What are the pros and cons of the Ruger GP-100

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Love the Ruger gp 100 but found it difficult to aquire aftermarket gear such as holsters. I found that a Python holster fits the Ruger ok, but then saved up an purchased a custom holster from John O'Roarke.
 
A GP-100 is actually 1 or 2 oz lighter than a comparable S&W 686 and will fit in the same holster and uses the same speed loader. Some guys seem to think they are big heavy monsters when they are not.
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In my hand, the 686 in an equivalent barrel length has always felt lighter and more lively. Maybe it's the grip / frame shape, or maybe the S&W's center of mass is a little closer to the rear. I dunno, I just know I don't want any more muzzle heft than either in a 4" barrel.

As for a some guys thinking they are a big heavy monster, I suppose that depends on what you are accustomed to. If your favored gun is a Ruger SRH or a Desert Eagle, I can see where the GP would feel lithe. Then again, if you prefer the older Ruger Six Series and S&W K Frames (as I do), then the GP (and 686 for that matter) both feel a little clumsy.

So for me, the pluses and minuses for the GP are:

+: Excellent bang for the buck, new or used. Durable, and serviceable (cylinder bolt notches over the chambers, non turning ejector rod, etc). Easy to disassemble. Soaks up recoil.

-: Ugly as sin (I know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but they are darn ugly to my eyes ;)). The billboard, need I say more? Though usually smooth, the triggers often exhibit more stacking and a more mushy return than I prefer. Lastly, the "strength to massiveness ratio" is IMO (for my preferences), not as optimal as the older Six line. The older Sixes are nearly as durable, but are much bulker than a S&W K Frame.

But YMMV.
 
Love the Ruger gp 100 but found it difficult to aquire aftermarket gear such as holsters. I found that a Python holster fits the Ruger ok, but then saved up an purchased a custom holster from John O'Roarke.
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Check out Simply Rugged Jeb. I think you'll be pleased.
 
Pros: Accurate
Good Looking
Durable
Excellent value at a reasonable price

Cons: Lots of sharp edges
Hard to see front sight

I smoothed all the rough edges on a felt wheel and replaced the front sight on both of my GP100s and I LOVE them. Excellent guns!
 
I've got the same grips on my GP100 as RevDerb and they fit me like they're made for me. My glove size is "Large." The factory Lett grips were too small and I got too much finger on the trigger.

I agree with most of what has been said as regards to Pros and Cons, particularly MrBorland.

Pros:
Accurate
Reliable
Durable
Blued is an option!
Easy-to-change sights
Easy field strip for cleaning

Cons:
Sharp edges
Limited aftermarket support
 
asia331: Check out Simply Rugged Jeb. I think you'll be pleased.

+1. The Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake works well for my 4" out in the woods.
 
No Real Cons

The Gp-100 has no downside except it's kinda big and heavy for CCW,but great for HD or a car gun.
I own a 3" and my daughter has a 4"model.
The GP100 will eat 125 JHP screamers like candy.110's also if you bother with those rounds.
Very little recoil and I've not seen a Six Series or Jeep break down yet.
 
Pros: Relatively inexpensive. Tough. Accurate.

Cons: Not so attractive outta the box. However, it can be dressed up a bit.
 
Cons - triggers with 90 degree corners. Bring me the idiot that thought a square edged trigger was a good idea on DA revolver. Raceways inside every Ruger frame with enough machine burrs left in to grate a pound of cheese. Little flakes of metal waiting to break off and jam the action. Seriously though, these things are easy for any smith to fix and I suppose it helps to keep Ruger's prices down at a level most folks can afford. Actually I own an early GP 100 and it is most definitely a well engineered revolver. The original wood and rubber grips fit just about everybody's hand and handle recoil nicely. Excellent adjustable sights. They can be abused but you really have to try very hard. They will withstand abuse that would make a S&W cry. My wife shot IPSC and steel with one for years and it still drills the center out of a target if you are up for it. Most of the parts you will ever need to repair one are available from Ruger at ridiculously inexpensive prices. They won't sell you a hammer or a sear (probably a wise idea from their standpoint) but there are other sources that will. If the LEO market was still using revolvers the GP 100 would be in a lot of holsters.
 
I`m Biased !! can`t find a CON , if you compare late production ANY revolver to the late production Rugers !!!
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this. these aren't your grandpa's revolvers anymore. smith everything has gone way downhill to the point that i can't for the life of me see how a 686 is supposed to be worth $150+ more than a GP100.

for the gp100, the only con i can even think of would be the weight, but that's also a pro.

the SA trigger isn't up to par with the SA trigger of my old k-frame, but the same can be said about a new 686 anyway. the DA trigger of my GP100 is actually pretty light and slick. so i guess the trigger is a pro. other pro's... stronger design than the smiths, soaks up recoil very well (38spl feels like a 22), easy to cock the hammer, and if you run out of ammo, you could beat someone to death with the gun itself.

if what you want is a full size 357, you couldn't possibly be disappointed or make a bad choice in buying a gp100. the same can be said about the smith 686 too, in the interest of full disclosure.
 
As for a some guys thinking they are a big heavy monster, I suppose that depends on what you are accustomed to. If your favored gun is a Ruger SRH or a Desert Eagle, I can see where the GP would feel lithe. Then again, if you prefer the older Ruger Six Series and S&W K Frames (as I do), then the GP (and 686 for that matter) both feel a little clumsy.
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My GP100 was my first revolver. I own a few others now (SP101 which is my carry 357, and a LCR which is my wife's carry gun). Anyway, I recently bought an old school (early 60's production) k-frame to find out what all the fuss is about with these old guns.

After becoming used to the heft of the GP100 and SP101, picking up the k-frame is a joke. It feels like some delicate little flower, and like you could take the GP or SP and beat the k-frame to death with it :D
 
Well I like others have both a GP100 and a S&W 686 older prelock. Most people will see little difference in either except for the trigger actions.

I like both for shooting 357 magnum rounds. Other than a my Blackhawk or a N frame S&W the GP100 and 686 are the best for shooting 357 magnums.

Pros on GP100.
Modular design.
Easy to field strip and clean.
Best lock up mechanism.
Strong trigger group.
Cons on GP100.
Refinement.
Resale value is lower than a S&W.
Trigger can need work but is easy done.

If I had my choice I would buy a GP100 new over a S&W. The GP100 is better value.

But as good as the GP100 is I would rather shoot my Ruger Police Service Six. Its better balanced. The same goes for my 686. I would rather shoot my S&W model 19. Again better balanced. Unless your going to shoot hundreds of 357 magnums all the time most people will be fine with a Ruger Service/Security Six or S&W model 19.

I maybe clouding you decision but you need to try several different revolvers out before you make a decision. Don't make your decision based on a internet forum.
Good luck,
Howard
 
I've got the six inch. The only problem is the wife loves it. If she goes to the range I don't get to shoot it much, but it keeps her going to the range so I'm good with that. She shoots it well and for her I believe heavy is good. Rick
[URL="http://http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/rick300/?action=view&current=PICT0359//http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/rick300/?action=view&current=PICT0359.jpg[/URL]
 
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The trigger is good but just, not as smooth as a 686 IMO. Great revolver though, especially for the money compared to some of the other .357's out there. I've heard complaints about how noisy the spring is when the hammer's down and it flops around. Never bothered me any.
 
rick300 said:
I've got the six inch. The only problem is the wife loves it. If she goes to the range I don't get to shoot it much, but it keeps her going to the range so I'm good with that. She shoots it well and for her I believe heavy is good. Rick
[URL="http://http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/rick300/?action=view&current=PICT0359//http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/rick300/?action=view&current=PICT0359.jpg[/URL]
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That's the ugliest looking revolver I've ever seen, no definition, no color, no details, nuthin'.

JK.

Dan
 
HPIM7181.gif

Pros:
Extremely accurate.
Great trigger action in both DA and SA.
Very well balanced in the 4" model.
Extremely robust design.
Excellent modular design for field stripping.
Front sight is a breeze to change.
Very classy looking.
Able to withstand a constant diet of the hottest loads.
Outstanding "bang for the buck" price.
Made in the U.S.A. by an American company.
Excellent customer service.
Best cylinder release design of any revolver.
Perfect weight for a 4" .357 revolver.



Cons:
Isn't available in .45ACP with moon-clips.
 
I have a 3" one that I use for frequent carry. Cons: none to speak of, really, other than its bulk which sometimes makes summer carry challenging. Pros: Everything else about the gun.
 
RevDerb has the GP100 pistol to own! It's the only GP100 I want. And would like one in 6". But they don't make it.

I had a LGS check on one for me with Lipsy. They were out with no current ship date. :(
 
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