New Gun Day! Ruger SP-101 in 327 Federal.

[TVR1977]

Just picked up my new Ruger today. Took forever to find one at all, much less one within shouting distance of MSRP. Finally got one on GunBroker.com for $515. Really a tad over $600 with shipping,transfer fees, etc. Then there's the ammo. None of the online sellers have it. Backorders only with no estimate of delivery. Same with the 32 H&R magnum that this gun can also shoot. Fortunately, the shop I transferred the gun through had 3 boxes of 327 in stock, so I took 'em all (at $30 per box, BTW). Those hassles aside, though, I took it straight to the range today, where they had some 32 H&R ammo also. How's it shoot? The SP-101 is built like a tank, and has a heavy underlugged barrel, so it's fairly heavy. Fit and finish are excellent as with every Ruger I've ever shot/handled. I'm not a huge fan of their grip system, and my hand was pretty well crammed up right against the frame. The only other gripe I had was that the hammer is flat on top (parallel to the ground when down). It is also checked. I noticed that this left the rearmost edge fairly sharp, and after a while of cocking the hammer to shoot single action, my thumb was getting sore. No biggie to grind down, but not too well thought out ergonomically. As far as actual shooting went, I had no problems with the 32 H&R at 7 yards, keeping most shots in around 3 inches (about average for me). The 327 Federal Mag was a whole other kettle of fish, though. Man, it hit harder than I expected and was borderline unpleasant to shoot.Subjectively, It felt similar to my S&W model 19 with 357 mags. Compared to the 327, the 32 S&W mag (no slouch, either) felt like mouse farts! Most of my shots went left and spread both up and down. A bit of that may be due to anticipation, but not all of it. I tried the old random loading trick with some light H&R loads some 327, and an empty chamber. The 32H&Rs went where they were supposed to, but the 327s still pulled left. As I mentioned they were going both high and low with some on level of aim, but all consistently left (not "low and left" like you'd expect with a right handed shooter anticipating recoil). I let the range owner try it, and he was having the same results - and he shoots a lot more and a lot better than I do. I think the loads themselves may have been a little off. I suspect that this being a new caliber, the manufacturer hasn't quite got the handle on it yet. I expect this will improve over time and once more companies start producing it. The loads also seemed a little overly hot, too. The spent brass was hard to eject on occasion, and showed some primer flattening and case head bulge. The 327 does seem to hit pretty hard, and the ballistics published so far bear that out, with 500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy putting the hotter loads just shy of a 357. The gun was still manageable, and I was able to put a lot of rounds through it without any real discomfort. I mentioned that I had to cram my hands right up against the frame, and in shooting, I was actually getting some recoil contact to the knuckle of my middle finger from the back of the trigger guard. A little repositioning eliminated that problem, but I still want to experiment with some different aftermarket grips. Overall, I am pleased with the gun, and very impressed with the new caliber. I think it's going to catch on. It seems like the manufacturers think so, too, with Taurus, S&W, and Charter arms all joining Ruger in producing pistols chambered for this round. This is definitely NOT a lightweight round, and has some serious potential for concealed carry as well as home defense. My prediction, though? I think it'll be just like the 357 magnum/.38 spl - everybody wants to own the magnum, but most people will opt for shooting the lighter round (in this case the 32 H&R) at the range.

[oneformula]

i think that this round has great potential. on paper it is amazing. i want to see some real world results... thanks for sharing

[TVR1977]

It'd be a natural for a lever or pump action carbine, too. Maybe even better in that application.

[frankooo]

I'm interested as to why you decided not to go with the .357? The ammo .357 and .38 are cheaper, more readly available and there is a much wider choice of .357 ammo.

[TVR1977]

Who said I didn't? I already own an S&W model 19 .357/38, a Model 10 in .38
(my favorite gun, and the one I shoot best), and a Colt Detective Special in .38

I wanted another wheelgun, particularly a Ruger, and wanted to try out the new caliber. I was flip-flopping between the SP-101 and a Redhawk in 44 mag.

I figured the big cannon was not too practical outside of the range, and cost more as well, even used, so I went with the SP-101.

It's a sweet gun, I'm glad I went with it.

[oneformula]

i hope this round is successful