[newguy123]

I will soon be purchasing my first handgun and have narrowed down my choices. It's either a Glock 17, Walther P99 or the Ruger GP-100. I have only ever shot one revolver and it was a big single action in .45 long colt. The recoil didn't bother me but the grip on the gun I was using was hard to get used to. I am just wondering if the grip and gun as a whole will be smaller and easier to control compared to this big gun. If I did get the GP-100 it would have to be the 5 or 6 inch model as I am in Canada. Would I be better off with a smaller auto pistol or should I get a revolver? I also don't want a gun that needs lots of attention. Just something to shoot, clean, store and shoot some more. Thanks for any help.

newguy123

[Preacherman]

The GP100 is an excellent revolver, and can stand up to the hottest loads if you want to go that way. Recommended. As for the grips, there are any number of aftermarket grips available, so if you don't like the factory units, you can install whatever best suits you. A few examples (click on the names to see their selection):

Pachmayr (http://www.pachmayr.com/pachmayr/index.htm)

Hogue (http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchant.ihtml?id=60&step=2)

Butler Creek (http://www.michaels-oregon.com/catfeatures.asp?catky=4954223&subcatky1=4548794)

Eagle Grips (http://www.eaglegrips.com/index.htm)

A quick question - what about the barrel length on the G17 or Walther P99? Do they also have to be 5"? If so, are the models sold in Canada equipped with longer barrels than the standard 4½" or so here in the USA?

[newguy123]

Well in Canada to make the gun legal for the average citizen the barrel length must be at least 105mm which is about 4.25 inches. The glock 17 has a barrel long enough and the walther sold in Canada has a custom barrel to extend it from the normal 103 (i think)mm to 105 or 106mm. It just has the barrel extend a little bit. And there is no carry or anything here so the size doesn't really matter.

[Roger Williams]

If the size doesn't really matter, I'd definitely go with the GP100.

I have owned and shot all the guns you mentioned, and it is my definite favorite of all of them.

[Majic]

First you need to decide on what type of action you want in a handgun. You have 2 semi-autos and 1 DA/SA revolver listed as your choices. For a comparision you have shot a large framed single action revolver. You are not only comparing apples to oranges, but using a melon as the baseline. All 3 designs (the semis, da/sa revolver,and sa revolver) are extremely different, and you need to take some time to try the other 2 action types to make a decision.
Go out and find someone with a semi-auto for you to try, then find someone with a da/sa revolver to try. Then decide on which one. My opinion is to start with the da/sa revolver as it's simpler to learn and maintain, but you may find just the opposite. Remember you are going to be the one shooting and maintaining it, so do your homework now instead of asking people what they think.

[OH25shooter]

Well, the first question is: do I want a revolver or automatic. I own both and depending on your hand size and the feel of the grip, your decision may be easier. I like my Walther P99 because it comes with three different size grip adaptors. It's a 9mm. Breaks apart easy and shoots cheap ammo. I'm not a fan of Glock, so I can't comment. If you can, go to the gun store, pick out the guns your interested in and touch and feel. You'll probably find out quick on the good, bad and ugly of each individual gun.

[GySgt]

If this is your first handgun, I'd go with the GP-100. It's strong, easy to use and as safe as you can make a revolver.

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Go with the Ruger. The revolver is more ergonomic and much easier to use. You will understand once you have an autochucker.

[fallingblock]

I received my GP-100 yesterday after a four month wait (if you think the Canadian laws are difficult....).

It is perfectly timed, locks up tight, has a very nice smooth DA pull and crisp SA pull. The build quality is far better than the last new S&W I bought.
(a 625 with multiple problems).

It's always a risk buying a new handgun here in Australia, as getting problems corrected by warranty is very difficult.

The GP-100 is a fine strong revolver, and built well into the bargain.:D

[P95Carry]

Simple really ......... GO FOR IT!!!:)

[JohnKSa]

I thought so. I bought a 4" SS GP100 for my first gun.

Still think so. If I had to lose them all but one, I'd keep the GP100.

About as close as you can get to a handgun that will do everything.

[Arub]

I have a mix of revolvers and auto chuckers. For a first, with concealed carry not an option, I'd have no problems going with the Ruger. The GPs are tough, accurate as any Smith, trigger is pretty close or equal to a Smith. Probability of getting a jam-o-matic is much lower than with a auto loader (although, I don't have a single problem child in my auto line up, but have had a lemon of a Rossi revolver). Glocks are good, also. I have four in the line up and never a hiccup from any of them. Still prefer revolvers, I use my GP for steel plates every month, my Smith 686 is a backup.

[newguy123]

Thanks for all the replys. I will go try out each gun when I'm going to buy one and if I like how the revolver feels that is what I'll get.

[TallPine]

You can still own a handgun in Canada .... ?

[Jonesy9]

a few years ago after much investigation, I bought a GP 100 as my first handgun. The gun is well built, accurate, can shoot .357 and .38 ammo and is a great value if you get a good price.


The revolver was easier for me to learn on. It just felt less complicated which gave me more confidence in my using it. I did change out the grips for Hogue rubber contoured grips which improved my control and didn't give me sore palms after shooting a couple boxes of .357 mags. Also much more fun to use than my dad's old Single Six.

Learning the proper techniques in cleaning and handling handguns was easier on a revolver than a semi for me. After a year of practice I was more than ready to safely handle a semi other places than just the range.

I love semi's, espescially Sigs and Glocks, but revolvers will always have their place in my collection and I'll never sell my GP100.

[10-Ring]

As a first gun, I am of the opinion that you will learn more from using a good double action revolver & the Ruger is a fine one. You can do alot of practice using light 38 specials & you can use full power 357 mags for self defense. Very versatile firearm! Good luck to you ;)

[foghornl]

That is an advantage with the .357 revolver...You can shoot from the very lightest of .38Spl wadcutter-target or cowboy loads, on up to absolutely insane "tank stopper" .357's.

And the GP-100 will eat them all, all day long. About as close to "indestructible" as a handgun can get.

[Majic]

You can still own a handgun in Canada .... ?

Yes. Though not as easily as we can here in most parts of the USA. I know a few Canadians who not only have handguns, but are still acively buying more. They just have good share of obstacles to hurdle for owning, buying, and buying ammo for handguns.

[newguy123]

There isn't too much to getting a handgun. First one must take a restricted firearms course(for handguns) then get a restricted firearms license. That is all no problem then one that is had all that is left is buying the gun. There is no wait period and everything is done over the phone at the time of purchase. The only problem with handguns in Canada is that a ATT (autorization to transport) is needed. And that allows one to transport the handgun (but it must be locked) to a gunsmith or a range. So there is no hunting with handguns, only range shooting. Although if you don't care much about the laws you can do whatever you want.

[ARperson]

You can't go wrong with the GP100. It was our first handgun, purchased mainly for home defense. I think a revolver is a great first handgun. And the GP is certainly going to satisfy your "shoot, clean, store and shoot some more" requirements. Plus, with its ability to shoot so many different rounds, it's like several guns in one.

[Majic]

That may not be too much for someone who has to jump thru those loops Newguy, but to others who have no restrictions like that it would most certainly raise blood pressures. I have seen the forms and am mighty glad I don't have to deal with it.

[mdsteele]

Absolutely!

[newguy123]

Ya I guess if you don't have to take the bull ???? then you would have some problems with it. But here in Canda that is pretty good. Oh well, hopefully I can move to Texas sometime and actually get what I want.

[twoblink]

Another vote for the GP100. It's on my list..

[Mastrogiacomo]

GP 100 -- I'm dying to get one or two of these sometime early next year. :D

[carpettbaggerr]

You can still own a handgun in Canada .... ?
Don't be so surprised. He said Canada, not California. :D

[standingbear]

get the gp100.i love mine.maybe pick up some HKS speedloaders as well.shove em in and twist the knob and your ready to go.

[Checkman]

Definitely get the GP-100. Built like a bank vault and more importantly built from the ground up for the .357. Good revolver. Sometime in the next couple of years I plan on buying a six inch model and that will be last gun I'll ever get. Honest.:rolleyes:

[Remander]

I own a Glock 19 (a little smaller than the 17) and a GP-100.

Both are great fun, but I tend to both carry and shoot the Glock more. The GP-100 is a blast, and I think a revolver is perhaps the way to go for a first handgun. But my stainless GP-100 is more trouble to clean than my Glock, and the 10 and 15 rd. mags are more conducive to target banging than the 6-shooter.

Also, take a look at ammo prices in your area. 9mm is dirt cheap (1/2 or less the cost) around here compared to .357 mag or .38 spcl. If it costs a fortune to shoot, you won't shoot it as much. (That's why I love my .22's and 9 mm's!)

I really think you will be happy with either gun. They are both good choices.

[WESHOOT2]

I ALWAYS recommend a KGP-141 as a 'first' centerfire handgun.
Always.
As in 'without exception'.

I own two.

[Brian Williams]

I don't own a ruger DA but my daughters sp101 is a tank. Might someday

[only1asterisk]

GP100

There is no better money spent on a first handgun that a heavy duty, full sized 357.

Enjoy,

David

[Frank5]

I'll have to go along with the crowd on this one. You can't go wrong with a Ruger GP 100. Excellent gun. I have fired both 4 & 6 in GPs.

I understand that Ruger makes the strongest revolvers & they very seldom ever need to be sent back for repairs. I hear this from many handloaders who like to really push the envelope with hot loads.

My wife wants a GP. She really likes them.

Get it in stainless. :D

[newguy123]

Thanks for all the comments. I think I'm going to go with the GP100 if I get a gun in 357mag.

newguy

[Mattkc]

If you look around you can find the GP100 in 5". If your unsure of which to buy try shooting both. Most guys at a range will let you put a few rounds through their gun. Both the GP and Glock will give years of service. Both guns are reliable it gets down to what you like. Unless you reload the 9mm is going to a lot cheaper to shoot.

[newguy123]

So after hearing all the good stuff I went to the range today. Shot the Gp100 with 6inch barrel. Oh man this is a nice gun. Felt really good in my hands, pointed nice, and felt really really solid. Had absolutely no trouble with the .357mag. So it looks like I'll be getting a Gp100 in the spring. Thanks for all the info.

newguy

[canucksvt]

Newguy123, you have made a wise decision. Good luck with it.