Ruger GP100 used revolver questions

[Let Us Reason]

Hi,

I am looking to save some money on my first handgun purchase by buying used. I'm thinking about a Ruger GP100 4" or 6" revolver. This gun will mainly be used for home defense. Here are some questions that I have:

1.) If I buy used, is it important to get the gun's papers (i.e.- clear criminal history)?
2.) What is a good/reasonable price for a well kept used one?
3.) How do I go about inspection if I purchase it from an online seller?
4.) Since I really don't know what to look for, where is the best place to get it inspected?
5.) Where is a reliable place to purchase used revolvers from?
6.) Will I still have some way of sending it in to the manufacturer for repairs if something breaks?

Sorry for so many questions. Your advice is appreciated.

 

[TheGrouch]

1) I never have. Check local laws regarding handgun transfer.

2) Depends on local market, I would stay under $325 in Indy. YMMV

Here's one going for $290 at time of post.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62640275

FFL transfer fees and S&H (for online auctions) can add to the overall price of the handgun.

3) Buying used is half knowledge and half blind-faith. Sometimes you get a lemon. Ask about the condition of the bore, cylinder timing, and any other known problems before the sale.

4) A qualified gunsmith can inspect the revolver for safety.

5) Local gunshops, online auctions, forum ads. Ask about condition before sale. Most people are honest and willing to answer anyquestion you may have.

6) IMO. Ruger's customer service is #1. Any customer servicable part I have needed was sent to me free of charge. If the firearm is required to be shipped back to Ruger, they have replaced all the worn parts and check for proper function. When I sent my Redhawk in, the basically rebuilt it free of charge. YMMV May not be valid in all states. Void where prohibited.

 

[jame]

I guess I might have some questions for you!

Why did you decide on the Ruger GP100? It's a fine revolver, but if you haven't handled one, you haven't been to a "brick &mortor" gun shop. Find a place with lots of people in and out of it. Maybe a Sportsman's Warehouse, Bass Pro, or Cabela's.

Buy through them. Online gun deals go well for many of us, but we've already been down the road your walking. You know the deal will be legit through a real store front with a good display case, lots of inventory, and customers. Paying the slightly higher price will be well worth it.

If you have problems, they can tell you where to send it, or contact the maker directly.

Good luck, and welcome to THR! Come here and hang around as much as you have time to. You learn a ton from these guys, and I say that as an experienced shooter. I've been shooting for 35+ years. (not so fast youngsters....I'm only 47. I started very young.)

I like it here and still learning.

 

[longtooth]

Hi also, Let us reason.
I also like your choice of revolvers. At the present I am looking also for a Ruger GP100 w/ a 3 inch barrel for carry.
I will answer under each of your Qs w/ some of the criteria I use for on line purchase.

Hi,

I am looking to save some money on my first handgun purchase by buying used. I'm thinking about a Ruger GP100 4" or 6" revolver. This gun will mainly be used for home defense. Here are some questions that I have:

If you are planning to ever carry it, I would suggest the 4". It is excellent for house, plenty good for range & the 6" will be very uncomfortable to carry IWB & hard to conceal OWB.

1.) If I buy used, is it important to get the gun's papers (i.e.- clear criminal history)?
If they are available I like to have them. If not a VERY GOOD character reference on the seller is, "Do you have a CC Permit from what ever state they live in. No one that has lived their life taking care of character is going to ruin it by knowingly selling a bad gun.

2.) What is a good/reasonable price for a well kept used one?
Check the new price at local stores. 25% less than retail for a good clean used one is usually a GOOD price since you save tax too. On a Ruger like you are talking about you may have to get a lot closer to original price. They are hard to find because folks who have them like them.

3.) How do I go about inspection if I purchase it from an online seller?
You can agree on a 3 day inspection period.
I find that sellers that have a good # of posts & several sales are truthful.
Some forums have a "rate the transaction" place. Check them out.
I will go to the profile of a seller & there is a spot where you can "read all posts by ________. Read them & see if he has trouble in print. How do the folks on the forum respond to him? If all looks well You should not have a problem.

4.) Since I really don't know what to look for, where is the best place to get it inspected?
Your local gunsmith should do it. He may charge you a little. Have that agreed on before purchase so he knows you may be asking that service.

5.) Where is a reliable place to purchase used revolvers from?
Here on this forum. I have pruchased a couple here.

6.) Will I still have some way of sending it in to the manufacturer for repairs if something breaks?
They will take it in any box you send it to them in.

Sorry for so many questions. Your advice is appreciated.

These are the criteria I have used for a long time. It has worked for me. Hope it helps you.
LT

 

[22-rimfire]

You worry too much. Save a little money, but have the heartache of the novice. Buy a new one at a local gun shop and don't worry about it. If you want used, go to a local gun show or two with a friend who knows revolvers... if they even have a used one to sell.

You can put in a lot of effort to save $50. Life is too short. Check new guns prices at Budsgunshop in KY. IF the price is close to their price, buy it.

 

[Ichiro]

You take your chances purchasing online, and the high-bid means nothing unless the auction is in its last day. Just be willing to take a risk and don't bid too much.

 

[Jim March]

Now waitasec.

First, this is a GP100 we're talking about. His odds of getting one that's been "worn out" are so low it's not even funny. The piece is a tank. 3 million years from now an intelligent decendent of the modern cockroach will dig one up and rob whatever a cockroach uses for a liquor store with it.

Second, Ruger will fix it no matter who bought it first, if there's something wrong that's a factory issue. They'll deal with anything else real cheap. Used vs. new has more or less nothing to do with it.

Third, he might find a used Ruger that's been customized to his liking. For example, all GP100s can take the same grips, the "frame stub" the grip attaches to is the same. Fixed-sight models came with a smaller grip, adjustables ship with bigger - but people swap them all the time. He may also find something with better sights, like a Bowen rear, tritium front, whatever.

Fourth, GP100s in particular tend to "slick up" with use. The single finest DA trigger I've *ever* felt was on a 6" barrel GP100 range rental that had had the living snot shot out of it, had to have been 50,000+ rounds, it was still tight and solid. I compared the trigger to a brand new S&W *Performance Center* 8-shot 357, the Mikulek target model. That ol' GP put the S&W to shame.

And on top of all that you save money, or find combinations no longer built. That 6" range gun I mentioned had a shortened barrel underlug, a factory option no longer offered. It made that 6" gun point like a 4".

Now with ALL that said, I would prefer to personally inspect any Ruger before buying it, used or new. Ruger sometimes ships lemons. They've been doing pretty good of late, but it can still happen. There's a "Revolver Checkout" thread at the top of this forum, stickied. It's your friend .

 

[weregunner]

Just passing through and thought to drop off another resource for those who want it. www.rugerforum.com is where the Ruger owners are. Friendly and informative bunch over there.Use Ruger pistols and have used a SP101 revolver so have minor credentials on this discussion. What has been posted so far seems excellent advice for the starter for this thread.

 

[Majic]

It's not rocket science buying used. There are posts detailing how to inspect a potential purchase. This even applies to brand new guns as defects do slip out of the factories. Just remember to add the shipping and transfer fees to the selling price so you will know the total cost. This can be as much as a $100 for some people which means it's no longer a good deal.
Good advice have been given so just carefully weigh your options and closely inspect any purchase. If buying online request as many clear and precise photos as possible.

 

[Let Us Reason]

These were all very helpful suggestions.

I definitely feel more "well armed" in going about this purchase.

Thanks

 

[MrDig]

Similar Post

Jim March posted this link for someone who asked the same question basicly.
It was passed on to me by jibjab so I'm passing it along to you.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57816

BTW I just bought a used GP 100 161, 6 in Bbl in blue with a scope rail and a scope.
Pics here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=243470