Hi Guys,

Got a strange problem. I have a Ruger SP-101 with 2 1/4" bbl. Had it for years but never shot it much. Now I am shooting it more only to be reminded that it shoots about 6" left at 25 yards. It accurate enough at that range but numerous loads all shoot half a foot to the left. I have the same problem with any load shot out of it and with different grips. The barrel appears to mounted straight and true.

Natually I can send it back to Ruger but would like to explore any other options first. Anybody got any ideas?

BTW... I have an SP-101 in in 9mm and it shoots perfectly for what it is.

Is there a problem with the sights?
or the crowning on the barrel?
My first thought was that the rear sight could be too far right, but would that cause 6" difference?

_Kar.

The sights are fixed on 357 sp-101's. Crown looks ok.

The problem with fixed sights is that they are often fixed in the wrong place. There are a number of ways to change the POI. I had a Ruger Police Service Six and it shot about the same place as your gun. My gunsmith turned the barrel slightly to the left and it cured the problem. Didnt really change the sight picture and I prefer a gun that hits to the sights. You can also take a little off the rear notch on the right side with a file. I did that to my S&W M64 38 spec some 26 years ago and it still hits at the point of aim. Another way is to get a new front sight, one that is dovetailed into the barrel. Then you drift it until it hits in the right place. First, Id try changing your grip. Put more pressure on the frame with your right thumb, assuming you are right handed. That may work. I think all the SP101s should have the adjustable sight thats on some of the models. Just my .02.

Well...my 101 9mm shot well off to the right.

Once i was dead sure it was the gun and not me, decided to fix it. Front sight is held on by a pin and can be removed. With enough time, a dremel tool to rough shape, and a set of needle files to final shape, can make a new sight from scrap steel (guess you could make it from Al or brass as well)...but with a DOG LEG. Basiclly, make to about 1/3 too FAT...then file the bottom part (that fits into the gun) from one side, and file the top part(that you see above the barrel) to the other. End up with a bottom fits the slot and pin and top is dog-legged to the side.

Not hi-tech, just tedious file work.

The other low-tech solution would be to remove the front sight...weld one side of the top section, then file it to that "dog leg" shape that moves it over to the ctrrect point (for you, would want the dogleg front sight to be over to the RIGHT to move the groups LEFT). Silver soldering a shim would also work, but leave a bright line fo silver (but you could darken it).

BillM
I'd ask what are you shooting through it? Mine will shooting 110 gr 357 Mag left about 6"
125 Gr hit about 2" left and 158 gr right to POA!

BillM
I'd ask what are you shooting through it? Mine will shooting 110 gr 357 Mag left about 6"
125 Gr hit about 2" left and 158 gr right to POA!


Thank you for the responses. Mostly I am thinking about rotating the barrel a few degrees to move the sights back to center. I tried changing pressure points when shooting but no success. The biggest problem I have with this gun is that it does not hold my attention very long and I go on to something else before fixing it. Seems like I struggle more with 357 Mag's than any other cartridge and this little 101 tops that list.

The ammo I have shot recently have been 140gr Hornady, Beartooth 160gr and Beartooth 185gr reloads. I have some factory 125's around here and I'll give them a try too.

Thanks again

Bill, as you know I've had several of those SP101's over the years. Usually I get one shooting really well, then a friend talks me out of it, and I start over with another one. I've had two that shot off, like you say, both of them to the left. The easy solution was to torque the barrel into the frame just a couple degrees, as you've noted, and the problem was solved. Actually, I didn't even change them enough that you could notice it optically on the top strap and top barrel flat, but rather a witness mark made on both the barrel and frame prior to tightening the barrel. Surprising how little it takes to correct the sight alignment problem.

Take care Bill, and God bless you and yours.

Thanks Marshall (and everybody). I will pursue turning the barrel a bit. It actually looks perfectly straight but your comments have convinced me that looks are not everything.

Great gun. Can't wait to spend some time with it actually hitting targets.

Have you considered shooter error? Do you have the same problem with 38 wadcutters as .357s? It could be that you are handing the trigger differently from your 9mm in anticipation of the .357 blast and your muscle memory for this gun is slightly different than the 9mm.

I have no facts - just offering another possibility because I dislike sending guns to the factory.

Have you considered shooter error? Do you have the same problem with 38 wadcutters as .357s? It could be that you are handing the trigger differently from your 9mm in anticipation of the .357 blast and your muscle memory for this gun is slightly different than the 9mm.

I have no facts - just offering another possibility because I dislike sending guns to the factory.


Shooter error? Me??? Yup... I am a master at shooter error. In this case though I think I am on solid ground as I shoot the same gun in 9mm and do not have any of the consistant problems of shooting to the left. Nor am I recoil sensitive. No wadcutters yet the problem is the same with mid to full load magnums.

Depending on my level of motivation I will either have my local gunsmith turn the barrel a bit or I will do it myself. Hopes are that's the cure. The gun simply shoots like a dream. Just can't hit anything with it a range. It is clearly capable of softball size groups at 25 + yards. Quite the little pocket rocket.

Thank you again for your help.