Ruger has produced another ad campaign promoting their SP101 revolver in .327 Federal Magnum. The .327 Magnum started as an unknown and odd cartridge, but after initial testing, was found to be much more viable than some originally thought. Richard posted an article on this firearm back in 2007, but there seems to be a growing number of revolver shooters that are interested in the distinct benefits of this niche firearm.
I have to admit my experience with revolvers is rather limited. I have fired revolvers in .22 LR, .38 cal., .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and a few shots with the S&W .500. However, I currently only own one revolver – a very nice Colt Python in .357 Magnum. The .327 Magnum is very intriguing, and looks to offer an outstanding off-duty or home defense caliber firearm, especially to those who favor revolvers.
For those unfamiliar, the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge was a joint effort between Ruger and Federal Cartridge Co. The design plan was to produce a flat-shooting, hard-hitting revolver round that did not have the heavy recoil and sharp crack of the .357 Magnum. In addition, the plan involved having a firearm ready to shoot the new cartridge from the start of production. From what I have read on the .327 Magnum, the cartridge and the SP101 to shoot it, have met and exceeded those expectations.
As Richard and others have reported, the .327 Magnum offers the hard-hitting energy of some .357 Magnum rounds with 20% reduction in recoil and muzzle blast noise. This round out performs the .38 caliber, and allows the shooter to use .32 caliber ammunition for training or reloading. Those features alone make the .327 Magnum an interesting caliber.
The Ruger SP101 .327 Magnum Features:
- Material – Stainless steel with Satin finish
- Caliber – .327 Magnum
- Action – Double action revolver
- Frame – Small
- Length – 9.12″
- Barrel Length – 4.20″
- Weight – 29.50 oz.
- Sights – Adjustable rear sight (elevation and windage); fixed fiber optic front post
- Grip – Rubber with checkered hard wood inserts (including Ruger emblem)
- Capacity – 6 rounds
- MSRP – $719.00.
There are already several options for bullet weight in the .327 Magnum. Bullet velocity is averaging around the 1300-1400 fps depending on bullet type, though some have placed the capability out to 1500 fps or even 1700 fps. The 100-grain American Eagle soft point is reaching out to 1400 fps, while the Federal Hydra-Shok and Speer Gold Dot hollow points are staying closer to the 1300 fps range.
Ruger is one of the firearms companies that I really appreciate. This is an American company that has perhaps grabbed the American Dream like few others. This is a firearms company that has stood out from the pack by exhibiting the principle to truly distinguish yourself from the competition you must be willing to take bold risks in marketing high quality firearms that are sometimes outside of the mainstream of current popularity.
With that distinction, Ruger has set themselves apart with rotary magazines, and a line of Cowboy Action revolvers that continue to be popular nearly 50 years after their introduction. The SP101 in the new .327 Magnum has all the characteristics to be another Ruger star in a long line of outstanding firearms produced by Sturm Ruger.
Ruger was ahead of the game on this revolver, as there are already holster, and speed-loader options available for this firearm. In addition, if you prefer different grips on your revolver, there are options available for quick change out as well.
If you are into reloading, you will find that there are no .327 Magnum die sets on the market yet. However, several reloaders have found that they can successfully reload .327 Magnum cartridges using .32 H&R Magnum die sets. Since the base bullet is a .32 caliber, there are already a wealth of bullet options on the market.