Ruger SP101 KSP-331 .357 Magnum 3" Stainless Revolver, 1993 Pre-Lock, Custom Grip
This early-production Ruger SP101 KSP-331 was manufactured in 1993 and features the desirable 3-inch full-lug barrel for improved ballistics and a longer sight radius. Built entirely from investment-cast stainless steel, it uses Ruger’s triple-locking cylinder system for extra strength. An aftermarket one-piece black rubber grip with finger grooves enhances control while preserving the revolver’s compact profile. Collectors will appreciate its pre-lock status, brushed satin finish, and serial prefix 571—marking it as part of the first generation of SP101 revolvers.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks are present on the frame and barrel. Carbon scoring is visible on the cylinder face, consistent with normal firing.
What’s Included
- Blue Smith & Wesson plastic handgun case
- Smith & Wesson revolver instruction manual
- 5-shot speed loader
The SP101’s 3-inch barrel strikes a balance between concealability and performance, delivering higher velocities than the 2-inch variant while remaining compact. The full-lug design adds forward weight, helping tame .357 Magnum recoil in a small frame revolver.
Ruger’s transfer-bar safety allows the revolver to be carried fully loaded without the hammer resting on a live round. The smooth combat-style trigger provides consistent double-action pulls and a crisp single-action break.
The aftermarket one-piece rubber grip offers finger grooves and ribbed sides that improve purchase without enlarging the gun’s footprint. Its black color contrasts nicely with the brushed satin stainless finish.
Inspection marks include a circled “B” stamp, and the revolver retains its original spurred hammer, fixed sights, and investment-cast stainless components—all hallmarks of early SP101 construction.