GP100 Trade Question

[ssjones]

Guys:
A month or so when I decided to get a large caliber revolver I initially was going to sell my lightly used Ruger MKII 22 LR, 6 & 7/8" barrel. In fact there is an ad on this forum. As I learned how difficult it is to get a handgun in MD I changed my mind. I figured my family could shoot the .22 for fun as well as the larger gun. I bought a Ruger SP101/357 earlier this week.

I had forgotten that I also listed the MKII in a local free classifieds paper. That paper must have just came out as I received several calls about the gun. Most were for an outright purchase, so I told those folks it was no longer for sale. One guy had a trade that intrigued me. I have been offered a Ruger GP100, 6" barrel in blue finish. The guy said he bought it three years ago and used it lightly since. He said it was "refinished by Ruger" but I'm not sure he has paperwork to back that up. I can meet him next week to see the gun. I'm thinking IF the gun is in decent shape it would be worth a good bit more than my MKII. I have the info printed from this forum on how to evaluate a revolver, but with my unfamiliarity with guns in general I'm not sure I can properly check the gun out.

Just wondered what you folks thought of such a trade. I realize that is quite difficult without seeing the .357 but should I even be considering such a trade? My gun details/pictures are still on this ad:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=5127965#post5127965

 

[Walkalong]

I recently traded a 4" GP-100 for a Buckmark with a Tactical Solutions barrel, original barrel, 4 mags, a mount, and red dot.I was happy. The other guy was happy.

GP-100's are great guns and easy to shoot well. I only traded it because I had other .357's, and my cash flow was nonexistent at the time.. I can always pick up another GP-100.

I think it is a good trade. Others will faint at the thought of trading away that Mk II. Can't blame them there either.

If we could all afford to keep them all, life would be simpler.

 

[easyrider604]

He said it was "refinished by Ruger"

Makes me wonder if it is really lightly used.

 

[ssjones]

Definitely easyrider. I printed out the Jim March "Revolver Checkout" and will take that to see the gun. He also didn't say if there was paperwork on the gun. He did tell me which shop he bought it from, but they are no longer in business.

 

[atlanticfire]

If you really want a GP100 (I love mine) shop around for a good price on a new one!

 

[Fumbler]

I'm with easyrider.
People don't refinish guns just for the heck of it unless it's an upgraded finish.

Assuming it's in good condition it'd be worth $300-350 around here.

Now the other question...it's hard to say whether or not you should trade it without knowing what other pistols you have or what you intend to do with them.
If I were you and only had your two pistols then I wouldn't trade the MKII for the GP unless I was going to get rid of the SP-101 or unless I had a use for two 357s.
A 22 and a 357 is a good combination.
Two 357s would be nice, but one good one is enough if all you're doing is range shooting. You could justify the swap if you carried the SP and kept the GP as a home gun.

 

[ssjones]

I will shoot the MKII and the SP. I can't carry either here in MD (we're lucky to even own handguns in this stae). There isn't a reason to have two .357's. I was only intrigued because of the possiblity that the GP was worth a good bit more than the MkII. That seems unlikely. I also would expect paper work on the GP but don't have any on my MkII (bought it over 25 years ago). A .357 with no paperwork could be a problem I guess. This is also PA to MD transaction.

I guess no harm in looking at the gun, but am already mulling over just cancelling the meeting (Tuesday).

 

[corpsmanup!]

No harm in looking at it but stand your ground if you get a funny feeling in your stomach as you politely reply thanks but no thanks. (bring your other .357 too).

 

[Master Blaster]

No, they are not making any new MII's, and GP100s are not target guns. Keep the .22lr and go shooting more its perfect for practicing your pistol marksmanship.

 

[ssjones]

I called the guy this morning and said "pass". With the MkII, both daughters and the wife can shoot it comfortably. Not sure how they will like my new 357.

 

[ChemicalArts]

I called the guy this morning and said "pass". With the MkII, both daughters and the wife can shoot it comfortably. Not sure how they will like my new 357.

When I go target shooting, I take both a 22 and my GP100. I can shoot 500 rounds of 22 for what it costs to shoot about 50 rounds of 38 or 357. The GP100 is a great HD gun, but the target practice goes to the 22.

 

[mothergoose]

I think you made the right move keeping your .22.