Standard Ruger GP100 or Match Champion

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JSH1

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I have a Ruger SP101 that I like and I am looking to add a larger revolver to the collection for range work and home defense. This will be my first 357 Mag but I expect to shoot mostly 38 special.

I went to the local store and handled regular GP100s in 4", 5", and 6" barrel lengths. The 6" and 5" felt front heavy to me but the 4" balanced nice. I hated the finger grooves on the rubber grip. Price was $650

Then I handled the Match Champion. (They had one with each style of sight) It balanced about the the same as the 4" standard but the grips fit my hands just about perfect. I know the trigger is suppose to have some polishing but it didn't really feel much different from the standards GP100s. (One had a better trigger than the Match Champions, the other's slightly worse.) Price is $750

So my dilemma is this: I like the look of the full lug barrel on the standard GP100 better (I also don't like the "Match Champion" engraving). I like the grip and front sight on the Match Champion better. The trigger feel seems to be specific to the individual gun. I'm tempted to buy a standard GP100 and upgrade the grips and front sight with the $100 savings.

The real question is this: Are there any other key differences between the two models that I'm missing?
 
Nothing balances better for me then a 4" "jeep". You can have the 3" and 6" models. Personally, I think the Match Champion is ugly. However, that is relative and does not matter in terms of function. There are aftermarket sight and grip options available for the GP, so changing them out would not be a problem.
 
JSH1 said:
So my dilemma is this: I like the look of the full lug barrel on the standard GP100 better (I also don't like the "Match Champion" engraving). I like the grip and front sight on the Match Champion better. The trigger feel seems to be specific to the individual gun. I'm tempted to buy a standard GP100 and upgrade the grips and front sight with the $100 savings.

The real question is this: Are there any other key differences between the two models that I'm missing?
Click to expand...

Changing a grip and sight are not that hard, or expensive depending on what you choose. Sounds like you'd be happier going that route.

When I buy a modern day production gun, the grip is almost totally irrelevant to me. I ignore how the grip feels in my hand because they are always too small for me and are easily changed out to a host of different options that suite me far better. The balance is what I care about. 5" revolvers are always my preference.

As far as other key differences, I don't think so.

You're pretty set on wanting a GP100, right? You aren't interested in a S&W?
 
Shot bullseye with a standard, 4", GP with the wood insert grips, for years. Had the thing since they first came here about 35 years ago(wasn't anywhere near $650 then. Only came in 4" then too.).
Trigger will need doing. Likely will on the "Match"(very similar to the old Security Six) too. Ruger is terrified of the frivolous law suits. Costs a pile of money even when you win.
Grips aren't an issue. If you don't like 'em, it's not stupid expensive to change 'em. My GP is the only revolver I've ever owned that did not need a change of grips or anything else to fit my hand either. Needed a trigger job and nothing else.
 
460Kodiak said:
You're pretty set on wanting a GP100, right? You aren't interested in a S&W?
Click to expand...

I'm not totally set on the GP100.

I'm looking for medium frame revolver (Smith or Ruger)
  • Stainless Steel
  • Double / Single action
  • Adjustable sights
  • About a 4" barrel
  • Six or more rounds
  • .357 Magnum

Looking at the current S&W catalog it looks like a S&W 686 would fit the bill. I've had no luck actually seeing / touching one in person. Prices seem to be about $100 more that the GP100 Match Champion

I went to a gun shop on my lunch break and they had exactly 5 (used) revolvers in their gun case. They had a 3" S&W 696 in .41 special. It felt OK the trigger didn't seem to be any better than the Ruger but I had no way to compare back to back.

You could call me a frustrated buyer. Pretty much any shop I visit has cases of plastic semi-autos to choose from and at most a dozen revolvers. A couple of which will be a Judge, Single Six, and BlackHawk. The rest will be snub nosed revolvers for concealed carry. All are happy to order me a gun sight unseen. If I wanted to do that I would just order something from Bud's.
 
Yeah the 686 or 686+ is the natural Smith suggestion. There are a number of variants that may suit you, and lots of after market parts available.

I think the GP is a great revolver based on handling several, but the S&W 686 has a lot to offer as well. I have a 3" unflutted 686+ and a 686 Competitor. Both are fantastic shooters.

I don't like to buy guns without laying hands on them but Gunbroker.com is a great resource for finding the specific model that you want. Either brand is a good decision IMO.

Good luck.
 
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I personally like the grips on my plain Jane GP100. There ugly but functional.
I had to replaced the hammer strut because the original one had burrs from the manufacturing process that should have been removed at the factory but now the trigger is great. I tried out a Match Champion last week and was pleasantly surprised to find the trigger in my gun to be superior.
 
I have nothing against rubber grips but the finger groove on the GP100 grips don't line up with my fingers.
 
JSH1

Never cared for either grip design of the GP100; both felt uncomfortable in my hand. Like the balance and handling of the 4" barrel but also like the 5" barrel. Best advice to give is for you to go with the model that feels best in terms of balance and handling.
 
jimherb said:
Taurus 608?
Click to expand...
No Taurus, Rossi, EEA, etc. Since I'm buying a gun to use for the next 50 years or so it will be a Ruger or Smith. Something that I might still be able to get parts and accessories for decades from now.
 
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Can't render an opinion on the standard ones but I really dig my GP100 Match Champ. The squirrels disagree.

20151106_d0120_zpsx3p4tycl.jpg

I still have those after-market grips, but I've put the stock ones back on and like them better.
 
I found a shop today that had a S&W 686 Plus and GP100 (both 6") It may be the individual samples but I couldn't tell a difference between the triggers. The 686 did have a polished finish (though noticeably different between the barrel and frame) and the Ruger a matte finish and the 686 had an extra round in the cylinder. Also $120 more for the Smith. The guy at the counter said it is basically a "Ford vs Chevy" thing, each brand has their loyal customers.

One of the local shops has a 4 inch 686 as a rental - I may take it for a spin.
 
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Naear88 said:
I haven't shot a match champ yet but I'm really happy with my standard GP100 4" I put on Match Champ grips and installed wolff spring kit made the trigger to my liking..
I also have 6" with stock rosewood insert grips great gun as well...solid frames the Gp100's are
Grips sold here
http://shopruger.com/Double-Action-Revolvers/products/5351/
Click to expand...

Do you happen to have a picture of your standard GP100 with the Match Champion grips?
 
Think you meant the Smith had an extra chamber. Right? That would be the 686+ seven round gun.

Ruger doesn't make a seven round GP100 as fast as I know.
 
460Kodiak said:
Think you meant the Smith had an extra chamber. Right? That would be the 686+ seven round gun.

Ruger doesn't make a seven round GP100 as fast as I know.
Click to expand...

Yes, I can see how my post was confusing (now edited)
The Smith was a 686 + with a 7 round cylinder
The Ruger was a GP100 with a 6 round cylinder

Handling the guns I couldn't tell any real difference between the two except that the Smith holds an extra round, cost $120 more, and had a (bad) polish job.
 
I have a 4"Match Champion & a 6" std GP100. I really like the lighter weight of the MC, and the grip. The trigger on the 6" is actually better however and I like the grips from the MC even better on the 6" gun. I think I'm going to order in a set of the old style smaller Ruger grips with the inserts to try on the MC to make that gun just a bit trimmer to carry.
 
No Taurus, Rossi, EEA, etc. Since I'm buying a gun to use for the next 50 years or so it will be a Ruger or Smith. Something that I might still be able to get parts and accessories for decades from now.
Click to expand...

If taking that position, then the plain GP100 might be the better bet on the Ruger side. I have both models, but I wouldn't put money on the Match Champion being in the Ruger line indefinitely. For Smith's, the current production struggles to live up to any S&W reputation, and you get into the lock system debate, especially with magnums that can give the gun a heavy jolt.

The problem I have had with the Rugers is that most of them had to go back to the factory or my gunsmith at least once. The common theme seemed to be problems with cylinders. Although not in their regular line, with their limited edition Single Seven, they had no cylinders left and no plans to get more, so be careful what you may assume in terms of long term support.

After 25 years out of production I was not able to get a replacement barrel for a Service Six, even aftermarket Numrich or 6 months of searching on the used listings. I found 357 barrels but noT 38 Special. I cared what was stamped on the barrel and did not want to bastardize the 38.
 
The Ruger MC is on my short list, all the features my regular GP was lacking to be a perfect packing pistol. The one at my LGS looks real nice, mirror smooth chambers and bore, perfect crown. Much nicer than the 686 I saw.

2 things I don't like, the giant billboards on the barrel, and the lightened mainspring bothers me, but the last one is easily fixed.

Hard to beat the original full size rubber grips w/panels, but the MC wood grips do feel real nice. The Hogue rubber finger grooves are my last choice.

Both companies can put out some dogs these days, so I wouldn't buy sight unseen.
 
JSH1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Naear88 View Post
I haven't shot a match champ yet but I'm really happy with my standard GP100 4" I put on Match Champ grips and installed wolff spring kit made the trigger to my liking..
I also have 6" with stock rosewood insert grips great gun as well...solid frames the Gp100's are
Grips sold here
http://shopruger.com/Double-Action-R...products/5351/
Do you happen to have a picture of your standard GP100 with the Match Champion grips?
Click to expand...


Fotor_145291315443171_zpsbkqzordn.jpg

My 6" is a nice range/night stand gun think i've had her since 2004 or so no probs so far like Manny id like to get a set of compact wood insert grips for my 4" to try but the match camp grips carry good

Fotor_145291329505333_zps8ciqgcos.jpg
sorry pics are small been awhile since ive used Pb

good luck with your choice
 
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RealGun said:
If taking that position, then the plain GP100 might be the better bet on the Ruger side. I have both models, but I wouldn't put money on the Match Champion being in the Ruger line indefinitely...
Click to expand...

I doubt the Match Champion will be around for long but that doesn't worry me much. My understanding is that the Match Champion is just a regular GP100 with a different barrel profile and a little more attention to detail. All of the internals should mix and match between the Match Champion and standard model.
 
Naear88 said:
My 6" is a nice range/night stand gun think i've had her since 2004 or so no probs so far like Manny id like to get a set of compact wood insert grips for my 4" to try but the match camp grips carry good
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pictures Naear88. Both are nice looking guns and I do like the standard GP100 paired with the Match Champion grips.
 
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