Ruger GP100 as a first revolver?

I own two GP100's; a 6" short lug (bought used for $325) and a 3" short lug (bought new for $379). I also own several S&W .357's and I think the Rugers are every bit as good as the S&W's. If you follow the sticky guide for checking out a revolver I see no reason to buy new unless you can't find one in excellent condition. Personally, I can't stand the Hogue grips they come with these days, they have never felt good in my hand.

check out this thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

The Ruger is a good choice. You'll find that the new vs. used debate is moot since GP100s are built like a tank. Chances are, if you pick up a used specimen that has been cared for it will still function as good as the day it left the factory (if not better after a little break-in). Some things to think about: .38sp vs. 357, blued vs. stainless, full underlug or not?

Personally, I almost never buy new guns. There are too many good used guns on the market these days (if you know where/how to look). However, new or used, good deals are getting harder to find.

Used is fine. It's pretty darn hard to kill a Ruger.

Had I not found my 19-3, I would have bought a gp100 as my first.

The first centerfire handgun I ever shot was a 4" GP100. They are excellent revolvers-I'm still looking out for a good one...

I would look for a used one. They are great guns and are hard to damage so you shouldn't have a problem finding a good used GP100.

I have 2 4" stainless ones. Got both of them used. couldn't tell it by looking at either of them.

I bought a 6" full lug GP100 in .357 as my first revolver. Only thing I would do differently in hindsight is get the 4" instead. The GP100 is a great, extremely solid design. I would recommend you get a 4" model for range/home defense use, or a 3" model for the same uses with a possibility of CCW. The 6" model is too long and heavy for most purposes, though it makes a nice range and target shooting gun. It would also be reasonable for hunting smaller game, but .357 is marginal for deer unless you can walk right up to them.

I am currently contemplating either a 3" GP100 or a 3" SP101 to add to my collection. I am quite pleased with the Rugers.

used!!!

if i found a good used one i would jump on it ,if there is a problem all ya gotta do is contact ruger& you`ll have a good experience 99% of the time!!!
wanted to add: the only time i was disappointed was i wanted a longer barrel put on a redhawk , they said no , no explanation just no.


GP100man

I really like the GP100 and a few months ago CDNN had some police trade-in 4" stainless models for about $299 which was a smoking deal. Right now they have S&W model 65 trade-ins. They are stainless, six shot, 357 magnum, with 4" barrels, and are $299. Add in $10 for shipping and $25 or so for FFL fees (find an FFL in your area in the buyers section of gunbroker.com). I'm a big Ruger fan (currently have MKIII, SP101, Security Six, and I have a Charger on the way) but If I were looking to pick up a good revolver right now I think I'd grab one of those 65's. They are prelock and they will appreciate over time.

There's a few GP100 variants you can only find used. The most amazing to me is the 6" barrel half-lug...basically a "light barrel" variant no longer in production. Has the "nose flick" feel of a 4" barrel, but with the accuracy and velocity of a 6".

("Accuracy" is mainly due to the longer sight radius - in other words, sights farther apart are easier to do fine alignment with.)

I do suggest reading up on the "checkout thread" - new or used. Ruger produces lemons sometimes.

An odd thing about Rugers in general and the GP100 in particular is that they "shoot fast". Take two 4" barrel 357s, one a classic S&W like the 19, the other a GP100, the GP100 could have as much as an extra 100fps of heat on the rounds. That's like a 4" barrel Ruger shooting as fast as a 6" barrel S&W. Sweet. S&W's newest variants have almost caught up in that race...

One argument for new is that Ruger's quality control of late has been the best seen since the early '70s. My 2005-vintage Ruger NewVaq 357 bought new was perfect as were the other three I ran the checkout on, and complaints on any other Ruger wheelgun are very scarce.

But armed with the checkout you can scope out problem children, or those still "in spec" but not desirable (too much barrel/cyl gap, sloppy action, funky trigger, etc.). Problems can happen with any production gun - the only revolvers I'd buy sight unseen would be Freedom Arms or Korth...

My first gun was a used 4" Ruger GP100. Buy one you will never regret it.

As long as it's the barrel length and configuration you want, buy the used one. I used to say that's $100 worth of ammo in the difference, but with today's prices that's not as much ammo as it used to be!

If it ain't exactly what you want, buy a new one. It's a great gun. (After you get a trigger job!)

Subject the first GP100 you see to the Revolver Checkout procedure outline by Jim March per the sticky in this Revolver sub-forum.

Do this check regardless of new or used. If it passes, lay down the cash.

Rubber and wood grips sound like the old original Ruger grips. These grips undoubtedly contributed to my immensely pleasureable first experience with the GP100, 25 magnum rounds through a rental gun, all in the black bullseye from 7 to 20 meters, slowfire DA weaver hold. The last time I shot was a couple years before. Needless to say, my 686s have a new buddy and I'm into the sport with renewed vigor.

Like easyrider6042004 says, check it out either way.

You can't go far wrong either way, new or used, with a GP100. I think I've actually heard more bitching on Rugerforum.com about new guns than used. Personally I chose used, and spent the rest on ammo and match fees. And beer.

Good used ones are hard to find at times. Everything I have heard on the Ruger Forum indicates that the new ones seem to be a little better overall than older ones.

I bought both my GPs used. No complaints. In fact, I think I'd prefer a good used specimen to a new one. They slick up with use, so a well-maintained used gun might have a smoother action. But new or used, the GP100 is an excellent first revolver.

I once handled a range-rental GP100 that had been shot a huge amount, and the trigger/hammer action was like butter. To this day the best trigger I've ever laid fingers on, yet perfectly safe and the action was tight as anything new.

most any Ruger will likely outlast you

their GP and single actions are the best IMHO.

also be on the look out for a security six just as good but was replaced by teh more aestheticly pleasing GP.

Used if you can find one you like in good shape. Saves a few bucks in cost and I doubt you could tell the difference between a used one and a new one in function. I don't see many used GP100's in my neck of the woods.