Howdy!
So, I just registered for the Ruger Forum after doing quite a bit of research all over the web... I have checked out quite a few articles online about the GP100 Standard and the Match Champion, both in 4.2" (the "targets" of my attention).
TL;DR - I am leaning toward purchasing the Standard primarily due to the adjustable sights and full lug, but I am eager to hear experienced shooters' opinions (specifically Ruger owners).
***
I am just getting back into shooting, and I initially wanted to get a S&W 357 like my dad used to own (may he RIP). My intention is to get a gun that is fun to shoot, good for home defense, and a legacy piece that I can pass down to my son someday (I'm looking to purchase new - not used). My dad's gun was stolen when I was a boy, but I never forgot how fun it was to shoot.
I picked up quite a few Smiths, but every one I held (even up to their massive 500s) felt really small in my hand - the biggest issue is that my middle knuckle rubbed up against the trigger guard, and just dry firing in the store caused some discomfort. I know that aftermarket grips are available, but as I am "new" to the sport, I don't have much access to try out different brands, and I don't want to spend a fortune buying grips to find something that fits.
Ruger wasn't even on my radar when I walked into a LGS and the "old timer" behind the counter handed me a Standard and told me to check it out. The gun fit my hand almost perfectly (I think I may have heard an angel or two singing in the background)! However, I had some reservations about getting something other than a S&W (remembering my dad's gun), and I really wanted to start / continue a family tradition. To that, the old timer asked, "Why not start your own tradition?" And as a result, my research into Ruger began....
So... after spending too much time online digging through information about these two models, here's my request (with my specific, and possibly incorrect, biases)...
I am looking for a gun that fulfills the following criteria, and I've narrowed my search to the GP100 Standard (Model 1705) and the Match Champion (Model 1754):
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Fun to Shoot
- Affordable (I'd rather spend money on ammo and range time)
- Comfortable (the Standard fits my hand, I haven't found a Match Champion available to hold, but I've read that the grip size is almost identical, minus the finger grooves)
As far as pros & cons (to my way of thinking, anyway)...
Match Champion
...has additional work done to the internals which makes it smoother and more consistent
...has upgraded wooden grip (and a pretty one at that!)
...has upgraded front and rear sights (not sure why the rear is an upgrade over adjustable)
...has a crowned barrel (not totally sure what this is, but it looks cool, and is supposed to protect the barrel if the gun is mishandled)
Standard
...has an adjustable rear sight (making it easier to adjust the gun to 38 vs 357 shooting)
...has a full lug, making the gun heavier, but steadier between shots, especially DA (I don't plan to shoot competitively, just for fun & home defense)
...doesn't have obnoxious lettering on the side of the barrel - just sayin'! (but, if I'm being completely honest, after looking at the "Match Champion" more and more, the lettering is growing on me...)
Right now I am leaning toward the Standard, as I have learned that all GP100s are really easy to work on (polishing up the internals)... and I am fairly mechanically inclined. I would say the biggest determining factor is the adjustable rear sight (not to mention the price difference)
I have been saving my pennies, and I am almost ready to make a purchase, and I am hoping to get feedback from the Ruger Forum. I am asking for your advice, as your experience with Ruger and especially, your experience shooting these particular guns will help me tremendously!
Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded post! I look forward to hearing your responses, and I promise to follow up with my decision and purchase.
Jason
So, I just registered for the Ruger Forum after doing quite a bit of research all over the web... I have checked out quite a few articles online about the GP100 Standard and the Match Champion, both in 4.2" (the "targets" of my attention).
TL;DR - I am leaning toward purchasing the Standard primarily due to the adjustable sights and full lug, but I am eager to hear experienced shooters' opinions (specifically Ruger owners).
***
I am just getting back into shooting, and I initially wanted to get a S&W 357 like my dad used to own (may he RIP). My intention is to get a gun that is fun to shoot, good for home defense, and a legacy piece that I can pass down to my son someday (I'm looking to purchase new - not used). My dad's gun was stolen when I was a boy, but I never forgot how fun it was to shoot.
I picked up quite a few Smiths, but every one I held (even up to their massive 500s) felt really small in my hand - the biggest issue is that my middle knuckle rubbed up against the trigger guard, and just dry firing in the store caused some discomfort. I know that aftermarket grips are available, but as I am "new" to the sport, I don't have much access to try out different brands, and I don't want to spend a fortune buying grips to find something that fits.
Ruger wasn't even on my radar when I walked into a LGS and the "old timer" behind the counter handed me a Standard and told me to check it out. The gun fit my hand almost perfectly (I think I may have heard an angel or two singing in the background)! However, I had some reservations about getting something other than a S&W (remembering my dad's gun), and I really wanted to start / continue a family tradition. To that, the old timer asked, "Why not start your own tradition?" And as a result, my research into Ruger began....
So... after spending too much time online digging through information about these two models, here's my request (with my specific, and possibly incorrect, biases)...
I am looking for a gun that fulfills the following criteria, and I've narrowed my search to the GP100 Standard (Model 1705) and the Match Champion (Model 1754):
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Fun to Shoot
- Affordable (I'd rather spend money on ammo and range time)
- Comfortable (the Standard fits my hand, I haven't found a Match Champion available to hold, but I've read that the grip size is almost identical, minus the finger grooves)
As far as pros & cons (to my way of thinking, anyway)...
Match Champion
...has additional work done to the internals which makes it smoother and more consistent
...has upgraded wooden grip (and a pretty one at that!)
...has upgraded front and rear sights (not sure why the rear is an upgrade over adjustable)
...has a crowned barrel (not totally sure what this is, but it looks cool, and is supposed to protect the barrel if the gun is mishandled)
Standard
...has an adjustable rear sight (making it easier to adjust the gun to 38 vs 357 shooting)
...has a full lug, making the gun heavier, but steadier between shots, especially DA (I don't plan to shoot competitively, just for fun & home defense)
...doesn't have obnoxious lettering on the side of the barrel - just sayin'! (but, if I'm being completely honest, after looking at the "Match Champion" more and more, the lettering is growing on me...)
Right now I am leaning toward the Standard, as I have learned that all GP100s are really easy to work on (polishing up the internals)... and I am fairly mechanically inclined. I would say the biggest determining factor is the adjustable rear sight (not to mention the price difference)
I have been saving my pennies, and I am almost ready to make a purchase, and I am hoping to get feedback from the Ruger Forum. I am asking for your advice, as your experience with Ruger and especially, your experience shooting these particular guns will help me tremendously!
Thank you for taking the time to read my long-winded post! I look forward to hearing your responses, and I promise to follow up with my decision and purchase.
Jason