I'm looking to buy my first handgun, even though I've shot several I'm unsure of what to get. I've been looking at the ruger gp100 .357 mag 4" barrel and the full size Springfield 1911 A-1 loaded. I know they are completely different platforms and I'm aware of some pros and cons of each... Such as the ruger is much more simple to operate and maintain but it holds less ammo and may be slower on follow ups with a full house load. While the 1911 is quicker, hold more ammo, and looks bad a$$. I like revolvers and 1911's about equally, but I'm stuck. If I could I'd buy both but funds are limited. Are there any other considerations I should know about between the two to help with my decision?
Arguing with myself
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Gryffydd
Member
The most important question is what uses will you want to put this gun to? Range only? Concealed carry? Woods carry? (Lots of bears in NE of course 
)
You can't hardly go wrong with either, but having a better idea of what you'll use it for would help.
If you reload or think you might I'd lean toward the GP100 as it would benefit the most and the overall experience of loading for a revolver is much better (in my opinion).
) You can't hardly go wrong with either, but having a better idea of what you'll use it for would help.
If you reload or think you might I'd lean toward the GP100 as it would benefit the most and the overall experience of loading for a revolver is much better (in my opinion).
smalls
Member
Don't argue with yourself, you'll never win.
I say first pick what kind of role it needs to play, like Gryffdd said. If they both fit your role well, then rent one of each. Which ever you shoot better, buy.
I say first pick what kind of role it needs to play, like Gryffdd said. If they both fit your role well, then rent one of each. Which ever you shoot better, buy.
critter
Member
You are in luck! You have narrowed it down to 2 really good choices. You've done your homework. Therefore, which ever one you pick will be a good choice.
Mostly, now, it boils down to whichever one YOU like and like to shoot. Getcha one and just TRY to wear it out! It will be a ton of fun and either will serve you well.
Mostly, now, it boils down to whichever one YOU like and like to shoot. Getcha one and just TRY to wear it out! It will be a ton of fun and either will serve you well.
IIRC, the S&W 686 Mountain gun is a 7 shot .357 mag revolver, which you can plink with all day long using .38 specials.
Get your fundamentals down with a basic revolver: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger squeeze. Have fun. It is more $$ than the GP, but it's worth it IMO.
Get your fundamentals down with a basic revolver: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger squeeze. Have fun. It is more $$ than the GP, but it's worth it IMO.
For a 1st handgun, I'd opt for the GP100 for a few reasons:
1. Nothing beats a 4" .357mag revolver when it comes to versatility, accuracy, reliability & straightforward manual of arms. These attributes alone make a 4" .357mag an excellent choice as a first handgun, IMO. Heck, they make the 4" .357mag an excellent choice regardless of one's experience level.
2. Learn to shoot a DA revolver well, and it'll be a relatively easy transition to other platforms (you'll have also accomplished something most others haven't). Many find it much more difficult transitioning to a revolver. Be sure you're willing to shoot the GP100 in double action, though (especially since you're concerned about fast followup shots). Otherwise, you might as well get the 1911.
3. Cost of ammo: You can shoot .38spls through your GP100, and last I checked, .38spl is cheaper than .45acp.
4. The GP100 is a very robust design. They have a reputation for being a little rough out of the box, but they clean up & tune very well. The front sight is also very easy to change, which is a very nice feature.
As far as capacity, if it's a range gun, it's really not that big a deal, IMO. Besides, S&W makes 7- and 8-shot .357mag revolvers if you want the extra capacity.
1. Nothing beats a 4" .357mag revolver when it comes to versatility, accuracy, reliability & straightforward manual of arms. These attributes alone make a 4" .357mag an excellent choice as a first handgun, IMO. Heck, they make the 4" .357mag an excellent choice regardless of one's experience level.
2. Learn to shoot a DA revolver well, and it'll be a relatively easy transition to other platforms (you'll have also accomplished something most others haven't). Many find it much more difficult transitioning to a revolver. Be sure you're willing to shoot the GP100 in double action, though (especially since you're concerned about fast followup shots). Otherwise, you might as well get the 1911.
3. Cost of ammo: You can shoot .38spls through your GP100, and last I checked, .38spl is cheaper than .45acp.
4. The GP100 is a very robust design. They have a reputation for being a little rough out of the box, but they clean up & tune very well. The front sight is also very easy to change, which is a very nice feature.
As far as capacity, if it's a range gun, it's really not that big a deal, IMO. Besides, S&W makes 7- and 8-shot .357mag revolvers if you want the extra capacity.
The_Armed_Therapist
Member
More good news... both of those hold their values pretty well. So, if you purchase one and change your mind, you'd be able to recoup a great deal by selling it.
beatledog7
Member
I agree with MrBorland; first handgun should be a revolver, for just about everyone. And the GP100 is an excellent choice.
Viper225
Member
I agree with most above, start with a revolver. Either a GP100 or a 686.
Save up to get the 1911 for your second or third purchase. You might move the 1911 to third because you may well decide you need a 22 handgun as the second purchase.
The GP100 has a couple good points over and above being built like a tank.
The Quick Change Front Sight is very nice.
The Cylinder Release is pretty slick, and is also handier for Left Handed folks.
It is easier for most to break down for a serious cleaning and lubrication than a S&W. I have no problem taking the side plate off a Smith & Wesson, but I have owned them for 40 years. Most new handgun owners would feel more secure taking a GP100 apart after watching a You Tube vidio than a S&W.
Advantages the 686 has over a GP100 would be a much better selection of grips. Especially nicer wood grips. You can get the 686 Plus which holds 7 rounds. I personally like the 6 shot version for the much better selection of Speed Loaders. Especially Safariland Speed Loaders.
The ability to shoot 38 Special ammunition in your 357 Magnum is a real Plus. I normally carry 135 Grain Speer Short Barrel 357 Magnum in my 66 and 686 for concealed carry. I shoot a few hundred rounds a month of 38 Special through them for practice and training however. 38 Special is a lot more fun to shoot in quantity.
Another Plus of a 38/357 magnum is not losing your Brass. At some point a reloader may be in your future. Having a few coffee cans of 38 brass on hand is a good start.
By the way, I also own a 5 Inch Colt 1911 XSE with a fair amount of Custom work done to it. I like the 1911's also, but I think the Revolver is a better place to start out.
Bob
Save up to get the 1911 for your second or third purchase. You might move the 1911 to third because you may well decide you need a 22 handgun as the second purchase.
The GP100 has a couple good points over and above being built like a tank.
The Quick Change Front Sight is very nice.
The Cylinder Release is pretty slick, and is also handier for Left Handed folks.
It is easier for most to break down for a serious cleaning and lubrication than a S&W. I have no problem taking the side plate off a Smith & Wesson, but I have owned them for 40 years. Most new handgun owners would feel more secure taking a GP100 apart after watching a You Tube vidio than a S&W.
Advantages the 686 has over a GP100 would be a much better selection of grips. Especially nicer wood grips. You can get the 686 Plus which holds 7 rounds. I personally like the 6 shot version for the much better selection of Speed Loaders. Especially Safariland Speed Loaders.
The ability to shoot 38 Special ammunition in your 357 Magnum is a real Plus. I normally carry 135 Grain Speer Short Barrel 357 Magnum in my 66 and 686 for concealed carry. I shoot a few hundred rounds a month of 38 Special through them for practice and training however. 38 Special is a lot more fun to shoot in quantity.
Another Plus of a 38/357 magnum is not losing your Brass. At some point a reloader may be in your future. Having a few coffee cans of 38 brass on hand is a good start.
By the way, I also own a 5 Inch Colt 1911 XSE with a fair amount of Custom work done to it. I like the 1911's also, but I think the Revolver is a better place to start out.
Bob
Husker_Fan
Member
I don't know if its a consideration or not, but .357 mag, unlike .45 ACP, is legal for deer hunting in Nebraska. I use a 6 in. GP100 each fall.
It really is a versatile platform.
It really is a versatile platform.
You are still a new shooter, so I say the Ruger. I think everyone should learn to shoot DA revolvers. They make you a better shooter. If you can shoot a DA revolver well, you can shoot anything well. If you can't shoot a DA revolver, you can't shoot. Additionally, the Ruge will give you a lot of flexability with 38/357 and all the different loads in those. Get the Ruger now, and if you still want a 1911 later, then get one, but the Ruger is the way to go.
easyg
Member
Between the 1911 and the GP100, the answer is clear....
Black Knight
Member
If you are considering an all around gun I believe it is difficult to beat a quality 357 Magnum revolver. Don't get me wrong, I have a Colt Gov't Model Series 70 MK IV that is fantastic. There are few situations where a quality 357 can not shine. When I am off duty I usually carry a 357 Magnum revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel. The 357 also has the advantage of using 38 Special ammo so in essence you get 2 guns for the price of one.
Husker_Fan
Member
Archery distances are pretty doable. It's really more limited by the shooter than the cartridge. I'm comfortable shooting up to 40 yards, but past that, I'm not confident in reliably making a clean shot.
bergmen
Member.
You're going to love it. I've had mine for years and it one of the finest handguns I own (and I own several).
One aspect of a revolver that is different than an auto is they go bang everytime you pull the trigger (unless something very unusual happens). Not so with autos which can jam on occasions for a variety of reasons.
With the GP100 you can shoot single action, double action, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, easily change sights and grips to your liking, very versatile. As an outstanding personal defense weapon and capable hunting side arm, it is just a whole heck of a lot of fun to shoot, very accurate also.
Dan
Gryffydd
Member
One thing I didn't mention earlier is that I recently sold my Springfield 1911, but my GP100 is still around.
Mine's a 5" model on which I replaced the Hogue grips with the Compact grips from the 3" GP100.
Mine's a 5" model on which I replaced the Hogue grips with the Compact grips from the 3" GP100.
aprayinbear
Member
One more thought....
Are you committed to buying new?
If not, my suggestion is my favorite, a Dan Wesson .357 model 15 or 15-2 made in Monson. These will arguably shoot the pants off the Ruger in the accuracy department and they have the added benefit of changable barrels. If you have a 6" and want a 4", 2" or an 8" for silhouette at long distance, you can purchase one for your desired use. Changing a barrel takes about 2 minutes. And while the gun is no longer produced (sadly), you can buy custom barrels/ with the shroud) for between $120 - $180. These are also incredibly sturdy guns. Mine came with the 6" barrel and it is perfect for target shooting at the range.
It's almost funny watching people at the range, shooting nice 1911's, Rugers, Smiths, etc. and then letting them shoot a few rounds from my Dan Wesson. Without fail, their groups tighten up like a fist. Needless to say my model 15 is my go to gun when I'm challenging myself with some serious target time.
And the best news, you can usually pick up a DW for several hundred less then the S&W>
If I've sparked your interest you might explore a little more at the Dan Wesson Forum. http://www.danwessonforum.com/
Good Luck, Shoot Safe & Happy Shooting!
Are you committed to buying new?
If not, my suggestion is my favorite, a Dan Wesson .357 model 15 or 15-2 made in Monson. These will arguably shoot the pants off the Ruger in the accuracy department and they have the added benefit of changable barrels. If you have a 6" and want a 4", 2" or an 8" for silhouette at long distance, you can purchase one for your desired use. Changing a barrel takes about 2 minutes. And while the gun is no longer produced (sadly), you can buy custom barrels/ with the shroud) for between $120 - $180. These are also incredibly sturdy guns. Mine came with the 6" barrel and it is perfect for target shooting at the range.
It's almost funny watching people at the range, shooting nice 1911's, Rugers, Smiths, etc. and then letting them shoot a few rounds from my Dan Wesson. Without fail, their groups tighten up like a fist. Needless to say my model 15 is my go to gun when I'm challenging myself with some serious target time.
And the best news, you can usually pick up a DW for several hundred less then the S&W>
If I've sparked your interest you might explore a little more at the Dan Wesson Forum. http://www.danwessonforum.com/
Good Luck, Shoot Safe & Happy Shooting!
BCRider
Member
Range shooters seem to be the sort which approach their shooting as a hobby as much as for defensive use. As such I suspect it's not a case of which one gun you get but simply which will be first and which will have to wait for the play money piggy bank to fill up again...
For a lot of us range shooting where we simply stand and perforate paper gets old pretty quickly. With that in mind while you're getting to know your FIRST new gun check out what sort of hand gun competitions are held in your area. Attend a couple and see if they are the sort of thing you'd like to try.
For myself locally there's IPSC, IDPA and Speed Steel matches at least every other week that I could attend all through the summer. Plus monthly Cowboy Action shooting which is sort of an old time "3 gun" match with revolvers, lever and shotgun.
It was the lure of this sort of action shooting that got me off my duckus to take the course needed to posses and aquire that we need up this way. And it's been a whole heap of fun with no end in sight!
For a lot of us range shooting where we simply stand and perforate paper gets old pretty quickly. With that in mind while you're getting to know your FIRST new gun check out what sort of hand gun competitions are held in your area. Attend a couple and see if they are the sort of thing you'd like to try.
For myself locally there's IPSC, IDPA and Speed Steel matches at least every other week that I could attend all through the summer. Plus monthly Cowboy Action shooting which is sort of an old time "3 gun" match with revolvers, lever and shotgun.
It was the lure of this sort of action shooting that got me off my duckus to take the course needed to posses and aquire that we need up this way. And it's been a whole heap of fun with no end in sight!
TrueTexan
Member
Go with the Ruger or find a good used smith 686. I love my 1911. And my 686 but if ihad to choose I would keep the 686.
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