Ruger Model GP-100 vs Smith&Wesson Model 65

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dgludwig

New member
I'm considering buying another Model 65 revolver (I used to have one before parting with it after my agency switched from revolvers to semi-auto pistols back in the early 90's or late 80's) and I always planned on getting another one-of course, now the Model 65 has been discontinued and used ones in nice condition are bringing $500.00 and up locally. However, the 3" barreled, fixed-sight Ruger Model GP-100 is close in configuration to the Model 65 and much easier to find so I am considering getting it instead.

The intended purposes for the proposed new revolver is occasional concealed carry and as a sidearm for when I'm hiking/camping/canoeing. I want a revolver lighter and more compact than my Smith Model 686 plus but still chambered in .357 Magnum and having at least a six-round capacity. Either revolver under consideration would seem to fit that bill. However, the 31 ounce Model 65 is about five ounces lighter than the 36 ounce GP-100-a decided plus for getting the Smith, given the uses I have in mind and (entirely subjectively) I like the looks of S&W revolvers better. Too, I'm very acquainted with Smith K-frame triggers and have come to like the feel of them. Other than my Ruger Redhawk revolver, I have almost no experience with the triggers on Ruger revolvers (other than a terrible trigger pull that I had on a Ruger Security Six that I owned briefly in the early 70's).

On the other hand, the GP-100 appears to have a more rugged construction and, importantly to me, looks to be far easier to field-strip in the event my canoe capsized or if I stepped into water over my waders while trout fishing.

So, I'm hoping to get some insights from people who have experience with either of these revolvers or both. Any inputs/advice would be much appreciated.

Oh, and how much should I expect to pay for a new Ruger GP-100 revolver?
 
The Smith & Wesson 65 3" is my "Holy Grail" revolver. I don't own one but have been looking for the right one. That said, the Ruger GP100 3" is a great gun. As are all Rugers, it's built like a tank and can handle full house .357 magnums all day long. You could also consider a 3" Ruger Sp101. It's smaller and an outstanding carry revolver. Mine is a deffinite keeper.
 
You could also consider a 3" Ruger Sp101.
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But, as I said, I want a revolver with a six-round capacity.
Thanks for your input, Laker. I'd really be interested in a Model 65 LadySmith-now that's the "Holy Grail" in my book!
 
Heard you, that's why I said consider, but if you haven't already done so. Check out a 3" SP101, you may be pleasantly surprised! I was.
 
Not trying to push a 5 shot on you, but I like my SP101 .357 for .357 carry. The 6 shot is a little on the thicker side.

I wouldn't want a carry gun to have adjustable sites, but I like to pocket carry.
 
When I entered full-time LE back in 1989, I, too, was issued a Model 65. The thing I remember about it was this: Like all my personal guns, I kept it clean. I noticed that, with fresh ammo and clean chambers, if I pointed the gun at an upward angle, the round nearest the recoil shield would slide back just enough to snag on it. This would completely bind the cylinder! Never saw this with any other revolver, before or since. Now, I'm not implying this is a common thing, but it happened to me regularly with that gun. Could have been bad if I found myself down on the ground, aiming upwards at an armed suspect. :eek: I also happen to own a GP-100. It's DA trigger has really smoothed up a lot with use, and you'd be hard pressed to find a tougher revolver than one of these. I rarely see a Model 65 at the gun shows here in my neck of the woods, but when I do..I leave them there. I'll take my Ruger any day of the week.
 
Even if the GP is a great gun (and it is) will you be happy with it. I think you should get the one you want. If you really want a 65 get one. If you just want a great wheelgun the GP fits that roll. I'd also add the Ruger Speed Six to the great guns in this class. They're usually a little cheaper than the Smith's when you can find them.
 
For those recommending a five-shot SP 101, I appreciate your sentiments but I already have three five-shot revolvers- two Smith J-frames (one a Model 60-4 with a 3" barrel, adjustable sights, chambered in .38 Special and the other a Model 640-1, 2" barrel, fixed sights, chambered in .357 Magnum) as well as a Taurus Model 415 (2 1/2" ported barrel, fixed sights, chambered in .41 Magnum). As mentioned, among other revolvers, I also have a Smith Model 686 plus, which is a close equivalent of the Ruger GP-100 with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights.

So I pretty much know what I want, I just don't know which one-either the Smith Model 65 with a 3" barrel (the LadySmith version is a real favorite but hard to find and very pricey when you do) or the Ruger GP-100 with the 3" barrel. I'm hoping that responders will give me some things to think about before deciding on which one of these two.
 
When I entered full-time LE back in 1989, I, too, was issued a Model 65. The thing I remember about it was this: Like all my personal guns, I kept it clean. I noticed that, with fresh ammo and clean chambers, if I pointed the gun at an upward angle, the round nearest the recoil shield would slide back just enough to snag on it. This would completely bind the cylinder! Never saw this with any other revolver, before or since. Now, I'm not implying this is a common thing, but it happened to me regularly with that gun.
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I find this account very interesting-and perplexing. I became a full-time LE back in 1972, retiring in 1998 and, during that period of time, before my agency switched to semi-autos, we toted revolvers. Initially, I carried a Model 13 (the blued version of the Model 65) and then the Model 65. I don't doubt what you say in terms of your experience with the Model 65 but I am perplexed in the sense that, to my knowledge, Model 65s are essentially made the same as any other Smith & Wesson K-frame revolver and it stands to reason that what happened to you (the cartridge rim binding the cylinder when the revolver was canted at an upward angle) with the Model 65 should theoretically happen with all other Smith K-frame revolvers. Though I don't recall this happening with any revolver I've ever used, I confess that I've never tried to replicate the circumstance you recounted (deliberately tilting the revolver upwards and trying to fire it while in that position).

I don't like handling a loaded revolver at home but as soon as the opportunity presents itself, I plan to take some of my revolvers to the range to determine if what you experienced might not be such a rare occurrence. I'll report back...
 
Single Six's problem with the binding 65 was probably a just a rough spot or burr on the recoil shield (probably in upper corner of the window where the hand comes through). I have seen that on other guns and takes only a few minutes to fix.

On the main question -- I have both a 3" 65 and a 3" GP-100. I found a set of the old style short grips for the GP-100 at Brownells (and the wood inserts at Altamont) -- fairly inexpensive. That made the gun. Perfect size and weight. Ruger's trigger is much improved over a couple decades ago -- and even then it was pretty darned good. I like my Model 65 as well, but if you can't find one -- the 3" GP100 with the old style grips is perfect. If feels great too shooting full magnum loads -- which I can't say about the 65.

If you are lucky enough to run into a 3" Speed Six -- that too would be perfect.
 
dgludwig: On my honor, I promise you that I'm neither mis-remembering nor exaggerating. The cylinder binding thing would occur as I pulled the trigger in DA mode, the gun aimed upward. Just to reiterate, though: It would only occur when the gun's chambers had been cleaned, allowing fresh ammo to easily fall free if the cylinder were to be opened and the gun pointed up. If I were to try shooting at an upward angle after shots had already been fired from the Model 65, say, while at the range, the problem did not occur since the chambers were now dirty. Anyway, I would often show this peculiar malady to dubious co-workers. In a safe outdoor environment and with the 65 pointed safely downrange, I would unload the cylinder save for one round. This round would not be under the hammer, but rather near the bottom of the recoil shield. Then, the same old drill: Point gun upward, pull the DA trigger, the round slides back just enough to catch on recoil shield. Presto, non-rotating cylinder. I'll be curious to see if you encounter the same situation.
 
dgludwig: On my honor, I promise you that I'm neither mis-remembering nor exaggerating.
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Single Six, I'm not questioning your recall of your experience with the Model 65:
"...I don't doubt what you say in terms of your experience with the Model 65..."
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It's just that it stands to reason that, because Model 65s are no different than other Smith K-frames in terms of their basic design, what you had happen on your Model 65 should hypothetically happen on all Smith K-frames, unless, for whatever unlikely reason, there exists a defective characteristic unique to the Model 65.

I think Ashlander (as an aside, Ashlander, I live in Ashland, Ohio. You don't, perchance, live here too do you?) makes a good point when he suggests:

Single Six's problem with the binding 65 was probably a just a rough spot or burr on the recoil shield (probably in upper corner of the window where the hand comes through).
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Though the fact that the problem you experienced only happened with clean chambers and not fouled ones, would seem to negate his theory.

In any event, I do plan on following through with my intention to see if what you had happen might occur on one of my several revolvers (unfortunately-or maybe fortunately? :confused:), as reflected in my thread, I don't currently own a Model 65).
 
Just got my copy of the latest American Rifleman. There's an article in it about the Ruger 3" Wiley Clapp GP100. An LGS had one that I was able to handle. One of these may be just what you're looking for. It was one sweet revolver.
 
Hi,
Both revolvers are great choices. For me I would take the model 65 first over the GP100. The size, handling and double action trigger pull to me will favor the model 65. I have three S&W K frame magnums and also I owned a GP100 at one time. The platforms are very different. I would rather look for a Ruger Speed Six in a 3 inch barrel than settle on a GP100 3 inch. The Speed Six is the closest to the model 65.
Just opinion
Howard
 
dgludwig: Howdy. I think the clean vs fouled angle actually fits my theory. With a fouled chamber, the unfired shells would be less likely to slip down to the recoil shield when the gun is pointed up. With clean chambers the unfired shells would drop unimpeded onto the recoil shield -- and there catch the burr or raised corner of the window on rotation of the cylinder.

By the way, the Ashland I use in my name is a tiny town in New Jersey (I think it was paved over 30 years ago). I now live in Ellisville, MO.
 
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Pics of my Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4 inch barrel & my Police Six 4in barrel both 357 Mag and both with action jobs silky smooth...

The (six) series of Rugers are bit smaller and lighter than the GP100 which is a bit larger than the K frame....as far a strength goes .....Rugers are tuff...

GP100 go at premium prices in these parts..I'm always in a search for a SS GP100 with a 4inch barrel and with fixed sights....... Hens teeth ,I know

I lean toward Rugers when you are talking bout 357 six shooters ...

As for a fishing ,canoe gun .I'd lean toward a SS model...as a beater gun I like Charters.. they are Simple and reliable and less exspensive and have great customer service ......but the 357 is a 5 shot...on a "D" frame and weighs 20 oz....

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I second the recommendation of the wiley clapp 3" GP. I have one and it handles and shoots beautifully! I'll probably be taking it out again on Sunday for another 100 rounds or so (depends on how cold it is).

Here is mine....

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I've been really lucky. I found a 3" model 65 last summer for $359, and a couple of years ago I picked up a 3" model 13 for $275. Deals like that don't present themselves very often, so, I used to jump on them when I found them. Now, I'm entering the "thinning the herd" mode. I've got more stuff than I need and no one to pass it down to. Hopefully, I'll get rid of a nickel Colt Cobra and a Colt Trooper MK III ,22lr tomorrow.
 
dgludwig: All's cool, I know you weren't calling my honesty into question. I was only trying to emphasize my sincerity. As I said before, I'll be looking for your update whenever you can get that experiment done. By the way, a few months back, I did encounter a 65 at a gun show...but it looked like it had been dropped onto concrete and dragged a few miles down the interstate. :eek:
 
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