New Member looking at GP100.......

[Hotload]

Hey folks, I am a new member (first post and all) and am looking at a new GP 100. I haven't owned a Ruger revolver since about 1974 when I had an old model Super Blackhawk. That was one tough gun and I was impressed. But, it's a new day and new times at Ruger. I'm looking at the 357 for a truck gun primarily on the deer lease here in Texas. Will you all please share your experiences and tell me the good, bad and ugly about the gun before I buy one?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[glockman99]

I can't think of anything bad to say about the GP-100...With the "right" load, and a 6" barrel, it should make for an ok close-range deer gun.

 

[H-marlin]

Agree with Glockman99, it is a great truck gun. In fact one rides in the map pocket in my truck. I would not hesitate to take a deer with it out to 60 yards or so. I doubt that you would regret getting it.

 

[4521dln]

I had a 6" ss GP100 and now have a 4". I personaly like the look and balance of the 4" better. What a tank of a revolver. I love everything about my GP. I have never had any problems with either. And what better assurance is there, if there ever was a problem knowing that RUGER will make it right.

 

[protoolman]

I've got one I've had for years with literally thousands of rounds through it. To me it is one of the best .357's ever made. With all those rounds all that has happened it that the action is smoother than ever. Years of magazine tests say that Gps are also one of the most accurate of all models.

 

[wproct]

Nothing bad to say about a GP100. I've owned them since about 1989. I've had both 6" and 4" barrel models, and my current one is a 5 incher, and it's my favorite of all. They are super tough and easy to maintain.

 

[ChiefTJS]

I have to agree with the previous posters, I can't think of anything negative to say about a GP-100 and it's tops on my list of guns to recommend to others. My "go to" DA revolver for anything but big game hunting is the GP, it just plain works.

 

[jdr308]

First I have to say welcome to the forum.!

Well I have to agree with everyone else and say that I love my Gp 100. It is a 6in. ss and was my first 357 I bought and have been happy with it ever since. I now have several others but my ruger is the one I prefer shooting. I have NEVER had any problems with it and it shoots just about anything really well. I havent used it for hunting, but would have no fear of hitting my game if I took it out in the woods. I cant think of any reason you wouldnt like one if you got it.

 

[roaddog28]

A Ruger GP100 is a fine choice. I prefer the 4 inch. Balances better. If I were looking for a truck revolver that is used for deer, I would get a 6 inch barrel for accurately. For me I would tend to go back to the Blackhawk. As a hunting revolver, the Blackhawk is one of the best.
Good luck with your choice,
Howard

 

[jbntx]

I love my 6 inch GP100. They are great guns and you won't go wrong with one.

But for deer, I go with a Super Blackhawk with a 5.5 inch barrel.

 

[Hotload]

Thanks again for the great input. Looks like there are no complaints so I need to go pick up that 4" stainless I had my eye on. For deer, I use a 270 Win or something similar. This new addition will be good for snakes, hogs, varmints etc.....which could include some of the two legged kind as well I suppose. You just never know what may turn up in South Texas.

 

[Rumrunner]

I think you are wise going with the stainless for a truck gun. As far as ammo, my 4" stainless really likes the Federal 180gr Hardcasts factory load. I picked up a case at a super buy. I also shoot 158gr Hornady XTP reloads with good accuracy. I have a reddot on mine for deer hunting.

 

[Hotload]

I agree with the stainless for a truck gun. Your Federal Hardcasts sound like a good combination. They may surprise you with what they are capable of. Look at the Garrett website...too bad he doesn't make 357!

http://garrettcartridges.com/products.asp

 

[jimd441]

I too agree with the posters in that is really no bad or ugly regarding the GP100. I have 6 in stainless one and am totally pleased.

Jim

 

[Soapman]

Took a buck with my 6" GP100 this past fall. Lovevthst gun.
Like all previous posts, you will be.happy.

Get one.

 

[jackruff]

Nothing bad to say about the GP100. Most would say my Super Blackhawk 5.5" stainless would be the go-to choice for shooting deer, but, if I knew I just had to kill a deer with a revolver, I would be more confident that I could make the shot with my 6" GP100. It's just that I have more confidence in my ability with it. (I haven't actually deer hunted with either of them, preferring my lever action Marlins (.30-30 and .44 magnum) for that task.)

 

[Hotload]

Picked up my new 4" SS GP100 last weekend. Best purchase in years! I don't think that I have fired many handguns that have any better balance or are any more accurate. I am making one change and that is the addition of some Meprolite night sights as they are much cheaper than Lasik. LOL Thanks to all for the pre-purchase input.

 

[jackruff]

Picked up my new 4" SS GP100 last weekend. Best purchase in years! I don't think that I have fired many handguns that have any better balance or are any more accurate. I am making one change and that is the addition of some Meprolite night sights as they are much cheaper than Lasik. LOL Thanks to all for the pre-purchase input.

While shopping for my GP I actually held a 4" model. It did have better balance, but I was new to the handgun scene and didn't really know what I was doing. Looking back I think I may have been happier with it than with the 6" that I got, although I do like to shoot the 6" a lot!

 

[stantheman86]

The French GIGN shoots every day with their .357 revolvers, and the GP100 is one of the few that they choose, that is able to stand up to their training regimen. The other is the Manurhin revolver. I love to research foreign military and police use of American weapons, and quite a few counter-terror units use the GP100 and the .357 is popular because of it's knock-down power and ability to penetrate body armor during urban ops.

The French Manurhin revolver is known as one of the toughest in the world, and it's basically a Security Six copy.

I read that Buffalo Bore has been using the same GP100 since the late 80's to test their monster .357 rounds, too. Countless hot rounds and it's still in use.

 

[Hotload]

My favorite handgun up to this point is my 1911. HOWEVER, I can tell you now my GP 100 is running side by side after shooting it twice. It is like breathing to me...it shoots where it points and seems perfectly balanced. I tried several brands of 357 ammo from Federal 357B's to Speer Gold Dots and Remington 158gr SJHP. I even tried some 158gr +P+ hardcast SWC handloads and they all have virtually the same POI with very acceptable recoil. It is an absloutely amazing, well-built tank and I could not be happier with it.

 

[mdewitt71]

Just brought a 4 inch blued GP home for $350 with 2 speedlaoders and a box of shells. Barely ha 100 rounds thru it.......

Great pistol.

 

[sbyrd]

Now I got to get me a GP100 with all these posts how could I go wrong already have a blued NMBH with 6.5 in" barrel in .357 so I guess im going with 4" SS for carry in the truck or on my person. I've got a savage bull barrel .17 HMR with the thumb hole stock on layaway at my local gun shop been waitin for him to get in his order of American rifles in as soon as they get there he is putting a .270 back for me I know I could get one online but I like to keep my money local but have to get a GP100 now.

Scott

 

[willypete]

The 6" GP100 is a great gun

 

[Slyk Willy]

I've enjoyed my GP100 S/S w/6" barrel. Great Gun. I think you'd enjoy one too.

 

[OldNavy]

For hunting, you won't find a better double action .357 than the 6" GP-100. The one that I had was boringly accurate. As an all-around choice, I prefer the 4". Not as easy to shoot as the longer one, but has occasionally served as a CCW piece in a IWB holster--though to do with a longer barrel.

 

[sbyrd]

willypete, that purdied up SP101 sure is the cats meow who did all the engraving for you. everytime I look at it I have to wipe the drool off my laptop :lol: some people might say its to much like my buddy but I love it. or is that a short GP100 I cant tell i'm blinded by all the eye candy

 

[SamV]

Congrats on your new purchase. I too have a 6" GP. On my purchase list is a 4" model and a few sp101 models.
The GP is an interesting gun for me. Out of all of my handguns, I just know that I am going to hit what I aim at. It points very naturally for me, and makes me look more skilled than I am. Well, maybe that also kind of proves that a good gun fit can make a big difference in your shooting.