Welcome to right this moment’s Photo of the Day! Right here now we have a prototype Ruger SP101 attributed as Invoice Ruger’s private sidearm, documented by a letter signed by Kurt Vogel, who was Invoice Ruger’s grandson via marriage to his daughter. The serial quantity prefix “880” is confirmed by Ruger as designating manufacturing facility prototypes. Invoice Ruger based Sturm, Ruger & Firm in 1949 with Alexander Sturm and constructed it into considered one of America’s largest firearms producers. Ruger was a hands-on designer who stayed concerned in product improvement all through his life. He died in 2002, and this SP101 would have been considered one of his private carry weapons in the course of the mannequin’s improvement and manufacturing.
The SP101 was launched in 1988 as Ruger’s small-frame double-action revolver designed for hid carry and private protection. Constructed on a wholly new body dimension between the older Safety-Six and the tiny LCR, the SP101 was engineered for power and reliability with fashionable manufacturing strategies. The complete-length ejector rod shroud and five-shot cylinder in 9mm Parabellum made it compact however succesful.
Chambering the SP101 in 9mm was uncommon for a revolver on the time. Most defensive revolvers had been chambered in .38 Particular or .357 Magnum. The 9mm model required moon clips for extraction however provided ammunition compatibility with semi-automatic pistols and probably higher feeding reliability than rimmed cartridges in some circumstances.
The prototype designation “880” confirms this was an early improvement gun moderately than customary manufacturing. Ruger would have carried manufacturing facility prototypes to check them in real-world situations and establish any points earlier than full manufacturing. Engineers and firm founders carrying their very own prototypes was customary observe within the firearms business.
Most of our POTDs make the most of photographs from our buddies at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in america. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!
“Prototype Ruger Mannequin SP101 Double Motion Revolver Attributed as Invoice Ruger’s Private Sidearm.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/1049/1783/prototype-ruger-model-sp101-revolver-attributed-to-bill-ruger. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Trending Merchandise
