Wiley Clapp GP100

S

STAGE 2

New member
I love the concept of this revolver (and think it would have been perfect with a 3.5" barrel) and would like to pick one up (so I can add a 3.5" barrel). However I keep looking at the topstrap, specifically the part where they milled it out to fit the novak, and it just looks way thin.

For regular shooting I realize this is probably academic, but on a gun whos biggest selling point is its near indestructibility, does anyone else think that removing this much metal from such a high stress area could be a liability for either frame stretching or worse in the unlikely event someone wasn't careful with a reload?
 
You should be able to get a pre-jacked up Smith or a Colt Lawman for that amount of money. Either would be more collectible and higher quality.
 
STAGE 2, I'd say if you want it and have the money, get it and don't worry about it. I suspect the engineers at Ruger have tested it to destruction and are confident the decrease in top-strap thickness doesn't compromise the strength of the revolver.

In the event of an overloaded reload, Ruger isn't liable (you do read the print in the manuals that says "Do not use reloaded ammunition", right?"). And in any event, a load that takes apart a Clapp-edition GP-100 would probably have taken out a regular GP-100 or Blackhawk too. Contrary to popular opinion, Rugers aren't indestructable, and if you're shooting loads that are wearing out a .357, you should have gotten a .44... ;)
 
I figure the engineers know what they're doing.

I'm waiting for the blue version to come out myself. :)
 
I figure the engineers know what they're doing.
Click to expand...

And the captain of the titanic probably thought the same thing. I fully recognize that anything can be destroyed. However there are many stories of ruger revolvers taking abuse such as mistakenly over charged loads with no issue, that would have damaged smiths and other pistols.

I'm wondering if removing such material compromises this type of durability


the top strap for all fixed sight GPs are like this. my 4" hasn't had a problem
Click to expand...

No they aren't. If you look at the top strap on the standard GP, it has the trench sight cutout, but still has substantial beef on each side of the trench. The WC GP has loads of thickness through out the top strap (even more so than standard rugers) except where it was milled to fit the novak. This is exceptionally thin over the entire width of the topstrap and will be the point of failure if it does occur.

I just dont know whether it is enough metal to still be within the real of the academic or whether its thin enough to make a noticable difference as far as stretching or inadvertent abuse.
 
That does appear to be a lot of metal removed, but I can't imagine that it is cause for alarm. The GP isn't indestructible with or without that metal removed so if you want this gun, and dont abuse it, I'd feel safe buying it.
 
No they aren't.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. I can see what you mean seems like the milled all of the trench sides off. I thought you were referring to the roundness vs adj squarish topstrap.

what part of it being that thin concerns you the flame cutting or just the over all stress from heavy loads.
 
That does appear to be a lot of metal removed, but I can't imagine that it is cause for alarm.
Click to expand...

I dont think the gun is unsafe, but from an engineering standpoint you cant remove that much metal and retain the same strength.
 
And the captain of the titanic probably thought the same thing.
Click to expand...

That's not exactly an apt comparison. We're talking about a product that can be stress tested both virtually (with computer modeling) and physically (with proof loads) before it goes to market. Engineers can easily determine how much stress the top strap will have to endure and how much stress the materials they use can endure, and design firearms accordingly.

I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you are sticking to factory loaded or recommended loadings from published reloading manuals you should be fine. Going beyond that is asking for trouble, thin top strap or not.

hat part of it being that thin concerns you the flame cutting or just the over all stress from heavy loads.
Click to expand...

Flame cutting will only occur at the front of the top strap by the forcing cone, and as such, isn't an issue.
 
I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you are sticking to factory loaded or recommended loadings from published reloading manuals you should be fine. Going beyond that is asking for trouble, thin top strap or not.
Click to expand...

Then why build the standard GP with such massive proportions?
 
Then why build the standard GP with such massive proportions?
Click to expand...

Probably because it's gives Ruger's guns the image of brute strength, which is what they are famous for and one of their key selling points.
 
I don't worry about mine. :D But then again, I only shoot loads within spec.

attachment.php
 
Unless you're loading your cases with substances best left inside a thermonuclear device, your Ruger will safely handle it. Besides, there is a way to tell if your loads are getting too hot for a Ruger....your wrist will snap & your forehead will develop a front-sight-shaped indention.....
 
Nice looking revolver, gunluver. I'm wondering if the TALO version is actually stainless steel with a coating; stainless steel with a unique matte finish or carbon steel with a coating? Also, I've been looking at one at my local gun shop. They are asking $629.99 for one. Does that price seem to be a fair one?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top