Range Report1 -- SP101 and me.

[PT7]

I've posted some Henry rifle range reports, but I don't think I've posted any reports yet with my revolver, although I've talked about it at times. Today I went to the nearby MO Dept of Conservation range with my revolver. Last time shooting it was about a month ago, but I do try to get out one or two times each month...just to keep the cylinder revolving!

SP101 & How I use it.
My Ruger is a .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver with a 4.2" barrel, adjustable rear slotted-rectangle blade sight and a pinned front ramp sight. Earlier this spring I finally "mastered" the heavy-duty DA trigger, so that was easy to handle today (whew, thankfully!!). As you'll see on my targets, I still am challenged with improving my sight usage. Late last year, and this year, I've change my approach to how I use the sights by shooting with both eyes open. It is taking some pretty "focused" concentration, but my shooting has shown me it can be done. Just have to get a handle on this new approach I'm trying.


AMMO
As I do most of the time, I use a mix of ammo -- but try to keep group size and target distance to one specific ammo. Today I shot 70 rounds including: .38 Special + "P" reloads (40 rounds); Remington Golden Saber 125gr HP (20 rounds, .357 magnum); and Armscor 158gr FMJ (10 rounds, .357 magnum).

TARGETS
All simple & homemade as usual -- with cardboard, DB or B-C splash targets, and one "Henry Orange" bullseye target on white squares. I like shooting at steel targets, but that's appropriately restricted at our state range.

SHOOTING DISTANCES
Started out at 7 yards, then moved to 15 yards, finally to 25 yards. I'll note the distance for each target that follows.

GOALS FOR THE DAY
I had in mind two goals for today. First, continue to work on my sighting/shooting with both eyes open. Challenging, but I'm learning how to do it. Second goal was to have fun. RESULTS? Got both goals accomplished!

POIs
Here they are!

Target 1. Shot at 7 yards using one 5-1/2" target, and four 2" targets (took only 1 shot at these small targets; cut them out from the sides of the large cardboard). This was fun, but I'd sure like to see four splashes in the red bullseyes some day! I think they are some HRF folk who can easily do that now....I'll catch up!

Target 1 @ 7 yards

Target 2. Shot at 15 yards using two 5" rectangle targets. These were my best POIs today, even in spite of 7/10 on top target and 9/10 on bottom target. The other four are buried somewhere near the range end at the bottom of the trees! I was happy with these at this medium range.

Target 2 @ 15 yards

Target 3. Set these two 5-1/2" targets at 25 yards. If I recall correctly, I shot 15 rounds at left, and 10 rounds at right. You'll easily notice the "cardboard POIs" that didn't make the targets. Ah well, it was end of shooting day and I saved the hardest/longest distance for last. Just might start out long next time! But again, part of the fun is that I'm still satisfied with these POIs. I remember when I first started shooting my SP101. There were some range reports that I took the 25-yard target home as clean as a whistle -- no holes! -- ready to use another day. This is better!

Target 3 @ 25 yards

OK for this range report. I hope some other folk enjoyed range time today, too.
Have a great evening!

[JEBar]

re: SP100 trigger pull .... pushing 30 years ago we purchased 2 GP100 357's with 6" barrels for each of our sons .... we immediately made two modifications to them .... upgraded the grips to Pachmayr rubber grips and changing the trigger springs .... those two mods made an instant positive differences .... made the same mods to my Redhawk 44 mag that was purchased at the same time ....

[Travlin]

Thanks for the report and the comments on the Ruger. I still shoot the Colt Trooper (old model) that I bought in 1968. However I am interested in finding out about Ruger D.A. .357's.
Because I load my own ammo and don't like tying to find brass in the dirt.

[PT7]

re: SP100 trigger pull .... pushing 30 years ago we purchased 2 GP100 357's with 6" barrels for each of our sons .... we immediately made two modifications to them .... upgraded the grips to Pachmayr rubber grips and changing the trigger springs .... those two mods made an instant positive differences .... made the same mods to my Redhawk 44 mag that was purchased at the same time ....

I've only made two adjusts to my SP101 since I got it in mid-2014. I changed grips to the Hogue monogrip....handles great!
Second change was to remove the front fiber-optic sight to a black pinned ramp. I work with that okay.

I agree that adjusting (easing) the DA trigger pull would help, I just don't know how to change the trigger springs, and have never done the research yet to find out how-to-do. Glad you noted that....might check it out. Thanks, JEBar!

[Sir Henry]

If I read your report correct your spread didn't increase all that much from 7 to 25 yards. Good shooting at distance.

[PT7]

If I read your report correct your spread didn't increase all that much from 7 to 25 yards. Good shooting at distance.

You're correct, Sir Henry. The targets at 7 yards and 25 yards are same size, 5-1/2". Both show in-target spread around 3" to 3-1/2" But there is a "but." At 25 yards there are quite a number of those pesky "cardboard POIs" also. Still spread at all three distances was decent today, and I'm content with the shooting results. Always "fun" when you can say/feel that.

Thanks for the "good shooting" compliment....much appreciated!

[PT7]

Thanks for the report and the comments on the Ruger. However I am interested in finding out about Ruger D.A. .357's.
Because I load my own ammo and don't like tying to find brass in the dirt.

When I had a Springfield Armory 9MM pistol, I had a really tough time finding brass in the grass! The revolver keeps the brass neatly in place.
Since you said you're interested in finding out about Ruger DA in .357 caliber, are you planning to get one?

[Travlin]

let's say I am doing some preliminary research. I might want to put my Colt Trooper into semi retirement even though it has the same action as a Python and is just as smooth from 48 years of shooting. The only thing I don't like about Rugers is that a target hammer is not offered. I have a Red hawk .44 that I bought instead of a Smith because it is a stronger design.

[PT7]

let's say I am doing some preliminary research. I might want to put my Colt Trooper into semi retirement even though it has the same action as a Python and is just as smooth from 48 years of shooting. The only thing I don't like about Rugers is that a target hammer is not offered. I have a Red hawk .44 that I bought instead of a Smith because it is a stronger design.

Interesting, Travlin. I've not heard of a "target hammer" before. What is it, and what function does it serve?

[RetiredSeabee]

Great report, I appreciate your determination to learn the trigger on the gun. I have an old Taurus that had an awful trigger. I eventually replaced the springs and it made the learning curve with double action easier.
I don't think I have ever closed an eye shooting with a handgun. But I can see where changing the habit would be challenging. But it seems you have it nailed. Good shooting on all targets, the 25 yard ones impress me because that little 5" target must appear about the size of a silver dollar. You might try a twelve inch target and hold point of aim at the bottom.

[PT7]

Great report, I appreciate your determination to learn the trigger on the gun. I have an old Taurus that had an awful trigger. I eventually replaced the springs and it made the learning curve with double action easier.
I don't think I have ever closed an eye shooting with a handgun. But I can see where changing the habit would be challenging. But it seems you have it nailed. Good shooting on all targets, the 25 yard ones impress me because that little 5" target must appear about the size of a silver dollar. You might try a twelve inch target and hold point of aim at the bottom.

Thanks much for your comments, Seabee. Yes, after Sir Henry mentioned the spreads being close, I thought about a larger-sized target at 25 yards. The largest I now have is 8". I think I'll get some 12-inchers and give it a go next time.

I once had an S&W 687 Performance Center .38 Special + "P" snubby revolver. The DA trigger was extremely light and smooth -- PC saw to that! I need to learn how to work on/replace the springs on the SP101. The SA pull is not too bad, but the DA is very, very stout. Even though I've mastered it, it continues to be a distraction as I have to concentrate on drawing back that heavy DA trigger. Since I don't have many gunsmith skills, doing a "trigger job" hadn't crossed my mind.

[Cofisher]

PT7, I have considered the spring change for my SP101 also. There is an excellent video showing the procedure using wolf springs. I don't remember the site, but it should not be too hard to find. Good shooting. I know what you mean about the DA pull. It does take concentration.

[RetiredSeabee]

Great report, I appreciate your determination to learn the trigger on the gun. I have an old Taurus that had an awful trigger. I eventually replaced the springs and it made the learning curve with double action easier.
I don't think I have ever closed an eye shooting with a handgun. But I can see where changing the habit would be challenging. But it seems you have it nailed. Good shooting on all targets, the 25 yard ones impress me because that little 5" target must appear about the size of a silver dollar. You might try a twelve inch target and hold point of aim at the bottom.

Thanks much for your comments, Seabee. Yes, after Sir Henry mentioned the spreads being close, I thought about a larger-sized target at 25 yards. The largest I now have is 8". I think I'll get some 12-inchers and give it a go next time.

I once had an S&W 687 Performance Center .38 Special + "P" snubby revolver. The DA trigger was extremely light and smooth -- PC saw to that! I need to learn how to work on/replace the springs on the SP101. The SA pull is not too bad, but the DA is very, very stout. Even though I've mastered it, it continues to be a distraction as I have to concentrate on drawing back that heavy DA trigger. Since I don't have many gunsmith skills, doing a "trigger job" hadn't crossed my mind.

I don't own a Ruger revolver yet....will cure that one day. I don't suspect that the disassembly and replacement of the springs would be difficult. The Taurus was pretty easy. If you have mechanical aptitude it should be fairly easy to learn. If texas gunrunner chimes in here I am sure he can steer you in the right direction. Spring sets are available from Wolff Gunsprings, Brownells sells them and I am pretty sure Midway USA does too. Great improvement with a lighter pull but also smoother.

[White Squirrel]

Nice report, PT7.

I have a 4" GP100 and the LCR .357, but my .357 revolver collection is missing the SP101 and the Blackhawk.

After a report like yours, I just want to run out and solve that gap in my collection!

[Travlin]

A target hammer has a wider spur than normal to aid in rapid cocking when the revolver is fired single action. Anyone that has been around Smith and Wesson revolvers for a few years will know what the three "T's" are, target trigger, target hammer, and target stocks or grips. My 17-4 8 3/8" K-22 had all three but I replaced the grooved trigger with a smooth "Ranger Trigger " that is almost as wide but doesn't have the grooves .My old model Colt Trooper .357 has the wide hammer spur also so I guess that's what I am used to. The only thing that I'm not crazy about on my Ruger Redhawk .44 is the narrow hammer.

[Cofisher]

Hey PT7, I found that video for the trigger job on the SP101. The presentation is a little awkward. But then if I did it, it would be awkward also.
Take a look and judge for yourself. Good Luck.

Jim T

https://youtu.be/z2IvhiMP_lI

[Cofisher]

And...a much more professional instruction site.

http://www.sp101trigger.com/index.html

[PT7]

Thanks, Cofisher. The timing was just right. Yesterday I received the revolver springs set from Wolff Gunsprings. So I'll be reading the info they sent with the springs, and viewing the videos. I'd prefer a good set of printed instructs, but will see what these videos look like.

Appreciate your time in digging up the links for me.

Hey PT7, I found that video for the trigger job on the SP101. The presentation is a little awkward. But then if I did it, it would be awkward also.
Take a look and judge for yourself. Good Luck.

Jim T

https://youtu.be/z2IvhiMP_lI

Cofisher » Tue May 10, 2016 12:22 pm

And...a much more professional instruction site.

http://www.sp101trigger.com/index.html

[RanchRoper]

Looks like good shooting to me. Way to go.

[Sir Henry]

Looks like good shooting to me. Way to go.

I bet he will get even better with his new setup and larger targets.