Out with the old and in with the new (to me)

[Hatchdog]

in the recent years I have owned three single action revolvers. All Rugers in 22lr, 327 Fed Mag and 45 Colt. Seems like I have never shot these singles as well as double action revolvers but who knows, maybe it’s just in my head??? My last one was the 327 Fed Mag and I just couldn’t fall in love with it even after changing the rear sight blade and doing quite a bit of load development in both 327 and 32 H&R. So I listed in on the local gun trader web site. Today a member contacted me and we met and he bought it. Ironically he is the same guy I bought it from around 2021.

When I listed it I stopped into the local pawn shop in Deer Park to see if they had a double action in 327 to replace it. No luck but they could order a new Ruger SP 101 for me at the cost of $775. So that was my plan when I sold the Single Seven. Today I met the buyer at a shop in Spokane (same store just a different location) to do the transfer. While there I discovered they had a used SP101 in 327 that looked great. Priced at $650 which was very attractive. So after we completed the transfer I bought the SP101. So today starts my 10 business day wait to comply with the horrible Washington State gun laws and I can start my new love affair on February 8th.

This is the 4.2” barrel with the adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front. I’m going to really like these sights.


Range report to follow next month.


The old.

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The new. (To me)

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[GFK]

Seems like a nice exchange to me!! Happy shooting!

[North Country Gal]

There is a design reason that puts single action revolvers at a disadvantage for accurate shooting compared to double action revolvers and that is the significantly slower lock time for the single actions compared to the double actions because of the longer hammer fall on single actions.

For example, when shooting my DA revolvers such as my Colt Officers or my 617 Smith in single action mode, the hammers need to fall only about 60% of the distance the hammers need to fall on my single action revolvers like my Ruger Single Six or Blackhawk. My TC Contenders have hammers that travel only about 50% of the distance needed for those single actions.

This doesn't mean that single actions are less accurate than double actions, of course. It just means that good technique is more critical when shooting single actions because of the slower lock time. Makes one really appreciate what a great shooter RR is when he shoots those old flintlocks with a much slower lock time than even single action revolvers.

Love those SP-101s. Enjoy.

[Ernie]

Think you made a good deal. Nice revolver.

[Vaquero]

Nice Hatch, so I assume over there you can't just do a face to face sale?
If so, Sad.

RP

[dave77]

Nice Hatch, so I assume over there you can't just do a face to face sale?
If so, Sad.

RP

That went away several years ago. Here's some new bills proposed this year.

https://www.chronline.com/stories/washi ... ion,373028

and then there's this newer one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXDZBYYIoss

[Hatchdog]

There is a design reason that puts single action revolvers at a disadvantage for accurate shooting compared to double action revolvers and that is the significantly slower lock time for the single actions compared to the double actions because of the longer hammer fall on single actions.

For example, when shooting my DA revolvers such as my Colt Officers or my 617 Smith in single action mode, the hammers need to fall only about 60% of the distance the hammers need to fall on my single action revolvers like my Ruger Single Six or Blackhawk. My TC Contenders have hammers that travel only about 50% of the distance needed for those single actions.

This doesn't mean that single actions are less accurate than double actions, of course. It just means that good technique is more critical when shooting single actions because of the slower lock time. Makes one really appreciate what a great shooter RR is when he shoots those old flintlocks with a much slower lock time than even single action revolvers.

Love those SP-101s. Enjoy.

Thanks for this info, I did not know this. Makes sense for sure. I think I will enjoy the SP101, it’s a small frame revolver but built like a tank like most Rugers. Should be real pleasant to shoot especially with 32 H&R’s.

[Hatchdog]

Nice Hatch, so I assume over there you can't just do a face to face sale?
If so, Sad.

RP

Not anymore. As dave77 mentioned we now have to do an FFL transfer for all private sales. And it’s not cheap, the guy who bought my revolver paid the dealer $40 for doing the transfer and another $18 to the state to process it. Since the gun I bought was from the dealers inventory I only had to pay the $18 to the state.

[daytime dave]

The SP101 does look to be in great shape. Congratulations.

[Sir Henry]

There is a design reason that puts single action revolvers at a disadvantage for accurate shooting compared to double action revolvers and that is the significantly slower lock time for the single actions compared to the double actions because of the longer hammer fall on single actions.

For example, when shooting my DA revolvers such as my Colt Officers or my 617 Smith in single action mode, the hammers need to fall only about 60% of the distance the hammers need to fall on my single action revolvers like my Ruger Single Six or Blackhawk. My TC Contenders have hammers that travel only about 50% of the distance needed for those single actions.

This doesn't mean that single actions are less accurate than double actions, of course. It just means that good technique is more critical when shooting single actions because of the slower lock time. Makes one really appreciate what a great shooter RR is when he shoots those old flintlocks with a much slower lock time than even single action revolvers.

Love those SP-101s. Enjoy.

Thanks for the post and information.