA]

I believe that they're surplus or an overrun from an order from the French Railroad Police. It is a superb deal-especially if you're primarily oriented toward .38 Special/.38 Special +P for carry anyhow.

The lanyard loop can be convenient for woods/riding/boating/bicycling use.

Best, Jon

[beenalongtime]

Is the lanyard loop, part of the frame, or part of the grips?

[mmc45414]

Is the lanyard loop, part of the frame, or part of the grips?Those are Hoge grips, and the ones I have that are identical have a screw in the bottom. I would be pretty certain the loop is the screw.

[Radar Love]

I believe that they're surplus or an overrun from an order from the French Railroad Police.

Looks like you're right! I did some googling & stared at a bunch of French butts and found some pictures:

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[BobM]

I’ve bought a few of those screws from Hogue. I use one on my 629 in a tree stand. I also like a lanyard when in my kayak.

[ralph]

That's the last thing I needed to see today.. I practice with my Match Champion in conjunction with shooting my DA/SA semi autos, but damn, I could see how that little pistol could be pertty handy, plus I'm already set up to load .38/.357... Damnit..ordered..

[HCM]

Looks like you're right! I did some googling & stared at a bunch of French butts and found some pictures:

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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_national_de_la_police_ferroviaire


The Service national de la police ferroviaire (National Railway Police Service), created on 27 June 2006,[1] is a service of the General Directorate of the French National Police of the Central Directorate of Border Police (DCPAF), with national jurisdiction. It is responsible for the safety of passengers and railway operators on the metropolitan rail network. It carries out its missions on board trains and at railway stations, some of which are included in the perimeter of priority safety zones (ZSP).

[ralph]

I guess it's a little late to ask but these are new pistols aren't they?

[Radar Love]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_national_de_la_police_ferroviaire

Thanks! I poked around on the French wiki (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BBret%C3%A9_ferroviaire#Armements) and looks like France regulates specific calibers police can use, so some departments were limited to .38 revolvers and 7,65mm pistols amended (https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=fr&sp=nmt4&u=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do%3FcidTexte%3DLEGITEXT00002550 3132%26idArticle%3DLEGIARTI000028286035&xid=17259,15700022,15700186,15700190,15700253,1570 0256,15700259&usg=ALkJrhjjRSzlBfHlgLT2wyupkqQF9clVlQ) to include 9mm in 2016. That might explain why these are up for sale.

edit: Looks like SUGE is switching to the P320. (https://actu17.fr/nouvelle-arme-de-service-agents-de-suge-police-ferroviaire/)

[ralph]

Looking at Ruger's website, this isn't listed (or at least I could'nt find it) So, this is possibly a non cataloged item?

[farscott]

According to this thread on RugerForum.net, these revolvers were from the contract run for the French Railway police mentioned above. https://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/362653-ruger-sp101-05776-what.html

It is a pretty good price as I remember buying my first SP-101 in 1995 for $318, including tax. The three-inch guns are always harder to find. If I was not busy blowing my gun budget on Arex Rex pistols, I would buy one of these.

[ralph]

According to this thread on RugerForum.net, these revolvers were from the contract run for the French Railway police mentioned above. https://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/362653-ruger-sp101-05776-what.html

It is a pretty good price as I remember buying my first SP-101 in 1995 for $318, including tax. The three-inch guns are always harder to find. If I was not busy blowing my gun budget on Arex Rex pistols, I would buy one of these.

So, does anybody know if these are NIB, or used? I guess I should've askec CDNN before I bought, the pics on their site show what apoears to be new pistols..I hoping that's the case..

[farscott]

So, does anybody know if these are NIB, or used? I guess I should've askec CDNN before I bought, the pics on their site show what apoears to be new pistols..I hoping that's the case..

CDNN is good about mentioning if a gun is used, so it is NIB. I expect these are just overruns from the contract that are being liquidated.

[ralph]

CDNN is good about mentioning if a gun is used, so it is NIB. I expect these are just overruns from the contract that are being liquidated.

Great ! These ought to be wonderful little shooters, I'm not real familar with Ruger frame sizes, (I only have a GP-100, Match Champion) would the SP101 be about the same size as a j frame or are they slightly larger?

[Duelist]

Great ! These ought to be wonderful little shooters, I'm not real familar with Ruger frame sizes, (I only have a GP-100, Match Champion) would the SP101 be about the same size as a j frame or are they slightly larger?

Slightly larger, more Colt D frame size.

[mmc45414]

Slightly larger, more Colt D frame size.Yes, as big as a D-Frame, but only five rounds, so hell for stout like Ruger tends to be.

[farscott]

Yes, as big as a D-Frame, but only five rounds, so hell for stout like Ruger tends to be.

Yup, the SP-101 is tough enough to shoot a steady diet of 158-grain .357 Magnum. It is not really a pocket revolver, so the three-inch version makes a ton of sense. About the only negative to the SP-101 is the factory trigger edges tend to abrade the trigger finger. A bit of file work solves that issue.

The gun comes apart quite simply with a screwdriver to release the grip frame from the cylinder frame and a pin (provided by Ruger) to capture the mainspring as the only tools needed. The grip frame stud allows lots of different grip sizes to work with the gun. I am partial to the original rubber boot grips with panel inserts that Ruger used back when the SP-101 was introduced.

[camsdaddy]

I found the trigger would rip my finger as well. I also prefer the original grips. I think my biggest concern is by the time I pay shipping and transfer and grip I’ll exceed the price of a used sp101.

[Duelist]

I found the trigger would rip my finger as well. I also prefer the original grips. I think my biggest concern is by the time I pay shipping and transfer and grip I’ll exceed the price of a used sp101.

You’ll have a brand new 3” .38 that will last the rest of your life.

[farscott]

I found the trigger would rip my finger as well. I also prefer the original grips. I think my biggest concern is by the time I pay shipping and transfer and grip I’ll exceed the price of a used sp101.

From a pure financial standpoint, the used SP-101 is the better way to go. Most used revolvers were shot little, so a used one is likely to be fine. But one does not see many three-inch SP-101 revolvers. For every three-inch revolver, I probably see ten or more of the snubbie models. These are also a great basis for a custom revolver. I think these are a good deal and if I had not purchased two pistols this week, I would likely have bought one of these contract-overrun SP-101 revolvers. If there are any left next month, I will get one then.

[ranger]

These seem interesting, considering many folks are focused more on .38 these days:
https://www.cdnnsports.com/rugerr-sp101r-38spl-3-inch-stainless.html#.XKh9vXdFyUk

No affiliation, just heads-up.

I watch CDNN - lots of junk - but some real jewels pop up there.

[mmc45414]

But one does not see many three-inch SP-101 revolvers. … These are also a great basis for a custom revolver.
This is the only name brand custom gun I have, it is from Gemini:
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ETA: I also have a Sparks SS-2 and PMK for it, probably as close to a BBQ gun as I have :)

[ralph]

From a pure financial standpoint, the used SP-101 is the better way to go. Most used revolvers were shot little, so a used one is likely to be fine. But one does not see many three-inch SP-101 revolvers. For every three-inch revolver, I probably see ten or more of the snubbie models. These are also a great basis for a custom revolver. I think these are a good deal and if I had not purchased two pistols this week, I would likely have bought one of these contract-overrun SP-101 revolvers. If there are any left next month, I will get one then.

That 's pretty much why I bought it, you don't see many 3" barreled SP101's or for that matter 3" barreled revolvers period. Since this was a contracted, non cataloged item, It's likely there weren't that many made, so, it's something you're not going to run across everyday..

[mmc45414]

Damnit..ordered..
"My enabling is done now"
Rides off into the sunset...

[camsdaddy]

"My enabling is done now"
Rides off into the sunset...

Someone is going to be scratching their heads Monday morning. CDNN will be wondering why the sudden influx of sp101 orders.

[mmc45414]

Someone is going to be scratching their heads Monday morning. CDNN will be wondering why the sudden influx of sp101 orders.
And I get this in email, just from browsing :)
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[Radar Love]

And I get this in email, just from browsing :)

I got that one about a week ago and ordered one when I saw the price drop...been eyeing this for awhile. Any word on how fast CDNN is at shipping things out?

[ralph]

"My enabling is done now"
Rides off into the sunset...

My wallet thanks you..;)

[ralph]

And I get this in email, just from browsing :)
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I wonder how many of them they have..

[JoeSixPack]

I wonder how many of them they have..

One less - better hurry! :cool:

[ralph]

One less - better hurry! :cool:

Hey, I did my part...hopefully It'll show up this week..

[ralph]

Just got a shipping notice from CDNN, Pistol will be here on Wed.. Now, that's getting with the program!!

[farscott]

Just got a shipping notice from CDNN, Pistol will be here on Wed.. Now, that's getting with the program!!

CDNN is good to go. Used them for years, mostly for odds and ends. Got a great deal on a Leupold VX-2 4-12X40 scope, Glock magazines, a few Ruger 10/22 VLEH rifles, a Browning .22 Short takedown, and on some reactive targets. Like many vendors, you have to know what you are buying to insure you are getting a good deal.

[ralph]

CDNN is good to go. Used them for years, mostly for odds and ends. Got a great deal on a Leupold VX-2 4-12X40 scope, Glock magazines, a few Ruger 10/22 VLEH rifles, a Browning .22 Short takedown, and on some reactive targets. Like many vendors, you have to know what you are buying to insure you are getting a good deal.

True, a couple of years ago,right around xmas time, I bought a Browning BL-22 from them, $450, but at the same time Browning was running a rebate of $75..They sent me a check a few weeks later, so basically, I paid $375 for the rifle.. I figure a BL-22 is worth that..

[sparkyfender]

I really like the 3" SP-101.......

[JRB]

Nothing like finally justifying it to yourself, only to discover the price went up to $449 by the time you decided to do it.

I can just hear my father rambling 'That's how they git ya!'

[TCB-Flash]

For those interested, I just got off the phone with Hogue.

They have the grip screw with lanyard rings in stock at $2.50 each. Part number is 00128 for the 1/2" version, and they offered USPS first class mail shipping at just over $3.00, with no minimum purchase requirement....

[farscott]

Nothing like finally justifying it to yourself, only to discover the price went up to $449 by the time you decided to do it.

I can just hear my father rambling 'That's how they git ya!'

Keep watching and the price will drop to the previous price or a bit lower. CDNN prices move up and down as "sales" come and go.

[ralph]

Nothing like finally justifying it to yourself, only to discover the price went up to $449 by the time you decided to do it.

I can just hear my father rambling 'That's how they git ya!'

Yikes!!! I guess when items start to move, CDNN raises the price.. Still, it is a non cataloged, contracted item, and it's likely there were'nt alot of them made.. Keep an eye on them, if sales drop off enough, they'll put them on "sale" again..

[camsdaddy]

It's amazing when they increase the price I want it more and regret making the jump. Sort of like I won't decide to buy one until I see they are sold out.

[ralph]

It's amazing when they increase the price I want it more and regret making the jump. Sort of like I won't decide to buy one until I see they are sold out.

The trouble is, we don't know how many of these things CDNN has, they could have 100, or 1000, now it becomes more of a dice throw..Me being an enabler, I'd suggest that you just go ahead and order it. Seriously though, when these things are gone, you won't see any more unless they pop up on the used market.. This little Ruger makes the third contract overrun pistol I've picked up..

[ralph]

Pistol arrived today as promised, they are NIB, DA trigger a bit rough feeling, will probably smooth out with use, or possibly a trigger job, need to put some rounds through it first.. Trigger has no sharp edges on it anywhere. I'm really digging the size of this thing..It's just right..This is just a plain jane .38 special revolver just the way I like'em..If I get a chance, I'll post pics later this evening..

Has anyone used mcarbo spring/shim kits? I just watched a vid where does quite a bit of polishing, and with the supplied springs, shims made a huge drop in the DA trigger pull like from over 10 lbs to a little 4lbs when he was done..I would'nt go that far, but after a quick dissaessembly looking at the trigger and it's components, there's alot of rough stamped parts in there that would probably benefit from some smoothing out.. But like I said I need to run some rounds through it first, and go from there..

[Oukaapie]

I did the MCarbo this weekend on a Wiley Clapp. Their video online is very good but I also used https://www.sp101trigger.com/ as a guide. In addition to the MCarbo set I also bought hammer dog shims and 0.08 hammer shims.

The trigger went from truly awful to absolutely fantastic. Recommend it highly.

[ralph]

I did the MCarbo this weekend on a Wiley Clapp. Their video online is very good but I also used https://www.sp101trigger.com/ as a guide. In addition to the MCarbo set I also bought hammer dog shims and 0.08 hammer shims.

The trigger went from truly awful to absolutely fantastic. Recommend it highly.

Ordered the mcarbo kit along with their polishing kit, and some hammer dog shims, I'm thinking this may not be too difficult, the results certianly look promising, I like this little pistol, but as they come out of the box, they need a little help..

[Liveliner]

Picked up one of these. Arrived in 2 days NIB from CDDN. Feels good in hands, nice size grips fit me well. Grips appeared large in pics but not too big for CCW if you go that route. Performed well at the range, sights were on target no issues 100 rounds. Ammo Remington 148 gr wadcutters & 125gr Blazer Brass. Transitioning back to revolvers for CCW. Wanted to try a slightly larger gun than my current carry S&W Model 36 with bobbed hammer. Admittedly that one is hard to beat.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/4a8041dfa0367e15a392bb1ee94f2b12.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/430e8b4d2f3fe72603ba4c2d437e1a99.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/edf196aec9d5b89b462df4e6b28a0524.jpg

[ralph]

What was your DA trigger like out of the box? My example is horrible, I can hear either the hammer spring, or trigger return spring creaking, making noise when the hammer is pulled back. As soon as the shim, polish kits show up the trigger group is going to get a good polishing..Myself, I see alot of potential in these little guns, they just seem to need a little going over to bring that out..

[Liveliner]

What was your DA trigger like out of the box? My example is horrible.

Agree, trigger is rough. I have read they smooth out to a more acceptable level in time. I'm going to give mine a little time before swapping out springs, adding shims etc. Trying a little dry fire hack. Old school, can't stand the sound of a steel hammer banging down on the metal transfer bar. Placed a small piece of rubber I cut from a scrap of old fire boots and placed it over the transfer bar. Stays in place well and deadens the sound.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/5a6aa2bcc300e9fb37058438da7d53a0.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/16e162b3e7df778b79b02d38fe7f0be9.jpg

[ralph]

I was going to try to break it in, and see if it smoothed out..But after doing some dry fire practice with it over the last few days, I can't live with the DA trigger as it is, so when everything shows up I'm going to give it a good polishing..

[ralph]

Shim kits and polishing kit showed up today..I can honestly say that after polishing, installing shims, hammer spring,and trigger return spring that made a world of difference..DA trigger is way better and quite useable, and I feel it will get better with use. I could've used little more shimming on the trigger, and would suggest to anyone to buy a shim kit from www.triggershims.com as he has a wider variety of thicknesses. Overall, considering that I did'nt spend alot of money, this was well worth the effort, and now I know how to do a trigger job on Ruger SP101's..

[Grizzly]

Picked up one of these. Arrived in 2 days NIB from CDDN. Feels good in hands, nice size grips fit me well. Grips appeared large in pics but not too big for CCW if you go that route. Performed well at the range, sights were on target no issues 100 rounds. Ammo Remington 148 gr wadcutters & 125gr Blazer Brass. Transitioning back to revolvers for CCW. Wanted to try a slightly larger gun than my current carry S&W Model 36 with bobbed hammer. Admittedly that one is hard to beat.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/4a8041dfa0367e15a392bb1ee94f2b12.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/430e8b4d2f3fe72603ba4c2d437e1a99.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190412/edf196aec9d5b89b462df4e6b28a0524.jpg

It looks like your poa and poi line up perfectly. Does it shift left or right further out? I'm to the point of going to adj sights. I've been through a bad run of fixed sight pocket revolvers that won't shoot straight. Barrels not tightened straight to frame, riflling not true to center line and frame threads cut at a slight angle.

Around Dec. I found a pawn shop that sells lots of handguns and had over ordered some SP101 3" .38's thinking they were .357, with std grips for a similar price in the mid $400's. It was very tempting. Right now I'm waiting to get my 3" 1983 Bulldog back from Charter Arms with a new barrel installed. I love the .44 Special. A SP101 with a slightly enlarged frame like the Bulldog for .44 Special would have probably been a great seller for Ruger. If they were worried about it being overloaded, they could even shortened the Special case some and called it a .44 Ruger. I doubt they ever will produce one, now that they have it in their GP100 and Blackhawks.

[ralph]

I took the little pistol out yesterday, and it shot suprisingly well.. With a bit more practice, I would'nt be afraid to use this as a CCW. The mcarbo kit +some polishing really helped the DA trigger.To be honest, it 's nowhere near as smooth as my Match Champion, but considering where it was at out of the box, (almost unuseable) it's a big improvement, and for the money spent, it was worth it, and I don't think one can put a price on the experience gained by taking something like this apart, and putting it back together..