INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR STAINLESS STEEL CALIBERS .357, .38 SPECIAL 9mm, .22 & .32 RUGER® SP101® DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on This Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 25) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following: California: WARNING ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
Maine: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” Maryland: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
New Jersey: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” New York City: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
WHY ARE WE INCLUDING A FIRED CARTRIDGE CASE WITH EVERY RUGER PISTOL AND REVOLVER? Certain states and jurisdictions now require that all newly manufactured pistols and revolvers must be accompanied by a cartridge case, which has been test fired from that gun at the factory. The case must be placed in a sealed container bearing certain information concerning this test cartridge.
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER® SP101® revolver properly. Please contact us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live ammunition.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Lead Exposure Ammunition Double-Action Only Handling 6 8 10 11 12 13 Cylinder Interlock Firing Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers 14 16 19 22 23 26 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
removable without tools and dismantles, along with the cylinder/crane group, into a small number of subassemblies for inspection and cleaning (See Figure 1). The internal parts are installed either through the top or bottom of the gripframe; therefore, no side plate is needed. The resulting double solid frame contributes greatly to the extraordinary strength and reliability of these revolvers. The RUGER® SP101® revolver has a transfer bar which is connected directly to the trigger.
WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
Notes on 9mm Parabellum Revolvers: This model is chambered for the 9mm Parabellum (Luger) cartridge. A package of 9mm clips are supplied with the revolver and are required to allow proper ejection of the 9mm rimless cases. See SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 9mm CLIPS, p. 14. Do not use any other 9mm cartridges (9mm Short, 9mm Bergmann, etc.).
AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN THE SP101 REVOLVER OF FAULTY, OR NON-STANDARD, OR “RE-MANUFACTURED”, OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.
CAUTION: When firing the double-action only revolver, be sure that the trigger is released completely to its fully forward position before attempting to pull the trigger for a subsequent shot. If the trigger finger is allowed to interfere with the full recovery of the trigger (preventing it from moving through about the last one-eighth inch of its forward movement), pulling the trigger will not fire the revolver. The trigger must be fully released after each shot is fired.
TO LOAD AND FIRE Be sure the revolver is pointed in a safe direction and is never cocked while loading. 1. Press the crane latch and guide cylinder out of frame to the left to its loading position (See Figure 3, below). FIGURE 3 LOADING THE REVOLVER. 2. Insert cartridges and gently close cylinder, making sure it is securely latched. Do not “flip” the cylinder open or shut.
4. DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE. CAUTION–DOUBLE ACTION FIRING When firing in the double action mode, be sure that the trigger is released completely to its fully forward position before pulling the trigger for a subsequent shot. If the trigger finger is allowed to interfere with the full recovery of the trigger (preventing it from moving thru about the last oneeighth inch of its forward movement), the trigger cannot be pulled again for another discharge.
WARNING–FIRING When firing the SP101 revolver, be sure all persons are a safe distance to the rear of the shooter. When fired, all revolvers discharge hot gas and particles of lead, powder grains, or lubricant through the clearance gap between the cylinder and the rear of the barrel at high speed. This can injure a person who is standing too close to the revolver.
Practice this important gun handling skill with an unloaded revolver until you have developed the proper control and ‘touch’ to decock your revolver safely. The key to safe decocking is having the weight of the revolver controlled with one hand, while the thumb and forefinger of the ‘shooting hand’ control the hammer and trigger. Improperly restraining the trigger during this procedure may result in the hammer not resting fully against the frame.
NOTE: When ejecting fired cartridge cases, position the revolver at a high angle so the cases will come fully out of the chambers and not slip under the ejector. This high angle positioning is not necessary when ejecting unfired cartridges. CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE 3 1 2 4 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 9MM CLIPS 9mm revolvers require special clips to extract cartridges using the ejector rod because this cartridge has no rim for the ejector to act against.
TO UNLOAD CLIP: Eject clip and cases from cylinder. While holding clip on outside diameter, press empty cases of clip for removal. Clip is now ready to be reloaded. Inspect clips after each use. If broken, bent or cracked, discard and replace. Additional clips can be purchased from out Newport, New Hampshire Service Department. WARNING – DISASSEMBLY Always unload a firearm before cleaning, lubrication, disassembly or assembly. Never remove or install a loaded cylinder – it can fire if dropped or struck.
6. Use mainspring assembly to depress trigger guard lock plunger located inside frame at rear of trigger guard. Simultaneously pull down and remove trigger guard assembly (See Figure 7 & 8). Figure 7 Figure 8 NOTE: If you cannot supply sufficient force to the plunger using the mainspring assembly as a “tool”, then use a screwdriver of appropriate size and insert through hole in frame. It may be necessary to slightly depress the trigger while removing the trigger guard assembly. 7.
NOTE: At this point in reassembly trigger should function to rotate and lock the cylinder. Pull the trigger a few times, to check proper functioning, as always with the revolver pointed in a safe direction. 3. Hold trigger in its rearward position and insert hammer into frame. Install hammer pivot. Release trigger and permit hammer to go fully forward. 4. With hammer forward, insert mainspring assembly into frame.
If lead bullet loads are fired extensively, lead build-up may cause cylinder binding. Lubricate the cylinder crane gap with Break-Free® CLP or some other lubrication which meets mil. spec. Mil-163460 to prevent this condition. WARNING – LUBRICATION Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any other material even partially obstructing the bore may result in damage to the revolver and injury to the shooter and those nearby. Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on ammunition.
To reassemble the revolver for firing, carefully reinsert the trigger housing into the frame. Place the hammer into the top of the frame, and reinsert the hammer pivot pin. Cock the hammer, reinstall the mainspring strut, and remove the disassembly pin from the mainspring strut. Lower the hammer and replace the grips on the revolver. The revolver is now reassembled and can be loaded and fired normally.
Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stained area with an abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When using any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve a blending of ‘color’ with those areas that are not discolored. External surfaces of the barrel, frame and cylinder should be cleaned and wiped dry after use or after exposure to adverse conditions.
SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS .22 LR & .32 H & R Magnum The SP101 .22 LR & .32 H & R Magnum revolvers are equipped with sights adjustable for windage. Each click of the rear sight adjustment screw will move the point of bullet impact approximately 1/2” on the target at 25 yards using a 4” barrel length. To move the point of impact to the right: Turn the click screw counterclockwise. To move the point of impact to the left: Turn the click screw clockwise.
DO NOT SEND GUN BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS – THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT. Please do not include holster, grip panels, or other accessories with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service. Always insure your shipment. Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done.
Barrels, cylinders, cylinder/crane assemblies and a number of other component parts must be fitted at the factory. Company policy is to proof-test and/or function fire all barrels after fitting to the frames in which they are to be used. This procedure ensures maximum protection to our customers. The special proof-test ammunition used in this testing is sold only to bonafide firearms manufacturers and is not available to gun shops, gunsmiths, or individuals.
28 Part Name Barrel, 2 1/4” Barrel, 3 1/16” Barrel, 2 1/4” Barrel, 2 1/4”, Extended Frame Barrel, 3 1/16” Barrel, 2 1/4” Barrel, 3 1/16” Barrel, 2 1/4” Barrel, 4”, Half Shroud Barrel, 4”, Full Shroud Barrel, 3 1/16” Barrel, 4”, Full Shroud Cable Lock, 10”, Not Illustrated Case Only, Small Center Pin Lock Center Pin Rod Center Pin Rod Center Pin Spring Center Pin Spring Clip, Full Moon, 10 per package * Crane & Crane Pivot Assembly * * * * * * * * * * * * Part No.
29 Part Name * Crane & Crane Pivot Assembly * Crane Latch * Crane Latch Pivot Crane Latch Spring Crane Latch Spring Plunger * Crane Pivot Lock Plunger * Crane Pivot Lock Spring * Cylinder * Cylinder * Cylinder * Cylinder, 6-shot * Cylinder, 6-shot Cylinder Latch Cylinder Latch Pivot Cylinder Latch Plunger Cylinder Latch Spring Disassembly Pin * Ejector * Ejector * Ejector * Ejector * Ejector Ejector Alignment Pin, (2 Req’d.) * Ejector Retainer Ejector Rod Ejector Spring Ejector Spring Part No.
30 * * * * * Part Name Ferrule (Right Side), Not Illustrated Ferrule (Left Side) Firing Pin Firing Pin Firing Pin Rebound Spring Front Latch Front Latch Pivot Lock Front Latch Pivot Lock Spring Front Latch Pivot Pin Front Latch Spring Front Latch Spring Plunger Front Sight Front Sight Front Sight Front Sight Cross Pin Grip, 1 Piece Rubber, No Inserts Grip with Plastic Inserts (Disassembly Pin & Screw Included) Grip Inserts, Black Plastic (Sold in Pairs Only) Grip Inserts, Wood (Sold in Pairs Only) Grip P
31 * * * * Part Name Hammer Dog Spring Hammer Dog Spring Plunger Hammer Pivot Assembly Hammer Strut Hammer Strut Mainspring Hammer Strut Mainspring Seat Pawl Pawl Pawl Plunger Pawl Plunger Spring Rear Sight Adjustment Screw Rear Sight Blade Rear Sight Spring Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Recoil Plate Cross Pin Recoil Plate Cross Pin Safety Insert Safety Insert Transfer Bar Transfer Bar Trigger Assembly Trigger Guard Trigger Guard Latch Trigger Guard Latch Pin Trigger Guard Latch Spring Trigger Link Part No.
32 * PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FITTED Part Name Trigger Link Pin Trigger Link Plunger Trigger Pivot Pin Trigger Plunger Part No.
33 EXPLODED VIEW SP101®
34 KW00401 MAINSPRING KT00500 MAINSPRING SEAT KW04501 CYLINDER LATCH KT01500 HAMMER STRUT SP101 REVOLVER MECHANISM KW04600 TRIGGER GUARD LATCH KW03800 TRIGGER GUARD LATCH SPRING KW03700 TRIGGER LINK PLUNGER KW07100 TRIGGER LINK KW03900 TRIGGER KE-57 & KW06800 FRONT LATCH SPRING & PLUNGER KW03100 FRONT LATCH KW02300 EJECTOR ROD KW00700 PAWL KW00900 CRANE LATCH KW04000 HAMMER KW01700 TRANSFER BAR KH02100 FIRING PIN KW05300 CENTER PIN LOCK KW05400 CENTER PIN ROD
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should by used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
