Big Bore GP100

[Forty-Four Fan]

Sadly, another lost opportunity. A short barrel on a frame that is too big and heavy for concealed carry. What I realize is few gun owners actually shoot or carry their guns. They are safe queens that sometimes get shot now and then.

As much as I prefer Ruger, the new Model 69 S&W nailed it: 4" half-lug barrel, fluted cylinder. Better for packin in the woods, hunt or on the farm.

 

[DPris]

Y'know, not everybody requires a 10-ounce gun for daily carry.
And not everybody wants a lock in their gun.
And not everybody wants a 4-inch barrel.

What you're saying is it's a lost opportunity for Ruger to meet YOUR desires.
Meets mine just fine.

You buy the Smith, I'll keep the Ruger.
Denis

 

[flc]

Sadly, another lost opportunity. A short barrel on a frame that is too big and heavy for concealed carry. What I realize is few gun owners actually shoot or carry their guns. They are safe queens that sometimes get shot now and then.

As much as I prefer Ruger, the new Model 69 S&W nailed it: 4" half-lug barrel, fluted cylinder. Better for packin in the woods, hunt or on the farm.

Everbody's got a .....
opinion, but yours is nowhere near mine. I packed N, L, and K frame smiths for years in the woods and in the jungle. Easily concealed N frames and smaller IWB and on the belt. I still like old smiths but handled the new 69 before I bought my GP100 .44 and just couldn't bring myself to like it. It didn't feel right to me and that's my opinion, while I do respect the opinion of others that do like it. One of my favorites for many years was a 696 that I shot lots, and loose. I also had a .44 Mountain gun I really liked. I can count the number of magnums I shot thru it on my hands but shot tons of specials, some hot. I can carry my GP100 easily IWB but rarely do because I carry a full size Sig in the jungle. My GP100 goes to the woods normally.

When I was young I thought I needed to own lots of guns but now only own a select few which all get shot frequently. I went to Sigs after retiring from the Army and working for a federal agency that issued them. They became very comforting in the next 24 years of work. As I narrowed down my collection I became very selective and for me the GP100 is perfect. I believe it will eventually replace the 696 as a cult revolver. If it does, that's far from a "lost opportunity." And if the ads are correct it's an inch shorter and ounce lighter than the 69. Course, it doesn't shoot 44 mags, but neither do I.

I only own one Smith now (and really like it.) It gets shot lots also but not as many rounds thru it at a time. It's S&W M&P 340 .357 which is strictly a "get off me" gun. I do shoot and carry mags in it but gotta admit it stings! BTW, it doesn't have a hole in it either (which is an absolute requirement with me.)

Enjoy your Smith - I really like my GP100!

 

[dougader]

Well, I sent a text msg to my local dealer and asked if he could order me the new 44 Spl GP100. He answered by sending me back a picture of it. That was about 2 pm om 1/3/17. I just picked it up at 5:20 pm tonight, 1/5/17. Fast!

I like the gun, and for $629.99 out the door (which includes the $10 State police fee for their faux-instant background check), I think it's a great gun in today's marketplace. Last S&W I bought had a crap trigger and spit lead. Although I hear the 69 is a nice gun, I have yet to see one, and I don't want a 44 mag anyway.

I have 44 Spl, 45 Colt, and if I want more power I step up in caliber to 480 Ruger. I made the decision to dump 44 mag and 454 and made the switch to 480 Ruger and that works for me.

As for weight, I don't carry concealed with a heavy revolver anymore. I have Glock 9mm's and a G21sf for concealed carry. I see the 3" GP 44 spl as a good camping, fishing, hiking gun. If I'm going to hunt then I'll use my flat top Bisley in 44 Spl, the 45 Colt or one of my 480's.

I think the GP100, 3" 44 spl is a great gun to throw in the glove box or wear on a good gun belt in the OWB style. The first gun I ever carried was a 6" 357 mag. I imagine I can carry a 3" GP100 just fine.

This one has about the smoothest trigger I've ever felt on a new DA revovler. I love it already and can't wait to get out and shoot it.

 

[rangerbob]

flc, I've got a 340 M&P in my pocket as I type, no hole either. I use it for the same purpose as you stated. If I knew I was going to be in a shootout, I'd prefer one of my P226's and extra mags or better yet, my M1A. As far as the M69 goes, the lock, the 2 piece barrel, and the ball detent lock don't turn me on. A six shot(or5) in 41 magnum would get my attention. I love S&W's and have close to 40 of them, including M29's and M57's without locks. I have not shot my GP-100 44 yet(bad weather), but I think it fills a small niche. Bob!!