Ruger GP 100

M

manta49

New member
I am looking for a 357 revolver for a range gun. there is a new Ruger GP 100 for sale at a local dealers. Any thoughts on the Ruger good or bad would be appreciated.
 
I have one and just put another on layaway to pick up next month - you can't beat them! The S&W 586/686 is lighter and, generally, better finished - but I would say that a GP-100 will outlast it if that is an issue for you. Both are overbuilt and kinda heavy - but should hold up for a couple of lifetimes of normal use. One nice thing about the 686, though, is they can be had with a 7-rd cylinder versus "only" six on the GP-100.
 
Rugers are fine weapons, and I've owned several. My SP 101 had a terribly tough trigger pull though, and I could never become accurate with it. Not sure about the trigger pull on the 100 though.
 
I have two of the 3-inch stainless models, and used to have a 4-inch blued model.

Great guns and a lot of fun to shoot.
 
Easy to work on as revolvers go. Pretty sturdy.

What are your other choices, and what type of shooting do you intend to do with it?
 
I picked up a 4" SS GP100 last week. I have put a few hundred rounds through and it is a fine firearm. My only complaint is the all black front sight but I was ready for that and painted it fluorescent orange right out of the box. Mine has a smooth trigger pull and is accurate as all get out. I love it.
 
What are your other choices, and what type of shooting do you intend to do with it?
Click to expand...
It will just be paper punching to start with, the club runs some IPSC with a revolver section so I will shoot it. The Smith and Wesson 686 would be the most popular range revolver here. The 686 here are around £ 1200 and the Ruger £ 700, there are used revolvers for sale, but I can get a new Ruger for the price of a used 686. I have been thinking of getting a revolver for a while, i only have semi/ autos.
 
Last edited:
For a DA, if you can afford the S&W, I'd go with the 586/686, if you can't I'd go with the GP100. The Ruger is a great gun, well built and accurate, but I find the S&W actions much nicer. If you are considering a SA, as Salmoneye pointed out the Blackhawk is awesome.
 
From everything I have heard and read it is a great revolver. I really want one. Supposedly built stronger and thicker than other revolvers, great ruger warranty.
 
...club runs some IPSC with a revolver section so I will shoot it...
Click to expand...
If you plan to do a lot of DA shooting with the gun, then the S&W DA trigger offers some advantages. With that said, if it were my money, the advantages wouldn't be worth 500 pounds to me. In fact, even with the price difference being a lot less pronounced in the U.S. I still went with the GP100. Don't have anything against the S&Ws--in fact I thought highly enough of the last one I owned that I gave it to my mother for a home defense gun.
 
Thanks for the advice, I think after seeing and handling the GP 100 I will buy it, unfortunately I will have to do some paper work and get it of the police. Should take about three weeks to get all in order.
 
The GP100s are okay... but seriously inferior the the S&W 686.

The Smith has a FAR nicer action and trigger and is generally more accurate. The Rugers are typically pretty rough too, while the Smiths are smooth as can be right out of the box.

You get what you pay for... and honestly if I were in your shoes I'd take the Smith and Wesson every day of the week over the Ruger.
 
My GP100 has an excellent DA trigger, and is very controllable--even with full power magnum loads. A great range gun, home defense gun, or OWB carry gun.
 
I own both a 686+ and a Ruger GP100. The Ruger is actually more nicely finished than the 686 in my opinion.

The triggers are different. The Smith has an unbelievable SA trigger. The Ruger's is good but not as elegant as the Smith's SA trigger.

The DA triggers on the Ruger versus the Smith are just different. The Ruger trigger is distinctively two-stage while the Smith's trigger is not. I think that it boils down to personal preference.

I had a trigger job done on my GP100 and it has an awesome trigger. It was OK before but now I shoot my GP100 better than any other revolver that I own. With the GP100 I shoot well above my abilities.

Bottom line is that both are good guns. I have to give a slight edge to the GP100 and since it is less money, well there you are.

One nice thing about owning a Ruger is the customer service if you ever need it. Those people are just plain fantastic. No questions asked, you just send the gun in. Most times they don't charge you for anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top