Choices-GP100 or...

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browncoatdawn

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There is a fairly large gun show this weekend here in Des Moines, and I have several things on my want list, just like all of us here I would imagine.

Now I have a Taurus 627SS, which has performed perfectly fine with factory loads, and I have no complaints on or want to get rid of, but I was wondering, since I started reloading, and would like to have a 4-6 inch revolver that is plenty strong in case I decide to get into some of the hotter loads. I have been looking at Ruger GP-100's and the Vaquero (SP?) revolvers. Is the venerable single action as strong as the GP-100? I am open to other suggestions, but need to keep it close to the $500 mark.

Thanks for all replies!
 
I'm unfamiliar with the Taurus. So I assume you are looking at 38/357 revolvers. The Ruger line of revolvers are quite good. Both DA and SA are well built.
What is the job you want this handgun to do? Are you ruling out the used market's offerings?
 
mostly..

Mostly targets, perhaps some hunting, and a trail gun. I love in Iowa right now, so there aren't typically many things that a .357 won't handle. I am open to used. I may be doing a bit of competetive target shooting locally, as I am trying to get a group of shooters together who are a little physically challenged. I am in a chair myself.
 
I just picked up a Ruger new Vaquero. I haven't shot it yet, but I have read many good things about the gun.
P3130416.jpg
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A Ruger Blackhawk makes a good trail gun, and if you are reloading for it the adjustable sights are a plus. They can handle some pretty stout loads, and overall are quite reliable.

Smith & Wesson, L-frame (68x, 58x)
Colt King Cobra
Click to expand...

You might find a decent used L-frame for around the $500 mark, but the King Cobra is a bit on the spendy side these days. If you can find a good one for $500, grab it and run......

The Ruger Six series revolvers (Security, Service, Speed) are also good ones that can sometimes be picked up for a reasonable price.
 
The GP100 and Vaquero are plenty stout. The suggested Blackhawk is a worthy consideration. Adjustable sights are pretty useful for what you ''mostly'' want to do.
Really you need to decide which action you like/want.
 
I own a 4" S&W M686 and several Ruger Vaqueros. I like them all but the SA and DA revolvers are two very different beasts. It depends upon what kind of shooting you are going to do before you can decide which to buy. Nothing wrong with Ruger GP-100 either, it's a good DA revolver too.
 
I go with the Ruger GP-100. I have one in .327 Federal magnum. The pressures of this cartridge are higher than the .357 magnum's. That being the case and many hundreds of .327 Federal have gone down range through the Ruger and no problems the vote goes to the Ruger.

It's holding up well.
 
browncoatdawn said:
In my budget, I don't think I will find many Colt revolvers lol.
Click to expand...
Another $150 or so will put you in the Colt King Cobra club. Not only will you get what has been said to be the strongest mid-framed DA revolver made, you will have your money locked up in a safe place. If history repeats itself, your gun will likely be worth 20% more this time next year.
 
I couldn't be more pleased with my 4" GP 100;recommend you not make a decision before taking a close look of your own sir.
 
in general

In general, I use all revolvers as single actions. I have some experience with the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawks, and the Vaquero. Most of my experience with a .357 comes from time with my uncles Speed Six, which I still like very much, but I don't see him parting with it. I have looked at a couple of S&W mod. 27's and a mod. 28 at the local scheels, but the price tags started at 830 and went up.
 
4" gp100

When I first picked up a 4" GP100 it felt like it was custom made for my hand. A little hefty but that exudes strength in my opinion.

A fabulous shooter, very accurate, smooth and a real joy to own in every respect.

Dan
 
Rental ranges...

I have yet to see a rental range in Iowa. I know of one in Omaha, but can't get there. and since most of my friends with guns are nearly in the next state and have AK only tastes, there really arent any options for shooting before buying.
 
this is my current .357

My current .357. The instructions say that heavy use of light weight bullets can cause flame cutting with prolonged use. This seems to be true of most of the .357's I have read up on. So while decent, I want something that will handle both heavy weight, and lighter hot loads reasonably well. I am no pro, so any gun shoots better than I can.
 

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final results

I ended up getting an all stainless GP100 with Hogue grips when i put in my Taurus for a partial trade, I got it out the door for $340. Not bad In my book for a new revolver. I also picked up an LCR, and a pretty decent looking CZ-82, the only CZ I could find there. I also picked up my first AR rifle, a DPMS ORACLE. My 2 friends both bought Ruger LC9's and so, Ruger loves me. I nearly bought a nice S&W model 27, but I swapped numbers with the guy, and he told me that he would call me if he still had it when the next sale at this particular place comes up, and he would pop by if I had the cash and sell it to me before he set up. Nice guy that one!
 
I am Familiar with Taurus 627 and 608 ....

I think they would handle some power house loads, however I would not subject mine to them.

Power house loads...as stated many times on THR are hard on forcing cones!

I would recommend Stainless Steel Ruger if I were going HOT!
I particularly like the Backstrap on them!

Red Hawk if you want Double Action
Black Hawk if you want Single

I like Black Hawks myself but Reds are a little more recoil friendly to me!

One more alternative...depending on what you are after is a Thompson Center Contender! Go HOT all you want with it!

I used to make all kinds of wildcats with mine. They even list some compressed charges in TC reloading manual...but best out of super 14" barrel or longer!
 
Why would anyone choose a DA/SA like the GP100 over any SAO, unless they were doing CAS? And is there any other revolver which field strips as easily as a GP100 without any tool more complicated than a dime (new production)?
 
Well if ya can`t handle em I`ll give it my best .The 4" full lug balances better than the 6" but still has good heft to it , the 1/2 lug 4" is liter & seems a little muzzle lite ?? maybe due to muscle memory of the full lug???
6" is just pure muzzle heavy , bad thing ?? not really as it makes 38 level handloads seem like 22lr & really tames full mag loads with the heavies(180 gr. bullets) .
& believe it or not the 6" is just a few oz. heavier .

A good belt & holster is a must for comfrtable carry of the GP , I prefer the HI RIDE with as much forward tilt as I can get or a good shoulder holster.

Hope this helps !
 
My toy

This is my new GP100. I went with the 6 inch because it's legal to hunt with without question. If I do my part, I will have a S&W Mod. 27 for my lighter revolver. I loved them both.
 

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