First Look: Ruger SP101 Revolver in 9 mm

Ruger expanded its SP101 revolver lineup late in 2017, adding a new model chambered in 9 mm, providing an option for consumers in a cartridge more often seen for semi-automatic pistols.

The new Ruger SP101 revolver in 9 mm is constructed with a stainless-steel frame and completed with a satin-stainless finish. Like other revolvers in the SP101 lineup, the gun is equipped with the company's rubber grips for added comfort and recoil absorption and completed with textured plastic inserts for added purchase. The grip frame matches the patented design used on many of the company's revolvers, making it compatible with a wide aftermarket of revolver grips sized for the SP101 frame.

Spec-wise, the revolver features a 2.25-inch barrel with a 1:16-inch right-hand rate of twist. The overall length of the revolver is 7.2 inches, and the total weight is 25 ounces, unloaded. Cylinder capacity is five rounds. The gun is equipped with an integral rear sight and a black-ramp front sight.

The SP101 revolver in 9 mm features a triple-locked cylinder that is secured into the frame at the front, rear and bottom of the cylinder, ensuring that the gun is aligned and secured consistently. The gun is also equipped with Ruger's patented transfer-bar setup, which protects against unintended discharged and adds another level of safety. 

Due to the rimless design of the 9 mm cartridge, the Ruger SP101 features a recessed cylinder that aids in the use of moon clips for loading the revolver. Ready-to-fire rounds are pre-loaded into the moon clips, which allows for fast and easy loading of an empty cylinder. The moon clips also keep spent cartridges together, allowing them to all eject in one smooth motion. Each Ruger SP101 in 9 mm ships with three moon clips.

Ruger also made it easy for owners of the SP101 to easily clean and perform maintenance work on their guns, thanks to a tool-free takedown procedure. The suggested retail price of the new Ruger SP101 in 9 mm is $719.