Not sure what is going on with Ruger’s SP 101 quality control right now.  The last two new revolvers we have seen were not as clean as they have been in the past.  One revolver had a hand that was improperly fitted causing the gun to bind up when the trigger was pulled slowly.  The other we had had rust all over the front sight and the sight cut had been made smaller than usual.

I also heard from a customer who had purchased a LC9 that he was having malfunction after malfunction.  He also reported that when he racked the slide the rear sight came off in his hand.  Back to Ruger it went.

We ALL have bad days, but this is a bit unusual for Ruger because they are normally on top of their stuff.  If you are buying new, make sure you thoroughly check it out to be sure you are satisfied.

I recently had a customer desire to switch out his Meprolight front sight on his Ruger SP101 to a Big Dot.  The mepro was literally on the gun for one week.  It is in perfect condition already pre-drilled and ready for you to install on your SP.  All I need from you is $50 which will cover shipping.

So, if you have been curios about a new front sight on your SP101, you might take advantage of this one.

BTW, this money goes to the customer.

We recently did another Ruger SP101 in 327 Federal.  This gun got the whole package and the bobbed hammer.  If you haven’t read up on the 327 Federal cartridge, you might find it interesting.  Recoil is manageable and you get a 6th shot in the SP101 platform.

Ruger SP101 327 Federal

We bead blast finish a lot of the Ruger SP101′s that come through our shop.  Most of the time it is a cosmetic choice for the owner.  There is something about having a satin finish on those guns that is really fantastic.  You could possibly make the argument that their is tactical nature to the finish as well since the gun isn’t so shiny, but that is a debate for the gun forums.

Sometimes there is a blemish that can be corrected by the blasting process to make the gun look better.  That is what the following before and after photos show.  Cost is $100 for blasting.

Surface Rust On The Frame

Ready For Blasting

Finished Product

Recently had a customer request some grips from a French company called Trausch Grips.  I had never heard of them, but I must say I am very impressed.  They are larger than the Badger boot grips and the regular Ruger SP 101 grips that come standard with the gun.  The Grips are very, very snug on the gun.  In fact it can be a work out the first time you put them on!  Since the SP 101 is really not a pocket gun because its weight, I think these would make a perfect addition to any Ruger.  The rubber covers the back portion of the frame so that you really feel a difference in felt recoil.

You can get them for about $40 which includes shipping.  Who knew the French could be so useful with firearms?

This gun got a trigger job, Big Dot Sight, and the Trausch grips on it.  We love finding new ways to make this great gun even better.

I recently returned from a trip to Kenya where a team of people did some work on a medical clinic to ready it for opening, did veterinary work with herdsman, did recreation in some local schools, taught in a seminary and led a pastor’s wives retreat.

I have to tell you that it was one of the most profound experiences I have ever had, and I wanted to say thank you to all of our customers because you helped on this trip.

One of the things that takes place everyday in Kenya is that children die from malaria born by mosquitoes.  We obviously prepared with malaria medicine, mosquito nets, and repellent, but these things are not readily available where we were at for the locals.  I met a young man who was watching a second child die of malaria.  His first child died 2 years ago and now he watched helplessly as his next child was in the hospital clinging to life.  You see when you go to the hospital you get a bed to die in. . .food, blankets and medicine all come at a cost.  The hospital had the drugs to heal his daughter, but he had no funds to pay.  When I asked him if she could get better with medicine he told me, “Oh yes, but it is so much money.  We will just rely on God for this.”  I asked how much it would cost thinking I might be able to get the money from the collective team.  His reply killed me; $60.  I went to my pack and got out money from you guys and gave it to him.  $60 saved a life.  As I tried to sleep that night I began to cry thinking of my own loved ones and what it would be like to need 60 simple dollars.

Later that week I fed orphans and impoverished children who looked just like the kids you see in the commercials.  Distended bellies, hollow eyes and dirty faces looked up at us.  They are fed through a ministry at local churches 3 times a week.  I hope I never have to see it again.  For many those are the only meals they will eat.  You can feed one of those children for $5 a month.  $20 feeds 4.  $100 feeds 20.  You get the point.

Thank you for supporting us.  Thanks for understanding when we said we were going to be out of the country.  Thanks for praying for us.

Two parting thoughts: 1. If you would like to make difference remember you don’t have to save the world.  Just save one.  Go to Church Missions Network and consider giving a donation to feed or clothe someone.  Consider going with them this summer.  2.  Read Kisses From Katie to see how one Nashville girl is a living difference in Uganda.  WARNING: You may cry so read it in private!

I recently had the opportunity to test out a newer ammo from the guys at Bulk Ammo.  They are a company that services shooters through competitive prices, and as the name implies the more you buy the better the prices become.  Steve sent me some of Hornady’s new Critical Defense 38 special +P.

This ammo is specifically designed as a defensive load.  Since most of the work we do is on wheel guns used for duty and protection it seemed like a natural fit for us to test, and I must say that I was very pleased.

I chose to shoot the ammo in my Smith & Wesson J-frame and a Ruger SP101 357 magnum.  Both had no trouble with the ammo.  It was as you would expect 100% reliable.  I compared its recoil to two other loads; Speer Gold Dot 38 special +P and in the Ruger a standard Remington 357 magnum load.  It shot a little softer for me in my J-frame for sure.  This was confirmed because point of impact at 25 yards was slightly lower than the Speer Gold Dots that have been the standard for me for the last 8 years.

Since the test I’ve actually changed to these as a carry round for my J-frame because of the technology in the hollow point cavity.  It is filled with a red polymer type material that should keep the cavity from filling with clothing or other material that might keep it from functioning to its full expanded potential. This is one area where bullet design and development has improved significantly in the past few years.  I am confident that this ammo represents a significant improvement from the earlier versions of snub nose ammo.

When you check out the bulk ammo sight they have many different offerings on the 38 special page.  The Hornady ammo sells for $22 for 25 rounds which is a fair price.  However, they have 38 special for under $15 in the bulk offerings which is a significant improvement over average prices for 50 rounds of target ammo.  If you haven’t checked these guys out do so and see if there service and selection doesn’t impress you as well.

I want to thank everyone for their patience. We are good to go again.  If you have any questions please contact us. Thanks for your business.

Our online store is going to get some revisions and will not be open until all are completed.  If you know what you need, please email me and I will try to get it out to you right after the super bowl.

The S&W Bodyguard 38 is a new venture for Smith in their revolver product line.  No doubt it was influenced heavily by the Ruger LCR.  I guess what I find most interesting right now is that Smith seems to be a little behind on the development of new things.  The Bodyguard and the Governor are both following other manufactures ideas.  One might argue that it is better to be late if your product is better in quality, but I have not shot the Governor head to head with a Judge yet so I will let others make those observations.

One thing about the Bodyguard is that it is extremely lightweight.  At 14.3 oz it is not a gun you will want to shoot all day at the range.  However, it deserves a closer look because the design is unique in several areas.

One is that the cylinder release is ambidextrous.  It is positioned on the back of the frame making it easy for lefties.  The cylinder design is different as well.  In a traditional Smith the rotation is counterclockwise.  The Bodyguard has a  clockwise rotation without a traditional ratchet system on the cylinder.

While it may look like a J-frame, it is more of a hybrid.  Springs are different.  Takedown is completely different.

On the plus is side is the integrated laser with several functions.  Many people have really liked the way it is mounted to the right side plate.  Obviously lasers have their place.  Some don’t like them, but I find them very useful in several situations especially if eyesight is a problem.

While I like the Bodyguard, I don’t know if I’m ready to get rid of my J-frames just yet.  Only time will tell, but it appears with a new design things will go one of two ways:  1.They will become standard for the industry.  You will see more and more revolvers go to this type of configuration.  2.  The Bodyguard will end up like the Glock 36.  It will have a small but dedicated following.  I tend to think you will see option 2 take place.  Those who love it will be sold forever.  The mainstream will find it hard to get rid of the tried and true.