New to revolvers....

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
393
Looking at picking up a used GP100 from a guy I work with. I'm an autoloader fan, but for $200 for a .357mag - not bad.

What are the pro's and con's of this wheel gun? Again - I'm new to the revolver world, but can't really pass up the price :D

Dave
 
In good shape, $200 for a GP100 is a steal.. get it fast. I can't think of any cons... it's tough as nails and usually very accurate.
 
I don't own one myself, but the general opinion seems that there are lots pros and not too many cons (maybe too heavy for a CCW), that is if the gun's in good shape. Be sure to check out the Revolver Checkout Sticky at the top of this forum (link pasted below).

$200 is a great price, but again, even at that price, I suggest giving it a checkout.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
 
I have a pair of GP100's and think they are superb! One big selling point for the GP series is the cylinder lock system, which includes a pivoting slab detent that locks the front of the crane to the frame. This also means that the ejector rod on a GP is used solely for ejection (has nothing to do with lockup) and can not bind up the cylinder release.

They are also ridiculously simple to disassemble, clean and service.

Weight of the GP100 is almost the same as it's closest S&W counterpart - the 686. Big, heavy full lugged revolvers like these are extremely robust and easy shooting since the weight counters recoil.

$200 is less then half the going rate for factory new GP100's, and with proper care these guns lasts several human lifetimes.
 
As others have said, $200 is a great deal for a GP100 in decent shape. I love my 4" stainless GP100, and it was given to me by my dad who bought it back in the late 80's. It's had hundreds if not thousands of flawless rounds through it. The only drawback is that it is not an ideal CCW. It's big and heavy, and is best worn proudly in a handsome leather holster on the outside of your belt for all the world to marvel at.
 
Suppose it's as loose as a goose, then should he still get it?

I'm not trying to "spoil a good thing" however I am trying to be realistic. Perhaps the $200 price is there for a reason. But then maybe the seller just needs the money REAL BAD.
 
well, as has been advised, do the "check" and go from there. A worn out GP100 is a rarity from my experience. Though a broken one would be a "no go" for me unless(for $200) it was a relatively easy fix.
 
I'm not trying to "spoil a good thing" however I am trying to be realistic. Perhaps the $200 price is there for a reason. But then maybe the seller just needs the money REAL BAD.

I will check it out. From talking to the guy the past few months, it sounds like he purchased the revolver to plink with. Now that his GF has moved in with her small child, the revolver must leave. Didn't want to tell him that I have handguns all over my house and I have children as well.

I will grab a box and take it to the range and fire away and make my determination from there.

I think he got his price as a trade in from a local gun dealer near both of us. When he mentioned the price, I had to jump. My mind is on a 1911, but for $200 - why not?
 
Even if it's total crap it's worth $200. Ruger will always fix what might be wrong - although this is a rare occurance with a GP100...
 
Other than GW North's great post, I would add that the pros and cons would be that the GP100 is tough as nails and usually inherently accurate. The one you're looking at can fire plinker 38's and since it's a revolver you can use it to train new shooters in proper trigger control in Double Action shooting. And, you can train yourself too.
The GP is also a good looking revolver and makes a nice barbecue gun :)

Cons... hmmm... some will ask you why you didn't by brand x. The accessories for it are everywhere, which can drain your bank account. And, the models with various barrel lengths will sing a siren song to you further draining your bank account.
Sometimes the triggers can be gritty.
You may stop using your pistols as much after you shoot it and maybe carry it some.
 
Dear EHF,

It sounds like your friend is trying to take advantage of your ignorance of revolvers. You should definitely turn down the deal. You should also give me his address, phone number, and e-mail, so I can go over there and give him a good dressing down! ;)

By the way, could I borrow $200?

LBS
 
Grab it in a hurry, even if you don't like the gun later you can resell and make some money!
 
For $200, it's a no-brainer assuming it checks out. Move quickly before your friend changes his mind.

Good luck.
 
For $200, it's a no-brainer assuming it checks out. Move quickly before your friend changes his mind.

I saw him at work and gave him $100 to hold it until I get back from my trip this weekend. It's a done deal.
 
I saw him at work and gave him $100 to hold it until I get back from my trip this weekend. It's a done deal.


So did it checkout alright? I meant did you subject it to the Jim March Revolver checkout sticky? If your new GP shoots well, your friend deserves a decent dinner.

Don't forget the pictures.
 
oh my....no pictures yet, but the GP100 is in NEW condition. Rarely shot and when shot - taken apart and cleaned. Ran a q-tip into the barrel and the cylinder - no gun powder residue at all. Nada. Clean and tight. Nothing wiggles. No scratches on the barrel or the grip. I am salivating over it. Hopefully I can shoot this weekend. I will have everything for reloading this weekend.

As I was driving home calling friends to tell them about it - all of them made me an offer on the revolver. It's a keeper!
 
All these guys are lying, its a piece of cr*p,so whats your friends name and were does he live;)
 
Great deal - I found one myself like that recently. It was "used" in my local gun shop, but I couldn't find any evidence that it had ever been shot. Price was $399. A brand new one next to it was selling for $549. Got it home, did a serial number check, and found out it was manufactured just a few months before I snagged it. I seriously don't think the previous owner ever shot it. $200 is a screaming deal. Enjoy it.
 
It was "used" in my local gun shop, but I couldn't find any evidence that it had ever been shot. Price was $399. A brand new one next to it was selling for $549.

LOL, I saw a similar thing at the local shop. 1 new GP100 with the ugly grips - $549, right next to it, a "used" GP that was in perfect condition, had been polished by the previous owner, and had some beautiful wood grips - $409. :cool:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top