How to Disassemble a Ruger SP-101

The Ruger SP-101 is one in a long line of accurate, reliable revolvers built by Ruger. For regular cleaning, which should be done shortly after the pistol is fired, it is not necessary to completely disassemble the revolver. Simply cleaning and lubricating the barrel, cylinder and exterior will suffice. Periodically, depending on how much the revolver is fired or how dirty it becomes in service, it should be fully disassembled for thorough cleaning. With two simple tools and a few minutes, you can disassemble your Ruger SP-101.

Things You'll Need

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Finish nail or short length of stout wire.
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the cylinder latch button on the left side of the revolver just behind the cylinder. The cylinder latch button is about the shape and size of a pencil eraser.

    • 2

      Cradle the revolver in your left hand with the barrel pointed at the ground. With the thumb of your right hand, depress the cylinder latch button while simultaneously pushing the cylinder toward the left side of the revolver with the fingers of your left hand.

    • 3

      Push the cylinder all the way through the frame. Look into the cylinder to ensure there are no cartridges inside. You should be able to see all the way through each of the holes in the cylinder.

    • 4

      Locate the grip screw in the bottom center of the pistol's wooden and rubber grip. Remove the screw by turning it clockwise with a flathead screwdriver. Pry up on the wooden grip panels gently with the screwdriver to free them from the rubber pistol grip. Grasp the pistol grip and pull it down and away to free it from the rest of the revolver.

    • 5

      Cock the hammer by pulling it rearward and downward until it locks in place. The hammer is the hook-like metal piece that protrudes from the top rear of the pistol.

    • 6

      Locate the mainspring strut inside the frame at the grip area of the pistol. The mainspring strut is the metal cylinder inside a spring. Locate the small hole at the bottom of the mainspring strut. Insert a finish nail into the hole until at least one inch of the nail protrudes from the opposite side of the mainspring strut.

    • 7

      Release the hammer by holding it firmly with the thumb of one hand while depressing the trigger with the forefinger of other hand. Once the hammer is released, lower it gently to its full uncocked position.

    • 8

      Lift the now loose mainspring assembly from the frame of the pistol with the nail still in place in the hole.

    • 9

      Locate the hammer pivot on the right side of the revolver just below the hammer. The hammer pivot is a half-inch long pin sitting flush with the frame of the revolver. Hold the gun in your left hand and depress the trigger with your left forefinger while simultaneously prying the hammer pivot up and away from the frame with the fingers of your right hand.

    • 10

      Continue depressing the trigger while grasping the hammer with your right hand and pulling upward and rearward to release it from the pistol.

    • 11

      Locate the trigger guard lock plunger inside the rear of the frame behind the trigger. The trigger guard lock plunger is the square piece of metal that protrudes into the frame area from the trigger area. Depress the trigger guard lock plunger inward, toward the trigger with a flathead screwdriver while simultaneously pulling down on the trigger and trigger guard assembly. Remove the trigger and trigger guard assembly.

    • 12

      Cradle the revolver in your left hand. With the thumb of your right hand, depress the cylinder latch button while simultaneously pushing the cylinder toward the left side of the revolver with the fingers of your left hand.

    • 13

      Push the cylinder all the way through the frame and free of the pistol. The Ruger SP-101 is now disassembled.