Ruger nomenclature

[jski]

What does “GP” stand for with the GP100?
What does “SP” stand for with the SP101?

 

[TTv2]

The way I see it the GP is for General Purpose and SP is Special Purpose.

And with how heavy both the weight and trigger is on the SP101, it very much is a special purpose gun. For most uses, the GP100 is a superior choice.

 

[jski]

That’s it? “General Purpose”? Isn’t that a bit lame? They would’ve been better off naming it the L100 because, after all, it is an L frame revolver.

 

[Jim Watson]

Well, not. L frame is in the Smith and Wesson sequence of frame designations. Nothing in common with Ruger except somewhat similar overall size.

 

[jdavis123]

I think that these are simply catalog model numbers and have no other meaning.

 

[slicksleeve]

Ah c’mon, you didn’t know? It stands for Super Pistol and Gooder Pistol.