What is the purpose of a GP-100?

[Flechette]

Don't take me wrong, I have a GP 100 and love it.

However, I keep running into people at gun shows and online that vociferously maintain that one should not, under any circumstance over load a cartridge beyond SAAMI standards (even the watered down standards).

If this is the case, why not carry a light weight J-frame in .357? What it the purpose of a large .357 like the GP-100?

Flechette

(P.S. I like rolling my own +P++ )

 

[JR24]

Hm, not a cartridge expert so I can't comment on that. But I'd take a full size, 4-6 inch barrel over a J-frame in terms of ease of shooting, pointability and comfort even shooting little sissy loads. YMMV

Practically I like that sized revolver for a side arm while hunting, I wouldn't want a J-frame in that instance either.

Else, If I run out of ammo, those GP-100's make great clubs.

 

[pearsonm]

Even my wife liked the feel of the large-frame GP over the smaller SP. If I were carrying it every day I'd feel different. Then again, if I were carrying everyday I'd probably have a single-stack, polymer automatic.

 

[Texan Scott]

the point of a gp-100 is the same as the point of any full-size .357. it's a full-size .357.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The interrelated qualities of less recoil, better accuracy and (somewhat subjective) "shootability."

 

[rcmodel]

(P.S. I like rolling my own +P++

Any experienced reloader with 1/2 a working brain cell will tell you that is foolhardy.

SAAMI pressure is safe because the gun that fires it has been proof tested with the overloads you apparently are so proud to be foolishly loading.

Count your blessings, (and fingers) while you can.

Sooner or later, your untested +P++ loads are gonna jump up and bite you where the sun don't shine!

The reason a full size .357 duty revolver is made is because it is stronger, will last far longer without going out of time, and is way more accurate, and doesn't kick nearly as hard then any Small Frame .357 ever made, by anyone.

rc

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If this is the case, why not carry a light weight J-frame in .357?

Shoot them side by side for comparison and get back to us.

 

[jmr40]

The 1st 357's were built on large frames desgned for 44's and 45's. Cops complained they were too heavy. S&W found a way to make 357's on the medium frame guns made for 38's. After a while they found they would not hold up to heavy 357 recoil. These were not hot loads, just factory 357 loads. The Colt Python, S&W 686, and Ruger GP-100 split the difference and are designed around the 357 chambering.

To be honest with advances in todays metals the GP-100 size frame is probably a little bigger than really needed, but I wouldn't want anything smaller for a lot of shooting.

There are problem's with the small snub nosed 357's. For one thing the recoil and muzzle blast are pretty bad from smaller guns. Also a 357 really needs at LEAST 4" of barrel. Anything shorter and you are getting 9mm performance, at best. Many 9mm loads will equal 357 loads from 4" barrels.

Auto's have completely taken over role of SD handguns for many good reasons. The main purpose of a GP-100 in todays world would be with a barrel longer than 4", loaded with heavier bullets and used for hunting or long range shooting.

 

[WardenWolf]

The GP-100 is built on the same frame as the Super Redhawk (which goes up to .454 Casull), and built like an absolute tank. It's one of the strongest, if not *the* strongest, .357 revolvers out there. If you're going to hot-load, it's probably the best candidate. The GP-100 could easily be offered in a .44 Magnum model, but that's reserved solely for the Redhawk and Super Redhawk.

 

[Teachu2]

My first wheelgun was a Model 28 - a .357 built on a .44Mag frame. It was also the first gun I reloaded for - and probably saved my fingers. I loaded some hot enough to flow the primers, others to back the primers out and lock up the cylinder. Don't know if a K frame would have held up - and don't want to find out....

 

[JellyJar]

Shooting a lightweight J-frame in .357 magnum...

Bang!...Ouch, D%m, #$%& Never again!!!

Shooting a GP100 in .357 mag. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. Load six more. This is fun!

Addendum.

The fact that lots of people buy light weight j frame type handguns in .357mag is proof positive that lots of people buy handguns and then never shoot them!. That also explains how Taurus stays in business based on reviews of their guns here and elsewhere.

 

[Brian Williams]

So S&W and Colt fans have something to say look at my pretty revolver it is better than that thing(GP-100) while Dan Wesson shooters laugh at all of us.

 

[SEE IT LIKE A NATIVE]

In addition to the comfort , accuracy and durability . The performance of the round itself is better ! Velocity is higher , you can use heavier bullets ! Take game or shoot over longer distances ! Kevin

 

[bikemutt]

So S&W and Colt fans have something to say look at my pretty revolver it is better than that thing(GP-100) while Dan Wesson shooters laugh at all of us.

I own all of these and yes, some are prettier than others, all great shooters. Ran across a Ruger GP100 this week, the "Wiley Clapp" 3" model that blew me out of my S&W water, so I bought it. Up 'till now I've not cared much for the GP100 but this one felt so right. It's on layaway so I'll have to wait a bit to shoot it but my oh my, Ruger nailed it on this one.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

The purpose of the GP100 is to be ruggedly handsome.

 

[Deaf Smith]

What is the purpose of a GP-100?

To shoot'em six times and then beat them to death with the gun (it's a fair club, I'll tell you that.)

My 3 inch Canadian GP100 (below) is a very good house and field gun.

Deaf

 

[RaceM]

Yup, full size heavies are better at sucking up recoil than the lightweights. I like being able to shoot as much .357 as I want, in whatever loading, and still find the last round as much fun as the first.

 

[beatledog7]

A GP-100 is designed to be a pretty much ok substitute for a Ruger Six series in case you can't find one.

 

[lowercase]

What is the purpose of a GP-100?

I can't believe that nobody has mentioned killing zombies.

 

[Dr_B]

GP100 = fun. There ya go.

 

[skidder]

Any experienced reloader with 1/2 a working brain cell will tell you that is foolhardy.

SAAMI pressure is safe because the gun that fires it has been proof tested with the overloads you apparently are so proud to be foolishly loading.

RC has a good point.
There are many factors that need to be addressed when choosing a load for your firearm. A common misconception is that overloading is a sure way to achieving a certain velocity and energy. They get stuck on a certain powder, bullet, and barrel length. Changing things up can achieve the same desired velocity and energy without exceeding saami pressures. example: faster burning powder in a shorter barrel. I don't shoot my hunting loads designed for my 6" in my snub nose (waste of powder and energy). Finding the most efficient combination will often out perform some of these unsafe "macho loads" people come up with.

 

[dom1104]

The GP-100 is built on the same frame as the Super Redhawk (which goes up to .454 Casull), and built like an absolute tank. It's one of the strongest, if not *the* strongest, .357 revolvers out there. If you're going to hot-load, it's probably the best candidate. The GP-100 could easily be offered in a .44 Magnum model, but that's reserved solely for the Redhawk and Super Redhawk.

You do realize, you are completly and 100% wrong in just about everything you said here.

 

[Orion8472]

I'd say, for the fun of owning a revolver of that size. . . yet not have the recoil of guns that are usually that big.

Now, if I were to get a gun that big, I'd probably go with .44mag and shoot .44 Specials out of them. But my dad's GP100, with .38 Specials is quite fun!

 

[JohnBT]

"P.S. I like rolling my own +P++ "

I hope you warn everyone within 50 yards when you shoot those mystery loads. No, I'm not kidding. You have no right to endanger others.

John

 

[1KPerDay]

Ditto... hand out disclaimers/waivers to everyone on the firing line with you.