Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    I am not a revolver person, . . so far. I've shot a few, and had the pleasure of shooting a friend's GP100 over the weekend. IMO, despite having tried just a few wheel guns, that felt great to shoot, and I was reasonably accurate with it. Here are my questions/concerns/comments:

    I really like the single action trigger pull on the GP100.
    It seems to be well made, and I prefer it in terms of look and feel to the comparable Smith & Wesson.
    I'm not so crazy about the double-action trigger pull on it, or on any revolver I've shot so far.
    So first: How does the GP100 compare to other revolvers in terms of shooting it double action? Is there a revolver as nice or nicer, in the same price range (saw it new for $525), same form factor, same round, that's "smoother"/easier to fire in double action mode?
    Overall impressions/reliablility? What do those that own them think?

    Thanks as always!
    "I don't care what went wrong. I beat the snot out of it until it works" - Clint Smith

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    GP100s are excellent firearms. What you need to ask yourself is what barrel length do you want

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    Quote Originally Posted by Lucas View Post
    GP100s are excellent firearms. What you need to ask yourself is what barrel length do you want
    Definitely the 4.2" barrel.
    "I don't care what went wrong. I beat the snot out of it until it works" - Clint Smith

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    Though I agree with the idea of a Ruger, I personally think that the S&W Model 10 (or variants of them) are the best revolvers for the new person to wheelguns.

    If you hunt around you will be able to pick up either the blued versions of the K frame with 4" barrels (Models 10, 13, 15 or 19), or their corresponding stainless variants (64, 65, 66, 67 or 68). The 10/13 are 0.38 special the 15/19 are 0.357 mags (though only for mid-loads and no high speed 125 grain variations). Provided you look for good second-hand police trade-ins, you will be able to find excellent weapons from the 1970s-early 80s that were holstered a lot, shot a little.

    My best performing in both SA and DA are a stainless 4" Model 67 in 0.38 special with the tapered barrel from the late 1970s, and a 1950s era Model 14 6" target variant in 0.38 special, though i probably have over 20 examples of the basic Model 10 ranging from 1910 through 1985, so could be a trifle "biased". Dave_n

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    I have a 4" GP100 & I love it. I shoot 99% double action & while it is a long pull, the action smooths out nicely after shooting it a while. It's very accurate & built like a tank. I don't think you can go wrong, if you want a brand new revolver. You should be able to find one for $500 if you look around.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    Can't talk much about S&W since all my revolvers have been Rugers. I found a 4" SS GP100 in great shape over a year ago at Tanner's for $325, and Quimby's had several over the summer, so you can find a used one if you poke around.

    As far as I'm concerned, almost any used Ruger is a good deal since they'll last forever.

    Here's a great write-up on what to look for in a used revolver:

    http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...threadid=57816
    Last edited by Roland of Gilead; December 28th, 2010 at 12:48 PM. Reason: bloody typos
    Blessed are they who, faced with danger, think only of the front sight. -- Jeff Cooper

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    Great choice~first revolver I ever fired was a Ruger Security-Six. I have a .44 Ruger Redhawk revolver and someday would like to add a Ruger .357 to the collection, maybe even a used Security-Six or Service-Six in nice condition. I hear great things about the GP.
    USMC 2/10 1982-85
    ~REMEMBER FT. HOOD~

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    GP100 is an excellent revolver. They're over built and will last. There are better manufacturers like Smith and Wesson and used Colts but for the price range and the durability I don't think the Ruger can be beat.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    Thanks to all for your responses so far. Comparing the GP100 to the S&W 686, though there may be a few plus/minuses in either column, I think that given the Smith goes for about $150 more (new), I'd be leaning toward the GP100. Not sure when, but this might be the next purchase.
    "I don't care what went wrong. I beat the snot out of it until it works" - Clint Smith

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Ruger GP100 for First Revolver?

    I have had both the GP100 and the S&W 686. I still have the GP100. I have the S&W Model 66 that was written about. I like the Ruger. S&W does not make a bad gun, but cost wise, the Ruger is better.

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