Ruger GP 100 "Plus"?

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dgludwig

New member
I haven't kept up with Ruger's latest offerings. Do they make a 7-shot revolver chambered in .357 Magnum (equivalent in size and configuration to the S&W Model 686 Plus)? Thanks.
 
No the gp100 comes in either .357 6 shots, or .44 special 5 shot. Ruger did just release the Redhawk in .357 8 round though. Its bigger than a gp100 however.
 
Thanks, Siggy-06. I thought maybe if they could cram five rounds of .44 Specials inside the cylinder of a GP100, they might be able to fit seven rounds of .357 Magnums in the same space. My guess is that the GP100 is a wee bit smaller than the Smith L-frame.
 
I believe (though I dont have my micrometer) the gp100 and 686 cylinder are near the same diameter. Ruger just prefers strength over capacity in their wheel guns. I wouldnt be surprised if they did one in .327 federal mag with 1 or 2 extra rounds in the gp100.
 
I think the problem is people started handloading some hot loads and shot them a bunch in Rugers and said "Wow this thing can handle anything!" Thus started the term 'Ruger Only Loads'. Now its all about the durability reputation... (This is all speculation of course);)
 
Smith introduced its Plus in 1996.

Ruger has had 20 years to make a decision.

The GP 100 seems to hold its own in sales without the extra round.
 
Also, in a lot of revolver shooting competitions, you get a penalty for any round fired over 6 shots before reloading. So people use the classic 6 round cylinder revolvers w/ speed loaders. 6 rounds is also easier to line up with the speed loaders as well.
 
I believe (though I dont have my micrometer) the gp100 and 686 cylinder are near the same diameter. Ruger just prefers strength over capacity in their wheel guns.
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The 686 Plus gives up nothing in terms of strength to the 6-shot 686. In fact, many have made the point that the "Plus" version is actually stronger due to the offset location of the cylinder notches. I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference in either case in the "real" world.

Smith introduced its Plus in 1996.

Ruger has had 20 years to make a decision.

The GP 100 seems to hold its own in sales without the extra round.
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Smith & Wesson has sold an awful lot of 686 Plus revolvers in addition to the regular 6-shot version. It would seem to me that, likewise, the GP100 would "hold its own" in sales, even if Ruger was able to make and sell a 7-shot version.
 
This is something that has been on my wish list for years.

I have always surmised, although I certainly am not an engineer, that the cast steel is weaker then the forged steel of the Smith in an equal amount for an equal amount and therefore removing more material from the cylinder may not necessarily compromise its safety but possibly make it weaker then they are known for.
 
I have always surmised, although I certainly am not an engineer, that the cast steel is weaker then the forged steel of the Smith in an equal amount for an equal amount and therefore removing more material from the cylinder may not necessarily compromise its safety but possibly make it weaker then they are known for.
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For what it's worth, according to author/gunsmith Patrick Sweeney in the chapter of his book The Gun Digest Book of Pistols and Revolvers entitled "A Visit to the Ruger Factory, cylinders for all Ruger wheel guns are not castings but "are turned from bar stock".
 
I was really excited about the single ten and thought I would get one as soon as they came out.
I haven't.
There really isn't much advantage for most people with these revolvers. They are not using them for defensive purposes.
 
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