GP100 Questions

[NealCassady]

Hi. New to the forum here and new to revolvers. Hopefully someone can help me and tell me if I've done something stupid. After looking around, reading and research, I decided for my first handgun, that I'd really like a GP100, stainless with a 6" barrel. I also really like the rosewood insert grip that they no longer come with.
Anyway. After a few weeks of stopping in the 4 or 5 local shops periodically, looking for a used one with no luck, I thought I was going to have to purchase a new one and pay the extra $50 for the grip from Ruger. Then today I found exactly the one I want, rosewood grip and all for $525. I put down $100 for them to hold it for me.
Here's the thing; In my haste and excitement I sort of chose to overlook a couple things that are bugging me now, I need to know if they're a big deal.
A: The outside finish has slight discolorations in spots. Not bad, just slight. Inside the barrel looks clean as well as inside the cylinder.
B: When the lock is disengaged to swing the cylinder out, the cylinder sticks slightly. It doesn't just swing freely out. Is this normal or something to be concerned about? I plan to go back and look over the gun again more carefully before I pay it off. If I have to eat $50 and walk away, then I will. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[GMan351]

If it is stainless, then you'll be able to work with the discolorations fairly easy. Do a search and you'll find different methods. Most talk about removing scratches, but should be the same. That is one of the benefits of stainless.

The resistance of the cylinder is probably just the center pin lock and the need of some lube. The center pin lock is unlocked when you push in on the latch, but it rubs on the frame as you push it open. Lubing the crane would probably help.

Find any other GP100 in a shop and compare, but I think it sounds okay.

 

[NealCassady]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't figure the discoloration was a big deal, but still worth mentioning.
All of the GP100's I've found have been 4" with the hogue grip. None of them have had the cylinder issue. I can order the 6" from the local shop new for $575, but it won't have the rosewood grip.
Guess I can see if the guy at the shop will be willing to lube the thing like you suggested to make sure that's the problem.

 

[TiteGroups]

Keep in mind he's there to satisfy you, you're the customer.

 

[Bob R]

My brother had the exact oposite problem. He was looking for a 4" and all we could find were 6" ones around here. He ended up ordering a new Willy Clapp 3" instead of the 4".

Bob

 

[NealCassady]

Keep in mind he's there to satisfy you, you're the customer.

That's true. The dealer seems like a decent guy. I just wish I hadn't been so hasty and put down money on it already, $50 of which is non-refundable. Most of the local shops tell me that used GP100's go pretty fast, which is why I jumped on it. It's the first used one I've actually found that wasn't online.

My brother had the exact oposite problem. He was looking for a 4" and all we could find were 6" ones around here. He ended up ordering a new Willy Clapp 3" instead of the 4".

That figures. Every shop I've been in around here has a new 4" on display.

I'm going to try to go back up today with the revolver checkout list and go over it as best I can. I really hope there's nothing wrong with it. I'd really like to buy it.

 

[NealCassady]

Well... Went back to check it out again today, the clerk told me that a little sticking is normal when opening the cylinder on newer revolvers. He showed me a brand new one (think it was a Taurus though) that did indeed stick a little also. I just don't know. On the Ruger, on the back side where the (center pin?) slides across when opening and closing the cylinder, there was a groove. This seemed to be where the sticking was coming from. Not sure if the groove is supposed to be there or got worn into It from the pin rubbing. Maybe someone with a GP100 can enlighten me?
I would just order a new one, but apparently they're out of stock for the last month or so. He has no idea when they'll be in and also told me the price may go up by the time they're available again. Blued ones are available in the 6" but not SS. He will refund my deposit in full though, if I want, I just need to decide by tomorrow what to do. As a side note, it turns out my brother in law has a spare stock rosewood grip I can have if I do buy a new one. Sorry for the long post. Just feeling very indecisive and hoping for some advice or opinions.

 

[drew76]

If you do acquire that particular gp and can't get the sticking cylinder problem worked out, I'm sure Ruger will probably have you send the gun back and resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

 

[BearStopper]

It sounds like no big deal to me, but of course stranger things have happened. Should be easy to determine what could be happening with the latch of what.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Just buy it. If any real issues exist Ruger can fix them. Free....

 

[NealCassady]

Sounds good enough to me, I'll buy it. Thanks guys.

 

[NealCassady]

Well, went back in today and talked him down to
$500 and he threw in a 6 pack of .357 safety slugs. So, hopefully I got an okay deal. I noticed the price at Buds guns jumped from $500 to $579 +transfer fee, over the last few weeks, so I saved a few bucks buying used.
Thanks again for the help everyone. [/img]

 

[frontstuffers]

As others here have said, if there are any issues with it Ruger will make it right. One of the good things about them, you don't have to be the original owner to get good service. One suggestion here though..... If, after cleaning it, you take it to the range and really enjoy it, you may want to stop back by your dealer and tell them so. I have found that returning to someone who gave you a good deal and letting them know how happy you are that they treated you well goes a LONG way to your next transaction. It's also a good idea to suggest them to your friends based on how well you were treated. Just a fwiw.

 

[TiteGroups]

Glad to hear you bought it, you should be happy with it, they are a great gun as you will find out as time goes by.

 

[NealCassady]

It's actually sort of on layaway right now. For w/e reason Missouri put a 5 day hold on clearing me for a handgun. Hopefully some time next week I will be at the range enjoying it though.
Good advice and good to hear Ruger stands behind their products so well.
Word of mouth advertisement goes a long way. I have a gun shop + indoor range next door to my work that I refuse to buy from because of their ridiculous prices and less than helpful staff. I've already steered a couple people away from them and towards the shop I'm purchasing from.