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
armory.stoppingpower.info
Thanks for the information. I just ordered a GP-100 in 6 inch (stainless steel) today. I was having the exact same questions that you had.
regards,
Frank
Cool, I hope you like it once you have it!
You made the right choice. I have been target shooting for about a year. I test fired a number of guns before I bought my GP-100, and I have to say, I would not trade it for anything. It is accurate, reliable, and built like a tank! In short..I love it.
Great review, I was cruising your website in search of a value for my six year old, stainless 6 inch GP 100 which I am going to sell due to me and my family leaving South Africa and immigrating to Australia.
Having been a handgun instructor in my younger days, and having owned many handguns, I though that Frank would be pleased to hear my comments.
My ‘old faithful’ GP 100 has now fired well in excess of 6 000 rounds of Speer Hollowpoints on the practice range. It’s performance has been perfect in every way. This is my handgun of choice for my own home defense, and it has literally saved my family from certain harm on 3 occasions. Added to this, I have also used the GP 100 to fend off a gang of 9mm wielding thugs that recently shot and wounded my neighbors daughter in a home attack here in South Africa. Yes, a pistol in capable hands is a far superior weapon in almost every way, but in the dead of night, when you are facing danger inside the close confines of your own residence, there is nothing like knowing the total dependability of a six shooter in your hand. Not to mention the roar of thunder that sometimes is in itself enough to see off attackers.
The only slight downside is that of its size and weight etc… For carry purposes, I found the Colt Python 4 inch to also be superb.
So to anyone out there wanting to buy a Ruger GP 100 – do it, and enjoy it, it wont let you down.
As for me, I’m trading in all my firearms for a surfboard and fishing rod.
Regards
Mark Warner.
Thanks for the write up Mark! There seem to be a great deal of people that are happy with their GP 100, and almost none that will say anything bad about it. Frankly, that seems like enough of a recommendation to me.
Good luck fishing!
Awesome Mark,
Thanks for backing up Frank on this. I couldn’t decide on saving for a nice, used python or going for the Ruger GP100 but I think this helps. Good luck in Australia. Maybe you should keep it to fight off them Dingos.
Great review… I traded in a semi-auto pistol today for a 6 in. Ruger GP100. i also liked it for some of the same reasons you did. Im curious how it worked out as far as your elk/camping needs as this is something i may be planning on doing myself thanks.
I haven’t made the draw down here in NM since I bought the gun. I have brought it camping/fishing with me. One one hand, I like I having it handy and I know it’s reliable. On the other hand, it is *damn* big, and I have thought that a glock (or anything else that doesn’t way 54 ozs) might be nice…Right now with the whole “can’t find .357 mag ammo in any store I go to” mess, I’m not sure it’d be a bad idea to get a Glock 20 (10 mm). I was turned off by the 10 mm initially; yes, it seems like a nice powerful round, but it was darn expensive when I was looking to buy. On the other hand, these days it might be about the same as a .357 mag — who knows.
This has been very informative. I was initially looking at the Ruger New Model Blackhawk Convertible 9mm/.357 magnum to use primarily for target shooting (recreational) and as a hunting sidearm. I shot a Glock and quite frankly, didn’t like it. I then shot a .44 magnum revolver and loved it. Hence my decision to purchase a revolver. I loved the feel of the GP100 as the grip was very comfortable and was sized right for my hand. The stainless steel barrel is sharp and I was impressed by the overall quality of the gun. It’s affordable and available in both .38 SP and .357 magnum, so I’m pretty sure this handgun is right for me. Thanks for all of the postings. I think I’ll order my GP100 this week!
Thanks for the comment Tom! Since this review, I have seen a new model Blackhawk Convertible and I’m still happy with my choice. If I could buy both, I would however. If I could buy one, the GP 100 still has my vote. I’m sure you’ve researched the Blackhawk convertible on the web, but I remember seeing reports of people complaining about the accuracy going “way” down when using the 9mm cylinder. I don’t have any personal evidence that supports this though, but something to consider.
As for the Glock comment, I know what you mean. There’s just a certain heft that comes from the GP 100 that feels more natural to me, and frankly it never hurts to have that longer barrel for the increases range/accuracy possibilities (of course you have to have the skill to actually take advantage of it). On the other hand, while the Glock feels “odd” (especially after all this time on the GP 100), it’s really not an apples to apples thing. You’re never going to have the capacity of the magazine that any Glock will provide — if you’re into that kind of thing.
What I do know is that I’ve seen at least one magazine problem on a glock that a friend of my has as his primary defense gun. Frankly, I’m not getting into the whole “why doesn’t he use a shotgun” thing, which is entirely valid in my opinion and something I’ve given him an earful about several times. Anyway, he kept his mags fully loaded for several years, with the rounds constantly being changed out, but the spring being nearly *always* compressed. Eventually we saw a mag go bad and we think that’s the likely reason. Of course acquiring a new magazine isn’t hard (as long as we don’t get another gun ban), but you don’t have that problem at all with a revolver.
Great review. It has made the decision for me on whether it was going to be the gp100 or the 686.!! GP100 it will be
I have the stainless 4″. Love this gun, it’s robust, well made, remarkably accurate…and pretty. A bit big for concealed carry, but absolutely appropriate for in-the-drawer home defense and open carry. I use .38 specials FMJ for practice and load .357 JHP’s for defense.
I have a GP100 4 inch. This thing is a rhino. It has a perfect weight to it, and is STRONG – I have no fear of it ever breaking.
Thanks for the great review, I just spent 2 hours looking over the Taurus tracker and the gp100 6 inch for hunting javelina and was pretty torn between them.
For the money the GP100 with the 6″ barrel is the best gun I have ever bought for the money. And I have spent alot on a few rifles. Used to have a Super Redhawk and didn’t really like it because of its size and rough shape. Smith made a much nicer gun in the .44. Bought the GP100 the first year it came out because Ruger finally made a revolver that had the right shape and felt right! I dialed it in at 50 yards and almost every time I shoot a 3 shot group 2 touch and the other one is within a 1/2 inch. The orginal review mentioned elk hunting, I don’t think I would evem try to shoot an elk with a .357 myself. But I have killed 2 big deer (200+ lbs.) and one dropped in its tracks and the other made it about 10 yards before it dropped with my GP100. I have been shooting PMC 150 GR. HP’s though mine and it seems to love them.
Hi cboom – I realized after you comment, it was a bit confusing on the elk hunting reference. I actually just meant it was a backup gun for the “other stuff” you run into while hunting, not hunting for elk with the GP 100 itself.
I have done alot of research thanks to modern day internet since I was in the market for a .357 revolver. Hands down the Ruger fit the bill and their reputation for fine revolvers really narrowed my choice down. Looked at the S&W 686 and the Taurus as well as the Rossi brand .357 revolvers. Too many negatives for me to feel comfortable. The S&W was ranked high but so is their cost. The Ruger just simply wins out. Plus, over 20 years ago I had a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 single action and it was built like a tank! Go buy a GP100 and be happy.
I found a Ruger GP-100 357magnum in the 4inch barrell stainless steel at a local pawn shop today. Guys–what would one expect to pay for this gun?? They had it marked $599.00 and the absolute lowest he would go was $545.00 out the door, tax and all including background check. Anybody see any better offers elsewhere for a used one?? Thanks, Darren
Hi Darren -
That seems steep to me for a used GP 100. Have you tried GunBroker.com and compared prices? I usually check http://www.impactguns.com for a good price check. Now, I’ve also heard that the “local gun store” will usually charge a bit more (5%) than Impact Guns, but this at least gives you a ballpark number for a *NEW* GP 100. Hope that helps…
This is the type of question I’m trying to answer with StoppingPower’s newest feature, the Armory. Right now we only have Glocks, but we’re hoping to be the one stop shop over the course of the next year.
– Frank
i just bought a very nice used gp-100, blued, 4″ barrel at a gun show for $375.. This gun looks pratically brand new and it shoots like a dream.. Don’t think I got too bad a deal on that one…
Just ordered a Stainless Steel (4in barrel) GP100 today from a gun store about 1/2 an hour away from where I live (local shops here are too expensive). It was my 1st visit there, asked how much one would be new with S/S finish and he quoted 519.00. Total with tax was @ 566.00 new in box. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the pricing update Mike!
Darren,
I paid $540.00 for my GP 100 stainless 4 inch barrell. It was brand new and ordered for my by a gunshop. It is my favorite amongst all my revolvers. I have a S & W 600 series 38 special 2inch barrell Airweight, a S&W model 60 15 J frame .357 3inch barrell in stainless. Ruger is smoother in action, and more consistent trigger pull. It is sweeet!
Just bought a KGP-161 new for $559. Seems like the going rate around here (SW Ohio).
Best of luck.
Frank–
I thank you for your help. I was thinking that it was a little much also. There is a gun show close to me today that I am going to that maybe I will luck up on one there too!! I saw a bumber sticker yesterday I thought I would share…….
“GUNS DON’T KILL PEOPLE ANY MORE THAN SPOONS MADE ROSIE O’DONNELL FAT !!!! I loved it!! Thanks again !!
Darren
Just bought a GP100 ss with 3 inch barrel for 405.00( Gunbroker)……..Haven’t got it but my wife fired a Ruger speed six last week and really liked it so this is hers for christmas………Pete L.
Pete –
Thanks for posting what you paid on GunBroker for your used GP100. I think $405 is a pretty good deal these days. I wish you luck if you are trying to find ammo, as I’m constantly “hunting” in stores for .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
– Frank
Should have updated a couple weeks ago, received the GP100 and while used, looks pretty good…………..will take my wife shooting again after Christmas and report back……Pete L.
Really love my 4″ Gp-100. Had it since May. Use more on the range than I ever expected. On second thoughts I now wish that I bought a 6″. Very accurate with the 38 spl & 38spl +P. Kick in any round is not bad at all
After 30 years and several 10′s of thousands of rounds, I wore out my old
Dan Wesson W12. Heck of a great gun. So I started looking for a replacement that would last as long and shoot as true. I started looking at the 6″ GP-100 and it was one of the top contenders, the other being a S&W 686.
I bought the Ruger and I can say the GP-100 exceeds the W12 in smoothness of the action and I never have liked the external barrel nut. I always had the 6″ barrel anyway. It’s heavy, which is what I want in a .357 mag.
I expect to be back to post how it is fairing in 30 years. If we still have the internet.
TY, good review.
Hey, that’s great John. I really appreciate that you could compare it to another firearm so people can get a better handle on the differences.
Just bought a SP 100 stainless steel 6″ barrel for $350.00. Put about 200 rounds through it at the range and love it.
BOUGHT A GP100 A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO. ALWAYS WANTED A REVOLVER. FOUND OUT I GET GREATER ACCURACY SHOOTING SINGLE ACTION. BLACK FRONT SIGHT NOT THE BEST. OPTED OUT FOR HI VIZ LOVE MY GP100
I just got a refund on a Taurus 627 4″ SS 357 mag I bought used.
Take a word of caution the Taurus looks great but after doing the research they have a lot of timing issues. This one would not fire 2 cylinders out of every 7 for 100 rounds. Pretty Sad. I was very excited about it but am leaving to go buy my second choice a Ruger GP100 4″ . Hindsight is 20/20..
Good shooting
I know i want a GP100 but I am stuck at what barrel length to get. I like the idea of the 6 inch but I’m thinking that a 4 would be a lot easier to carry. I want it for target practice and carry. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to carry these in a 6 inch barrel?
Can anyone recommend a good holster/carry method?
If you’re planning to carry it, I would recommend a Ruger SP101 with 3-inch barrel. The size and weight is much more manageable, and the 3-inch barrel makes it much more easier to aim than the 2-inch barrel that most people get. Plus, for ballistic reasons, I don’t think a .357 magnum should be shot out of anything with less than a 3-inch barrel.
I love my 4″ GP100 stainless. .357 rounds are hard to find in my area right now, but the .38 +P rounds still have a fun kick to them. The GP100 just looks and feels like a good solid gun should.
Semi-autos are more fun at the range, but I’ve had enough experience with jammed casings that I trust my GP100 the most for home protection, hands down.
Have a Taurus 6″ .357, got it new, a really great gun, made in Brazil in 1988. Have never had a problem with it. Got a Winchester Lever in .357 to go along with it, never had a problem. Picked up a Ruger GP100 .357 in a trade, in Stainless, with a 4″ barrel, as a Fanny Pack carry. Never had a problem, in fact, very smooth. I would also recommend it highly. Around here, .357 ammo is becoming more plentiful to find, so I’m happy all the way around!
Thanks Jim for the info on the Taurus. I basically did the same as you, just backwards (got the Winchester in .357 mag first) and lack the Taurus. I’ve been very happy with that combination of pistol/rifle availability. Now, if .357 Mag would actually get stocked in the stores again…
I just bought today a gp 100 in s/steel nib for 450.00 There are six left. socal guns san diego ca.
I cannot wait to pick mine up in ten days.
Is the 10 days a waiting period for California?
California has a mandatory 10day waiting period, mandatory 30 question written test and subsequent issuance of a Handgun Safety Certificate with a 75% passing grade on the test. A mandatory “at-the-counter” handgun safety demonstration in the presence of a certified handgun safety instructor at the time of delivery. And, only one handgun can be purchased in any 30 day period. A background check is mandatory prior to taking delivery of any handgun in California.
Just bought a GP-100 6″ stainless used. It’s one month old and the guy had shot 20 rounds through it.(the guy said it just wasn’t for him)It came with 2 speed loaders, hard plastic case and 50 rounds of remington ammo for $400.00 !!!
I’ll be using it for deer camp, plinking and something to go in the nightstand.
That’s a great deal. I just bought mine new in WI (48 hour waiting period) for $500 and that didn’t include the speed loaders. Haven’t shot it yet, but looking forward to it. Joe
I have a 4″ GP100 with the wood panels on the grip. Bought it back in about 1997 for $200. It had rarely been used. It is my favorite gun. I carry a XD 40 sub compact for concealed and the GP100 is my field gun. Highly recomment it. I also bought a simply rugged pancake holster for it and totally love it. It’s a real man’s holster!!
Just bought a GP100 6″ barrel S/S about a month ago here in Arizona brand new for $530 including tax & background check. I have taken it to the range a few times, this thing is awesome. I to was looking at a Taurus revolver but decided to go with the Ruger. Glad I did. I can’t believe how accurate/smooth this thing is. This gun is a beast. Very well built. Simply put- If you are thinking about picking up one of these, DO IT you will not ever have a second thought about your decision.
Thanks Nick! From the way you phrased it, do you have to pay for the background check in AZ? I know you don’t in NM (which is where I picked up mine), but you just never know these days.
I’m not sure if they do or not. The guy quoted me a price and I asked him if it included the background check. He said that it did. Great gun though, especially for the price. Can’t beat it.
There is not a charge for background check in AZ.
4″ stainless is an excellent choice in my opinion, if you want to keep it on the lighter side.I easily out shoot my friends at the indoor range.They all shoot Glocks.They laughed at my GP100 when I took it out of the case.Called it ancient weaponry.In the woods or urban environment I’m confident it’s ready for anything.
Just got a GP100 6″ blue (don’t want them deers to see the shiny handgun) for $489, with tax here in WA was $530 total (new). AWESOME gun, my first firearm, and after 250 rounds…WOW. shoots .38′s like a BB gun, .357 not to bad. Pretty good out to 35-45 yards, an 8″ paper plate has no chance! Excellent grip and recoil, I sure made the right choice….perfect for home, field, and hunting.
I just picked up 6″ Stainless GP100 and I am mighty impressed. The houge grips are nice…recoil is not a problem even with the stout 357 loads. That’s probably due to the fact that the gun nears a weight of about 3 lbs. The factory front sight has room for improvment but they are very easy to change and inexpensive to aquire. I reccomend HIVIZ sights. It was insanely accurate right out of the box with sub .50 inch groups at 10yrds and sub 2.00 inch groups at 20-25 yards. For me that’s good enough. In Single Action the trigger breaks like glass with no take up at all. Thats a big help in staying accurate.
This is the first handgun i’ve owned that i can put two bullets in one hole. I dont know if i’ve gotten better at shooting or the gun is helping me..lol
just my 2 cents. If your looking for a good revolver with a nice fit and finish, and dont want to spend the extra money for a S&W…go with a Ruger GP100…you wont be dissapointed
Purchased a new in the box 357 mag. gp100 blued, 4″ barrel for gift to me from my wife. Great gal. $475.00 from a pawn shop that had listed the gun on gunbroker.com. I consider it the best weapon I’ve ever owned. Have fire hundreds of 357 mag., 38+ special rounds. Never a misfired or any other problem. I do clean it thoughly after every session, but you should. great gun, can’t go wrong.
proof reading is not my best. sorry.
I just bought the GP100 stainless with the 4″ barrel, but I got the new .327 federal magnum version. There should be less recoil than the .357, but you have equal or maybe better defense potential with this cartridge. The gun itself is the same heavy high quality unbreakable machine as the .357 version. I love it!
Just purchased a pre-owned SS GP100 6″ on Gunbroker. $400 is not a bad deal. Shopped for over a year as to which make/model to purchase. I have a single shot .45 BP percussion, an 1847 Colt .44 BP Percussion, and a Stainless Ruger Old Army in .44 BP percussion. Of the three, the Ruger has been the most reliable. My choice after shopping the Glock 20C, the Taurus 66, the S&W 686, the GP100 won out. Waiting for 10 days to get out to the range and punch some serious holes!
Im thankful for the blog post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
I’ve had one for 15 years. Put several thousand rounds through it. 4″, stainless, adjustable sights. Fantastic gun. I love 1911′s but I always put in time with my Ruger. Shoots 2″ groups easily at 10 yards, 4″ at 25″. From 38 wadcutters, to 357 high test – it handles them all. Never a problem – ever. Feels good, looks good, shoots good and a good price. Plus Ruger is a good company to support. How could you possibly get better.
I don’t think the 6″ adds much. For what you gain in sight radius, you give up in front heaviness. Used to shoot a 6″ Blackhawk, which I’m comparing it to. But I can hit 4″ at 25 yards, so what more would I want from a handgun?
Well as I had assumed, the GP100 performed flawlessly. In the first 100 rounds fired at 50 yards, standard factory iron sights, I was able to bench rest 5″ groups. The handling, performance, balance, and recoil characteristics more than pleased me, in fact, after shooting the venerable 1911A1 for over 52 years and recently, the .44 Super Blackhawk, I am convinced that the KGP161 in .357 Magnum is in every aspect, the best revolver I’ve ever owned. The .38 special round by Remington handled very well and the consistency of accuracy with that round was clearly satisfying. I’ve ordered the Hornady FTX in .357 Magnum which carries a slightly higher velocity, and more impact force and I hope to get my bench rest groups down to as good as 5″ in 100yds. If I can get that kind of performance out of a 6″ barrel, I’m going to sing accolades all the way to the next hawg hunt this coming summer.
i just ordered my GP-100 with a 6″ in stainless cant wait til next week to get it on the range also got a deal that i couldnt pass up on a Glock 31 357sig so im like a kid on Christmas eve waiting for the 3 day period to pass (fl has a 3 day wait on handguns) i only just now learned that Ruger made the Redhawk in 357 mag as well and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on how the GP100 stacks up against the Redhawk?
The GP100 is simply the toughest built and most reliable 357 Magnum relolver ever made. There is no side plate, everthing is much thicker than the S&W 686, it will handle loads above SAMMI spec that would blow up the 686, and it is a handsome design due to its simplicity. I have a pair of Hogue Rosewood Grips on mine with magnaporting and a HI-Viz sight. I sold my Glock 20 (although 10 mm is a great round–very $$$$$$) and bought a 6″ GP 100 instead. Now I use Double Tap 200grain WFLGC .357 rounds (1320 fps and 786 ft/lbs of muzzle energy out of a GP 100 6″ barrel) for Bear–predator protection when I hike. I chose 6 round capacity and construction like a tank over a higher capacity S&W 686 plus or 627 which are well made but not as solid as the Ruger……
Happy shooting!
How do you like that Hi-Viz sight?
I was going to purchase a 44 until they showed me the price of the ammo then i looked at the ruger gp100 in stainless with the 6″ barrel it felt really good in my hand so i put one on layaway at local gun shop after reading all theses reviews im glad i did and cant wait to pic it up only 2 payments left and i’ll let yous know how well it shoots from the sounds of it hear i made a wise choice i also have an old ruger p89 9mm that i cant kill been taking it to the range for years and have never had a problem hope the gp100 gives me the same trouble free operation for years to come.
The Hi-Viz sight is wonderful and really helps me with quick target acquistion. I can shoot 4″ groups at 75 feet (25 yards) in single action mode with this sight. No modificatons are necessary you just push in the front pin remove the factory sight and put the new Hi-viz in. The Hogue Rosewood grips feel marvelous (a perfect match for this gun) as they are shaped like the original rubber ones.
i bought gp100 38 special few weeks ago shot 50 rounds in it not 1 miss fire paid 424.95 a bit high i think but i like the gun
I am a 57 yar old woman and I am researching what kind of gun to buy for home protection. This would be my first gun. My hand size is average for a woman. I have been advised to get a reliable revolver, and the Ruger GP100 sounds very good, as does the Ruger SP101. I want something that can shoot .38′s without too bad of a recoil, yet is not too big for me. What do you fellows think I should buy?
Thanks,
tracy
Tracy,
The GP100 like most .357 revolvers can shoot 38 special. As a matter of fact, 38 specials shot out of a GP100 are pussycats! The weight of the GP 100 combined with the bull barrel (fully shrouded barrel) make shooting .38′s really really easy. I totally recommend the GP 100.
357 man,
Thank you for your reply, and what does a fully shrouded barrel mean?
Tracy C.
Considering the really good responses people have put on this page, I thought it might be worth trying something to enhance it for everyone. I’ve started a group page over at stoppingpower.ning.com. It’s visible to members only, but anyone can sign up and become a member (especially anyone viewing this page).
If you have any problems, contact me! (frank@stoppingpower.info or just reply to this comment).
This is a good rugged revolver, Bill Ruger would settle for nothing less. Some say it lacks the qoute “sophistication” of a smith but, it is accurate, smooth, once broke in, and very reliable. Lays down a tight pattern with Hornady’s 357 rounds and most other 38 spl or .357 average standard ammo.
I bought my 4″ ss GP in ’87. It has killed more game than I can keep track of. It has seen the worst of conditions imaginable in the feild,and has perfomed flawlessly. For 23 yrs. this GP girl has been my faithful side kick where ever I have gone. She’s digested umpteen thousands of rounds accurately, without one parts failure, and she still looks beautiful too. I could rave on and on about my little GP. Best revolver you could buy. Now, it lives and easier life,as my wifes side kick, as I now have a new one. A ruger redhawk 4″ 44 mag. I hope it turns out to be as good as my lttle GP-100 was.
Just turned 62 and haven’t gone shooting in many yrs.Ive wanted to get back to it and have been looking at the GP100 for some time now and I think this will be the one for me.Thanks for all the good reviews!just convinced me Ive me right all along.
No problem Roger, that’s why we’re here! If there’s one thing I’d add, I’d recommend looking into the availability of .38 Special and .357 Magnum in your area. I know it’s starting to be better here in New Mexico, but it was pretty scarce (for both) for a long time (last election cycle).
I have a GP100, 4″ barrel, stainless in .357 Magnum. It’s quite simply the most reliable and accurate revolver I’ve ever owned and that includes various models of S&W and Taurus. I made the mistake a few years back of trading in a Ruger Security Six with a 6″ barrel that I sure wish I still had. Until I ran across this site I’d sort of lost track of how many Rugers I now own, including a Mark III .22 and an LCP.
Don’t think you can go wrong with Ruger, period, and the GP100 especially.
As a former owner of a S&W 686P (7 shot version) with a 4″ barrel and now a GP 100, also with a 4″ barrel, I can state first hand opinions on both. There are no bad words for the S&W 686 as it performed very well. I put 700+ rounds through it with no issue.
The GP 100 just fits my hand better and seems to have a better balance in my hand. I find the double action in the GP 100 is smooth and I am able to keep on target very easy.
I also have a Ruger SP101 I use for carry purposes but the GP 100 is going to be my work horse.
Thanks for writing up the comparison Jeffrey. I was really happy to hear about how it compared to the S&W 686.