Ruger GP 100
The pistol was the last firearm that I picked up to round out my collection. It’s a hard decision – semi-auto or reolver? I have a Winchester 1894 in .357 Magnum so I was interested in getting another gun that shot that round. So that immediately narrows it down to a revolver (lots of choices) or a Desert Eagle (which is about the only semi-auto on the market chambered in .357 Magnum). While the Desert Eagle guns are nice, they’re also pretty pricey, running on average about $1,000 US. If I went the revolver route, I had a lot of choices basically starting at $300 and on up, with $500 being the price on average.
Going with a revolver wasn’t such a bad deal for me. I have a lot of interest in single-action revolvers, and considered getting a Ruger Blackhawk for a really long time. In all honestly, I thought I’d get that Ruger up until a day or so before the purchase. What held me back was the fact that this was the first revolver I was going to purchase. I had the goals of:
- Get good at shooting with a handgun
- Have a handgun I could take hunting (elk) and camping
I specifically wasn’t interested in (at least for this gun/purchase):
- Concealed carry
- Home defense (I prefer the shotgun)
Given the goals I had, I focused in on guns that offered a 6” barrel, and at least 6 shots. Given the supply at the local Sportsman’s Warehouse, I held and researched a Smith and Wesson 686, a Taurus 627, and a Ruger GP100. There are plenty of reviews on the web, and all the guns are considered good by many. These are just my thoughts and impressions:
Price
I start off with price, because it’s the main thing that controls what guns I can think about getting at a given time. Sure, you can read plenty of articles on tricked out race guns, and while they are cool and accurate, they’re also generally beyond the reach of a lot of buyers.
The S&W was out of the running right away, because it was nearly $150 more than either the Taurus or the Ruger (which cost about $450).
Capacity
The Taurus held seven rounds, and the Ruger only holds 6. While there is a Taurus out there that holds 8 rounds of .357 Magnum, it wasn’t available locally. Frankly, I don’t think that 7 is that much of an advantage over 6, and I specifically wasn’t worried about defense uses. I have bought 3 speed loaders over time, and while it’s certainly not as fast as popping in a new magazine, it’s fast enough for me at this time. That means I can get 24 shots (6 in plus 3*6 speed loads) in less than a minute, assuming double action shooting. Of course with .357 Magnum loads, I’d say my ability to hit drops to 75% (paper plate at 10 yards) right now and there’s not much use racing it like that. If you assume that I’ll be shooting slower than that for better accuracy (and precision), then 24 rounds spread out over several (3-5) minutes seems fine.
Grip
Taurus makes a really big deal about their flex grip, custom molding on their pistols. I really liked it too, but the overall width of the grip seemed too narrow for my hands. I’m sure this is something specific to me, and everyone has to try it out on their own.
The Ruger grip felt extremely nice in my hand. It has a much wider width than the Taurus, and the inlaid wood looked nicer in my opinion.
Weight
Both the Taurus and the Ruger weigh in at the 50+ ounce range, but that didn’t really bother me. I lift fairly regularly, so this may be less of an issue for me than others. Again, you’ll just have to try it out.
Other
For better or worse, there’s a lot of pages you can find on the net about problems with the Taurus revolvers. I couldn’t find much negative said about Ruger, but sometimes I think that’s just North American bias (maybe not?). That being said, I figured that if the pistol didn’t work out, the Ruger would have higher resale value in the long haul. I’m still interested in Taurus, as their Judge revolver in .410/.45LC seems like an interesting proposition.
Shooting the GP100
I’ve really enjoyed shooting the GP100. By now, I’ve put nearly 500 rounds through it, and I’ve never had a problem. Of course it’s a revolver, and I’d expect fewer issues than a semi-automatic pistol, but it’s still nice to say “problem free”.
I did eventually pick up a shoulder holster for it, as it’s much nicer to keep track of it that way at the range. I went with a simple “Old Mike’s Cross draw shoulder holster”, which I find is easier to carry a large 6” barrel gun like the GP100.
- Frank
Videos on the Ruger GP100
armory.stoppingpower.info
Just like Frank above I did lots of reading on the Revolver vs the Semi Auto for both
home
defense and range shooting. Went for the Ruger because of features like dry fire with no
ill effects and balance and grips that fit my hand. Tried to make one gun work for both me
and the little lady but that didn’t go over very well. The GP 100 was a smashing success at
the range with the 4 inch barrel but the wife just warmed the bench and wouldn’t shoot it.
Gave up and purchased her the SP 101 in stainless. Now she is a happy camper because of
the smaller size and grips. New problem now is she blows everything away encluding the
ammo so I have nothing to shoot. No way can anybody go wrong with either of these
handguns. For more fun just buy both plus plenty of ammo !
Several years ago I was selling Triumph motorcycles and sold a speed triple to a guy who also wanted a tank bag that was some what pricey, but under $200. I got the bag for free for some other work I had done, and the guy traded me his GP100 for it, so it basically cost less than 50 bucks. “4 stainless – I need a magnifying glass to get an accurate reading, but it was a Georgia LEO stamped gun. Recently purchased an RSA 1911 45 clone , components manufactured by Llama of Spain. It’s a nice gun, but if I pull, it will ALWAYS be the GP100 1st! For the house I have alternating rounds, 357 hollowpoint/teflon tipped 38. As with all of my guns, I got this for a specific purpose, GP100 being 100% confident self defense.
Being left handed, and into revolvers at first i was turned away from them because theres really ” no such thing” as a left handed revolver ( few hard to find and maybe poor quality exceptions) however after borrowing a rossi 971 revolver and practicing the motions for reloading with snapcaps and an hks 10-A speedloader i discovered revolvers are pretty ergonomic for left handed ppl. since you basically disengage the cylinder with your left thumb after crossing over the back of the frame and push out the cylinder with your right thumb. then grab and hold the frame and cylinder with your right hand, NOW you realize the ejection rod and cylinder are on the left side of the frame and your left hand is free, a simple hit to the rod to eject while pointing strait up, then point strait down and grab the loader and go … no crossing over the frame to do so as with a right-handed reload. the point of all this is for left handed people the hardest part of the reload is releasing the cylinder. im a smaller guy (5’6) so most S&Ws are a no go because their forward sliding release is far away and stiff. how ever the GP 100 is excellent for left handed use because that high riding release takes more of an ” IN” push then a ” forward push” to release. this is very comfortable no matter what sized hands. beyond that the trigger was as expected, along with sights and recoil and all other functions. another big thing i am pleased with is that compared to the rossi 971 the ejector rod on the ruger is pinned in and can not unscrew and become loose after opening and closing the cylinder a few times. this problem would occur in the 971 and if not re-tightened every 6 or so reloads the cylinder would be extremely hard to press open, as the ejector rod jammed it self into the frame. Im ready to purchase my 9th firearm ( or 4th pistol) and now it is between the GP100 or some version of the 1911
I just got a GP 100 and I am so happy with it! I’m a big guy, with hands like catcher’s mitts, so the factory Hogue grips this one came with fit like a dream. 4” barrel, SS. It feels meaty, recoil is very manageable even with .357 mag. ammo. Mostly shoot .38 spl, I ain’t rich enough to burn through the mag ammo for fun!
There’s my 1911 at home, and a girl that knows how to use it. Now I can have my GP in the car with me when I travel and feel that they’re safe at home.
I am very happy with the purchase!
Enjoyed your comments regarding the GP100. I had a difficult time deciding between the S&W 686 and the GP100. I spent quite a bit of time at the range trying both guns and decided on the Ruger. The two guns are very similar. Size, weight and quality of the double action trigger pulls are about the same. Ergonomically they are also very close, both using Houge grips. The S&W has a better fit and finish. The edges of the 686 frame are machined smoother than the GP100. Also the adjustable rear sight on the S&W is easier to adjust because you can use a regular screwdriver. The one on the GP100 requires a screwdriver with a smaller blade (i.e. Jewelers screwdriver). Conversely, the cylinder latch on the GP100 is much easier to operate having to depress the latch rather than slide it. Ultimately the deciding factors were accuracy, ease of maintenance and price. I was just more accurate with the GP100 than the 686. Also disassembling the GP100 was less complicated than the S&W and the price was $150 less. Due to the price of .357 ammo, I mostly shoot .38 Special. The ammo is cheaper, the recoil lower and it is extremely accurate. I really like this gun.
Bought a Ruger GP-100 for my Christmas present in SS with the 4.2″ barrel. Have a Taurus RagingBull 454 Casull 6″ so recoil isn’t a concern. The Ruger GP-100 is my favorite gun of all 7 I own. Looks and feels great and trigger and shot placement for an old geezer like me is very good. I’m an average 200 lb guy and with a Galco
Wheelgunner holster even carrying it with my winter jacket is no problem. $ 515. at Buds Guns with zero interest for 6 months. Great gun at a great price. Buy one!!!!!
Just bought a GP-100 4″ SS this afternoon. I’m also a bigger guy, just a shade over 6′ and the Ruger fit me much better than some of the auto’s I’ve messed around with. Picked up a 50 rd. box of .357 magnum and a 250 rd. box of the inexpensive UMP .38 special. I’m no marksman with a handgun but this thing makes me look like a decent shot especially with the dirt cheap .38 special. It is honestly one of the best guns I’ve ever fired and I’ve fired a lot them. Incredibly fun and easy to shoot. I wouldn’t have waited so long to buy one had I known how enjoyable these are.
Hello fellow GP100 owners and congratulations on your fine purchase. My first Ruger was a .357 Blackhawk with a 6 1/2 inch barrel. Good gun, shot well, but for severtal reasons, I was ready for a double action revolver. I had shot a Smith .357 with a 4 inch barrel and did O.K. with it. I looked at the Gp100 with a six inch barrel and felt it was a bit too long and barrel heavy for me. I looked at the GP100 with a 4 inch barrel and the sight plane wasn’t quite right. So, about two years ago, I saw a Davidson’s exclusive, The Gp100 with a 5 inch barrel. Bingo! The feel and balance of the GP100 in that barrel length is outstanding. What a great comprimise between the 4 and six inch models. I took a chance in ordering it without ever even picking one up, but it has really paid off. Not sure why there aren’t more 5 inch double action revolvers out there. Not too short, not too long. Balance is great!
Have shot the GP 100 for 2 years. It is my favorite and most accurate. Use reloads at the range. Only $15 / 50 rounds. Won aS & W Bodyguard with a lazer on Thanksgiving day. Traded up at the place I was to pick it up for a Ruger Super Red Hawk 44Mag by adding a few bucks. As far as I am concerned Ruger makes the Strongest revolvers . Tarus does not even come close! I have a Springfield XDM 40cal but do not enjoy shooting it as much as I do my wheel guns
I’ve own two KGP141′s. The first was purchased back in 1990. The reason – nothing more than I wanted a .357 and it was what the dealer had that I could afford at the time. Feel in love the gun!
I made the mistake of trading it across the counter at a dealer out in Idaho for one of Ruger’s 9mm autos; within a year sold off the 9 and and found another KGP141 at my local Cal Ranch store. Like my first, I outfitted it with a Hogue Mono Grip (and also making the trip to the local hardware store to replace the screw with a small parts eye-screw – “lanyard loop”). The second gun is also equipped with trillium sites.
First, I can’t think of a better caliber handgun to own. From .38 semi-wads and hunting squirrels – the squirrels proving I’m not the pistolreo I thought I was – to handloaded Hornady 180 gr. this caliber is incredably versital. Second, the Ruger has never let me down. Load, point, pull the trigger – it goes BANG!
Over the years I fired Smiths, Colts and Rugers, for the price you can’t beat the Ruger. Doesn’t matter the caliber or model.
Over the years, because of changes in place I’ve lived, lifestyles and the rest, I’ve sold off many of the rifles and pistols I’ve owned. Except one – my Ruger KGP141, 4″ s/s service revolver. It is MY pistol. The one I will turn to, whether stuck in a “survival” situation loading it with CCI .38 shot shell for stupid chicken, Federal 125 gr. hollow point to protect my wife and myself , or 158 gr semi-jacketed flat point when I go hiking and hunting. This is a gun that will be handed to my grandchildren (my children can damn well buy their own; I’m still alive!).
Just bought a blued GP-100 w/4″ barrel. I must qualify with a S&W .357 (we fire .38 special) every year at work and I wanted a practice gun that was the equivalent of our service revolvers. This fits the bill. It really feels good in my hand. I’m not the best pistol shot and I really needed an economical/sturdy weapon to practice with. I can’t wait to fire this on the range!
I’m surprised that a department still issues a revolver as a duty weapon…
The secret is out! ( yeah I know it’s been out)I picked up my GP100 (6″-SS) several years ago, (7-8) or more, would have to hunt down paper work. I absolutly love it. I do shoot 38spl. for practice but keep 3 speed loaders fitted with Winchester Silver tips and Cowboy loads. My wife has carried a Security Six (3″-SS) since the 7o’s and you couldn’t get it away from her for love or money. Great dependable weapons. My Uncle (who helped raise and teach me about guns) has carried and owns many weapons including Semi-auto’s. But he has always said a revolver is mans best friend when it comes to dependabilty. I wouldn’t trust my or my wifes life to any other pistol. Not to say I don’t love my Winchester #1300 HomeDefender loaded with 3”-OObuck as home protection!
Yeah, I love my GP 100, but the shotgun is the go to gun for home defense. Good point!
I have owned a GP 100 for many years, the first GP 100 I bought had a timing problem and the cylinder would not turn easily. I sent it to Ruger and within a week I had a new GP 100. I do carry this firearm concealed with no problem other than carrying the speed loaders, although I must say now the GP 100 is a back-up on my hip and my main is a semi auto. I would never get rid of the GP 100 as it is going to become harder to find with the popularity of the semi auto and less revolvers are being in demand.
BTW, which speedloaders do you use? I’ve gone with the HKS style, but have wondered about the other brand.
I thought I wanted a 1911 to round out my collection, but hefted the GP100 while shopping at the gun store and brought it home instead. My Super Blackhawk and Super Redhawk .44 Mags have run flawlessly over the past 15 years-I expect the same reliability from the GP100. Strong, simple, accurate and powerful…plus Ruger backs up its products. What more could one expect?
Like I said in the review, the feel is what convinced me. Honestly, it just feels “right” compared to some of the other handguns I tried at the time. Nice to hear that someone else thought the same.
Pondered the GP 100 for 2 months, ended up purchasing a dealer exclusive with rosewood handles and blued. Fun to shoot, easy to clean and for a novice, I consider myself very accurate with it. Feels great in my medium sized hands and just a joy to shoot. Being a Ruger lover, I had no problem in picking this over any other. Practice with my SR9 more, but a great compliment to my collection. Also my carry is an LCP. Great feel in the GP100.
That’s really interesting, because I’ve been thinking about the SR9 a lot. What made you get the SR9 vs the SR9C? The fellow writing over at http://www.gunnuts.com had a lot of good things to say about the SR9C.
Unlike most here I’m shopping for my first handgun. I have shot several revolvers and semi-autos from friend’s collections, with my favorites always having been H&K semi’s and a .357 Colt King Cobra (stainless/6″). For my first purchase, finding a quality, affordable .357 mag revolver has been my goal, and I assumed I’d have to pony up for a Smith & Wesson 686 or a taurus, until I started looking at the GP100. Thanks to reviews like yours and putting some rounds through one as a rental at a local indoor range, the GP100 will be my first weapon, and one that I’ll be happy with for a while I’m sure. I’ve got big hands and it’s comfortable from the get-go.
My husband and I each bought a Ruger GP100, his is a 6″ and mine is a 4″. We used to go target shooting. That Ruger made me look good. It feels kinda heavy to me because I’m somewehat small. I’ve had a couple people ask me to sell it to them but I just don’t know what to ask for it. Any suggestions? I’ve only used it once and I don’t want to be stupid about the price. It’s a 4″ barrel SS. Really like the gun but could use the money.
Hi shirlee –
Impact guns has them listed for $562 (http://www.impactguns.com/ruger-gp100-357-magnumadjustable-sightsstainless-finish-4in-heavy-barrel-1705-736676017058.aspx). That’s brand new, but that should give you a ballpark figure…
Interested in purchase for my wife.
Just bought the stainless 357 mag 4″ model this afternoon, Going to pick it up next Wed after work, want to use it for last resort bear protection when fishing at a remote northern lake. Looks like a decent gun for the money. Primary bear defence is a defender with 00 and slug mixture in the magazine. The reason for the 357 is the ability to use the cheaper ammo for practice.
Well what can i say about the .357 GP100 other than if i could convince my old lady to let me sleep with it under my pillow i would, i love this gun. All the things i have read above i agree with. I have the 6in barrel and it is accurate very accurate, the first time i fired it was at 40yards i made a coke can dance hitting it 5 out of 6 times twice in the air. no lie! that was with .357 ammo, then with a .45 i only tagged it once.. my father is a liscensed master guide in maine and he try’s to get this gun from me everytime he sees me..lol i reccomend it to all. a hell of a gun. very good looking also. i would never get rid of it.
in the long run do cylinder of Ruger GP100 .357 will be destroyed by bullet .38?
No, you wouldn’t be able to shoot enough .38 ammo to destroy the cylinder…other componets would fail first. The only issue one must pay attention to is adequately scrubbing the charging holes to remove all powder residue. This will insure easy insertion of the .357 mag loads.
I owned a S&W 686 plus.It was a 7 shot SS 4inch barrel .357 magnum.I got a great deal on it.Bought it on sale years ago for $379.98.Had a financial diffilculty and sold it on consignment and got back almost all what I paid for it.I treated that gun like gold as I was the original owner.It shot to point of aim and digested everything I fed it from 125,142,158,and 180 grain jhp’s and fmj .357 magnum ammo ,and .38 special and plus p ammo.I miss the firearm.I bought a ruger sp101 .357 magnum with 3 inch barrel and put on a nice hogue custom grip.Its a good firearm but I could fire the S&W 686 plus alot more at the range as it was very comfortable.I’m not sure if I will buy a Ruger GP100,but if I do it will be because it costs alot less not because its my number one choice.I think I need to buy another S&W 686 plus on the L frame with hogue combat rubber grips.Thats my two cents.
It would be a more comprehensive review if you had included your experience with the Taurus. I mean shooting it vs. Ruger.