Ruger GP-100 Action

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Bullrock

New member
I purchased a Ruger SP101 a couple of weeks ago. I think it's a keeper, but I'll know better when my Houge grips get here.

I have to trade my CZ 75B. I love the gun, but it doesn't love me. I can't shoot it, and keep my right thumb intact. :o

I'm considering replacing it with a GP-100. :) I like the GP141 model, and I have a few questions for you Ruger gunmen & women...

I haven't been able to find one in my area to handle, so I may be ordering blind, which won't be the first time.

How is the trigger/ hammer action? My SP101 trigger/ hammer action is very tight, even after a trip to the GS. I like to shoot SA :rolleyes:

How does the GP-100 handle .357 recoil right out of the box? :eek:

I'd like my GP-100 in a 4" Brl, .357/.38Spl. +p. Is there a better model than the GP141? :confused:

Lastly I would prefer wood grips...Any suggestions?

Much Obliged :cool:
 
All things being equal, the GP100 trigger will be a bit better than the SP101. Perhaps not significantly better, but still noticeably better in my experience.

Mechanically they're very similar, if you like the SP101, you should be just as happy or happier with the GP100. Being larger and heavier than the SP101 means it will handle recoil better.

The 4" is the most common barrel length for the GP100. 6" gives you a bit more velocity and sight radius, but a 4" .357 revolver is probably the closest thing to a general purpose handgun you can buy. As far as the ammo selection you mentioned, any .357 revolver will also handle .38spl +P, so you're good in that respect.

Hogue makes wood grips for the GP100. You can go to their website to see what's available.
 
Since you have the SP for carry i'd get the 6" GP for target (which I did).The thing about the GP is that there are 2 factory grips and they both will fit the same gun.One is a larger grip and the other is a smaller one.The 6" handles 357 very well and with 38's there is hardly isnt any recoil at all.I installed springs and polished everything on mine to get a better trigger and switched the factory grips to some wooden hogues.
Gp100.jpg
 
johnKsa

Mechanically they're very similar, if you like the SP101, you should be just as happy or happier with the GP100. Being larger and heavier than the SP101 means it will handle recoil better.
Click to expand...

The SA on my SP101 really sucks...The trigger is light, but the SA hammer pull is tight, heavy, and ragged (for lack of a better word).

Maybe a used GP-100 is the way for me to go. That way I get to check the action before buying. I usually do this by balancing the trigger (with index finger) and hammer (with thumb) If the action is smooth and light...That's my gun...

More comments or help is certainly appreciated....Thanks
 
Bullrock,

Do you mean that cocking the hammer is what's unpleasant? Or is it the trigger that's tight/ragged/etc.?
 
I don't have one yet but plan on getting one. There are 3 at my local gunshop but one has a trigger like your SP101. Let us know how you do. Hogue seems to make good grips.
 
Shoot the crap out of that sp101. It takes about 500 rds to smooth them up. then get a wolfe spring kiit and sweeten it up. My gp 100 4" probably has the sweetist sa trigger of any gun I own.
 
JohnKSa

John, the trigger is light. The GS didn't recommend changing the springs at this time. The hammer is very heavy to pull back. :( The GS did find a pin rubbing up against the mainspring, and fixed it.

I'm a former old fast draw nut, and it's difficult for me to untrain myself from cocking the hammer on the first shot. :o
 
In my experience, it's a bit easier to cock a GP100 than an SP101. I think the larger hammer gives you a bit more mechanical advantage.
 
If you like the action on an SP101, you'll LOVE the GP-100 action, which feels much more luxurious. I'd heartily recommend the 3" or 4" GP-100... they're wonderful guns.

KGPF331_L.jpg


KGPF331_R.jpg


KGPF331_LF.jpg
 
I have a 3" GP100 and my wife has the SP101. I much prefer the feel of the GP100. The difference in size is marginal for me.
 
DHart

Your gun porno put me over the top. :) I ordered a GP-100, 3"brl, .375, SS today. You should be prosecuted for enticing an old man!!! :D

Thanks to everyone for the very valuable information... :D
 
Bullrock.... get ready to love that little blaster.... they feel surprisingly small and handy with the reduced size grip and the 3" barrel... this is an amazingly nimble and solid feeling gun... with it's wonderful action (reduced power springs), six shot capacity, and beefy build, you'll love it much more than the SP-101... here's one in blue steel...

GPF331RtLrg.jpg
 
DHart,

I like my GP100, but the trigger pull is pretty stiff. What springs package would you recommend? And is ignition consistent with reduced power springs?
 
I've been dry firing my gp-100 a lot recently. I'm not sure if it's smoothing out or my fingers getting stronger. :) I've been doing it left handed & it has really helped my off hand shooting
The original DA pull was more than my scale can measure. The SA pull seems to have dropped about 2 oz to about 5lb. 8oz.
Not the lightest pull, but then again it wouldn't be a Ruger if it was. ;)
 
shootinstudent.... this is such an easy improvement it isn't even funny... order the Wolff spring replacement kit for GP-100 (from Wolff or Brownells) ... it includes several lighter than factory springs (mainspring and trigger return spring). Try the mildest reduction from factory standard for both springs... that alone will give you a very noticible improvement in the action on your GP-100. I never even got to the lighter springs in the kit. Go with one grade lighter springs from factory standard and a bit of dry firing and you'll find the action on your GP-100 becomes superb. I have 100% reliable ignition with this set-up in all three of my GP-100's.

KGPF331_LF.jpg
 
DHart

If you like the action on an SP101, you'll LOVE the GP-100 action, which feels much more luxurious. I'd heartily recommend the 3" or 4" GP-100... they're wonderful guns.
Click to expand...

I picked up my new GP-100 "3 today, and the above quote is the most accurate information I have ever been given. :D What's worse is those damn photo's made me drool all the way to the dealer's. DHart, do you use anything to shine your GP-100, or is that mostly light reflection??? :confused:

Off the the range tomorrow AM, to try this baby out. Thanks to everyone for all of the good information on my new purchase... :D Wood grips are a real possibility... :rolleyes:
 
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