Bisley Vs. Gp-100

[ozzyrules]

I need help with a decision that is starting to really bother me. I've been looking at Ruger revolvers and they all have impressed me. I finally narrowed the chioce down to a 6" Gp-100 and 7 1/2" Bisley, both in .357. I just can't pick the one that i think will suit me better. The bisley is a lot more attractive to the eyes but the longer reloading time concerns me. The gp-100 seems like a better choice but the shorter barrel also worries me. The revolver will be carried as a back-up for hunting whitetail and (maybe with some cor-bons) black bear. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Oh, and all you S&W fans, i want a BLUED revolver. That's my only problem with S&W. They have awesome guns but none in blued steel that are long enough.

Any help is highly appreciated.

 

[Black Majik]

Well, if you're gonna use the gun for protection or hunting blackbears, go for the GP-100. The faster reloading might really help.

For general plinking though, SA revolvers are a lot of fun. I would choose the bisley in this case.

You jus' gotta figure out what your intent of use is for the gun.

G' luck

 

[Josey]

DUDE! Where's my Super Redhawk!? LOL I would lean towards the Ruger Bisquero myself. The Super Blackhawk Bisley grip Hunter would give you scope rings, the Bisley grip and the tube length. I like blued revolvers myself. What I find in features that I want and need almost always seem to be stainless steel in construction.

 

[JohnKSa]

Actually, the fast reloading is a non-issue in my book. It's hard to imagine getting into a "pistol situation" with a bear that would allow you to reload--even with a DA pistol.

On the other hand, a DA revolver has one BIG plus when used as a backup gun. You can fire it a lot faster than a single action--both in terms of the first shot and in terms of follow up shots since you don't have to cock the pistol for each shot.

 

[munk]

I wouldn't rule out the Bis just because it's not a double action. I've carried single actions and double and never for a moment considered the double better against an enraged animal. I've read many times that the first two shots from a single are faster than those from a double action revolver. The reasons sited are the hammer is back as you draw the weapon in an emergency, and you can fire as barrel aligns with target. The single action hammer pull is shorter than that of a double, so even if you try an emergency single action pull with a double you've that against you. Double action revolvers are not designed ergonomically for this type of shooting, and single actions are.. The issue is different when the weapon is drawn and sighted, where nearly all of us the single action trigger pull on a double action weapon.

This is a gray area- perhaps even a controversial one- I'm not going to swear my life's blood and first born of my third cousin's children, but that is what fans of the single action often say. It is also true that if you do this- have hammer back as weapon is aligned - you will be in violation of many shooting range rules!!! I think it is the number one reason single action shooters can, 'shoot themselves in the foot"

Putting that aside for a moment, I personally feel so comfortable with either weapon that the single vs double is not an issue for me in the field.

And I think that's how you should decide- pick them up and ask yourself which feels the most right. It would be better if you could shoot some examples of the same at a range.

btw- you're the first person I've ever heard say the Bisley looks more attractive.

munk

 

[Jim March]

It's true that if you're willing to MASTER the SA wheelgun, it offers the fastest "first shot out of the holster speed" of any handgun action type.

It's also true that there ain't no WAY you'll be reloading in the middle of an animal attack, with any handgun.

That said, for MOST people grabbing a DA and emptying it as fast as a "full auto trigger finger" can squeeze will result in more shots on target the fastest. And I hope these are BLACK bears!

 

[Marshall]

I would go with the GP-100 and here's why. Admittedly arguably, the GP-100 is going to be a better gun to pack along with you. The 6" bbl is easier to carry and holster and I think it's a revolver that's damn near indestructable, a big plus when in the rough country!

However, this would be my choice in a blued revolver. All you need are some Hogue grips! The perfect gun for what you desribed.

Redhawk®
Double Action Revolver · RH-445

Gauge/Caliber: 44 Rem Mag
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Finish: Blued
Stock/Grip: Rosewood
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Other Features: Transfer Bar Operating Mechanism with Cylinder Interlock
Suggested Retail Price: $ 615.00
Miscellaneous: N/A

 

[munk]

Yes- these are Black Bears!? The Redhawk shown weighs somewhere around 52 oz. The Bisely less; if weight is a consideration.

I don't think of myself as a "master' nor close, bu the single action does come easier to hand and is very quick. For a number of years in the Big City I had one by my bedside and never felt 'out gunned'. Because be it a mean bear or mean gang banger- it's liable to be over in a couple shots for good or ill. It is not just the 'first shot out of holster' with the single action that is alleged to be faster- but the first two shots- which are the most important ones in crisis. By the third shot the double action is 'passing' the single.

When Canadian Guides could still have handguns one writer opined that many were preferring the Ruger single action in .41 mag- because of pointability and recovery time from recoil. I had no way of knowing if this writer was full of 'apple sauce' or actually on to something.

You know, it occurs to me, as long as you're talking about the .357 round only, some of the advantages of the single action are lost. (The Bisely handles recoil well) Maybe the double action scores a few more points in the mid frame you're considereing.

munk

 

[461]

I've got both though currently my Bisley is a .44. As woodsrunner the choice of single vs. double action is for the most part a pointless comparison as both will do equal duty with equal rounds. The GP-100 shines in that it can do self defense in all situations well. The Bisley gives you the ability to shoot in cowboy action if that floats your boat. Both are bull strong and will handle any magnum rounds you want with the edge going to the Bisley as well as it's ablity to lessen felt recoil to the shooter.

Bottom line as always is it's "Shooters Choice". You have to buy what suits you best but with the choices you've listed you can't make a mistake.

As a side note, I personally prefer a shorter barrel on carry guns, my Bisley is a 5.5' and my GP-100 is a 4".

 

[kernal_panic]

Oh, and all you S&W fans, i want a BLUED revolver. That's my only problem with S&W. They have awesome guns but none in blued steel that are long enough.

i got a 6 inch model 27!

 

[ozzyrules]

It doesn't look like S&W is still producing a model 27. Plus my dad has a 629 (i think) and I dont want to purchase a similar gun to his. Mainly because he would constantly be throwin zingers at me like " So i see you finally undestand my genius." and so on.

Thanks for the help guys!!

Oh and by the way the reason i picked the .357 is beacuse i honestly can't afford the .41 and .44 magnum ammo. I dont reload so ammo prices played a huge role in my selection. I really like to get really proficient with my handguns and the .41 and .44 ammo was way to expensive to get in enough practice. Afterall, you can have a huge bullet but if it cant hit the animal with it, it doesn't matter.

 

[kernal_panic]

if you want to get proficent you'll need to reload. reloading doesn't save you money it just lets you shoot alot more for the amount you have.

do you know what it costs me to produce a single round of .38 spec ammo?

1.93 cents.

yes .38 spec cost me the same a .22 lr.

i cast my own bullets and load em. you don't need to spend a fortune on equipment. i started with a lee challenger kit. they cost $70 or so from midway. if you can afford $400-500 on a gun you can afford loading equipment.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I too don't see the speed of reloading to be a major issue. Also, that 1 1/2" of barrel isn't going to be a major variable either. Either will handle the hot loads so it seems as though it comes down to which one you feel more comfortable with. It's pretty much apples & oranges in a way. That SA is going to have a totally different feel than the DA is when shooting. With the Bisley configuration, I'd say that that model will be much more pleasant to shoot, esp w/ hot loads. I've never felt that carrying one of my Ruger SA's was any less than if I had my Ruger DA at my side (SP101). I actually prefer the SA's and will be having my new SS 45 Bisley take over as my pimary woods pistol.

 

[munk]

Besides which, if you handload you'll understand a lot more and enjoy the hobby ten times more. ..you might even get like me...sort of sorry to see my masterpieces flying downrange...



munk

 

[paul105]

I love the single actions (frequently shoot .357 RBH with Munden action job), but I would choose the double action (can shoot factory stock SP101 just as well as RBH -- GP100, RRH should be just as good or better). I never could get used to working the single action with the weak hand.. Always worried about strong hand being injured in an encounter with animal or?. Not to mention, double action shooting is just plain fun. You will be amazed at how quickly you can master it. Reloading speed isn't a consideration -- bear encounter will be resolved before reloading is required.

Whichever you choose, Use the following for hunting -- whatever else you want for practice.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm -- click on .357 Magnum

Heavy .357 Magnum

Item No. 19A20 180 gr. LFN-GC (1400 fps ME 783 ft. lbs.) Per Box of 20
$19.99
Order Now

 

[kernal_panic]

a BUCK A SHOT! OWe! man for the cost of 100 rounds you could buy a reloading kit! i bet they are using saecos 354 bullet. either that they got an old lbt mold.

 

[kernal_panic]

Oh, and all you S&W fans, i want a BLUED revolver. That's my only problem with S&W. They have awesome guns but none in blued steel that are long enough.

i got a 6 inch model 27!

 

[RON in PA]

If it was me and I had the potential of encountering a bear I'd go for a 44 mag. In that case it's a Bisley vrs. Redhawk situation. Did briefly own a Bisley, very comfortable to shoot and with 240 grain bullets a tack driver.

 

[HiWayMan]

Another downside to reloading. It is very addictive. Even more addicting than shooting. I only have around 700 brass and I'll shoot most of them on an average range day. But the funny thing is I find myself going to the range sometimes just to burn up ammo so I can reload more. Oftentimes I'll have to shoot old loads so I have more brass for my "new pet load of the month".

I know. I'm a sick, sick man.

Good news is with bullet prices being what they are, when I load 100 it is like getting 50 for free.

 

[goon]

HiWayMan - I just pulled bullets tonight so I could reload the brass with a different load.
I feel your pain.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Not exactly apples to apples, but I see your resons here. I'm far more likely to carry a SA than a DA anytime in the woods. never feel at a disadvantage with the SA. With your situation, I'd say which ever you decide is a good choice. Keep in mind what style of holster you'll want as most - not all - SA holsters are of the same basic style. a big deal to some is how they look when in the middle of the woods. Anyways, Perhaps a Bisley vaquero is another option if adj sights aren't a neccessity and blue/color case is ok. They're avail in shorter bbl lengths for easier/lighter packing.

The Super Blackhawk Bisley grip Hunter would give you scope rings, the Bisley grip and the tube length.

Good gun (got 45 hunter) but stainless, and the length and scope rings wouldn't be accomodating for packing as the other initally asked about.

Just curious, I always read about people worried about black bear attacks but I think i've only ever heard of one such incident and that was becuase of the person owns stupidity (between mom and young). This occur alot and people plan for it?

 

[TallPine]

Well, if you are getting a Ruger single action, then I would (and did) get a 44 mag or 45 colt. The reason is that the frame and cylinder size is the same on the 357 as the big bores. So you are lugging the same size gun that is actaully heavier because there is more metal left in the cylinder.

BTW, the old 45 colt is a good cartridge to reload because it is so big - at least I find it easier and more fun than reloading the 38/357. Plus you can load it pussycat mild (but still very potent) or as hot as a 44 mag.

If Ruger made a mid-size frame single action 357, I would just love one

If you are stuck on the 357 (very good choice, BTW) then I personally would just go with the GP100. One thing that you will find is that there are more practical holster selections for DA than SA. A "cowboy rig" is cool but not that practical for scrambling around in the woods. I ended up just getting a full-flap holster for my Vaquero.