Ruger SP101 .38 Special 2.25" Stainless DA/SA Revolver, 5-Shot, 1989 Early Southport Rollmark
This early-production Ruger SP101 in .38 Special dates to 1989 and carries the Southport, Connecticut address rollmark with a 570- serial prefix. It features a 2.25-inch snub barrel, 5-shot cylinder, and brushed/satin stainless construction in a compact, fixed-sight configuration with the original-pattern grip panels.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are some markings from previous handling and use. The bore is bright and clean. See the photos for a clear view of these details.
What’s Included
- Soft case
Built on stainless steel throughout the frame, cylinder, and 2.25-inch barrel, this SP101 uses a full underlug with an ejector-rod shroud for a solid, nose-heavy snub profile. The brushed/satin stainless finish provides a clean, uniform look consistent with early examples.
The revolver is configured in double-action/single-action with an exposed, checkered hammer spur and a smooth-faced trigger. Ruger’s transfer bar ignition and a triple-locking cylinder contribute to the model’s well-known durability and safe carry.
Sights are fixed, with a serrated, blackened ramp front and an integral rear notch cut into the topstrap. This setup keeps the profile low while maintaining a clear, snag-resistant sight picture appropriate for a compact revolver.
Grip panels are the original-pattern design: a one-piece black rubber grip with removable grooved plastic side inserts. The compact size, 5-shot cylinder, and .38 Special chambering reflect the classic SP101 carry format introduced in the late 1980s.
Markings and features align with early-production SP101s, including the Southport, Connecticut address. Manufactured in the USA in 1989, this example represents the first-era configuration that established the platform’s enduring reputation.