[goon]

Since I started shooting handguns I've had a whole lot of them (at least by my standards), probably more than 20 in the last seven years.
After buying my last semi-auto and finding that it just doesn't fit my hand right, I'm thinking about coming back over to this side and investing in a 3" GP-100 .357.

My logic is -
1. Six rounds of .357 is enough if I do my job and with practice, a speedloader isn't much slower than a magazine change.
2. A revolver will work with pretty much any decent quality ammunition that will fit in the chambers.
3. A 3" barrel should be about as concealable as you can make a "big" revolver like the GP-100 but still allow a full length ejector rod for punching out .357 casings.
4. This will be a general purpose handgun. I do want something I can carry for fall, winter, and spring (summer carry is already covered). But I also spend some time in the woods hiking and just screwing off. The extra power of a .357 would be kind of comforting when I'm out in the sticks.
5. I can shoot the hell out of a GP-100 with standard .357 loads without worrying a whole lot about wearing it out or breaking it.
6. Last, I already have two full boxes of .357 factory ammo in my possession along with enough .357 and .38 casings and bullets to load a good bit of ammo for practice.

Did I miss anything?
I'd appreciate any advice or correction to any judgement errors that you revolver guys think I might be making.

[Shade00]

Yes. Sounds like you've got it about right. Some would recommend the SP-101 as a better carry choice, but you'll lose a round. The GP100 is a super choice. What are you waiting for?

[DawgFvr]

I agree with your logic. I had a little gunsmithing done on my GP100...trigger is buttery smooth and moon clips make for quick/dependable ejection and fast reloads.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/GP100/GP1001.jpg

[Drgong]

Goon, I have only heard good things with the GP100. I am thinking about getting one myself for the same reasons.

[Euclidean]

I in fact have this very firearm for very similar if not virtually identical purposes. The GP-100 compact is my personal ideal "do it all" handgun. It's not necessarily my favorite for any one particular job, but it does all things I need I personally need a handgun to do. Every other handgun I own is in my stable because it occupies a certain niche better than the 3" GP100 does.

It's a better CCW when I'm out in the sticks, I stow it where it's easy to grab when driving long distances, I can load it up for snakes, two or four legged critters, or whatever, and it usually sits right here on the desk next to my keyboard when I type posts like this.:D

The all steel L frame sized gun is not the lightest thing to carry, but it sure soaks up that recoil. When loaded with .38s it's a gun my sister will shoot without flinching. It is an effective handgun my arthritic mother can manipulate without difficulty. Loading it will not require a gadget to keep from pinching your thumbs.

The 3" barrel is long enough to get enough velocity for most applications short of handgun hunting, and short enough to carry more easily. It also makes the balance of the revolver in hand superb, a feel I have yet to achieve with any autoloader.

It is simultaneously utilitarian and basic, all steel, no wonder alloys, with rugged fixed sights that are good 'nuff. At the same time, it's a handsome tool and I find myself routinely polishing mine.

I have in fact conceal-carried it several times; a Bianchi speed scabbard works just fine. Probably a simple pancake holster is optimal too.

It's a good tool that's easy to maintain and clean, and it just works. I'm not saying you couldn't booger one up, but it would be a challenge to do so.

I keep it around for all these reasons. It's often not the best gun for any of these applications, but it addresses them all adequately nonetheless.

[Chihuahua Floyd]

I have the 4" version. Very good all around gun. I have more specific guns for specific duties. I have even hit pistol shiloettes at 100 yards with mine a couple of times. 158g RNFP cowboy ammo, not 357 mag. Its better than I am and does what I ask. Including answering the doorbell at 2:00am.

[goon]

Euclidean - that sounds like just about exactly what I need. I won't be able to afford any more purchases for awhile after this one so I'll need a handgun that can do a lot of things. I've had a couple .357's so I'm not at all put off by the extra recoil, but it's also cool to know that I can load .38 Specials for an afternoon of plinking. I figure the GP-100 will also be durable as can be possible in about any handgun. I was once told by an old gunsmith that the Security/speed six series was about as indestructible of a revolver as was ever built so I'd imagine that the GP, with it's beefed up frame would be even tougher.
For CCW, I probably won't carry it much in the warmer months but it will probably get carried a fair amount during colder months when I can dress to conceal it.
I also agree on revolvers and the way they balance - automatics have advantages but I've never felt one that balanced as good as a revolver.
Biggest reason I'm wanting one is because I want a gun that just works.
I'm tired of trying guns out and hoping that I'll finally find one that works the way I need it to AND that I like.
I want the next one to be a good enough gun that I could go the rest of my life with it and never feel the need to replace it.

[dispatch]

I was foutunate enough to snag a re-import 3" GP100 a couple of years ago. Great revolvers.

[Elvishead]

yes.

[wnycollector]

I find that a 3" .357 is about the perfect combination of size vs power! I carry a 2.75" Ruger Security Six most days. Don't overlook a used "Six". I picked up my LNIB example for $275 last fall at a local gunshow.

[RobG5538]

Holy cow DawgFvr, that things a real beauty. Tell me about the finish. I would like the same on my sp101.

[Orange_Magnum]

Get the 4" version. There are holster that ride high. More stable on the hip too.

[Rexster]

To learn about the finish on DawgFvr's sixgun, check out Geminicustoms.com.

As for the GP100 idea, well, yes, of course. I have posted quite a few times on several forums that if I could have only one handgun, it would be a particular one of my 4" GP100 sixguns, but a 3" would do almost as well. It is not so difficult to conceal a GP100-sized sixgun; I concealed an even larger weapon, an S&W N-frame, for several years, when I carried an S&W M58 as a duty handgun, and was too broke to buy a mid-sized weapon that was easier to hide. (I wanted to carry more than just my J-snub when out of uniform.)

[22-rimfire]

It's a good choice. I have one. I don't carry it except in the woods. It is a bit big and heavy for concealed carry for me. But it is a great gun.

[goon]

Thanks for all the guidance.
Right now I'm looking at using a CZ P01 to finance this purchase.
There is a part of me that is tempted to go with another 9mm that fits me better but I can't deny that the Ruger is going to be as solid as any semi-auto AND that the .357 is a more versatile cartrige.
Tough decision...
But I don't have to make it until I have money in hand.
BTW - Ruger isn't sticking some kind of stupid safety in the GP-100 now, are they? I hate those things and I'll probably have to buy new - GP's don't turn up used much in my area.

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a 2 3/4" Ruger Police Service-Six and it's one of the best revolver's I've ever shot. You should be just as happy with a 3" GP-100. Both are great revolvers IMO... A used 3" S&W Model 65 wouldn't be a bad choice either.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/service6-3.jpg

[Gary A]

Ruger isn't sticking some kind of stupid safety in the GP-100 now, are they?
Not so far, anyway.

[Youngster]

If you ask me, a 3 inch barrel is the handiest and best balanced length to be had on just about any defensive DA revolver.

[goon]

ArchangelCD - I had a 2.75" security six for awhile and it was a good gun. I only sold it because it was one of the old ones that you can't find aftermarket grips for. I also have nothing against a S&W 13/65, but when they turn up around here they are expensive. And they're also still not as durable as the Ruger will be.
If I could have a back-up around I might choose a S&W just because they are going to be a little lighter and because a K-frame has really good balance. But if I can only have one (which is what I'm planning), the GP has the edge. I also think it wins over the Speed/security/Service Six models because it's still being made. In the off chance that I do have something break on it parts should be available. (Is this a non-issue?)

Now that I've owned a few guns, the idea of tacticool is starting to give way to what is practical.
And I think that's exactly what a GP-100 will be. ;)

[fastbolt]

I couldn't fault the opinions and reasoning listed in the thread starter's posting.

I've used much the same reasoning when I've carried a .357 Magnum revolver.

I've let a number of very good Ruger Security/Service/Speed-Six revolvers slip through my hands over the years, much to my regret. I only have one left, a Service-Six 4" Heavy Barrel model which has received some customizing and tuning. A nice, rugged, reliable and reasonably accurate iron-sighted Magnum revolver.

It used to be a commonly chosen off-duty weapon earlier in my career, when I was first carrying revolvers more than pistols off-duty (and I was carrying an issued Magnum revolver on-duty).

After several years of carrying medium-framed revolvers I picked up a SP-101 DAO. I was looking for a 3" traditional double action SP-101 but couldn't find one in my area. My desire for the 3" small-framed Magnum was to have it become an off-duty weapon which could also reasonably do double duty as a medium-bore, light-duty 'field gun'. I was rather pleased with it in those roles, too. Easier to carry off the beaten path than the heavier 6-shot revolvers I'd been carrying around, but still chambered in a caliber with a bit more 'power' than the S&W M36 3" or M649 Bodyguard (.38 Spl). A nice compromise in a lightweight, short-barreled Magnum revolver ... but I still occasionally wished I could've found a 3" model in traditional double action.

I'd probably still pick up a 3" SP-101 someday, I suppose, especially if I came across a good one at a good price, but in recent years I've come back around to wanting to once again fill out my medium-frame Magnum revolver collection. A couple of nice K-frames, maybe a L-frame or two and one or two Rugers.

I took a 2 1/2" M66 to the range a while back. I'd had it slightly tuned by an experienced S&W revolver armorer (who still builds nice PPC-type revolvers as a hobby, even though he's retired). I took a couple of boxes of various Magnum loads with me and decided to put the gun, and myself, through paces similar to older revolver courses-of-fire, back when 50yd/60m shooting wasn't uncommon for folks carrying service revolvers.

I'd almost forgotten what a pleasure it could be to shoot a well-balanced, medium-framed .357 Magnum revolver with more heft to it than a 5-shot revolver. Keeping hits within an area in the COM of the silhouette approximately the same size as a paper plate was doable out to 50 yards using an unsupported 2-handed hold, although naturally my groupings - or maybe 'patterns' would be a better description ;) - opened up a bit out at 75 yards. Maybe middle-50's eyes are involved to some degree? Unsurprising.

I'm one of those folks who feels that a good .357 Magnum revolver, especially in a handy size which still has enough barrel length to retain some of the advantages of the caliber's potential when it comes to defensive use, is still a viable choice for some folks who aren't distracted by 'high capacity' and who have a good foundation in revolver shooting skills.

All of this said, however, my commonly chosen off-duty weapon has more commonly been one or another model of J-frame revolver in recent years. The SP-101 remains in the safe in between range sessions. Maybe once I retire and start spending some more time off the beaten paths, I'll once again return to carrying a Magnum revolver. Dunno.

Just my thoughts.

[goon]

I've considered the SP-101. My friend has one that I've shot a few times and it seems like a quality gun. I also see them for sale occasionally for around $350 in pretty decent shape.
The only worry I have with the 3" GP or the SP-101 is that they only come with fixed sights.
Given the QC I've seen on some guns, I'm kind of worried that I'll get one that shoots three feet to the left at 25 yards or something.
That would seriously irritate me.

[wnycollector]

goon, I know that you posted that you worry that the older Ruger "six" line is no longer in production...but the old Security Six came in 2.75" AND adjustable sights:) No need to be irritated!

[goon]

I've considered that.
The 2.75 inch one I had also had adjustable sights and seemed like a well built gun and the only reason I sold it was because I couldn't find aftermarket grips for it.
Something about a prefix under 151, I think.
The only thing I'd not like about one if that were corrected is that the ejector rod isn't long enough to copletely punch out .357 casings.

What is the general opinion on SP-101's and GP-100's with open sights? Do they generally shoot to point of aim at 25 yards or so?
A little high would be OK (I actually like the sights like that) and a little low can be fixed with a file, but if the windage is off, that is a problem.

[Euclidean]

Goon, I have a GP 100 compact, an SP101 with a 2" pipe, and I've shot my brother's 3" SP101. They're all fantastic.

If you're used to fixed sights you won't be bothered one bit in all likelihood. All of them are "on" with the right 158 grain loads. If you're used to Kentucky windage, you won't be bothered either.

That said, I tend to carry light/mid weight self defense loads. Sure POI is off by a inch or two up or down at certain points, but it's more of a vertical displacement (elevation) than a horizontal one(windage) in my experience although it's usually a bit of both. That would drive some people crazy but for me it's just fine, it's not a target revolver.

And to tell the truth, I consider the SP101 especially to be a belly gun. I admit it's neat to have a compact revolver you could make 25 yard defensive shots with if you had to, but I'm a big believer in the concept that self defense takes place way too close for comfort. At 7 yards and less the whole POA/POI issue, well, it just isn't a problem imho.

Now if you have different needs, I understand a lot of folks have had really good luck shimming or filing the front sight down to get POA = POI at X yards with a pet load. And if you are looking to make one ragged hole at 25 yards, speaking for myself here, I'd want the adjustable sights.

[BlindJustice]

The O.P.'s reasons seem well thought out.

I've shot a GP100 as well as an older Security Six? both with
6" bbl. - I found them both to be very accurate revolvers and for the
frame size, robust.

I have a S&W 686P L frame - the 7 shooter, carry rig is the
Milt Sparks #200AW - it has a tapered retention screw as well
as the outside of the holster continues up to shield the hammer
from clothing. 4" Bbl. seems a bit short for complete burning of the
slow magnum powders so some muzzle blast/flash is to be lived with
I guess. My other .357 Mag is a J-frame Model 60 3" Bbl. adj. rear
sight, it's a handy come along - nice natural pointing. I usually limit it
to Speer 125 gr. Gold Dot .38 Special +P - better control for followup
shots.

Good luck finding your GP100!

Randall

[MikeJ]

I was just doing some hiking and camping a couple of weeks ago and brought my 3" GP100 along. I own several .357's and this is one of my absolute favorites. IMHO it has the perfect combination of ergonomics, balance and power.

[GP100]

You could spend more, but you could not buy a better revolver. Great choice. Easy to conceal even in shorts and t-shirt...

[ArchAngelCD]

goon,
I have a nice set of after market combat grips on my Service-Six right now, I'll try and get a few pics up soon.

I do understand you wanting a current production model though. Like I already said, nothing wrong with a 3" GP100...

[goon]

Yeah, there are a lot of aftermarket grips for most of them.
But Ruger made some early ones with different grip frame and there aren't many aftermarket grips available for them.
I've been thinking this over and I'm kind of leaning toward an SP-101.
My tentative plan is...
- Sell my P-01. Great gun, just not for me.
- Replace it with either another 9mm that fits my hand right or with an SP-101
- Go to work replacing my P-9. If I get the SP-101 first I can slide it into my carry gun role to replace the Kahr. This makes sense because eventhough the Kahr is one of the most dependable guns I've ever owned, I don't like shooting it and I'm only good for about three mags out of it per range trip. I'd rather have a carry gun I could shoot more and get better with.

At the end of all this wrangling, I'd like to end up with a good SP-101 and a mid-sized 9mm.

[ArchAngelCD]

Nothing wrong with a SP-101 either although it's a little heavy for pocket carry if that's the way you like to carry. I went with a S&W Airweight J frame because I prefer pocket carry. I also have a M640-1 which is a Stainless .357 Magnum similar to the size and weight of the SP-101 but I carry that on my belt when I do carry it, not in my pocket. To tell the truth, I rarely carry the M640 since the weight denotes belt carry and if I'm going to belt carry I might as well go with the Service-Six and get an extra round out of the deal.

[goon]

I don't really pocket carry much but I do often just stick a gun in my pocket if I'm going for a short walk somewhere or stepping outside at night to see what the dog is barking at. Since I don't "carry" that way, anything that fits in my pocket is fine. One other thing I do a lot is just drop the gun in an inside coat pocket in the winter. It's low tech but it works.
As I said, I've carried the Kahr a fair amount but I don't particularly like it. I've wanted to replace it for awhile so an SP-101 could be just what I want.
BTW, my real method for carrying it is an IWB holster. I imagine that method would probably work fine with an SP-101.

[ArchAngelCD]

A SP101 is extremely comfortable to carry IWB. I'm sure you will enjoy that revolver.

[goon]

Thanks.
I think I'm going to try to use the CZ to fund a SP-101.
I appreciate all the advice from you and everyone else.