Ruger SP101 .327 Federal Magnum

[indyjoe]

I think the longer barrel = more accurate would apply to the sight radius. If you extended the sights on a short barrel, you cannot tell the difference in accuracy.

 

[epsylum]

I think the longer barrel = more accurate would apply to the sight radius. If you extended the sights on a short barrel, you cannot tell the difference in accuracy.

Sure, a longer sight radius can aid in accuracy, but how far a bullet travels before exiting the barrel doesn't.

Semi-OT, but I remember a big write up guns and ammo or one of those mags did that tested the theory that longer barrel = better mechanical accuracy with a TC Encore and a whole bunch of different length barrels (something like a dozen or more). They came to the conclusion that barrel length by itself had nothing to do with accuracy. Sure it changes ballistics and what not (affecting bullet drop), but the accuracy consistency was pretty much the same.

 

[m2steven]

I bought the .327 sp101 this week with a box of Federal .327 low recoil ammo and a box of .32mag and .32 long.

After firing most of the ammmo(i kept 6 of the Federal .327 for in home use) - I can say that this is a real gun and I think if you were to shoot me with this .327 Federal or some .357 round - i'd fall down dead or fall down bleeding profusely.

Before I get too enthused with my perceived stopping assessment, I also want to say what a pleasure this gun is to use. The trigger pull is almost unvarying and shots can be effortlessly squeezed off in double action mode. I got some aftermarket grips for the gun simply because the stock grips looked a bit small (but they are beautiful grips).

A great handgun and a great case for the 6 bullet vs 5 argument.

 

[WinChoke]

Where did you get the .32 mag ammo, what type, and what did you have to pay for it?

I bought the .327 sp101 this week with a box of Federal .327 low recoil ammo and a box of .32mag and .32 long.

After firing most of the ammmo(i kept 6 of the Federal .327 for in home use) - I can say that this is a real gun and I think if you were to shoot me with this .327 Federal or some .357 round - i'd fall down dead or fall down bleeding profusely.

Before I get too enthused with my perceived stopping assessment, I also want to say what a pleasure this gun is to use. The trigger pull is almost unvarying and shots can be effortlessly squeezed off in double action mode. I got some aftermarket grips for the gun simply because the stock grips looked a bit small (but they are beautiful grips).

A great handgun and a great case for the 6 bullet vs 5 argument.

 

[m2steven]

Purchased at a gunshop in Trussville Al called S.E. GUNS. They had about 8 boxes. The dealer in the shop said the calibur and ammo were selling really well. I am not terribly concerned if the .327 should go away as I enjoyed all the ammo I shot and the gun seemed to enjoy it as well. The .327 does not look like a 32 cal. round. Very beautifully manufactured too.

I'll be on another trip next week to New Mexico and I expect to find ammo out there with a bit of research.

 

[m2steven]

Type of ammo

My bad on the completeness of reply. The ammo was the Federal Premium Low Recoil Personal Defense 85 grain Hydra-Shock JHP. Muzzle Velocity is 1400 fps, energy is 320 ft/lbs at 75 feet, and bullet trajectory at 75 feet is perfect; and only -0.4 at 150 feet.

You can purchase ammo with up to around 500+ ft/lbs of delivered energy in the .327. I think I paid 24 or 25 bucks for a box of 20

 

[m2steven]

I paid 21.00 for the ammo. Didn't want you to think it was 3 bucks more expensive than it is. This is the type of ammo you'd want to reload if you have the means.

 

[m2steven]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8685157@N06/3492324427/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8685157@N06/3493147008/in/photostream/

The gun really fits the hand and appears truly rugged.

 

[m2steven]

I am not afraid of the cartridge not catching on. Anyone who shoots it will like it. Hell, ifI knew that this cartridge would go out of production next year, I would still buy this gun and squirrel away some ammo. Its that much fun to shoot!

Hoolio: I put some more ammo through mine yesterday and a few things come to mind. One, putting standard 32's through this gun is such a pleasure. Low noise, no recoil, just aim and shoot your target. The recoil from the Federal personal defense round is pronounced but nothing which would keep you from shooting unless you have arthritis, gout, something which is easily induced to pain. It's on par with some high power Cor Bon loads I run in my Bersa 380 in terms of recoil. It's louder and harder, but it's comparable. You can shoot The Federal PDL with one hand and it won't make you wish you had not done that. I DID have some minor cartridge sticking with the .327 load. The shells had to be forced back with the ejector. They weren't stuck, they had become very SNUG in the cylinder. Did you have this problem? Apparently it's common.

 

[IndyGunworks]

Hoolio: I put some more ammo through mine yesterday and a few things come to mind. One, putting standard 32's through this gun is such a pleasure. Low noise, no recoil, just aim and shoot your target. The recoil from the Federal personal defense round is pronounced but nothing which would keep you from shooting unless you have arthritis, gout, something which is easily induced to pain. It's on par with some high power Cor Bon loads I run in my Bersa 380 in terms of recoil. It's louder and harder, but it's comparable. You can shoot The Federal PDL with one hand and it won't make you wish you had not done that. I DID have some minor cartridge sticking with the .327 load. The shells had to be forced back with the ejector. They weren't stuck, they had become very SNUG in the cylinder. Did you have this problem? Apparently it's common.

my 642 does the same thing with +P cartridges its probably just the higher pressures makes the casings expand a little more than the lower pressure ones.

 

[m2steven]

my 642 does the same thing with +P cartridges its probably just the higher pressures makes the casings expand a little more than the lower pressure ones.

Many new owners of this gun are reporting this effect. I would tend to agree with you that the pressure is just kind of extruding the cases into the cylinder walls. The other shells I fired fell right out.

 

[lawrra]

I have a review on the SP101 in .327 in one of my handgun magazines that I'll have to dig up. I've been wanting a SP101 since I shot one about 7 years ago.

 

[m2steven]

I put some spungier grips on it and it's truly a joy to shoot. I'd been out of the sport for 30 years, and it's great to be back. I hope you get yours soon.