What gun is like a gp100 but cheaper?

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dallssheep

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forgive my ignorance, but I am more familiar with autos than revolvers. I have been looking into getting a .357 and have shot/handled a 4inch gp100 and it felt great. the price tag is a little pricy for me at this moment though. Is there a cheaper alternative that is close to the gp100?
 
You could get a new Rossi or Taurus for around $350, but I wouldn't buy one of them. Save up for the GP100 or buy a used GP for the same price as a cheaper gun. JMO though.
 
I agree. Look for a used GP100. Also a suggestion. Look for a Ruger Security Six. Nearly as strong as a GP100 and less expense. The Security Six is lighter but plenty strong enough.

Good luck,
roaddog28
 
Another +1 on the GP-100. It's more gun for your money than the revolvers that cost less. And you can get them pretty cheap, especially used. For that matter my brother just picked up a 4" S&W 686+ for $425, lightly used.
 
gp100's are fairly inexpensive used i got mine for 325 there is nothing really cheaper that compares most of the ones i have seen used are under 400 dollars if you save up and shop around it wont be hard to find one
 
Man. Where are you all finding gp100s going for that cheap?! I have been seeing them go for about 450 used here
 
Used GPs in my area usually sell for $380-$420, though I've seen a 4" blued one for low as $350.

Another option is to look as used Ruger Six revolvers (Security - adj sights square butt / Police Service - fixed sights square butt / Speed - fixed sights round butt). The GP is a great gun, but I personally prefer the Ruger Sixes as I like the way they balance in my hands better. Plus, they look better than the GPs IMHO. Right now, there are lots of used 4" Police Service Sixes on the market that were reimported from Canada, selling for $250 - $300. I picked mine up in Oct '09 for $275. Great all around handgun, suitable for range fun, home protection or carry.


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To echo what most everyone said, Ruger GP100's are good revolvers. You already like them. Look for a used one or save up for a new one. The price is only going to go up. Think about the likelihood of high inflation due to the current administration's "stimulus" spending...... Both new and used guns will go up. Used guns parallel the price of new guns in general.
 
I don't know if you can get a Taurus 66 for under 400 bucks. If you can, do it. I have two and they're far, far more accurate guns than the Security Six I had. I very much prefer 'em. The GP100 is a slightly bigger and quite a bit heavier gun, though. If I'm going to carry THAT much weight, i'll carry my .45 Colt Blackhawk.

The Rossi 971 is in the 350 range, but I'd rather have a Taurus, personally. I've owned both.

Edit.....A good used Taurus 66 will be in the 250 range. Forget the used Smith K frames, can buy a new GP100 cheaper.
 
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I'd also look for a used GP-100. Mine is very smooth and a very solid gun.
 
Another vote for trying to find a used GP100. I bought a used blued one for $375 that was like new. Didn't even have any marks on the cylinder where the action had been worked much.
Traded it off, and regretted it ever since.
 
As a few guys have pointed out save a little more or buy a used gp. I looked at Taurus and Rossi revolvers and while they can be had for less that is what they are. The Tracker is a handsome gun and so is the Rossi (i forget the model) but neither gun will last as long as the Ruger.
 
Like the others have said, either buy a used one or save for a bit to get one new.

In my opinion the only difference between new and a good used one is the pretty box.

The gun itself will be just as good and last just as long as the new one.
 
Since we're on the topic of used GP100s, any tips on picking out a good one versus an abused example?

My local pawn has a 6" blue that probably has seen better days. I was checking it out and the lady mentioned "Feels off huh?" This was a half asking half commenting kind of tone. I didn't know what to make of it since it it felt alright to me, but I'm a newbie so I just replied with a vague "Yeah, something might be off a little..." type of remark.

Looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a while and the blue was worn in at least one spot on the cylinder (~2mm diameter). They had it marked at $340, they said they just got it and if it is still there next month they might be willing to deal. They do have a 30 day return policy, so I was thinking about going after it if it is still there in a few weeks and then taking it straight to my local (trusted) gun shop and have the smith take a look before the return period is out.


So other than obvious signs of damage, what do you look for to determine if a used revolver just needs some Hoppes and a bit elbow grease or if it has been abused. I don't mind having a revolver with a little wear on it if the price is right and it works fine, especially since an old blue revolver looks pretty tough.



And to the OP, I've been shopping both autos and revolvers for my first handgun to use in home defense and range activities (no carrying). I'll agree with others here that the GP100 is the one to get, even if you have to wait and save or buy used. The rock solid feel and reputation to match are hard to beat, especially since the Smiths are a lot pricier and the others not much cheaper.
 
I got a great deal on a used 4" SS GP100 some years back, and stupidly, sold it. From that experience I learned that just because you don't shoot a particular gun often is no reason to sell it. Excellent revolver.
 
>>Where are you all finding gp100s going for that cheap<<

If you're patient, you can find them. I just bought a very nice 4" SS GP100 at my local shop for $375.00 OTD. :)
 
Almost good enough or almost what you want are very expensive items because you will not be happy with it and will purchase what you wanted originally and have now spent twice the amount for it. Get a used one in good condition or save a little longer.
 
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