GP100 as first purchase, and out-of-home storage - need advice

[David Drury]

So, I am contemplating my first handgun purchase soon, I am currently 20 years old - but I have had aspirations to own a firearm since I was 17. My family is very anti-gun ownership, they do not dislike people owning guns - they just dislike anyone in their family doing so. I respect their rules as I still live in their house. However, I am looking for a place of my own, and am hoping to be moved out by my 21st birthday. My school does not allow firearms on the campus, in any regard, so I am looking for apartments. However, in the event I purchase my GP100 in 6" before I move out, I need a place to store it. Are there places to store firearms securely, such as at a range or gun club? Not a permanent storage, but a temporary one. Payment would be obligatory obviously, but I need to be able to store it out-of-home for at least a few months after if I have not moved out by May of next year.

The anti-firearm connotations in my family are stupid and frustrating, as my grandfather and his father before him were adamant owners of firearms in the home, and my grandfather still is! He has a 1910 DWM Luger P08 ( hoping he wills it to me! ), and a few rifles & shotguns. My parents are simply not educated, and people fear what they don't understand - but they are my parents none-the-less, and I have to respect their wishes as long as I am under their roof.

Also, is the GP100 as great a tool as I hear? I was looking at the S&W 686 as well, but I am attracted to Ruger's reputation as being rugged and built like a tank.

I have handled the GP100 personally in both 4" and 6", and I prefer the 6". The gun will be used for open woods-carry, home defense, and target shooting.

In addition, as someone who intends to shoot a lot - should I consider investing in a reloading press in the future?

I should also mention I live in the Cincinnati, OH area... if that helps anyone.

Thanks,
David

 

[pikid89]

6" GP100 for CARRY?!?!?

5 bucks says you will do that ONE time lol

I just turned 21 a couple weeks ago and i picked up a ruger LCP (250 bucks) for pocket carry (florida is to hot to pack much else)

 

[David Drury]

Oh but for that one time, it will be one hell of a carry experience. Haha.

Maybe I should specify as a woods-carry.

 

[HGM22]

Maybe you could ask your grandfather about storing it there if he's not too far away (and he's trustworthy). Otherwise I believe some ranges/gun clubs do offer lockers - can't hurt to ask.

Also, I don't carry, but even I know that a 6'' GP100 is too much. I've heard that the Ruger SP101 is too much in fact! I'd seriously consider something more manageable. Have you thought about one of S&W's shrouded or hammerless revolvers? If I carried I'd carry one of those - nothing to snag on, and actually don't even need to draw.

 

[David Drury]

HGM22,

My grandfather lives in Cape Cod, MA unfortunately - otherwise I would.

I should mention OH is an Open-Carry state. I prefer Open carry for general purpose. For CCW, I'd get something else.

 

[Steve C]

When I went to the University 40 years ago, they didn't allow students to keep their firearms in University student housing but they maintained a gun storage lockup at the campus police station. You brought your gun(s) there and they gave you a receipt. You could get your gun 24/7 as the station was always manned. You may want to check your campus security to see if they have something similar.

Another option would be a safety deposit box but your access would be limited to banking hours.

There are places that provide armored, secured and environmental controlled storage but they're usually expensive and would be used for more space requirements than a single handgun. I know one person who uses such a facility to store his most valuable firearms in his collection and some overflow from the 3 large gun safes at his house.

 

[IlikeSA]

I would suggest the safety deposit box, but someone else said it first. My other suggestion would be a very good friend who was responsible and trustworthy.

I have the 3 inch GP100 and it is a good gun. I think you will really enjoy the GP100, particularly with the longer barrel. Are you going to buy new or used?

 

[David Drury]

The dealer I spoke with is going to be getting another six inch in soon, and he did not specify if it was going to be used or new. Honestly? It's a Ruger, and I am not concerned about shooting a well-taken care of used one, but I would not be opposed to a new one either.

I will talk with my bank later today, thanks guys!

 

[Mr. T]

The Ruger GP-100 in 6" is my carry gun and I do it all the time when I'm out walking my land. It is everything you've heard and then some. Accurate, tough, well built, and reliable; this gun has it all. I would recommend this gun to anyone looking to purchase their first handgun. You can't go wrong with this gun period. The comment about this being too much for a carry gun...well I think the ladies commenting on this should lift up their skirts a little before commenting again on this...probably a bunch of .380 carriers making the comments.

 

[eldon519]

A .357 GP100 6" was the second centerfire handgun I got, and it is what got me into reloading. It's a fantastic handgun. I also think it (and all DA revolvers) are excellent for new owner home defense choices.

Also when I was in school, I kept it at the police station. You should check to see if there is something like that available to you with the campus or city police if they are different organizations. If your school has any shooting clubs, you could see what those individuals do.

 

[David Drury]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the advice and opinions! What a welcome to The High Road! Glad to be here!

 

[Lucky Derby]

For the type of carry you mention, it is not to much. Just get a good belt and holster. I have routinely carried a 6" N frame S&W which is larger than the GP.

Get a safe deposit box at a nearby bank.

 

[velojym]

My wife's pistol is a 4" GP100 and we love the thing. She's embarrassed local police officers at the indoor range with it.
While I really liked my 6" Security Six, I've found the 4" barrel to be a pretty darned good "compromise", and don't feel it's too short
at all for field use. That 2" makes a pretty big difference for carry and use, and look at what Elmer Kieth could do with a 4" revolver.

I'll have to look at the thread again, but where's Gramps live? Could he hold on to it for you?

 

[David Drury]

As I said earlier, my grandfather lives in Cape Cod, MA - so to have him store it would be a little bit of a stretch. Heh.

 

[ironhead7544]

IMHO, if you only have one handgun it should be a 6 inch 357 Mag. The GP100 is a top choice. You are right about reloading. Its the only way to shoot a centerfire cheap these days. Field carry wont be a problem with the right rig.

 

[CTGunner]

The GP-100 is an excellent revolver. Accuracy, reliability, and overall ruggedness are superb. I own the 6 inch model but would be open to a 3 or 4 inch if I found the right deal. If you want to own a large frame revolver, you can't go wrong. One thing to consider - especially if you will be living in an apartment after graduation - is that the .357 round out of a 6 inch barrel is going to penetrate many many walls and objects before coming to rest. And yes .357 is expensive to shoot, so reloading is a good thought.

 

[Zebraranger]

As stated above open carrying a 6" GP100 in not a problem with a good holster and good belt. I open carry mine in the woods and at the range quite often with no problem. Its a good choice for a first gun too, you'll probably have it forever.

 

[Deaf Smith]

David,

If you want the GP-100, get the 3 inch version for carry. And as for out-of-home I'd go to a bank and get a lock box and store it there.

Deaf

 

[hirundo82]

The first place I would contact would be the university police. Many of them have a safe place students can store firearms.

I will talk with my bank later today, thanks guys!

Don't ask your bank if it is OK to store a gun in a safe deposit box. You're likely to get told no just so they can cover their butts. Just make sure it is not against the law (not a problem in Ohio as far as I can tell) and rent the box--they have no need to know what you put in there.

 

[easyrider604]

The GP100 is as great as you hear it is, better if you like stainless.

The S&W L-frames are fine too, but get a used 686-3 or earlier. That way you avoid all the modern updates, like MIM parts and the internal lock, that have made the 686 a lesser gun, in my humble opinion.

However, I feel the GP is the better choice due to its more robust design, construction, and proven long-term durability.

The GP's out of the box trigger needs work to even comes close to a Smith's but that is curable if you DIY and get a copy of IOWEGAN'S Book of Knowledge for Ruger DA Revolvers available at Rugerforum.net.

Reloading is a must, as mentioned by previous posters. You will save money, shoot more and be more knowledgeable about the sport.