Ruger SP101 .357 Mag 2.25″ Blued 5-Round Revolver

The Ruger SP101 .357 Mag 2.25″ Blued 5-Round Revolver is a compact, all-steel double/single-action revolver built for serious defensive use and everyday carry. Ruger engineered this small-frame wheelgun to handle full-house .357 Magnum loads without beating your hand, while the 2.25-inch barrel keeps it concealable. This is the ruger sp101 .357 mag 2.25″ blued 5-round revolver that collectors and shooters trust for its rugged reliability and classic lines.

Manufacturer	Ruger
Model	SP101
Material	Stainless steel frame and cylinder (blued finish over stainless per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special +P
Finish	Blued
Weight	25 oz (unloaded, per Ruger)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Compact 2.25″ Barrel – Why it matters: Keeps the revolver short enough for IWB or pocket carry without sacrificing the accuracy you need for defensive shots at 7-15 yards.
• Five-Round Cylinder with Transfer Bar Safety – Why it matters: The transfer bar prevents accidental discharge if the hammer is struck, letting you carry all five chambers loaded with confidence.
• Cushioned Rubber Grip with Engraved Wood Insert – Why it matters: The rubber soaks up .357 Mag recoil, while the wood insert adds a touch of class and a solid purchase for fast follow-up shots.
• Fixed Sights – Why it matters: No snag hazards when drawing from concealment, and the low-profile front blade and rear notch are zeroed for typical defensive ranges right out of the box.
• All-Stainless Construction with Blued Finish – Why it matters: Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, and the blued finish gives it that traditional revolver look that stands up to holster wear.

Who It’s For

This SP101 is for the shooter who wants a revolver that disappears under a jacket but still packs .357 Mag punch. It’s for collectors who appreciate Ruger’s overbuilt small-frame design—the same one that’s been in production since the late 1980s. It’s for anyone who wants a backup gun, a trail companion, or a range toy that doubles as a serious defensive tool.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Built like a tank—the SP101’s frame is thicker than comparable J-frame Smiths, meaning it handles hot loads without cracking.
• Pro: The trigger is smooth out of the box, especially in single-action, and it’s easy to improve with a spring kit if you want a lighter double-action pull.
• Con: Five-round capacity is limiting compared to a 6-shot snubby or a modern semi-auto. You’ll need to make every shot count.
• Con: The blued finish can show wear faster than the stainless version if you carry it daily against sweat and moisture.

Comparison

Feature	Ruger SP101 .357 Mag 2.25″	Smith & Wesson 640 Pro	Colt King Cobra 2″
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	6 rounds
Weight (unloaded)	25 oz	23 oz	24 oz
Finish	Blued	Stainless	Stainless
MSRP	$730.88	$949	$899
Grip	Rubber with wood insert	Rubber	Rubber with wood insert

What caliber is this Ruger SP101 chambered in?

This Ruger SP101 is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special +P ammunition. Per Ruger’s specs, it’s rated for continuous use with both calibers.

Is this revolver good for concealed carry?

Yes—the 2.25″ barrel and compact frame make it ideal for IWB or pocket carry. At 25 ounces, it’s heavy enough to tame recoil but light enough to carry all day without sagging your belt.

Does this SP101 have a hammer?

Yes, it has an exposed spurred hammer for single-action cocking. The transfer bar safety means you can safely carry it with the hammer down on a loaded chamber.

What kind of sights does it have?

Fixed front blade and rear notch sights. They’re low-profile and snag-free, perfect for defensive shooting. You can drift the rear for windage adjustment if needed.

Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this revolver?

Absolutely. The SP101’s stainless steel construction handles .38 Special +P with ease, and it’s a great way to practice with lower recoil while still training for defensive use.

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Last updated: April 2026