Ruger SP101 .22 LR Revolver 4.2-inch Stainless 8rd

The ruger sp101 .22 lr revolver 4.2-inch stainless 8rd is a compact, all-business wheelgun built for affordable range time, low-recoil training, and no-fuss recreational shooting. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this satin stainless revolver packs an 8-round cylinder and a 4.2-inch barrel, giving you a lightweight, corrosion-resistant platform that runs on pennies per round. It’s the kind of revolver that disappears into a range bag and makes every trip to the line feel like a vacation from ammo prices.

Manufacturer	Ruger (per manufacturer specs)
Model	SP101
Material	Stainless steel (satin finish)
Compatibility	.22 LR ammunition
Finish	Satin stainless
Weight	Approximately 32 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• 8-round cylinder – Why it matters: More rounds between reloads means more trigger time and less fumbling at the bench, especially when you’re drilling fundamentals or plinking with friends.
• Fiber-optic front sight with adjustable rear sight – Why it matters: Rapid target acquisition in varying light conditions, so you can transition from indoor lanes to outdoor steel without squinting or swapping parts.
• Triple-locking cylinder – Why it matters: Locks up tight at the front, rear, and center for consistent alignment shot after shot, reducing the chance of timing issues even after thousands of rounds.
• Transfer-bar safety system – Why it matters: Prevents accidental discharge if the hammer is struck or dropped, giving you peace of mind when loading, unloading, or carrying in a range bag.
• Satin stainless finish – Why it matters: Resists rust and corrosion from sweat, humidity, or a day at the range in the rain, so you don’t have to baby it after every session.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the shooter who wants to burn through bricks of .22 LR without burning through cash. It’s ideal for new shooters learning trigger control, experienced marksmen refining their double-action pull, and collectors who appreciate a stainless workhorse that’s also a conversation starter at the gun show table.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Low recoil and cheap ammo mean you can shoot all day for the cost of a box of centerfire.
• Pro: Ruger’s reputation for overbuilt revolvers means this SP101 will outlast your grandkids.
• Con: The factory trigger has a bit of stacking in double-action out of the box – a spring kit or a few hundred dry-fires smooths it out nicely.

Comparison

Feature	Ruger SP101 .22 LR	S&W Model 63 .22 LR	Taurus 942 .22 LR
Barrel Length	4.2 in	3 in	2 in
Capacity	8 rounds	6 rounds	8 rounds
Finish	Satin stainless	Stainless	Stainless or matte black
Weight	~32 oz	~25 oz	~22 oz
MSRP	$778.70	~$850	~$400
Safety	Transfer bar + triple lock	Hammer block	Transfer bar

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ruger SP101 .22 LR reliable with bulk ammunition?

Yes. Ruger designed the SP101 .22 LR to handle a wide variety of .22 LR loads, including bulk high-velocity and standard-velocity rounds. The stainless steel cylinder and barrel resist leading and fouling buildup, though you should still clean it after a heavy session to keep it running smooth.

Can I mount a red dot on this Ruger SP101 .22 LR?

Not directly. The factory rear sight is adjustable but not optics-ready. You’ll need to send the top strap to a gunsmith for drilling and tapping, or use a mount that replaces the rear sight. Most shooters find the fiber-optic front and adjustable rear sufficient for accuracy at typical .22 LR distances.

Does the 4.2-inch barrel improve accuracy over shorter barrels?

Generally, yes. The longer sight radius helps with precise aiming, and the extra barrel length gives .22 LR rounds a bit more velocity. You’ll see tighter groups at 25 yards compared to a 2- or 3-inch barrel, especially with match-grade ammunition.

What holsters fit the Ruger SP101 .22 LR with 4.2-inch barrel?

Most holsters made for the Ruger SP101 with a 4.2-inch barrel will work, but check that they accommodate the fiber-optic front sight. Many leather and Kydex holsters from brands like Simply Rugged, Desantis, and Galco offer specific fits for this model.

Trust & Delivery

• ✔ Nationwide delivery – all 50 states
• ✔ Ships 1-2 business days from order
• ✔ 30-day return policy on unused items
• ✔ Secure checkout with encrypted payment

Browse more in our Revolvers category or check out .22 LR Firearms and Ruger Firearms for the full lineup.

Last updated: April 2026