Ruger GP100 questions

[Control]

I'm looking into getting a GP100 for a "knocking around" gun. I have a couple of questions:

I have heard that Ruger started puting internal locks in some of their revolvers. Has this infernal thing made its way to the newer GP100s?

Also, is there any difference in quality between newer and older GP100s?

Thanks.

 

[kevin387]

I'm not sure about the locks but I don't think they are in them yet. No quality difference that I can tell from several years ago to last year(most recent Ruger purchase).

 

[Jim March]

The only Ruger wheelgun locks SO FAR are on some SA revolvers - a new concept whereby the lock is hidden underneath the grip panels. If you actually NEED the lock you drill out an access hole for it based on a location dimple already prepared on the inside of one grip panel. Otherwise, you'd never know it was there.

I have one, and it's the most unobtrusive lock ever on any gun. I have also been unable to find a single report of accidental engagement and having examined it, I don't believe any will turn up soon.

That said: it's also easy to ditch the lock completely by doing a grip frame swap, at least on this SA design.

Will Ruger adapt something similar to the DAs? Yeah, eventually I guess. But I would still say it's a far, FAR better system than either S&W or Taurus has come up with.

The SAs with this lock so far are the New Vaquero, the 50th Anniversary 357 (2005 to present) and the 50th Anniversary 44 (2006 forward). The grip frame involved is a revival of the SAA/"XR3" size originally used by Ruger early in their product life.

If I were to predict, I would say it will turn up in the Single Six rimfire next as that's a gun often bought for use by kids. This lock device probably won't fit in a Bird's-Head-shaped grip so that concept is probably dead forever - thank God for the aftermarket. The lock design could be easily adapted to the Bisley. Ruger's SA product line could truck along pretty well with just the SAA/XR3 size "plowhandle" and the Bisley for heavy-kickers...in other words, if they had to simplify the product line, those are the grip frames they MUST have.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

the gp100 will take alot of knocking around, as far as the lock goes I just bought a brand new one a couple months ago and to my knowledge it wasn't that old in any case mine has no lock but if you are concerned that you might end up with one that has a lock in it just look for an older one, there are still plenty of nib ones up for grabs.

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree with Jim's observations, but would point out that if you buy one of the single action models that have the lock it is not necessary to go to the expensive route of changing the grip frame (unless you have other reasons to want too). The lock assembly can be removed, and a relatively simple-to-make mainspring retainer used in its place. As enough guns get into circlulation I suspect someone will offer these as an aftermarket option. The only negative I see is that such a modification would void the warrantee, or might conflict with some state or local law.

 

[tantrix]

If I remember right, the only Ruger revolvers with the internal lock are the New Vaqueros. I'd put a call in to Ruger to confirm this before buying, unless you are buying new from a dealer then you can just take the grip panel off and check for yourself. I'm about 99% sure they are only in the New Vaqueros though.