Do I Really Need a Ruger GP-100 ??

S

Southern Shooter

New member
A number of my range friends are shooting fairly recent production Ruger GP-100 revolvers. Some of them have the 3" barrel, some the 4" barrel, and of course some of have the 6" barrel guns.

I am the odd-man-out. I don't have a GP-100, at all. There are days they really drive me about shooting "older" and "less stout" guns and encourage me to buy a GP-100.

What I have are:
**3 Ruger Speed-Six .357 Magnum with the 2 3/4" barrels
**1 Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum with the 4" barrel
**1 Dan Wesson Model 15-2 in .357 Magnum with the 4" and 6" barrels (Monson era production)

All 5 of these revolvers were manufactured between 1979-1983.

There are small amounts of wear marks (a small scratch, blue wear, tiny dink) on the guns. But, mechanically, I don't think that you could find a brand new gun any more sound. And, the triggers are sweet.

Is there any need to invest a load of cash in another revolver to keep up with the Jones? Or, should I just stay odd-man-out?

Thanks
 
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To my way of thinking, you've already got the better guns. I never did warm up to the GP 100. Never wanted one, never will.

The Speed/Security Sixes on the other hand are among the best 38/357's ever made. And I'm a Smith & Wesson guy. The Dan Wesson's leave nothing on the table either.

Get a GP 100 if YOU want one. Don't let someone else spend your money for you.
 
If it won't break the bank, why not?;)

As for stoutness, it's got that in spades. Seriously built like a tank, but with a profile like one as well.

Still, I like mine - but it is my sole revolver at this time
 
Compare targets. It's all about what happens downrange that counts.

Stout? Your guns blow up? Frames stretched?

Stick with your guns. Unless, of course, you feel the need for a new gun!

Bob Wright
 
Gun Condition and Down Range

The guns are all in good condition. No stretch, slop, etc.

Down range? The 2 3/4" barreled Speed-Sixes can put full-load 158 grain bullets in a 5" group, double-action, standing non-supported, at 25 yards. Nothing to write home about but ok.

The Dan Wesson, single-action, standing non-supported, groups at 2 1/2" from 25 yards.
 
What I have are:
**3 Ruger Speed-Six .357 Magnum with the 2 3/4" barrels
**1 Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum with the 4" barrel
**1 Dan Wesson Model 15-2 in .357 Magnum with the 4" and 6" barrels (Monson era production)

Do I Really Need a Ruger GP-100 ??
Click to expand...

No. You're covered.
 
As a GP100 lover and believer, I don't believe you need one. But that shouldn't stop you from getting one if you want a revolver that you can have no fear of thrashing as it is a tank and still in production if worse came to worse.
 
I'll give my two cents worth...

It is my opinion that:

a) The GP100 is a fine revolver just as mentioned above. I really enjoy shooting mine.

b) But so is the Security Six. Nothing at all wrong with it. I actually prefer the feel of the Six over the GP; and

c) The GP100, for all it's other attributes, is too large and heavy for comfortable use or carry. If you already have a couple of very nice .357s and you're looking for something that bulky and heavy to shoot, why not buy a S&W 29 and do it in .44 Magnum? Again, just my personal opinion, but a gun's weight and bulk should match the caliber it shoots. I think the GP is on the heavy/bulky end of the spectrum for a .357.
 
I am assuming you have shot one so the question is, do you want one? if you want one, you need one. If you don't, you don't.

I have a 6" and love it. Imo, they are very good guns that are stout and make shootings full house magnum loads very comfortable. However, there is obviously nothing wrong with the guns you already have.
 
Bob Wright said:
Compare targets. It's all about what happens downrange that counts.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree with Bob, but depending on your needs/wants, with 2 possible caveats:

First, the GP's interchangeable front sight is a nice feature that allows one to change the front sight in seconds if you want or need to.

Second, if you ever get the itch to check out a local IDPA/ICORE/USPSA match, the GP100 would be the better choice, as there are good speedloader options available. The position of the DW's cylinder release would also make for a very awkward reload.
 
Of course you need a GP 100. the proof of your necessity for one is in the list you posted. You don't have one, so there is an obvious need! You should get one ASAP!!!:D
 
Something Bulky and Heavy to Shoot....

threedogdad--
If you already have a couple of very nice .357s and you're looking for something that bulky and heavy to shoot, why not buy a S&W 29 and do it in .44 Magnum?
Click to expand...

I have that covered with my Ruger SRH Alaskan .454 Casull and 360 grain cast bullets. And, I can replace the Tamer Grip that comes on it with the GP-100 grips.
 
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Are you looking for an excuse?,,,

Are you looking for an excuse?,,, ;)

Is there any need to invest a load of cash in another revolver to keep up with the Jones?
Click to expand...

There is no need,,,
Only desire.

Get it if you want it my friend,,,
Don't if you feel you don't really need it.

But acting as the Great Enabler,,,
I say a man can't own too many good revolvers. :D

Aarond

.
 
Speed-Six and Concealed Carry

I will say one thing, the Speed-Six is a great blend of weight, balance, power, and concealability. At only 5' 6", with a good pancake holster and the original wooden grips I can easily carry concealed. It is actually comfortable to wear all day.
 
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Southern Shooter-- I've been mulling around a similar scenario in my head (I have 3 Sixes). I have an opportunity to trade my 6" Six for a 6" GP, but my cold feet won't take the step. My 6" Six is 8 oz lighter and keeps a nice group.

If you have the money, and don't need to sell/trade to get one? Go for it!
 
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