I bought the SP101 three months ago and was impressed enough that now I'm looking for a 'larger' framed Ruger revolver in .357. Nostalgia makes me lean towards the single action Blackhawk. However, does anyone have a good (practical) reason to choose the single action platform over the already rugged GP?
Blackhawk vs. GP100 .357's
- Thread starter shaffe48
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Jayhawkhuntclub
Buckeye
You clearly have no need for one, so that reason won't due. I think it looks way cooler myself. Ultimately, you have to decide if having one is worth the price to you. I'd look for a 50th NM Flattop if I were you. Mine rocks!
JBL13
Bearcat
I have a 50th Anniversary Blackhawk and three GPs (two four-inch and a six-inch). If you intend to use another .357 for self-defense, I'd suggest the GP. Beyond that, the Blackhawk is just plain cool.
I can only speak to the GP, since that is the one that I own. After checking out a friends SP I decided that I wanted something a bit bigger. I chose the GP 4". It was the best choice for me and my desired use.
I also have developed a great appreciation for SA lately, however I think that for me I would tend to get a SA without adjustable sights, since I am a new fan of Cowboy Action Shooting.
Either choice on your part would not be wrong. Ruger makes some really great wheel guns!!!
I also have developed a great appreciation for SA lately, however I think that for me I would tend to get a SA without adjustable sights, since I am a new fan of Cowboy Action Shooting.
Either choice on your part would not be wrong. Ruger makes some really great wheel guns!!!
maxpress
Buckeye
i have an sp101 and a speed six in the .357 dept. which are fine for town carry. however i have a plethora of sa's both blackhawk a vaquero which are alot funner than the da's. i can hit alot better with an sa to.
it all boils down to what you are going to be doing with it. target/hunting i would get the blackhawk. nightstand/carry i would get the gp
it all boils down to what you are going to be doing with it. target/hunting i would get the blackhawk. nightstand/carry i would get the gp
Rob72
Bearcat
The GP can do everything you may possibly want to do- from home/car/CCW to hunting. The Blackhawk- not so much. the only reason I would consider the BH is the ability to get an awesome SA trigger pull on a dedicated hunting gun.
StonewallRuger
Single-Sixer
I'd recommend the GP100 with a 4" barrel. I have one with Wolf springs. The SA pull is 2-3 pounds and the DA pull is 5 pounds. It's nice, as long as you only put your finger on the trigger when you're ready to fire!
kpp80202
Bearcat
Tough choice. I have owned a couple GP's and really liked them. They seemed tough as nails, too. However, I have recently been drooling over a few flattop blackhawks and a Bisley Hunter, and think they are really great firearms. And, also as tough as nails. I'd say the only "practical" reason to choose the single action is if you think the grip fits your hand better, as that should lead to better and more fun shooting. For me, the GP has one of the most comfortable grips ever designed, but the single action grip just feels like an extension of my hand.
tookalisten
Blackhawk
Buy either, because you know you are going to end up with both anyway!
I recently debated the same and ended up buying the Blackhawk after handling both. I also knew it would be used exclusively for hunting. However, I have picked up a GP100 each time I have been in my local gun store and keep having to talk myself out of buying one. It is just a matter of time... as soon as I save up the funds.
I recently debated the same and ended up buying the Blackhawk after handling both. I also knew it would be used exclusively for hunting. However, I have picked up a GP100 each time I have been in my local gun store and keep having to talk myself out of buying one. It is just a matter of time... as soon as I save up the funds.
Wheel Gunner
Bearcat
They are all tools and have specific purposes. Unfortunately they are not like rabbits nor multiply fast enuff.
Welcome aboard !
Welcome aboard !
roaddog28
Single-Sixer
It depends on what you want the revolver for. For home defense then go with the GP100. Now, if you want a revolver as a hunting or woods gun then the New model Blackhawk would be the best choice. Stronger than a GP100 because the frame is really a 44 mag frame. Either one is a good choice but the Blackhawk is tougher than the GP100. Not that the GP100 is weak. I have had a new model Blackhawk and consider all Blackhawks as the premium field, hunting and woods gun. But I have a new GP100 waiting for when the California waiting period is over.
I guess you can see I like tough guns!
roaddog28
I guess you can see I like tough guns!
roaddog28
roaddog28
Single-Sixer
It depends on what you want the revolver for. For home defense then go with the GP100. Now, if you want a revolver as a hunting or woods gun then the New model Blackhawk would be the best choice. Stronger than a GP100 because the frame is really a 44 mag frame. Either one is a good choice but the Blackhawk is tougher than the GP100. Not that the GP100 is weak. I have had a new model Blackhawk and consider all Blackhawks as the premium field, hunting and woods gun. But I have a new GP100 waiting for me when the California waiting period is over.
I guess you can see I like tough guns!
roaddog28
I guess you can see I like tough guns!
roaddog28
kpp80202
Bearcat
It's like deja vu... :wink:
piratedude
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2008
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- 105
Of course the right answer is Black Hawk in .44 Mag!!!!
But 2nd choice.... Black Hawk in .45 Colt... LOL
Ok.. Ok.... Third Choice
Black Hawk in .357!!!!
Although the GP100 has an edge for self defense. Not to say that you couldn't use a B H for self defense. Its just not quite as "reliable" for that roll, since if you get scared and didn't cock the hammer properly.... it could cost you everything. Not saying I would never use a BH for self defense. I did in fact grab one once when someone tried to open my front door. But I never saw anyone... so I can't really say.
But 2nd choice.... Black Hawk in .45 Colt... LOL
Ok.. Ok.... Third Choice
Black Hawk in .357!!!!
Although the GP100 has an edge for self defense. Not to say that you couldn't use a B H for self defense. Its just not quite as "reliable" for that roll, since if you get scared and didn't cock the hammer properly.... it could cost you everything. Not saying I would never use a BH for self defense. I did in fact grab one once when someone tried to open my front door. But I never saw anyone... so I can't really say.
Jimbo357mag
Hawkeye
It doesn't matter, you will no doubt end up with both. 
Cool factor = Blackhawk
Utility = GP-100
...Jimbo
Cool factor = Blackhawk
Utility = GP-100
...Jimbo
TreeDoc
Bearcat
I'd go with a blackhawk or new Vaquero, I opted for the latter of the two. Why? Because it's fun to shoot. The sp 101 covers many of your needs, there nothing like plinking at targets of opprotunity while bumming around the woods + theres the cool holster thing.
roaddog28
Single-Sixer
rhatimi":2p3nru1v said:
The new model blackhawk 357 magnum and 44 magnum are the same frame. As far as I know, their is not a 44 special blackhawk made by Ruger. That is why the 357 magnum version Blackhawk is stronger than the GP100. Not that the GP100 is weak. The GP100 is the strongest 357 magnum double action revolver in production today.
roaddog
roaddog28
roaddog28":3bspmyba said:
roaddog28
The logic behind your answer makes perfect sense.
Being fairly new to this forum and owning Rugers (Have 1 want MANY more) I was wondering if your answer is based on actual metal thickness measurements or just that a 44 Magnum would have to be stronger/thicker metal than a 357 Magnum.
Thanks in advance for any and all replies.
GaryA
Single-Sixer
The 50th Anniversary .357 "flattop" is/was built on a medium frame as is the current 44 Special model. The 50th Anniversary .44 Magnum and all regular production Blackhawks are built on the large .44 frame.
