Ruger GP100 vs SP101 - Need Info/Advice

[telli97]

Hi All. Sorry for my ignorance with these questions:

What are the major differences between the GP100 and SP101. In some of my previous posts I stated I'm looking for a new revolver for target shooting and I like the SP101 in 3" but also like the GP100 in 4". Does the GP100 come in 3"???

Please provide good/bad comments and any good ruger smiths that can sharper these bad boys up.

Thanks - Telli97

 

[mtnbkr]

The GP100 uses a larger frame than the SP101. You can get a 3" GP100 though. If you're going to use it for target/range use, get the GP100. The extra size and weight will make it more pleasant to shoot. If you plan on carrying it, get the SP101. Either way, both are durable and nice.

IMO, the only thing a Ruger needs out of the box is some action work to clean it up and make it smoother. Anything else is done to meet your specific needs and not to fix defiencies of the platform.

Jim Stroh at Alphaprecision does good work on the Ruger revolvers. He did some work on my GP100 several years ago and did a great job.

Chris

 

[SouthpawShootr]

You certainly can get a GP100 in 3 inch. In fact, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for one. I could order one through my local dealer but this way I save up more money and use plastic less. Major differences between GP100 and SP101. The GP is a larger frame size to accomodate the extra shot (6 rounds vs. 5 for SP101). If you're looking for a target gun, I've never seen an SP with ajustable sights that wasn't a .22 (even then the adjustable sight looked pretty rudimentary). I don't know if the GP 3 inch is available with an adjustable sight (I would think so). The GP is going to be substantially heavier. I have 2 SP101s (in 9mm and .357) both are 3 inchers and both shoot very well considering that they are both fixed sighted guns.

Gunsmiths: Look around on this forum and a couple of people have gotten custom work done on SPs. I believe one 'smith goes by the name of Gemini something. Anybody who works on SPs will have the necessary skills to work on GPs. These revolvers are much more user-friendly as far as detail stripping compared with S&W, Colt, and Taurus models, so alot of people just smith them theirselves. Spring kits can work wonders for triggers, although a true custom trigger job will still be heads and shoulders better.

Here we go, take a look at this thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=132988

 

[P. Plainsman]

The GP100's trigger will likely be better out of the box than the SP's, though both improve with use. The 3" GP100 has fixed sights. Other GP barrel lengths (4" and 6") have good adjustable sights.

The .357 and .38 SP101s are five-shooters with fixed sights.

The six-shooter SP101 models have "quasi-adjustable" sights. The rear sight is basically a raised Patridge-type notch that is adjustable for windage but not elevation. This feature is found on the .22 LR model (which recently went out of production, but is still common) and the .32 Mag model.

 

[Bronco45]

Weight is a consideration both for carry and for shooting. The SP normally weights 25 +/- ounces and the GP weighs 41 +/-.

The 4" GP has adjustable sights the 3" doesn't. Shame on Ruger.

 

[TheEgg]

For target shooting, get a 6 inch GP100 -- this gets you the target sites and the advantages of a longer sighting radius.

Leave the 3" inch fixed site items for carry.

 

[pezo]

Get the 3" gp100, goto your nearby gun store , have the salesman get his catalouge and order a stainless kgpf-331. ( 3" gp100, 6 shot revo) YOu will fall in love with this gun. I have one , Im bit by the 3 inchers. For an sp101 get a 2 and quater inch DAO. edited because the 3" only comes in fixed sights. Also only comes in full lug, the half lug was dropped. used adjustable sighted models are a rariety.

 

[Texian Pistolero]

If you decide GP101, you also have to think about spurred or spurless hammer.

Bottom line, is this a concealed carry piece, or a target/hunting gun?

I'd go either:

(concealed carry belly gun) GP101 3 inch barrel, spurless hammer. (5 shots)

(target / huntin/ house gun) GP100 with 4 inch barrel, (6 inch if you incline to hunting.) (6 shots.)
For general use, I really dig 4 inch barrel in full sized gun.

 

[Pistol Toter]

I bought a 2 1/4" SP101 as a CCW. I love it! I was so enchanted with it I wanted another and set out to buy another only in the 3 1/16". In the mean time I came across the KGPF331 (3 1/16" Full Lug, Stainless, fixed sight GP100) brand spanken new in the box from the factory for $200; yes, thats right I said $200. I JUMPED ON IT!! It is a very nice revolver, and I like it OK. I will keep it. But I would not buy another one, at least to carry. It is much to big and bulky for CCW and concealable leather is not easy to find for it or the 3" SP101. IMHO if you want to shoot targets buy as long a barrel w adj. sights as you are comforable with. If it is to be used as a SD house and occasionally the go-to-the-car / target weapon then the 4" would be my suggestion with adjustable sights. If you want to CCW the 2 1/4" SP is the daddy-o's. Mine never leaves my side. Even now, Miss Piggy is with me. Different folks have different ideas. Here is my 2 cents. Regards Pistol Toter

 

[Brad Johnson]

I have both - GP100 and SP101. Love 'em both. As far as the trigger work goes, if you are comfortable tearing into the innards of your Ruger trigger then spend $12 with Wolff gunsprings and get their 10lb mainspring and reduced power trigger return spring. A good polish on all the trigger parts and a quick reassembly is all it should take to have your trigger smooth as glass.

Brad