Which one - GP-100 or 1911?

C

cguedr

New member
Well, I got the green light from the wife to get a revolver for my birthday. I would actually like either a GP-100 or I also wouldn't mind getting a 1911 (RIA would pretty much be the only thing in my price range, which is probably somewhere around $400). What do you guys think?
 
Well, if I had the money I would love to purchase a GP-100, or SP-101, but I am biased since my meager collection of three guns lacks a revolver ;).
 
Get the revolver for the amount of your limit. A 1911 has to be made right from the start and from the right place to be functional, accurate, and durable.
 
I also don't have a revolver yet. Also, I'll never drop a big dime on a 1911. I think that many are overpriced, and all I'm looking for is a GI type.
 
The GP100 is rock solid and is darn near perfect out of the box. I like the RIA too, but I prefer the flexibility of shooting hot .357's or inexpensive .38's.
 
Is the gun for carry, range time or something else?

The RIA would make a great carry gun. As for the GP100 I've got one with a 6" bbl and my hat's off the anyone who could carry that thing. That aside, the GP100 is rock solid and just about indestructible. It would make an awesome home defense gun when loaded with 357's. If the bullet doesn't kill the intruder the flames will burn them up.
 
Buy what you REALLY want - and if it happens to be something more than your current budget, save up to get it so you don't go around later saying "I wish I would have......."
 
Just because I don't believe inspending a fortune on a handgun doesn't mean I don't really want these. Both of these are things I want.
 
I would say if you've already got a carry gun go with the GP-101 or the SP-101. I've heard nothing but good things about both of these revolvers.
 
For your price range, I'd stick with a revolver. Out of the Ruger stable, the GP is vastly superior to the SP. Not that the SP is a bad gun, but GP is a great example of a modern .357.
 
Which ever handgun is going to tickle your fancy when standing at the gun counter fondling said handguns. If it give you goose bumps buy it.:eek: What to do if both give you goose bumps?:confused:
 
Out of the Ruger stable, the GP is vastly superior to the SP. Not that the SP is a bad gun, but GP is a great example of a modern .357.
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Really? Please explain how the GP is vastly superior for its designed purpose than the SP is for its designed purpose. Spend enough time with the GP and SP and I think you'll find that they're both great examples of a modern .357!

As to the OP's question... I agree, go with the GP-100 if you're limited to $400.
 
I'm gonna suggest a different 'fun gun' for you...a carbine. I've had revolvers and semiauto pistols, but to be honest my el cheapo HiPoint carbine 9mm is still my favorite plinker, especially if you have a range that allows more than paper punching.

Not saying you should get a HiPoint, there's the KelTec as well within your price point...but just something to consider.
 
Buy a used S&W 64 from J&G for under $230 and put a new
1911 in layaway at your local store.

If you do "the old little kid saving his lunch money" thing (figure $5x5days) you'll have a $100 bucks a month without cutting into anything else. You'll then have 2 guns by the end of September!

$400-$300(for S&W)=$100(down on 1911)
1911@$500-$100(down)=$400
$100 a month (previously wasted on fast food lunch at work)
x4 months= New 1911.

Laugh if you want but it's how I bought my 22/45.
 
Really? Please explain how the GP is vastly superior for its designed purpose than the SP is for its designed purpose. Spend enough time with the GP and SP and I think you'll find that they're both great examples of a modern .357!
Click to expand...

Certainly they are two different guns. I own an SP and my buddy owns a GP that I've spent a lot of range time with. While they certainly both fill different niches, the OP said that this won't be a carry piece and out of those two, if you were looking for a range gun in .357 which he seems to be, the GP fits that bill better much better.

As far as the guns themselves, the both are well built, but the triggers on SPs can be very gritty. My SP was no exception. It has smoothed out with use, but it still doesn't have the trigger that the stock GP does. The GP as also much easier to shoot .357s out of than the SP is due to the size, shape and weight of the GP compared to the SP.
 
Speaking of triggers I didn't know what a "buttery smooth" trigger was until I picked up my used Smith 686. A buttery smooth trigger is something to experience and you won't get one on a Ruger without paying for a trigger job.

I still like my GP100 for what it is. A very overbuilt, no frills tank of a handgun.

Back to the original question, if I were in the OP's shoes I wouldn't hesitate to buy the RIA 1911. Yes it's built in the Philippines but it is rock solid and it's a 1911. Buy it, prove it by putting a hundred rounds through it and you've got a whale of a carry gun + home defense gun + great range gun.

Being a 1911 there are many many add ons, custom items and other fun things to do with it. Another plus is that you will be thoroughly familiar with the 1911 platform when you do finally get the Springfield Armory GI.
 
my esteemed opinion

Notice my 'handle'? It is WESHOOT2 specifically because I had one 4" GP100 and 'introduced' it to my wife.
She liked it so much (for 'woods' carry; her main gun is a S&W M38) she kept it as her own, so I had to buy another for myself.

So WESHOOT2.

I consider a 4" GP100 mandatory for every arsenal.
Buy.
(And save up more so you don't 'have' to buy a RIA.)
 
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