Shot a few rounds, it is slick. Aluminum reciever shaves a little weight and makes the gun easier to carry long haul. The SP101 fills a different segment than a gun like the LCR, said Ruger Product Manager Kurt Hindle. Get 12 Issues a year of the country's best firearms writing. I would assume that results would be the same for the SP. While youre at it, you can also find tutorials on how to buff up the various internal parts, eliminating all of that trigger grit. It deserves a spot on the list of stack-and-a-half micro 9 millimeters. Normally Id be excited but I already have a 4.2 SP101 and this new MC doesnt really have much that I cant do with what I already have. The former group consists of the .38 Special and .357 Magnum; the latter, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, State Agency: Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Otherwise, I would say the advantages would be with the GP100. Barrels are easy to polish, but the frame takes longer to touch up after the majority of work is done due to cylinder latches, sights and cylinder cranes. In single action the break was clean at 4.75 lbs. Extraction was smooth, easy and uneventful. Contest open to U.S. residents only. The SP101 Match Champion concept, despite the identity crisis in its name, is a very desirable recreational revolver. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM April 2023, P.O. Although not the test gun, this SP101 shows the unique grip configuration Subscriber Services. The grip situation? As someone who has shot and owned Rugers since age 11, I was disappointed by the rough chambers and ejection problems. The front sight is also dovetailed into the barrel. Personally I schlep a GP100 in most cases but am confident with the SP101 when I want to downsize the size/weight for whatever reason without giving up punch. You have entered an incorrect email address! However we chose to keep the name consistent with the very well-received GP100 Match Champion as the SP received the same treatment in a factory action job with centering shims, nice grip and visible sights. Why are revolvers not MA & CA compliant? It cant wiggle loose because it is not only a tight fit, but also secured with an aluminum cross post. The 5-round sequences would be fine for a bulls-eye match, but 6" barrels are preferred for that. Smith & Wesson is chambering its excellent M&P 2.0 pistol in 10mm Auto, and the result is a gun with high capacity and enough power to tackle any defensive task. Good luck. 34.9 cm. But our testing often influences changes to production guns. ATKs Ernest Durham designed it expressly for the 2 backup guns of the NYPD. Smith & Wesson is first to create a production revolver in the popular .350 Legend cartridge. Chambered in .357 Magnum, but capable of firing .38 Special, the Match Champion has a full-lug, 4.20 barrel with an 11-degree target crown for competition accuracy, a chamfered cylinder The second generally comes very close to what all five will do from a machine rest. Beefy in design, the Ruger SP101 Match Champion cylinder measures 1.35 inches in diameter and 1.58 inches in length. Yes, I was disappointed, the push button on the GP/SRH front sight is a great setup since more and more people like to try out different sight combinations and dont have the skills or tools to deal with semi-permanent mounts. Mar 2, 2021. Second Media Corp., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. UPC : 736676057825. The company is known for its over-engineered approaches to applications and their incredible durability. The designers also worked on the shape of the crown, adopting a geometry similar to that found on the new GP100 Match Champion. Well theres your answer right there. Deployed military should use stateside address. Such modern things were not available to me back when I fairly clanked stepping out of the gun shop doors each evening. Also, its comfortable, but well get into that in due time. Elwood Shelton is an online content developer for Gun Digest. No guns, no peace, no safety. The best three made a tidy 1.15 group. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. The crown is very important for accuracy, and according to Hindle, Novaks 11-degree crown improves the Ruger SP101s accuracy because it squares the shoulder where the rifling meets the crown. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM March 2022, P.O. Rate Of Twist. Advanced lively handling for quick transition between targets and also features an 11 degree target crown for competitive-level accuracy. Smith & Wesson's latest M&P Shield, the Plus, is at the head of the micro/high-cap class. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. The frame, cylinder, and barrel are all made out of robust stainless steel with a brushed finish. Give a Gift Plus the wife has a hard time racking a slide so light .38s for her. Theres so much there that the sight dovetail makes no difference. Will be getting this one , mark it down SOLD ! The new Garmin Foretrex 801 and 901 keep users on track thanks to multi-band signal reception technology for improved positional accuracy, dedicated Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Rhode Island Department of Fish & Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Mississippi Deptartment of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks, Minnesota Deptartment of Natural Resources, Michigan Deptartment of Natural Resources, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. I liked the fact that I can have the accuracy of Whatever the reason,its easy to shoot the SP101, a lot easier than a light-weight .357 caliber revolver. Dungeness. Here is what handgun hunters can expect from this big-bore X-Frame revolver. Mushy, some might say. I would recommend it for what you are looking for it to do. I've taken it to the range twice now. The only real reference I have is a S&W Model 19 that I put on the scale last night. That's as apples to apples a comparison as you can get and I prefer the SP over the GP all else being equal. Otherwise, I would say the advantages would be with the GP100. Ergonomic, lightweight synthetic stock designed for quick, easy handling blends a classic look with modern HANDGUNS. (I) Giveaway ends March 31, 2023. The gun's stainless steel has been buffed and polished to a chrome-like finish. And small grips make a handgun tough and sometimes painful to shoot. Theres also how close the shot comes to the sight picture the point of aim/point of impact. Ice fishing, what I remember of how cold the water was in San Fran in August. The cylinder holds only five rounds. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Both are stupid reliable. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. The SP101 Match Champion with it's 4.2 inch bbl will make a nice range gun. It features a brass bead insert, and for those of us who dont feel the need for tritium sights or the desire for a fiber-optic sight, the brass bead works very well indeed. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. For a great selection, check out our in-depth Best Cross Draw Holsters Reviews. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. The in load for short-barreled revolvers these days is the 135-gr. Finally, the SP101 Match boastsa fully adjustable rear sight and a fiber optic front, which should give shooters a clear target picture, even on the fly. The match-grade trigger is honestly why I chose to put this revolver in the running. I tell my wife I need one to hand down to each kid, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. WebOverall Length37". Its easy to shoot with both .38 and .357, even for first-time beginners learning the trade. Meanwhile, the techs at Ruger said, hang on a second; the SP101 only holds five rounds. The finger-grooved Altamont stocks are a birds head shape and are nicely checkered, with the Ruger logo in the wood instead of in a medallion. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. I don't have the Match Champion yet but it is one I would like to own. The front of the cylinder is sloped at the start of the flutes for easier holstering. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Shooting at 25 yards at a 100 yard rifle target [about 18" x 18" with an 8 inch or bigger bullseye]. The Wiley Clapps and MCs have Novaks and the fiber op tic isnt very bright because the sides are closed off. .357 JHP. Medium frame guns probably are optimal for good triggers as smaller ones do not have the leverage and larger ones have more mass in the cylinders to get moving. Its excellent, ergonomic grips and well-balanced 4.2-inch barrel make it a surefire winner on the range. The thought with snub-nosed revolvers is that they are not accurate, but Ive always found Rugers wheelguns to shoot well. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State Agency: IDPA requires 4.25 length barrel or less than 3" for Five for the Ruger SP101 and an equal number, maybe an extra shot, from a compact 9mm. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. Out of Stock. I think it might take me 90 seconds to detail strip a S&W, and about 120 to put it back together. Capacity, of course, is still five rounds. Votes: 12 15.0% Total voters 80 1 2 3 Next Mr. This one shot to the sights out of the box. Accuracy: 4/5 Ill go with 4 out of 5 for accuracy because it is accurate at closer distances and thats what it is designed to do. Our testing protocols atHandgunscall for testing barrels this short at 15 yards instead of the customary 25. My SP is smoother but his GP holds an extra round. The design and composition of the grip act to dampen felt recoil. The double action trigger is on the heavy side but trigger jobs (like what is theoretically done on the MC version) do help. And the gun comes outfitted with attractive Altamont hardwood grips that feature fairly aggressive stippling and checkered sides to facilitate a solid, positive grip no matter the conditions. The 5-shot group went 3.35 with the best three into 1.30. Same reason I stick with my mossberg 500 as a general purpose hunting gun. Get the 76th edition of the World's Greatest Gun Book. Never have had a customer ask for a Rug er to be tuned.. Gave it a cleaning and then out back to the range. No wonder escaping Alcatraz was near impossible. (Not the original grips). Once for all five and again for the best three. barrel delivers lively handling for quick transition between targets and also features an 11 target crown for competitive-level accuracy. But the rough chambers and the sights being as far off of POA/POI as they were for a revolver with an $859 price tag just wasnt right. Theyre a bit narrow toward the back, and while less than fun with magnum recoil, werent as uncomfortable as I thought theyd be. The newly released SP101 Match Champion is chambered for one of the most popular competitive revolver rounds, the .357 Magnum. Quantity on Hand: 0. Product Details. The bigger is the cartridge, the bigger are your savings. In a family rife with characters, he stood out from the rest. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Sign-up now to get more revolver content every Wednesday! (I) Giveaway ends June 30, 2023. Topside, the gun features the traditional Ruger adjustable rear sight, sans a white outline. SP101 Match Champion. Save my name and email to use for future comments. Springfield Armory Emissary .45 ACP 1911 Handgun: Review, SCCY DVG-1 RD Striker-Fired 9mm Pistol Includes a Red-Dot Sight, Taurus G3c Striker-Fired No-Safety Pistol: Review, Long-Distance Handgun Shooting: How and Why to Take a Long Shot, Taurus TX22 Competition .22 LR Match Pistol: Review, Self-Defense Handgun Training: Haley Strategic 2-2-4-2-2 Skills Drill for Speed, Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend, First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge. Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, State Agency: If it is only going to be a range gun go for the GP100. The Ruger GP100 Match Champion's 4.2-inch barrel is topped with Novak sightsarguably one of the most popular brands found on handguns today. This is due in part to the new crown geometry. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. According to us, the best way to carry the gun is in a small pocketbook, with a long and robust strap, preferably with studded spikes on the outside. Uncle Bob just had no filter. Ruger SP101 Match Champion Grips: Altamont Stippled/Checkered Hardwood Front Sight: Fiber Optic Barrel Length: 4.20 in. You may also be interested in our reviews of theBest Holster for Ruger SR9C, theBest Ruger LCP IWB Holsters, the BestRuger SR22 Holsters, theBest Pocket Holster for Ruger LCP, and theBest Ruger 10 22 Red Dot Sightsyou can buy in 2023. Mississippi Deptartment of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks, State Agency: Its quite popular to customize the SP101 because of the base guns excellent design and reliability. JavaScript is disabled. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for more quality firearms from Ruger? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The accuracy (the one load aside) of the RugerSP101 Novak is quite remarkable. The genesis of this new Ruger SP101 comes from a special Wiley Clapp edition of the steel-framed GP100. $798.60. A forum community dedicated to Ruger firearm owners and enthusiasts. Know guns, know peace, know safety. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM May 2023, P.O. I have the 2 1/4 inch gun and never was bothered by the grip size. Ruger is renowned for its robust revolvers. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, State Agency: For a .357 Magnum round we used that fabled man-stopper, Federals 125-gr. I have an SP with the 4.2 inch barrel. Sorry, I was behind the curtain with my secretary. In the case of the Ruger SP101 I had back thenand still have todayits the best of both worlds. Arizona Game & Fish Department, State Agency: (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. We tested the SP101 MC with a half-dozen factory loads ranging from mild to wild. So you can understand my alarm when the group with one particular load started lapping over onto other targets. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. UPC7-36676-01103-2. Yes, compact 9mms hold more than thatwhen you make them larger than the SP101, with a longer magazine. The in load for short-barreled revolvers these days is the 135-gr. If you bust crack-houses for a living, you might want to choose a revolver with more capacity, but for us, the majority of civilians, the SP101 represents a solid choice. The new Ruger GP100 Match Champion delivers .38 Special/.357 Magnum performance and power in a great handling and highly shootable package. Second time round, he found a balance between reliable ignition and operational accuracy. There arent many internal parts, but the ones it has are very robust. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, State Agency: The Hogue grip seems to create a bond between your hand and the rubber. They make the kind of sidearm that you want to take on your next hunting trip even if its to the Underworld, to put a round in each of Cerberuss heads. The fully adjustable rear sight combines with a fiber optic front sight to create a great sight picture for both plates and targets, and the polished trigger guard allows for smooth shooting all day long. S&W revolvers can be like Humpty Dumptyit might just take all the kings horses and all the kings men to put it back together again. And by robust, we mean nearly indestructible. Contest void where prohibited by law. I also brought all this to Marks attention. If the SP101 is your primary choice of handgun, you should look into some of the available options. I can spend as much time shooting my Super Redhawk .44 magnum as I like and then spend some more enjoyable hours casting, powder coating and reloading for it. Dont get me wrong; it wasnt a picnic. RH Finish: Gloss Stainless Overall Length: 9.12 in. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. The handsome stocks on Mas early prototype interfered with speedloader use. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, State Agency: SIG's Elite +P load shot well, too. I bought a new SP101 in Match Champion flavor at the beginning of the month. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Absolutely awful doesnt even begin to describe S&Ws older striker trig gers. Ph: (336) 949-5200 A police department with which Im well acquainted adopted the SP101 .357 in spur-less hammer DAO form more than 20 years ago. Always. Smith & Wesson's latest M&P Shield, the Plus, is at the head of the micro/high-cap class. The downside is a loss in velocity and hot gas spewing straight up from the gun, which isnt the most desirable feature in a contact distance encounter. It produced averages of 2.50 inches with both Winchester's 130-grain FMJ ammunition and the Black Hills 125-grain JHP ammo. Ruger triggers feel a lot different than S&Ws, but if you like Ruger triggers like I do, youll appreciate this one. Keep in mind that installing a 10 lb. Black Hills .38 Special 148-gr. Guns with that kind of history always interest me, so when Ruger came out with a Match Champion version- one obviously aimed at the competitive shooter- I had to check it out. Since my oldest son is somewhat of a ladies man, I expect Im going to need a lot of revolvers! 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