I appreciate Steve Hurst's article in the most recent Fouling Shot about his experience with a 3" barreled SP101. I also have a 3" SP101. It was the first handgun I ever bought. I picked it up used in a local gun shop about 15 years ago. I wanted something versatile, but not too big to carry easily. It fits the bill perfectly for me!
Over the years it has had much the same treatment as Steve's Ruger - I polished and smoothed the action, installed a Wolf spring kit, and added a Pachmayr grip, though I opted for one without finger grooves. The only real difference is that I changed out the factory front sight for a fiberoptic sight and I didn't bob the hammer.
My typical load is a Lee 358-158-RF that has been converted to a hollow point. It weighs in at 152 grains in 20:1 alloy. I load it in 357 brass with 5.5 grains of Universal. The estimated velocity is 950 to 1000fps. It has moderate recoil and is easy to control. These are the rounds in the speed strip in the photo.
For woods use I load an RCBS .38-158-SWC gas checked on a max load of H110. I estimate that one is going about 1250fps out of my 3" barrel. They just fit in the cylinder, with the meplat almost even with the front of the cylinder when crimped in the crimp groove. It is a handful and I generally only shoot one cylinder full on an outing to the range! These are the nickel plates cases in the photo. I use the nickel plated cases so they are easy to tell from other loads. Both load shoot very close to point of aim at 15 yards.
I use a Lobo Gunleather pancake holster most of the time. I also have an ugly but functional home made flap holster I use if I need more retention and protection.
Thanks for the great article Steve from another lover of the 3" SP101!
