Ruger GP100. I actually purchased a New new revolver.

[JC111]

The only problem with collecting vintage revolvers is the need (my need not somebody else's) to not inflict too much wear and tear on the grand old shooters. Regardless of the quality of the four screw S&W Model 19,pre-war Colt Officers Model Target, Colt Model 1917 Army or the pre-war (WWII) S&W Heavy Duty revolver I just don't like running a box (or more) of fire breathing loads through them. Yes they are very well made revolvers, but they are also fifty, sixty eighty and ninety-five year old handguns. I don't have any safe queens per say, but I do have some models that I pamper. My money, my guns.

A few months ago I realized that I've ended up with a bunch of revolvers that I am very proud of, but that I also treat with kid gloves. Sometimes you just have to have a shooter. I knew that meant I had to buy a modern high-quality revolver. A New new revolver. So a few days ago I withdrew some cash from my savings account (also known as my Toy Account) went to the local Sportsman's Warehouse and purchased a brand-new stainless steel Ruger GP-100. Thought about buying a Smith & Wesson, but Ruger makes a strong, reliable, no frills revolver and that's what I've been needing/wanting. Besides the stainless steel 4.2" GP100 has always appealed to my sense of aesthetics. So $700.00 later I now own a workhorse revolver. This one I can shoot without feeling guilty because this sucker is designed to be used and used hard. My hothouse revolvers will just have to adjust to having a hardhat in their presence.. It feels a little strange owning a brand-new handgun. It's been twelve years since I bought a new handgun. It's very shiny and clean. LNIB.

 

[chicharrones]

LNIB, indeed.

Congrats on the Ruger. You might keep it forever.

 

[reddog81]

I'm in a similar position, but a GP100 was my first revolver. I soon realized how much I like shooting revolvers and have picked up numerous S&W's and Colt's. I shoot all of them but the GP100 makes it to the range 90% of the time and sees about as many rounds as all he other revolvers combined. It's nice to have revolver I don't have to worry about putting 1,000's of rounds through. Most of my Colts and S&Ws are 50+ years old.

After some trigger work and lots of dryfiring and range practice the trigger is just as nice as any S&W and just as accurate.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I am of the opinion that this is the best general-purpose revolver you can buy today. If I were only going to own one revolver, that's what it would be.

 

[Wishoot]

Congrats!

Love the GP100. It's been about as reliable and accurate as you can get for me.

 

[JC111]

I'm in a similar position, but a GP100 was my first revolver. I soon realized how much I like shooting revolvers and have picked up numerous S&W's and Colt's. I shoot all of them but the GP100 makes it to the range 90% of the time and sees about as many rounds as all he other revolvers combined. It's nice to have revolver I don't have to worry about putting 1,000's of rounds through. Most of my Colts and S&Ws are 50+ years old.

After some trigger work and lots of dryfiring and range practice the trigger is just as nice as any S&W and just as accurate.

That's it exactly. I also like the idea of owning a handgun that if something should break the manufacturer will still support it. Unlike some of my older Colts and S&W models. Call it peace of mind.

 

[RealGun]

That's it exactly. I also like the idea of owning a handgun that if something should break the manufacturer will still support it. Unlike some of my older Colts and S&W models. Call it peace of mind.

Ruger doesn't support their older models either. They offer a special price on a model of your choice, while scrapping (and keeping) your gun. I have a Match Champion worth about $1000, because they scrapped my Service Six, which I had just bought used and could not return.

 

[Sunray]

Had a 4" S&W Model 19 for years. Never did fit my hand right. Bought a GP when they first came to Canada 30 some years ago, based on the fit alone. Did a trigger job and never looked back. Sold the Smith for about what I paid for it too.

 

[p95]

I like Rugers to, just bought a new GP100-3inch for carry love It-- It has a great double action trigger out of the box.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nice revolver, I'm happy for you.

I did similar years ago. I bought a used S&W M686-2 and have Bern shooting 100+ rounds s week through it for about a dozen years. I solid shooters great to have.

 

[jdc1244]

I am of the opinion that this is the best general-purpose revolver you can buy today. If I were only going to own one revolver, that's what it would be.

Agreed.

And I have but one revolver: a GP 100.

 

[ThomasT]

Nice gun. I just bought a used one a few months ago of GB with the original wood and rubber grips. I do not like the Houge rubber grips myself.

As far as your older guns unless they are pristine never fired or handled guns there is nothing wrong with shooting them. If they are as old as you say they are they may have already outlived the original owners and may outlive you.

No rule says you have to shoot "fire breathing loads" from them. Target loads make the same holes in paper as full bore magnums. You don't have to set the target on fire with every shot.

But I bet you enjoy your new gun. I also have a 6" model GP-100 I bought back around 1988 and I won a bunch of trophy's with it shooting falling plate matches. I don't know the round count but it should be well past 5000 rounds. Your new gun should last for a very long time.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

I gave up a really pretty S&W M66 for my GP100. I miss that Smith, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Give me a rugged shooter I don't mind shooting... ruggedly.

 

[Coltdriver]

They are nice. I got a police turn in from CAI years ago, it was shot loose. Sent it to Ruger and they fixed it for free and returned a fabulous revolver.

I took Flitz and polished it up and it looked like a piece of chrome.

Like you say, you can shoot the heck out of it and not feel bad. And they are big enough to absorb a lot of the recoil.

 

[PowerG]

Love mine, I changed out the Hogues for aftermarket grips more like the old style, mine have checkered rosewood panels in them. I predict you will love yours also.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Some of my best trigger jobs have been on GP100 revolvers. They are excellent guns!

 

[RealGun]

Some of my best trigger jobs have been on GP100 revolvers. They are excellent guns!

Yes, the double action can be really smooth, but I haven't found single action mode to have that crisp break of the Smith's. I have to squeeze extra carefully to stay on target.

 

[loneviking]

Yes, the double action can be really smooth, but I haven't found single action mode to have that crisp break of the Smith's. I have to squeeze extra carefully to stay on target.

All of the new GP 100's that I've found have the gritiest trigger I've encountered. That trigger feels like you're dragging it through a pile of gravel.

Congrats on the new gun! It's fun to have a gun that can take stout loadsm

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

I know I shoot mine like it was stolen. Great trigger, accurate, with rugged charisma.

 

[Big7]

I LOVE mine.

6" blue. Shoots sweet and I'm not afraid to warm one
up in a Ruger. If they can take mine, nothing will hurt them.

 

[RealGun]

I gave up a really pretty S&W M66 for my GP100. I miss that Smith, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Give me a rugged shooter I don't mind shooting... ruggedly.

Your picture inspired me to swap grips on two GP100s, and I think both look better now. The GP Match Champion might conceal a bit better now.

 

[ST1959]

I just bought a GP (new) recently. Trigger is going to need some dry-firing as it is fairly clunky. I would like to put the rubber-wood grips on it. I also recently picked up a SW 686 which is used, but was made this year. I love both guns, in spite of the Ruger's clunky trigger and the Clinton lock on the SW. I have a Glock 17 in the nightstand but revolvers are my first true love.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

Your picture inspired me to swap grips on two GP100s, and I think both look better now. The GP Match Champion might conceal a bit better now.

Concealment is part of the reason I changed to the grips I did. IMO, they look better too but they certainly carry better (especially IWB).

 

[the count]

Hahaaaa. Sounds exactly like me. I had like a dozen minty vintage Colts and SW incl. 4 Pythons. Never shot any of them. Recently sold them all and bought myself brand news shooters, including the GP100. But beware, in no time you will be hooked and then you start looking for a Super Redhawk or a 500 Magnum

 

[sarge83]

I have the same weapon with a 3 inch barrel that I keep in my office desk at home ready to roll if needed. They are nice pieces, although I prefer my Model 19's trigger a touch better. You did well!