Took this SP101 2 1/4" on a trade. Wasn't really looking for a SP. Sent it off to Marc at Gemini Customs and he worked his magic. I normally carry a 4" 1911 as my CCW. I may start carrying this one when I'm wanting to carry something a bit smaller.
[http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=7265]

[http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=7267]

I never get the picture thing right. The pictures are on the bragging board. There is one before the work was done and several afterwards.

I like it

Wheelguns are highly under-rated for CCW. IMHO.
I'd rather have 5 .38-.357's than 10 9mm's.

Thanks Gregg!

mmmmmmm..not sure I would ever trade my M92 or my Walther PK99 for a 5 shot 38, but it would be better than nothing. I find the smaller 38's tough and un-fun to shoot with +P loads...and I am timid to recoil. I love my wheel guns, but I can hide the Walther 9mm and 17 rounds of 147 HP's pretty easy and it functions flawlessly. Granted the M92 is big and hard to hide, but I wouldn't trade it off.....I still carry my Kimber Ultra as my CCW on a regular basis....but the Walther goes when I need a lighter one, or less clothing. Winter is never a problem.

It is a nice piece though and Ruger is fool proof!

Great carry gun. Good for 2 legged or 4 legged varmints. A revolver can also be useful with shot shells in snake country.

Great gun for a CCW. I have a smith 640 behind my right hip right now. A snub nose revolver is my favorite CCW.

You are aware that the 357 is bigger(.002) than the 9mm and much more powerful? With that said I understand it's only a 5 shot. I've never been one that thought I needed to carry 30+ rounds on me for CCW. I generally carry my Kimber Super Carry Pro HD with an extra mag sometimes. This firearm will just give me a option if I feel like leaving the 45 home.

I am of the opinion (and that's all it is, my opinion) that many times those who carry a weapon with copious amounts of ammunition are mentally setting themselves up to fail before they even begin. Someone who is not really a "shooter" is subconsciously prepared to, even expecting to, miss. Several times. And have made preparation for it. One who carries five rounds has a very different mindset and carries a constant subconscious warning, "Don't miss!" If I carry a revolver confidently, it's because I'm not giving myself an excuse for speedy, sloppy shooting and am fully prepared to, and fully expecting to, get it done right the first time.

Just my take on it, but I've carried for a living in a number of jobs, and have had a bit of experience. I love that SP101, and think it's a wonderful choice for a ccw. I've owned 3, but none as nice as that one!

briarhopper,

I believe that your opinion here has some really serious good points.

Bullelk Hunter,
You are "...timid to recoil", but have a .416 Rigby Encore handgun? Say it ain't so ....

You never hear of a revolver jamming!

I have 2 1911 45 acp pistols,but almost always carry an airwieght S&W 32 mag,small and 100 percent reliable ,also not bad to shoot with factory PD loads.BTW that sp is a real beauty !!

Here is the link to a video I made this morning about the firearm. It's my first video so do not laugh too hard.
http://youtu.be/pmogw_rW_14

Bad,

The video is very nice. It would be great if more folks had a list or something to keep from rambling and wandering. Your video is very specific, clear and helpful.

The only thing I do not like are the ports, but everything looks to be well executed. Looking forward to a range report. I always go back and forth about carrying my guns for which I have spent time and money customizing. It would suck to have such a nice gun ending up in a police lock up, but I figure life is too short to not carry nice guns, on occasion ;^)

Craig

Bearbait,
I understand what you are saying. I do know the drawbacks of a ported gun. Firing from retention, muzzle flash, reduced velocity, and added noise. When I decided to get this work done I figured I would go full tilt whether it would make a good carry gun or not. A little more time at the range should tell. One preliminary finding is that the porting doesn't add much muzzle flash or noise. I've shot it side by side with another 2 1/4" SP. Muzzle flip is greatly reduced. So far the really only draw back could be close proximity shooting and hot gas burns. With that being said if I'm shooting close enough to my body to get burnt by hot gases; I'm pretty close to the muzzle. Also as a side note I do believe shooting with the V8 porting in low light is better than the standard porting shooting fire straight up in the sight view. I generally carry a 4" 1911 for conceal carry. This may give me a slightly smaller carry option occasionally.

Yes I have...
With factory ammo I have seen 2 incidents where high primers wedged against the recoil shield (two separate guns, two separate instances).
With reloaded ammo I have seen bullets jump crimp & jam the cylinder.
With poor maintenance I have seen lead/crud buildup on cylinder faces jam against the forcing cone.
I well tuned auto loader with tried & true ammo is reliable period. I had two that I carried with 100% confidence.
That said, I do love my compact wheelguns.
Don't tell anyone, but I actually like Charter Arms guns. My current CCW piece is a CA Undercover 2" 38sp loaded with Federal Hydroshocks. It's ugly & almost all the finish is gone but it's made in the good ole USofA, and goes bang every time just like a S&W at less than half the price.
I want to pick up another CA Off Duty some time (shrouded hammer). Also looking for a CA Bulldog snubby in 44special.

That SP-101 is very nice. I have considered having my SP-101 done by Gemini for probably close to 20 years, just never "pulled the trigger", so to speak.

As for the loudness of the ports, have you had the opportunity to fire that gun inside or at least with a roof over your head? The difference in report (to the shooter) of a ported gun in free air vs. with a roof or ceiling over your head is very noticeable.

Regarding what you want to carry, that is your business. Revolver, Bottom Feeder, Hi-Cap, single stack, whatever you are comfortable with. It is more important that you have the gun than what type it actually is.

Just shot a few at the indoor range. Glad I was wearing plugs and muffs. It is quite a bit louder indoors.

WHAT? WHAT DID YOU SAY? MY EARS ARE STILL RINGING ;-)