.357 Magnum Taurus 627 vs. Ruger GP100

[Hellbore]

The two guns in question, both .357 Magnum:

Taurus 627 in 4" SS


Ruger GP100 in 4" SS


The Taurus I can get for about $360 whereas the Ruger I can get for $425. Not a humongous price difference but $65 is something.

What are the pros and cons of these 2 choices?

My Dad wants one of these 2 for a range gun and a backpacking gun for defense against cougars and wolves or whatever he might run into.

Your thoughts? How do these 2 stack up against each other?

Also, what about the titanium version of the Taurus? I can get that one for about $500.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

I own a Taurus 627, and I have to say, it has been a very good gun so far, with about 800 mixed rounds of 38s and 357mags through it.

I have played with the GP100s in stores only.

From that, I can tell you

The out of the box trigger of the Taurus blows the Ruger away. Now questions about it. Both in SA and DA.

The Taurus has one more shot than the Ruger.

The Taurus is lighter than the Ruger, though not by much. I think the Taurus is 36-38 ounces, and the Ruger is around 40oz. (I don't think Taurus' web site is correct on the weight)

The Taurus has porting that really helps with muzzle flip compared to other 357mags I have shot.

If you have large hands, the grip on the Taurus might be a bit small. I switched mine out for a Hogue grip and it now fits like a glove.

The Ruger is built like a tank, and will most likely last longer, but both will most likely out last you.

The Ruger is simpler in design and is easier to take down.

As you stated, the Taurus is cheaper, though a used Ruger might be cheaper still.



All in all, I love my Taurus, but the Ruger seems like great gun too.

As for the Total TI Taurus, they are really light, but I hear they are pretty tough too. Some gun rag did a 5000 shot test and only a screw worked lose, and the adjustable sight broke just before the end of the test. But is a few ounces worth the extra cost? Maybe for back packing.

 

[Cosmoline]

The Ruger will need more breaking in time, but will last a lot longer. Taurus engineering has been getting a lot better over the past few years, but still you do run the risk of having to send a new one back to the factory for fine tuning. I've never seen a new Ruger with any functional defects, but I've seen many Tauri with them. Personally I dislike porting on a .357, but some people appreciate it.

 

[chaim]

Ruger-
Pros v. the Taurus-
-Probably the strongest medium framed .357mag made
-It will handle any .357 load made
Cons v. the Taurus-
-Significantly heavier
-More money

Taurus-
Pros v. the Ruger-
-Lighter
-One more round
-Most people find the ribber grips extremely comfortable
Cons-
-Porting

Both guns will be good guns that will last a long time. Both should be pretty accurate. The porting and ribber grips will make the Taurus quite comfortable to shoot, but there are people who strongly dislike both porting and the grips. The Ruger is heavier so it will manage recoil of most .357 rounds quite well.

My bottom line is if that price difference isn't enough to make the difference for you, buy the one that you prefer. One isn't so strongly superior to the other to make the decision.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

The others have made good points. So I'll add only this:

If you are buying it for 357 only-the gp100 wins hands down. If mostly 38's with occasional mag useage, then it's mostly a matter of personal taste.

As for myself I would get the gp100, no question.

 

[Bullet]

The GP100 has a crane lock and the front sight is easy to change. I put a fiber optic front sight on my GP100 alot easier to see.

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

I would go with the GP100. For a few reasons, The Ruger's are a stronger gun and will handle full load magnums better.Ruger's are quality guns.If there should be a problem Ruger stands behind their products.They are Made in the USA ,keeping our money here and not in a foreign country.

As far as porting.Some like it. They are much louder, the muzzle blast is directed towards the shooter.At night the muzzle flash might be blinding. I could see it on a 454 Casull or other big bore. For a 357 mag I think it's a waste.

Ruger Redhawk

 

[GunAdmirer]

Another vote for the GP100s. I have both a 4 and 6" in stainless. They are strong and reliable. Ruger has good customer service. I've heard lots of negative things about Taurus' customer service. The GP100 has several choices for easily changed front sights. The weight and balance of the GP100 tames the .357 recoil a great deal. A Wolff reduced spring kit and dry firing really helps the Ruger trigger. I like having the confidence that the GP100 can handle heavy loads and keep ticking. I would definitely choose the GP100 over the Taurus any day. The Ruger is worth the $65 difference.

I bought both of mine used for less than $325 each. Used Rugers are a great value. You might look for a good used one.

 

[Ruger Redhawk]

I agree with GunAdmirer, I've never had any dealings with Taurus but have also heard allot of negitive comments about their Customer Service.I have dealt with Ruger's C.S. many times. They are one of the best. The service manager in Newport NH is a great person to deal with.There is no question as far as I'm concerned. Ruger GP100 is a much better choice.

Ruger Redhawk

 

[pbhome71]

My 2 cents...

I have aTaurus 627. I put probably around 300 rouds through it. The only thing I don't like when shooting with .357 mag 158gr factory load is that it has alot of blast out of the ports. However, I hardly notice any kick. (oh you need to clean it too.)

All flavor of 38Special shoots fine without any noticable blast.

 

[ppcrusa]

I own a GP100. It was the first revolver that I bought when I was old enough to purchase a handgun.
I can not tell you how much I have shot it. Contrary to popular belief, you CAN get a good trigger from a Ruger. Just takes time and patience.
I also have took a deer with it. The accuracy is not really there compared to some of the better Smiths, but The GP100 is built like a tank and the whole construction is modular, making it very easy to disassemble and reassemble. It even has a hammer pin in the grip that aids in disassembly.
I have only had one issue with it, and that was the cylinder was locking up. A trip to Ruger and about a week and half later it was back in action. The problem? A spring..
The Taurus is also well made it seems from what I can tell. I can say that the Ruger I own is very hard to clean after shooting where my Taurus Tracker in 45ACP is not. Two different calibers though.
Either one of your choices is good, it really depends on which one feels better in your hand.