While I own no revolvers, I have a shot a few; a model 64 (range rental), model 65 (used that I was considering buying), pre-lock 442 (my father-in-law's), model 36 Chief's Special (a friend's, passed down from his father-in-law), a 638 w/ lock (range rental), and a 686 Plus (range rental that I was considering buying.) Generally speaking, I couldn't shoot any of them for ****.
I had never shot a Ruger until I took my brother-in-law to the range last week and we rented a GP100.
My first cylinder full, I put all six 158-grain FMJs into a 1-1/2 circle at 7 yards with a two-handed grip shooting double action (I am not THAT good of a shot, even with my own gun!) I realize that trigger action is subjective, but that Ruger had the smoothest, easiest DA trigger of any revolver I've shot. Better than the 686, and better than the well-worn model 65. The SA trigger is not as crisp as a Smith, but it is short and so buttery smooth with a good surprise break. That gun also felt more balanced in my hand than the 4-inch K-frames, and was a pussycat with .38 Specials. In short, the GP100 is a HELL of a lot of gun for ~$500.
So, GP100 would be my recommendation. I think that the blued, 3-inch model is that next gun I want to buy.
I had never shot a Ruger until I took my brother-in-law to the range last week and we rented a GP100.
My first cylinder full, I put all six 158-grain FMJs into a 1-1/2 circle at 7 yards with a two-handed grip shooting double action (I am not THAT good of a shot, even with my own gun!) I realize that trigger action is subjective, but that Ruger had the smoothest, easiest DA trigger of any revolver I've shot. Better than the 686, and better than the well-worn model 65. The SA trigger is not as crisp as a Smith, but it is short and so buttery smooth with a good surprise break. That gun also felt more balanced in my hand than the 4-inch K-frames, and was a pussycat with .38 Specials. In short, the GP100 is a HELL of a lot of gun for ~$500.
So, GP100 would be my recommendation. I think that the blued, 3-inch model is that next gun I want to buy.
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