Ruger GP100 3" .357-Feedback Please

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Big Mike

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Thinking seriously about adding the 3" GP100, .357. I'm leaning towards the 3" because of overall size, balance and occasional carry. Does anyone have experience or own one? Have read nothing but good things about this. How does it compare in size to the SP101? Thanks, Mike
 
Big Mike,

I own and carry a 3" GP100 at times. If you add one to your collection you will not be unhappy. It does weigh a bit more than the sp101 ( whihch I also own) and a bit more in diameter as the gp100 holds 6 instead of 5 like the sp101. It is a dream to shoot, even full load 357's. balances nicely and carries quite well considering it is larger than the sp101. If you are really considering a 3" and don't want the gp100, consider the sp101 in
3 1/8". No larger than the standard 2 1/8" sp101 with a bit more sight radius. What ever you decide, if it's a Ruger you will not be unhappy.
Good Luck in your hunt.
 
When they first hit the market I think a few of the guys over on the Ruger forum wasn't to happy with theirs. Some made several trips back to the factory for corrections. I haven't heard any other complaints since though except the usual Ruger complaints these days.
 
Three inch GP100s are great belt guns that handle full power .357 loads comfortably. I think that Ruger GP100s have the best revolver factory grips. If you decide that you want one be on the lookout for surplus GPs imported and marked by Century Arms International (CAI). These seem to be surplused Canadian police revolvers. They will show some holster wear, but the bores and innards are in great shape, just broken in. They will have the small Ruger grips.

Compared to a SP101 they are much heavier and somewhat larger, defineatly a belt gun. By the way, I've found that they will fit a Desantis holster designed for 3" Smith K frames.
 
Thanks for the replies. I see them come up regularly on GunsAmerica for less than $300. They definitely look like a great buy. I think the Canadian ones are the most recent CDNN ones, the DAO, 4" partial lug S/S???

Years ago I held a 3" GP100, liked it, and recently a SP101. I'm looking for a simple revolver for everyone in the family to operate, occasional CCW/belt carry and range use. AND with it being a Ruger GP100 it will last a lifetime with good care, AND should I need factory assistance Ruger has a history of coming through.

I find I am liking the semi-full barrel lug of the 3" as opposed to the newer full length lug...

976435030-1.jpg


976451190-1.jpg
 
Most of these "batches" of used 3" are coming from various gov't contracts and often have "bobbed hammers/DAO conversions". No reports of "worn out" specimens have been floating around; it's not even certain it's POSSIBLE to wear out a GP100 :D.

All fixed-sight GPs come with a smaller grip than is found stock on adjustable-sight guns. The grip post underneath is the same though, so you can convert back and forth...I for one really like the smaller grip which is approximately "SP101 size" (but not compatible).
 
I think there is a big difference in size between the gp and sp series. I consider the sp101 2.25 inch barrel with the bobbed hammer to be a front pocket gun.

I consider the 3 inch gp100 to be a full size gun needing a belt and holster.

I had a 3 and 1/16 inch sp101 for a bit and it sort of was an in between. It never worked in a pocket well and if I needed a belt holster I wanted to go with the 6 shot gp100.

For something that everyone can use I would lean towards the gp100 for the extra weight depending on loads you plan to shoot. I can handle full power loads in my sp101, but that gp100 is a lot easier to handle them with.

No problems with any of the guns, I have the older semi-lug gp100 and do prefer its looks to the new full lug.
 
Big Mike,

I like the 3" GP-100. Mine has the shorter ejector shroud and I think it looks better, too. (I haven't seen one of the new full lug models in person, though.) I like the slightly smaller grip on them, too. They are a dandy revolver.

Steve
 
Love Mine!

Shoots great, and has all of the best Ruger features. It IS however a gun that will need a good holster and belt to carry -- but that does not seem to be a drawback for your intended usage.

I THINK that they make both an adjustable and fixed sight version. I have the fixed. From what I have been told, the fixed sight version has the aforementioned smaller grip, while the adjustable one has the full size GP100 grip. Have not handled an adjustable sight one, so can not verify from personal experience.
 
Yeah, I just went and looked on the Ruger web-site and they don't list one with adjustable sights. <<<Sigh>>> That is what I get for listening to a gun-store jockey, and not checking for myself.
 
Yeah, I do want the fixed sights. I liked the ones on the SP101 I held. I'm sure they are similar on the GP100.

For carry and home defense, I'm looking at the .357 125 gr. Speer Gold Dots. Any informed opinions think this is not the way to go?

Thanks again! Mike
 
I love my 3" GP-100. I have one of the re-imports from CAI as RON mentioned above. It is a great shooter and the grip handles full bore .357 recoil amazingly well.

GP100-Muzzle_800x600.jpg
 
Big Mike,

If you can find one of the CAI imports grab it and run. Great piece, good balance, and factory grips can handle 357recoil nicely. Usually found at below market prices in SE PA. Got mine couple weeks ago and like it more and more each day. Required alot of dry firing and some Tetra lub to smooth out the DA trigger pull, but it's comming along nicely. Carries well in a good belt slide or pancake, assuming your nik reflects your true size.

For street use (CCW) any brand name 125gr 357Mag HP should work with Corbon being the current favorite among those who should know. However, for home defense use you might want to consider the new Speer 135gr+p 38Spl HP's that the NYPD has recently adopted or the Rem Golden Saber 125+P 38's. I shoot on an indoor range and don't see myself using 357mags at home, or anywhere else, without muffs and plugs. Plus I'm slower & less accurate with Mags vs. 38+P's in rapid fire.

All of the above is just my experience and $.02 worth. IMHO, unless you live in one of the occupied territories, $300 should get you a great all around firearm, a carry holster, enough ammo to figure out the sights, and one box of carry loads left over. Ya can't beat a deal like that that with a big stick.

Good Luck,
 
I love mine I shoot and carry it often. I like the fixed sights
they are verry hard to knock off. it handles full house loads verry well
and is fairly accuright out to 25 yds.:D





Todd
 
Buy the GP-100, Big Mike....

You won't do better for a service or defensive revolver.:D

My fixed-sight GP-100 is a 4" bbl, because that is the shortest allowed by law here in Australia now.

The smaller grip of the fixed sight models fits my hand perfectly.:)

The GP-100 is a fine modern revolver.
 
Dave Markowitz:

Wow, nice revolver! I will check with the seller on Guns America to see if it is a CAI import. What is so special about these particular revolvers, the CAI? Thanks for all the replies, I'm getting ready to free up some cash to make a purchase soon. Mike
 
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