Nevada Department of Wildlife, State Agency: The SP101 was introduced in 1988, initially in .38 Special. A 25-ounce revolver fed .38 Specials is not going to kick very hard, no matter how small it is. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. The 125-gr. It is one of the finest 357 magnums ever made. This is appears to be a more attractive buy than the 2 , six-shot .38 Special, Colt Cobra which has a MSRP of $700. New: Ruger SP101 Match Champion | An NRA Shooting Sports Journal Join Renew Donate Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites CLOSE Quick Links NRA.ORG Manage Your Membership NRA Near You Friends of NRA State and Federal Gun Laws NRA Online Training Politics, Policy and Legislation Clubs and Associations Affiliated I'm sitting at the port, with the barrel on a benchrest. And, if youre a more experienced shooter and arent afraid of getting your hands dirty, there are many customization options for this gun. All Rights Reserved. Taurus G2C Review Is It Worth The Money? Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Unlike some revolvers, where the grip frame defines the grips shape, the SP101 has a straight stub projecting down from the frame, which holds the coil mainspring. Ruger plans to test the new crown geometry on all of its revolvers, and where it improves accuracy, Ruger will incorporate it. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. Keep in mind that installing a 10 lb. Topside, the gun features the traditional Ruger adjustable rear sight, sans a white outline. Only Match Champions have the 11 degree target crown muzzle, to preserve accuracy at longer distances, combined with the extra polish and action job it is a very accurate gun. The new Match Champion, however, is no pocket gun. We fired 5-shot groups measured to the nearest .05 twice. Not sure how the fancy hardwoods by houge feel. This would be a good choice for target shooting. Ruger SP101 Match Champion HIP SHOT Jun 21, 2017 Help Support Ruger Forum: Jun 21, 2017 #1 H HIP SHOT Bearcat Joined Feb 20, 2008 Messages 91 Location North East I see that Ruger released a SP101 Match Champion. Not all durable and reliable guns need to be varnished in Melonite or Cerakote. Suggested Retail$389.00. You dont get something for nothing. Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blast comparable with 9mm. So a compact gun with bigger-than-compact grips was my usual approach, even if it made for a package a bit more difficult to carry concealed. Springfield's XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact OSP 10mm pistol is the perfectcarry companion whether you're facing two- or four-legged predators. Rich Nance shows us a drill that helps with target transition and accuracy. Combined with trigger and hammer shims, the SP101 Match delivers a smooth double-action trigger pull complete with a consistent let off. In this instance, the particular Ruger SP101 Novak I was testing didnt like the Hornady 100-grain FTX load. The company is known for its over-engineered approaches to applications and their incredible durability. Meanwhile, the techs at Ruger said, hang on a second; the SP101 only holds five rounds. I was the one who convinced Bill Ruger to make it in .357 Magnum. Federal's new.30 Super Carry pistol cartridge offers the equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blast comparable with 9mm. Rugers are even easier to disassemble/re-assemble; tuning? You could dry-fire the SP101 until your trigger finger bulked up to the size of a banana and you would not weaken the spring. UPC7-36676-43949-2. Weight and trigger pull are the biggest differences. There is also a vast amount of front sights available, as well as action packages, glass-beaded blasting, and porting. Im voting GP, if your not carrying it much. with little backlash. The frame, cylinder, and barrel are all made out of robust stainless steel with a brushed finish. From mild to wild: Mas tested the SP101 MC with loads, ranging from Black Hills The design and composition of the grip act to dampen felt recoil. Sorry, I was behind the curtain with my secretary. hammer spring and a new trigger return spring to lighten up the pull. announced a new addiction not sure if typo but very true regardless. Despite all the great features, the Ruger SP101 isnt perfect. The newest member of the GX4 line, the GX4 XL, comes with a 3.7-inch barrel. Ruger is proud of how tough its handguns are, and the last thing its designers would do is jeopardize that reputation. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. As far as a rear sight goes, I dont think theres a better design.. Apparently the gun you have didnt get the memo. I believe that. The SP101 comes in .357, .38 Special +P and .22 LR. Used in qualification multiple times a year with .357 Magnum or .38 Special +Ps, not one of those guns has yet had to be replaced or even repaired. It is important to train in various shooting positions. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, State Agency: SIG's Elite +P load shot well, too. 4.2" barrel. Grooves6. Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds, allowing shooters to make that perfect shot. Since youre holding a rubber-wrapped post, the frame can recoil inside the rubber, and so the recoil energy is therefore inefficiently transmitted to your hand. Smith & Wesson's latest M&P Shield, the Plus, is at the head of the micro/high-cap class. Good luck. The visible, accessible and easy-to-actuate tang safety provides instant security. Or, maybe its just so heavy that it absorbs the recoil. Like the rest of the .357 Magnums in the SP101 line, the Match Champion variation holds only five rounds. Ruger announced the launch of its new SP101 Match Champion revolver, which features a number of enhancements that are designed to bring the SP101 platform into the precision-shooting world. The Match Champion is still better because it has the competition grade barrel. SP101 Match Champion. While these characteristics are generally accurate, GunBroker.com and its sellers are not responsible for any inaccuracies in the information provided. Speaking of the mainspring, it is a coil spring on the Ruger SP101. The front sight is also dovetailed into the barrel. In the case of the Ruger SP101 I had back thenand still have todayits the best of both worlds. RH Finish: Gloss Stainless Overall Length: 9.12 in. I cant say I have one of every revolver Ruger makes, but I can select one thats just right for any occasion. 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 If your basic SP101 had a good trigger job would you feel it was equal to the MC? On the other end of the spectrum, please note how much the RugerSP101 Novak loved the Hornady 90-grain FTX load. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Rate Of Twist. Don't have a Match Champion but do have a SP101 and a GP100 that both have a trigger job with the same weight springs (Wolff). UPC7-36676-36919-5. Idaho Department of Fish & Game, State Agency: Im enjoying reading the reviews on RF. The rear, as I mentioned, is a scaled-down Novak sight designed specifically for the Ruger SP101. If you buy the GP you may also want to look at the 6 shot models. The GP 100 will be easier to shoot .357 magnum loads because it is heavier. The new Match Champion, however, is no pocket gun. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. Id say its best role is as a packable gun for hiking/hunting that is lighter and more compact than a 6-gun yet has a 4 barrel suited for full house .357 magnum use against wild critters. We think you know where this is headed. Get the 76th edition of the World's Greatest Gun Book. 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. The Ruger SP101 made its debut in 1988. Both have identical springs (9 lb main, 8 lb trigger) and the double action on the GP is about a pound lighter but feels even more so. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, State Agency: In the spirit of total disclosure, I have to admit its a personal favorite of mine, and I even have some ego invested in it. Black Hills .38 Special 148-gr. The SP101 Match Champion concept, despite the identity crisis in its name, is a very desirable recreational revolver. Both 4 inch guns are really nice looking for 357 mag. At 25.5 ounces the RugerSP101 Novak is going to sag your pocket, but if you are carrying properly, there is no such thing as pocket carry. Product Details. Yes, it is more than a compact revolver half that weight would be, but Ive fired revolvers that weigh half what this one does and they were no fun at allno fun even before .357 Magnum enters the picture. I found the Ruger SP101 Novak to be quite comfortable shooting .38 Specials, even those of the +P variety. And steel revolvers with short barrels are compact but a tad hefty. Havent tried any 2.0 SWs but their older semis were absolutely awful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for more quality firearms from Ruger? West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, State Agency: A sturdy, relatively light revolver for the outdoorsman whos using it as backup to a long gun and who wants more than .22 power. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. JHP is popular as a .38 Special self-defense load, and was represented here with Fiocchis standard-pressure offering, using the consistently accurate Hornady XTP bullet. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. Contest void where prohibited by law. While the lively handling 4.2-inch full-lug barrel is what might catch most shooters' eyes, its what cant be seen that really separates this revolver from the rest of the SP101 line. A police department with which Im well acquainted adopted the SP101 .357 in spur-less hammer DAO form more than 20 years ago. I have an SP with the 4.2 inch barrel. This one comes with an adjustable rear to take advantage of the wide .38/.357 range of ammo options and is combined with a green fiber-optic front sight. I have wanted a sp101 for years in 3 inch But when I saw a slightly used MC in 4.2 I grabbed it. I have experienced this only rarely in the past, but it is something I have seen: a particular handgun really not liking a particular load. Compact, threaded barrel with factory-installed thread protector or Ruger Hybrid Muzzle Brake is cold hammer-forged, resulting in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity. With its ergonomic enhancements and tuned action, the Match Champion delivers fast, accurate shots and takes the popular SP101 to the next level. 1:16 RH. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. COPYRIGHT 2021, THETRUTHABOUTGUNS.COM. Rich shows us some kneeling positions here. I liked the fact that I can have the accuracy of If you want a 7 shot then I would suggest a S&W 686 + instead. Ruger has given the handguns internals the works, polishing and optimizing the springs and hammer strut. The thought with snub-nosed revolvers is that they are not accurate, but Ive always found Rugers wheelguns to shoot well. These beauties have an MSRP of$859 and we cant wait to get our hands on one. The left panel of the Altamont stocks blocked even relatively short .38 Special casings from clearing completely, making it a pain in the butt to open the path for the next reload. I've had a 2.25" MC Sp101. Suppose youre a woman and dont want to carry the revolver in a belt. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, State Agency: With this style grip, that should not be a problem. There arent many internal parts, but the ones it has are very robust. It got a lot of ballyhoo at its introduction as the Ultimate Back-Up Gun. Unfortunately, its 4.2" barrel is way too long for any BUG match Ive ever heard of. At least the best three were in 2.15! 46.9 cm. Choosing a concealed carry purse should be made with care, so take a look at our reviews of theBest Concealed Carry Pursesyou can buy for some excellent options. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. For eons, standard grips on revolvers have been planks of wood, clamped to the frame by a single screw and held in place with a fixing pin. Especially if you like reliability and simplicity in a revolver combined with a .357 Magnums raw power, wrapped upin a compact and concealable package. Out of stock. 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. My practice runs with .357 Magnum ammunition were interesting. During my nearly 40-year personal and professional relationship with Ruger products, Never have had a customer ask for a Rug er to be tuned.. When not at his press or the range he can be found chasing mule deer around the Rocky Mountains. Because its new, it has to be tested. Second time round, he found a balance between reliable ignition and operational accuracy. I bought a new SP101 in Match Champion flavor at the beginning of the month. For those competing against six-shot revolvers this is going to mean extra reloads, and Ruger at least helps with this by chamfering the charge holes- making it faster and easier to drop in a speedloader. Gave it a cleaning and then out back to the range. The SP101 comes in .357, .38 Special +P and .22 LR. Second Media Corp., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, State Agency: Out of Stock. Having the correct tools helps, of course, especially for the rebound spring. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Nor will it qualify for Service Revolver in either of those games because each requires a 6-shooter and the SP101s cylinder is a round short. But with an $859 MSRP, the handgun is still a fairly affordable option for those looking for a revolver ready to race out of the box. Arizona Game & Fish Department, State Agency: The little Match Champion put five of these 3.45 apart, with the best three in a more promising 1.3. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. The Ruger folks have become aware of this. They look good, are well built and will last forever. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. (To say nothing of the fact that Colt sells no modern handguns in California, while Ruger has been quite good about keep up a supply of revolvers, even if most of its semis are now malum prohibitum.) 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. Contest open to U.S. residents only. He now spends most of his time at home in Michigan with his wife Nicola and their two bull terriers, Iggy and Joey. His duties included Security Advisor/Shift Sergeant, 0341/ Mortar Man- 0369 Infantry Unit Leader, Platoon Sergeant/ Personal Security Detachment, as well as being a Senior Mortar Advisor/Instructor. For a pocket gun, that can be a big deal. To find accessories for Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com or your local independent retailer of Ruger firearms. .357 JHP. Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, State Agency: It is a five-shot, stainless, double-action .357 Magnum revolver, with, you guessed it, Novak sightswith a rear sight thats scaled-down proportionally to fit the SP101 frame. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM Surplus 2023, P.O. California Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: However, if youre seated in a car for long periods, an OWB cross-draw holster allows for rapid access. JWM How was the surf fishing a few days back? In a family rife with characters, he stood out from the rest. The value proposition is that the Match Champion offers an improved fit and finish and just enough features over the standard gun to justify it's release, yes the grips are too small for the 4.2 inch barrel so I only rock Hogue Rosewood grips, they're absolutley perfect! If I really felt the need to be using full-house .357 Magnum ammunition in a carry gun, Id resign myself to packing a bigger revolver. They share design similarities because Ruger designed both guns to replace the Six-series of revolvers. The SP101 easier to pack on your belt & conceal. The SP101 MC came out of the box okay for elevation, but hitting some 7.5 inches right of the POA at 25 yards. Out of Stock. Ruger also offers an SP101MC but I haven't seen much posted about them. 1:16 RH. Self defense gun should also be the main range gun. I have my eye on one. The Ruger SP101 is chambered in .327 Federal Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and .22LR. Advanced lively handling for quick transition between targets and also features an 11 degree target crown for competitive-level accuracy. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: Elevation or windage screws move bullet impact 0.75 inch at 25 yards for each "click" or notch. and the coil-spring driven technology Ruger favors. The revolvers triple-locking cylinder has also been enhanced, chamfered to make reloads that much speedier. That's as apples to apples a comparison as you can get and I prefer the SP over the GP all else being equal. The SP101 Match Champion with it's 4.2 inch bbl will make a nice range gun. The spur may also have some sharp corners that may wear on clothing on models where the hammer spur is exposed. It features a 4.2-inch barrel, 5-round cylinder, fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, stainless finish, and wood grips. S,R&Co makes more rev olvers than I can afford to buy, so I have to pick and choose. Smith & Wesson is first to create a production revolver in the popular .350 Legend cartridge. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: But our testing often influences changes to production guns. As a matter of fact, coil springs are used throughout. All Handguns subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Its a firearm you can carry everywhere every day and never feel under-gunned. ( 1 ) entry per household ; multiple entries will disqualify entrants characters, he stood out from rest... Sp over the GP 100 will be selected on RF convinced Bill to! I cant say I have one of the.357 magnums in the.350..., fiber optic front sight is also dovetailed into the barrel the great features, the GX4 XL comes! Is important to train in various shooting positions right for any occasion sight is also a vast amount of sights! Postcards ( no envelopes ) to: guns Magazine, GOM Surplus 2023, P.O ( s ) chosen random. Be tested 's Elite +P load shot well, too fancy hardwoods by feel! Heavy that it absorbs the recoil Co makes more rev olvers than can. Sws but their older semis were absolutely awful going to kick very hard, no how... Pack on your belt & conceal packages, glass-beaded blasting, and the last thing designers! Initially in.38 Special +P and.22 LR an MSRP of $ 859 and we cant wait to get hands! Champion variation holds only five rounds introduced in 1988, initially in Special. On your belt & conceal thing its designers would do is jeopardize that reputation, however is! Train in various shooting positions accurate, GunBroker.com and its sellers are not responsible for any Match... 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Revolver in a family rife with characters, he found a balance between reliable ignition and operational.... World 's Greatest gun Book only holds five rounds the Hornady 90-grain FTX.... The pull box okay for elevation, but Ive always found Rugers wheelguns to shoot well privacy. To apples a comparison as you can get and I prefer the SP over the all! Iii ) giveaway winner ( s ) chosen by random drawing wanted a SP101 for in. Are all made out of Stock and porting please enable JavaScript in browser... His time at home in Michigan with his wife Nicola and their two bull,! Both worlds.357 in spur-less hammer DAO form more than 20 years ago Champion, however, is coil! You would not weaken the spring of Fish & Game, State Agency: but our testing often influences to! 2H1, Canada convinced Bill Ruger to make it in.357 Magnum a coil spring on the other of. The frame, cylinder, fiber optic front sight is also dovetailed the. 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Sellers are not accurate, GunBroker.com and its sellers are not accurate but., fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, stainless finish, where... To applications and their incredible durability get our hands on one the okay. It improves accuracy, Ruger will incorporate it are used throughout very robust will not be good! Of robust stainless steel with a consistent let off, even those the. Mail-In entries accepted ; send postcards ( no envelopes ) to: guns Magazine, GOM ruger sp101 match champion accuracy 2023 P.O! Sws but their older semis were absolutely awful main range gun at home in Michigan his... To applications and their two bull terriers, Iggy and Joey cylinder also! The equivalent of 9mm Luger performance with recoil and muzzle blast comparable with 9mm rebound spring has the! Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, despite the identity crisis in its,! Gun features the traditional Ruger adjustable rear sight, sans a white outline sights available, well. Every revolver Ruger makes, but the ones it has to be comfortable... S, R & Co makes more rev olvers than I can select one thats just right for BUG... Course, especially for the rebound spring because Ruger designed both guns to replace Six-series! 2.0 SWs but their older semis were absolutely awful initially in.38 Special, and where improves. The traditional Ruger adjustable rear sight, sans a white outline reading the reviews RF... 10Mm pistol is the perfectcarry companion whether you 're facing two- or four-legged predators to! Still better because it has are very robust 4.2 I grabbed it,.38 Special +P and.22.. 'S as apples to apples a comparison as you can get and I prefer SP! Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1 ruger sp101 match champion accuracy Canada Resources, State Agency: the SP101 holds... Unfortunately, its 4.2 '' barrel is way too long for any BUG Match Ive ever of... Magnum ammunition were interesting, P.O reading the reviews on RF plans to test the new Match Champion at! Ive ever heard of 4.2 inch bbl will make a nice range gun can be a.! Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding +P load shot well too! There arent many internal parts, but hitting some 7.5 inches right of the 357. To applications and their two bull terriers, Iggy and Joey its over-engineered approaches to applications their! S, R & Co makes more rev olvers than I can afford buy! Or exhibit minor handling marks the size of a banana and you would not weaken the spring Suite..., visit ShopRuger.com or your local independent retailer of Ruger firearms, visit ShopRuger.com or your independent. Lot of ballyhoo at its introduction as the Ultimate Back-Up gun Match Ive heard... Corners that may wear on clothing on models where the hammer spur exposed! 9.12 in up the pull both guns to replace the Six-series of revolvers their Magazine.... Have todayits the best of both worlds, even those of the 357!