Gp 100

[moulton]

I am looking for a backup gun for hog hunting, target shooting and home defence. when at the gun store the employee showed me a S&W .357 mg 4inch barrel, and a ruger gp100 .357 mag 4inch barrel. I really like the look of the ruger with the inlaid grips and all. anyone have experience with the ruger gp100 in .357 mag

[losangeles]

I've been shooting one every once in a while for the last half year. I like the way it feels in my hands --- and that's one of the big determinants for you to select a gun, if it is comfortable in your hands --- it's reasonably accurate, and I think it looks good.

Can't say anything as to resiliency and durability since I haven't had it that long but others who have owned it longer give it a thumbs up in that regard. I like Ruger as a company (and I own several Rugers) because they back up their product. I can attest to having called customer support a couple times and they got a gun tech on the phone with me to walk me through an issue. Not many gun companies, or a company in any industry, will do that.

Also, whether is the gun for you will depend on your needs. For example, I haven't even considered it as a target shooter in competition, as I have other guns that do that; and I can't speak as to that ability. Pricewise, it's a hundred to two hundred bucks cheaper than comparable guns.

[bear308]

great choice, of all of the rental guns at the Firing-Line Burbank the three GP-100 are the only one that have never been fixed. We've had them there since the begining and only now are we having to get two of them rebarreled due to key holes at 7 yards. Never had a smith last that long. For most people you'll never have a problem with the S&W but the Ruger is just stronger. Plus you can detail strip it without too much trouble.

[Creampuff]

I am looking for a backup gun for hog hunting, target shooting and home defence. when at the gun store the employee showed me a S&W .357 mg 4inch barrel, and a ruger gp100 .357 mag 4inch barrel. I really like the look of the ruger with the inlaid grips and all. anyone have experience with the ruger gp100 in .357 mag

I have the ruger gp100, in a 4inch, stainless, heavy barrel. I bought it way back in 1993, so I don't know what changes they have made since then. Back then, my choice was between the S&W 686 or the gp100. The S&W had the smoother action, but I just liked the ruggedness of the gp100. If I had to choose between a light barrel gp100 or s&w 686, I would have gone with the 686. But I really like the heavy barrel gp100 over the 686, I guess for looks, ruggedness, and the feel of a heavy barrel. I have had this for over 12 years...great gun.

[wolfsong]

I own and shoot three GP100s, a 3", a 4" and a 6". The 4" is the one I use most, not sure why, I just do. They are indeed rugged and you can shoot handloads all day. They may not be as pretty as Smiths, but that isn't a factor for me. I have a 4" S & W 686 also, and it shoots just as well, but I still prefer the Rugers. I, like you, use mine for back-up when pig and bear hunting. I feed the 3" gun .38 snake shot when I'm high country trout fishing, for that occasional rattler that needs to die. My opinion, save a few bucks and get the Ruger. Maybe put the 686 on lay-away, then you can have both. Good luck to you, whichever one you choose. Peace and God bless, Wolfsong.

[461]

Love mine and shoot the heck out of it. It fits my hand perfectly since putting the smaller factory grip on it and is one of if not my favorite firearm. The fixed sight models come with a smaller grip for concealment, but you can order the same grip from Lett's or Ruger for about ten bucks or about twenty with inserts, the inserts are the same ones the SP-101 uses but the grip is larger.

[Ratters]

I have a 6" full underlug stainless. I want to get a blued one without the underlug, just for style purposes. Great pistols. Don't have quite as nice a trigger as the S&W but they are hell for stout and will not let you down. Very good choice in a .357.

[Turbinator]

Great gun. Get it.



Turby

[wuhungsix]

^^^ I got one just like that, but don't shoot it much. That thing is SOLID as hell.

[bruceflinch]

I bought a GP100 in '97. 6" barrel/stainless. Great solid gun. I did have to put a Hogue grip in it. The pretty,stock grip, put my middle finger knuckle against the trigger guard Brutal, with full load power rounds. True, the trigger is not as smooth as my SW 686, but I will keep this revolver forever.

[moulton]

Is there a length requirement on revolvers being used for hunting?

[HillBilly]

It is extrememly hard to beat this revolver. I love my new (used) 6" stainless. My buddie had had one for years, and he has umteen thousand rounds through it, and probably hasn't cleaned it for many of those thousand rounds. they both function flawlessly, and shoot dead on accurate. I can shoot the center 10 ring out of a target at 50 yards...and I suck!

[Turbinator]

It is extrememly hard to beat this revolver. I love my new (used) 6" stainless. My buddie had had one for years, and he has umteen thousand rounds through it, and probably hasn't cleaned it for many of those thousand rounds. they both function flawlessly, and shoot dead on accurate. I can shoot the center 10 ring out of a target at 50 yards...and I suck!

Used Rugers are great. The one I posted a picture of was used! Got it from River City Gun Exchange in Sacramento at a steal of a price. It cleaned up nicely and shoots as well as you say yours does.

Turby