GP100 accuracy

[dashootist]

Want a new 6" revolver for 50yard PPC and BE competition. Went to a local PPC match, and saw all the shooters use nothing but S&W. Was about to order a 6" 686, but decided I've too many S&W already. Time to expand my horizon. Never had a Ruger, but want to try a GP100. But everyone tells me "you can't go wrong with a S&W." Yes, I know, but why not Ruger. Why is Ruger unpopular in matches? Should I get a S&W instead?

 

[fastattack]

I wouldn't buy a GP100 for accuracy. It is one sturdy gun but the trigger doesn't compare to a Smith. I've often wondered if a spring replacement might make a difference, but I doubt that would smooth it out and give it the break a Smith has.

 

[Wishoot]

It's not the gun, it's the shooter.


My GP100 is plenty accurate.

 

[MrBorland]

Colt and S&W seem to have dominated PPC and bullseye early on, so I'm guessing there's a bit of tradition involved.

The Ruger action also has a reputation for being a bit rough from the factory, and a rough action makes it harder to shoot accurately. That said, they clean up nicely, and I've been mighty impressed with the several tuned GP100s I've shot.

Grip selection for S&Ws is pretty extensive, so it's easy to find something that fits like a glove, which is important for wringing the most target accuracy out of your gun. My impression is that the selection of aftermarket grips for Rugers is less extensive.

Many PPC & bullseye guns and other target revolvers (e.g. Bianchi Cup) are tuned by gunsmiths who specialize in these disciplines and familiar with making S&Ws run well. Again, I'm sure GP100s can be made as good, but finding a gunsmith who can do it would be tough.

Some replacement Ruger parts aren't sold, so it'll have to go back to Ruger for repair if a piece of unobtainium breaks. But...and here's the rub...Ruger will return it to its original specs before sending it back. If your highly tuned PPC GP100 breaks a piece of unobtainium, then, you've got a serious headache.

 

[Drail]

The trigger action's geometry and design will not allow you to get a trigger pull like what is possible on a S&W but the gun is absolutely accurate enough for competition work. It's more a mater of if you can deal with a Ruger trigger pull. I have seen many competition shooters do very well with Ruger DAs but they are in a minority. Also many smiths either have little or no experience with Ruger triggers (due in large part to Ruger's policy of not selling trigger parts to anyone, if you mess one up stoning on it Ruger won't help you. They want the gun back in their factory. Lawyers.) For a good DA trigger I would recommend S&W.

 

[dashootist]

Thanks for info. Had no idea about Ruger's anti-competition policy.

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Shhhh. It's a secret....

But the Ruger GP100 .357 will shoot every bit as accurately as my father-in-law's S&W 686. I put a Wolfe spring kit in it, tuned the trigger a touch, mounted a Weigand combat rail and Millett 2x scope.

I can consistently hold tighter than 2" diameter groups at 50 yards off a sandbag.

The trigger is super-smooth since the make-over (10.00 and 2 hour's work).

I've since put a Hogue custom exotic hardwood monogrip on it.

Okay. Honesty-time:

The trigger is lighter than the S&W, but doesn't break as crisply.
The GP will never have the S&W's resell value.
The GP fit and finish is slick, but not as painstaking as the S&W.

On the plus side:

The GP will consistently handle a steady diet of hot loads without wearing like the S&W.
The GP was considerably less expensive.
The GP is every bit as accurate as the scope 686 (both are 6" models)

 

[Waywatcher]

With handloads in my GP100 I recently shot a 3" group at 50 yards, 6 shots. 4" barrel, open sights. (From a bench)

As for the fit & finish thing; are we trying to win a beauty contest or sling lead? I can appreciate a fine looking gun, but I don't let that get in the way of a fine shooting gun.

 

[GP100man]

Just as any other revolver , a good trigger job , a steady hand & good eye sight does amazing things !!!

I like this time of year , the feilds are open & disked ,I can "walk" the bullets out to my targets & the 358429 carries enuff weight to kik up some dust !!