Jerry11826
New member
I recently purchased a Ruger GP100, 6 in., blue, “half lug” revolver, serial number #170 -13166. Per a Ruger serial number chart , the revolver was manufactured in 1986. The first year of production!
Several years ago, I purchased “new” the same pistol, except it is a “full lug”, serial number #175 - 31450. The chart shows this revolver was manufactured in 2007. A 21 year difference!
Differences? The barrel markings on the old revolver are smaller and in a slightly different location, but they are the same. The grip panels on the old revolver are much darker. The “DA” trigger pull on the old revolver seems slightly lighter. This is probably because it has an aftermarket “spring kit”. There is an envelope, in the box, that is marked “original springs”. For me the “DA” trigger pull is good on both revolvers.
Accuracy is the same. 9 ring groups, at 50 yards, off sand bags, on the standard NRA “bullseye” pistol target. And that is shooting my “crappy reloads”!
Can I shoot the old revolver better? I bought the “half lug” because the “full lug” seems muzzle heavy. Will find out next month at my club’s PPC match. I hope so, or I “p*ssed away” $535.00. The old revolver seems to balance back into my hand better.
Is Ruger a great company, or what? A 21 year difference in date of manufacture and the same great revolver! One of my Dad’s favorite sayings was, “they don’t make them like they used to”. That may not always be true.
I like the GP100! Now all I need to do is find a blue steel 4 in. Some of my shooting buddies say the 4 in. shoots better.
Jerry
Several years ago, I purchased “new” the same pistol, except it is a “full lug”, serial number #175 - 31450. The chart shows this revolver was manufactured in 2007. A 21 year difference!
Differences? The barrel markings on the old revolver are smaller and in a slightly different location, but they are the same. The grip panels on the old revolver are much darker. The “DA” trigger pull on the old revolver seems slightly lighter. This is probably because it has an aftermarket “spring kit”. There is an envelope, in the box, that is marked “original springs”. For me the “DA” trigger pull is good on both revolvers.
Accuracy is the same. 9 ring groups, at 50 yards, off sand bags, on the standard NRA “bullseye” pistol target. And that is shooting my “crappy reloads”!
Can I shoot the old revolver better? I bought the “half lug” because the “full lug” seems muzzle heavy. Will find out next month at my club’s PPC match. I hope so, or I “p*ssed away” $535.00. The old revolver seems to balance back into my hand better.
Is Ruger a great company, or what? A 21 year difference in date of manufacture and the same great revolver! One of my Dad’s favorite sayings was, “they don’t make them like they used to”. That may not always be true.
I like the GP100! Now all I need to do is find a blue steel 4 in. Some of my shooting buddies say the 4 in. shoots better.
Jerry