Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Introduction To the TALO SP101
The SP101 was first introduced in 1989 as Ruger’s entry into the small-frame revolver market. Along with the GP100, the SP101 replaced the legacy Security Six and Speed Six series of revolvers. Since that time, the little wheel gun has developed a loyal following. According to their website, Ruger currently offers the SP101 in 15 different configurations. Calibers include .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, .327 Magnum, and .22 Long Rifle. Current options in barrel length are 2.25”, 3”, and 4.2”. The cylinder capacity for the .38 Special/.357 Magnum is five rounds. While all SP101 models feature an external hammer, several models come from the factory with a bobbed hammer spur which is a nice touch. Ruger SP101 Models
Table of contents
The SP101 and the GP101, series of revolvers features a solid frame design that eliminates a traditional sideplate. The result is a much stronger frame that can handle magnum pressures and higher round counts than other similar revolvers. Both have been described as a “tank” for their ruggedness and durability. The guns are almost indestructible.
The TALO Touch
Founded in 1964, TALO is one of the country’s older firearm’s distributors. TALO is a buying cooperative that commissions limited edition and exclusive models from the leading manufacturers. Their website lists 20 companies that they are currently partnered with, one of those being Ruger. On the TALO website, they list 134 different Ruger collaborations. One of these commissions is a SP101 Deluxe. TALO Ruger Collection
Thanks to the great folks in Ruger’s marketing department, I was able to obtain a TALO exclusive Ruger SP101 Deluxe, in .357 Magnum. Ruger lists this model as having limited availability, but it is on the TALO site. TALO SP101 Deluxe
The TALO SP101 Deluxe is based on the stainless model and is chambered in .357 Magnum. It features a 2.25” barrel, a pinned black front sight ramp, and black rubber stocks with an engraved wood inserts. However, what makes this SP101 special, the machine engraving that covers the majority of the revolver. Now, I admit, I am a snob when it comes to engraving. I find it much easier to find engraving that I don’t like than engraving that I like! I have to admit that the scroll and relief work on the SP101 is very attractive. It is tastefully executed and the engraving is proportional to the locations on the pistol.
SP101 Range Time
Being all stainless, the SP101 is a very solid pistol that weighs a hefty 26 ounces. While a little heavy for a pocket gun, the little snub is a great shooter and ideal for belt carry. The stocks are small in overall diameter but the shape really works. The trigger on our sample was clean with no grit or stacking. The single action broke at a nice 5 lbs. but felt much lighter.
I took the SP101 to the range for a full workup. This included testing three defensive loads for accuracy and consistency as well as shooting a number of drills. Since our pistol is chambered in .357 Magnum, I felt obligated to shoot at least one magnum load. I selected Hornady’s 135 gr. Critical Duty that features the FlexLock projectile. The FlexLock is designed to meet, or surpass, the FBI ballistic protocol, to include barrier penetration.
Out of the 2.25” barrel, the Critical Duty load averaged 1, 156 fps. I also tested Speer’s 135 gr. +P Gold Dot Short Barrel load. The Gold Dot averaged 891 fps. Finally, I tested Georgia Arms Ultimate Defense 148 gr. Wadcutter. This load is specifically designed to produce adequate penetration of both bare gel and 4-layers of denim when shot from a 1 7/8” barrel found on Smith J-frame revolvers. This load averaged a mild 743 fps.
The SP101 shoots well
Shooting the SP101 Deluxe left me with a very positive impression. The stainless construction helped absorb recoil of even the stout Magnum loads. In addition, the stocks proved to be outstanding. Frankly, I was not looking forward to shooting magnum loads out of the little Ruger. My worries vanished after the first cylinder full. The combination of the weight, and the excellently designed stocks, made magnums down right pleasant to shoot. This made shooting the .38 loads were very anticlimactic! I also appreciated the smooth and radiused trigger.
READ MORE: My Favorite 22 Pistol: Ruger 22/45 Tactical
After spending some time ringing steel from 40 yards, or so, I decided to shoot the Hardwired Tactical Snubby Super Test. The Snubby Super Test was created by Wayne Dobbs and Darryl Bolke, both retired law enforcement officers and snub aficionados. They live with small revolvers on a daily basis and teach how to run them effectively. This is a very challenging drill that provides a good assessment of the shooter’s skill level. The drill is shot on a NRA B-8 bullseye target. The course of fire is shown below.
| Snubby Super Test | |||
| Distance | Rounds Fired | Time | Position |
| 10 Yards | 5 | 8 seconds | Both Hands |
| 5 Yards | 5 | 5 seconds | Both Hands |
| 3 Yards | 5 | 3 Seconds | Strong Hand Only |
| Hardwired Tactical | |||
Test Results
The shooter can either start from a low ready or with his hand on the pistol in a pocket. This is not for the faint of heart, especially the 3 yard line. Five rounds in 3 seconds is pretty spicy, especially from the strong hand only. At the three yard line, I got off to a great start with a time of 2.36 with one round in the 8-ring. I was down 2 points. The 5-yard line went well with a time of 4.50 with a score of -3 points. The 10-yard line is the most challenging due to the range and the black front sight on a black target. My 10-yard time was 5.49 and I lost only 5 points. My total score was a 140/150, or 93.3%. For my first run with the SP101, I was very happy.
The more I shot the little Ruger, the more I liked it. It is one of those guns that I didn’t want to stop shooting. We ran through 40 rounds or more of .357 Magnums and probably 150 rounds of various .38 Special loads. It was just a lot of fun! I see why the SP101 has such a following.
FAQs
Q: What caliber options are available for the Ruger TALO SP101?
A: The Ruger TALO SP101 is commonly available in .357 Magnum, .327 Federal Magnum, .22 long rifle, and .38 Special calibers.
Q: What is the capacity of the Ruger TALO SP101’s cylinder?
A: The revolver features a 5-round capacity. Some other models offer 6.
Q: Is the Ruger TALO SP101 suitable for concealed carry?
A: Yes, the SP101’s compact size and sturdy build make it a popular choice for concealed carry, definitely worth consideration.
Q: How much does the TALO SP101 cost?
A: The current MSRP for the gun is $1,253.00
Final Impressions On the SP101
Even without the engraving, the TALO SP101 is a great revolver. A standard SP101 retails for $919. The TALO edition sells for about $300 more. My only criticism is the all black front sight blade. When shooting a B-8 target, the black front sight was a challenge. I would like to see it offered with a high visibility insert. This is easily accomplished since the sight is pinned in place.
While the TALO edition is limited in availability, it can be found. I visited Ruger’s website and, by clicking the “buy now” button, I found several for sale. TALO also offers the same engraving package on a blued SP101.
If you are looking to spice up your daily carry, or want a BBQ gun, then the little SP101 may just be the wheelgun for you.
| Ruger SP101 TALO Deluxe | |
| SKU/Model Number | 5764 |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Satin Stainless |
| Capacity | 5 |
| Barrel Length | 2.25” |
| Overall Length | 7” |
| Weight | 26 oz. |
| Rear Sight | Fix |
| Front Sight | Pinned Black Ramp |
| Stocks | Black Rubber/Engraved Wood Insert |
| MSRP | $1,253.00 |
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Automated engraving ??? What ever happened to old fashioned hand hewn craftsmanship? I don’t think even a Mexican cartel boss would be caught with a sp101 Talo !
machine engraving for the price of hand engraved? $1300 nah.
aa much as I love ruger guns the recent price hikes have me glad that I have what I want.
These same grips with the wood inserts have been around on various Ruger revolvers for years…nothing new or “Talo” about them I don’t believe. A hefty price for the name/association, even at $300 less for the non-deluxe version. As for the drill channel on the left side, indeed what/why…??? Very ugly…has to be more to it than mfg.
If they can sell this without the ‘BILLboard’…. why not the rest of the line too?!?!?
talo lawyers defend talo for not having the “billboard” once these guns leave ruger ruger has less liability. I could be wrong about this and don’t mind being corrected
Why the big “drill channel” under the cylinder latch on the left side. My older SP101 has a hole in the frame there, but not the big drill channel. In my opinion, that is unsightly compared to the older versions. Must be a cheaper way of manufacturing it.
The TALO might be a ‘good’ choice for a barbeque gun but the plain jane version is good enough for us mere mortals. I happen to have one in .327Federal. The extra weight helps with recoil control and is almost pleasant to shoot with .32H&R loads. As to using it for daily carry IMHO it is a bit ‘beefy’ and bulky – similar in size to a 2.5″ S&W K frame. I’ll stick to the LCRx for carry 😉
Plus a LEO will scratch their initials on a firearm involved in any investigation, even a clearly justifiable use of self defense. It’s a cool gun but maybe NOT for CC or OC.