Ruger FINALLY offers 7-shot .357 GP100

[Bigghoss]

Three 7-shot .357 GP100 models from 2.5" up to 6". Hopefully one day I can get a Wiley Clapp or a fixed sight Match Champion in a 7-shot.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/images/1774.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1774.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/images/1771.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1771.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/images/1773.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1773.html

[Nephrology]

Alright... that's kinda cool.

[OlongJohnson]

If they'd make a half-lug 6-inch, I'd have to have one.

[Bigghoss]

The .357 Redhawk also got a couple new barrel options, 4.2" and 5.5".

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/images/5059.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5059.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/images/5060.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5060.html

[TR675]

I covet that 5.5" Redhawk. I covet it bad.

[Bigghoss]

I covet that 5.5" Redhawk. I covet it bad.

You should get a bunch. Say the extras are for when they get discontinued and they become collectible. But really, you're just going to keep them.

[Hizzie]

If I hadn’t sold all my 7 shot SL Variants to DB those would interest me. I’m still holding out for a factory copy of Bowen’s GP44.

[45dotACP]

I have no need for a revolver....

Want however...I have a surplus of want.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Pistol Pete 10]

You guys know S&W makes the 686 7 shot? The 686 doesn't cost a lot more than the Ruger. Why go second class?

[Bigghoss]

You guys know S&W makes the 686 7 shot? The 686 doesn't cost a lot more than the Ruger. Why go second class?

No lock and I like the Lett grips better. And I don't consider them "second class". Why spend more for a similar product?

[LittleLebowski]

That Redhawk is beautiful.

[Inkwell 41]

If I hadn’t sold all my 7 shot SL Variants to DB those would interest me. I’m still holding out for a factory copy of Bowen’s GP44.

Agreed on the GP44. It puzzles me why Ruger won't update Redhawk.

[OlongJohnson]

You guys know S&W makes the 686 7 shot? The 686 doesn't cost a lot more than the Ruger. Why go second class?

Recent production of both has similar problems, based on my inspections. GP is regarded as more durable than L frame, and there’s no hole on the side where the soul leaks out. Buy the one that has your desired features and that you can inspect in person to decide whether the defects on that specific unit are things you’re able / willing to pay to have corrected.

[BehindBlueI's]

You guys know S&W makes the 686 7 shot? The 686 doesn't cost a lot more than the Ruger. Why go second class?

Do they make one without a Hillary hole?

[Willard]

Do they make one without a Hillary hole?

Ay, there’s the rub. No. Making it a non-starter for many, myself included. Actually, I guess I should be glad they persist in this. I can't imagine how many S&W revolvers I'd have lying around if they went to no locks beyond the 442/642/etc line. At the same time, I am amazed that S&W's business model allows them to survive. As I see it,they insist on offering a product that their customers don't want because it is what the corporation prefers to offer. As the expression goes, "you couldn't make it up." But they are still in business so I guess it works.

[john c]

Recent production of both has similar problems, based on my inspections. GP is regarded as more durable than L frame, and there’s no hole on the side where the soul leaks out. Buy the one that has your desired features and that you can inspect in person to decide whether the defects on that specific unit are things you’re able / willing to pay to have corrected.

Olong;

What problems are you observing in the 686 and GP? I appreciate your input, and I'm not up on the current quality of either brands' revolvers.

[Totem Polar]

No lock and I like the Lett grips better. And I don't consider them "second class".

There it is.

That 2.5" (with Letts) is on the list. And, holy chicken molle, a WC 2.5" 7-shot in blue with a brass bread would pretty much do it. Epic.

[Hizzie]

You guys know S&W makes the 686 7 shot? The 686 doesn't cost a lot more than the Ruger. Why go second class?

Rocking a set of Lett or Hogue grips the GP balances better and handles recoil waaay better than a comparable L Frame. My initial outing with the Wiley Clapp was 200 rounds of Federal 357B in just 45 minutes. It was downright fun. There was no pain and no next day soreness. GP>L

[mtnbkr]

You should get a bunch. Say the extras are for when they get discontinued and they become collectible. But really, you're just going to keep them.

The 5.5" ones are collectable? I have a blued 5.5". It's my launch platform for 310gr solids.

Chris

[Bigghoss]

The 5.5" ones are collectable? I have a blued 5.5". It's my launch platform for 310gr solids.

Chris

Nope.


Say the extras are for when they get discontinued and they become collectible.

That's just what you say to justify getting a bunch. I was making a joke because it seems like every time Ruger discontinues a revolver the fanbois want nothing more than to get one. Not that they will get discontinued. I imagine the 7-shot will be in the catalog for a long long time.

[Nephrology]

The .357 Redhawk also got a couple new barrel options, 4.2" and 5.5".

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/images/5059.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5059.html

http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/images/5060.jpg
http://www.ruger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5060.html

I've wanted a 4" redhawk in .357 for years...

[mtnbkr]

Nope.



That's just what you say to justify getting a bunch. I was making a joke because it seems like every time Ruger discontinues a revolver the fanbois want nothing more than to get one. Not that they will get discontinued. I imagine the 7-shot will be in the catalog for a long long time.

Gotcha. I was curious because I've seen similar comments elsewhere about the blued Redhawks being collectable/desirable (regardless of bbl length). Not sure what drives those comments though...

Chris

[Bigghoss]

Plenty of folks like blued guns and Redhawks, and collectability is subjective I guess. But as far as I'm aware Blued Redhawks don't command a premium.

[Bigghoss]

I've wanted a 4" redhawk in .357 for years...

Better get three.

I'm leaning more towards a 5.5" Redhawk and a 4" GP100.

[OlongJohnson]

What problems are you observing in the 686 and GP? I appreciate your input, and I'm not up on the current quality of either brands' revolvers.

I've seen canted barrels and ratchets that were rosebuds of burrs on both. Both are liable to have a burr at the entry of the forcing cone. Both should be detail stripped and solvent cleaned, then lubricated before significant use, as they are likely to leave the factory with grit inside the actions. Literal loose grit, not just roughness of the parts.

S&Ws have had badly non-concentric crowns come and go since the beginning of the two-piece barrel era, as far as I can tell. I had to send back a 640 Pro where the crane had never been fitted to the frame and had an interference that required significant force to swing it closed. All the pieces of evidence visible to me say that problem affected most of the inventory that particular dealer had received. The bead blasted finish can be pretty rough. I don't even remember what the problem was on the last S&W I handled at the LGS, I just remember checking a couple of standard trouble spots, then finding something else. Shook my head and said, "If it ain't one thing, it's something else..."

On Rugers, I haven't yet seen a Novak dovetail cut the way Novak says they should be cut. My GP had to go back to the factory to have the trigger housing refit to the frame so they could be separated with a reasonable amount of force. When it returned, it benefitted greatly from an overall deburring inside and out.

None of this is even getting into the fundamental finer-point dimensional inspections you read about of cylinder throat alignment to the barrel, consistent throat sizing, etc.

Inspecting in person before you buy isn't to find the one without defect (that's aiming unreasonably high, it seems), it's to find the one with only defects that can be corrected at reasonable cost.

[willie]

What Oblong reports is true but a fact surprising to some is that it's nothing new. In 1970 I bought my first K frame Smith which was a good specimen. In '71 I bought a M25 .45 ACP that had numerous problems. As time passed I bought more and more Smiths and began working part time in gun shops and noticed that quality control issues existed in various other brands. In 1981 I began working for the Texas prison system which used M65 Smiths. Our armorers were factory trained. Once we received a large shipment of several hundred M65's, and so many were non functional that S&W had to send a factory team from Massachusetts to Texas to repair them. I had the privilege to observe master fitters repair them. Mostly they used a file and big hammer(lead bar). We also had several hundred 870 shotguns that had an outstanding service record. Our Colt AR15's were trouble free too.

I observed that when other state agencies or the feds trained, semi auto's frequently malfunctioned. One sheriff's dept had a new batch of 1911 .45's and six out of six continuously malfunctioned. So why has this problem persisted over decades? I'm certain that factory techs know the difference between good and poor work. My opinion is that they perform poorly because manufacturers continue to accept low standards because "good" quality control is expensive. Eventually nobody cares as long as the companies are making money. Law enforcement agencies have armorers to correct some crappy factory products. The guy buying a firearm at a box store or a lgs may lack knowledge to know the difference. And then we have guys like ourselves who either fix it at home or send it back.

[TheNewbie]

I've seen canted barrels and ratchets that were rosebuds of burrs on both. Both are liable to have a burr at the entry of the forcing cone. Both should be detail stripped and solvent cleaned, then lubricated before significant use, as they are likely to leave the factory with grit inside the actions. Literal loose grit, not just roughness of the parts.

S&Ws have had badly non-concentric crowns come and go since the beginning of the two-piece barrel era, as far as I can tell. I had to send back a 640 Pro where the crane had never been fitted to the frame and had an interference that required significant force to swing it closed. All the pieces of evidence visible to me say that problem affected most of the inventory that particular dealer had received. The bead blasted finish can be pretty rough. I don't even remember what the problem was on the last S&W I handled at the LGS, I just remember checking a couple of standard trouble spots, then finding something else. Shook my head and said, "If it ain't one thing, it's something else..."

On Rugers, I haven't yet seen a Novak dovetail cut the way Novak says they should be cut. My GP had to go back to the factory to have the trigger housing refit to the frame so they could be separated with a reasonable amount of force. When it returned, it benefitted greatly from an overall deburring inside and out.

None of this is even getting into the fundamental finer-point dimensional inspections you read about of cylinder throat alignment to the barrel, consistent throat sizing, etc.

Inspecting in person before you buy isn't to find the one without defect (that's aiming unreasonably high, it seems), it's to find the one with only defects that can be corrected at reasonable cost.

Is the common GP100 in that bad of shape?

Are there more timing issues with 7 round cylinders vs 6?

[OlongJohnson]

I do remember reading about some S&Ws with 7 round cylinders that were problematic, but that may as likely have been ordinary crappy QC as something inherent to the number of holes, or maybe it was just a process wrinkle early on. I haven't heard of it in recent production. It's often the case that when a manufacturer tries something new and doesn't get it quite right, the user community blames the problems on some inherent characteristic or challenge of the new feature, rather than understanding that the manufacturer just dropped the ball on QC with the new process. Once they figure it out and get their poop in a group, it's no more inherently problematic than the older systems.

A new production revolver is like a box of chocolates. You just don't know what you're going to get. It may be fine, it may be just OK, it may be a disaster. It's really not the average that matters, it's the dispersion of results. I've said before that they are not beginner's guns, just because it takes a bit of knowledge and mechanical understanding to recognize common (or not so common) issues. Someone who will just continue using a machine that's not working exactly right all the way up until it stops working completely is not a revolver person. Although if a beginner is prepared to send their new revolver to a competent smith to have it worked over and made ready for use, that could work well. But it would be expensive.

[Sherman A. House DDS]

I had horrible luck with a GP100 3” and a WC GP 100. So much so, that I got pissed, sold them to gun plumbers, and condensed my revolver collection down to OLD Ruger Security/Service Sixes, and non-lock Smith’s.

I’d really love an 8 shot .357 that worked though. Coupled with a JM #3, that could be a great carry piece for regular folks with big hands, that need something for antibadguy and anticarnivore tasks.


civiliandefender.com

[Spartan1980]

Ruger's website used to have an email link to send an email directly to the president. Back when I was shooting revolver division in USPSA I utilized it multiple times, basically illustrating how S&W had ZERO market competition in USPSA and ICORE and that an 8 shot Ruger .357 and a 45acp revolver would just be 'da bomb. All I heard was crickets. Then USPSA made the rule change allowing revolver division to allow 8 shots before reloading which basically killed all 6 shot guns. At that point I basically hung up my previously highly sought after 5" 625 with no lock hole in the side and picked up the 1911. Fast forward 3 or 4 years and Ruger has this awesome 8 shot Redhawk and what is that? A 5.5" .45ACP Redhawk too? Revolver division is basically dead in USPSA and if I want to shoot ICORE I have to get on a plane. Gee thanks Ruger....

[TheNewbie]

If someone wanted a reliable revolver today, what route would you go?

[Sherman A. House DDS]

If someone wanted a reliable revolver today, what route would you go?

Prelock K, L or N frame Smith, or old, “SS,” series Rugers.


civiliandefender.com

[Poconnor]

I don’t recommend used revolvers to non-gunny friends unless I can see the revolver. If I was buying a new revolver today I would start with the Ruger GP or SP. unless I wanted a light weight pocket gun; then I would get a S&W 642. I really wish they had made these new Ruger a with a three inch barrel.

[Bigghoss]

Ruger is really good about taking care of their customers if there's an issue with their guns. I just wish they'd put more effort into making sure there was no issue in the first place but that drastically drives up the price of the gun and the general gun-buying public would rather have a cheap gun than a nice gun. I've never had to send a S&W back so I don't know what their CS is like but I hear it's good.

For a new revolver today I'd lean towards a Ruger and just look it over before buying. If you get it home and there is an issue just bight the bullet and send it back to Ruger. Don't spend a month researching fixes and starting threads on gun boards because you don't want to send it off, just contact Ruger and make them fix it. It's really not that big of a deal.

[Totem Polar]

Per some of the above, a data point of one: the last new Ruger wheelie I bought locked up completely and had to go back, but they picked up shipping both ways, turned it around in a couple of weeks, and it came back slick and sweet. So, yeah.

[Bigghoss]

I bought a brand-new SP101 probably 8 years ago and it's one of my few Rugers that hasn't needed to go to the factory for repair.

I bought my GP100 used and found a problem with it. I called Ruger and told them I was not the original owner. When they checked the serial number we found out the gun was made in 1989. They still paid shipping both ways and fixed the gun for free because they said it had a factory defect. Again, don't be that guy that doesn't send their gun back, especially for 20 years. Ruger even threw in a set of Wiley Clapp grips because my old Lett grips were damaged.

I have a .357 LCR that I damaged trying too hard to get stuck cases out of the gun. (Fuck TulAmmo .38 and .357) Ruger again paid shipping both ways and fixed the gun for free.

Every other time I've contacted Ruger about an issue or in search of a part they have been very responsive and generous. As I said in my last post, they are VERY good about taking care of their customers. They understand that happy customers are repeat customers.

[Poconnor]

I had a brand new S&W 17 lock up on me in 1986. It was during the time when they recalled 686s. I assumed it was a burr inside and poor quality control. Now I suspect it was just unburned powder under the star. I was used to shooting smallbore position rifle back then and I thought it was normal to shoot a brick of .22lr in one day. Now I know to bring some hoppes, oil and a brush. Clean it briefly every 100 rounds. And not to buy the cheapest .22lr. We should start a thread on .22 LR ammo. What’s the cleanest, most reliable , then accurate and then best for hunting
I wish Ruger would bring back the security/ speed six family, make the super Redhawks in 4” and 5” 44 May. And I really want a three inch GP100 with adj sights. At my age I need more visible sights. I should get a Wiley clapp GP100 and a match champion

[JHC]

If they'd make a half-lug 6-inch, I'd have to have one.

For my tastes the whole line should be "half lug". I cannot stand the full lugged aesthetics or balance of anyone's revolvers except the Python/Diamondback.

[OlongJohnson]

Generally, I agree, but I have serious wantsies for a 327PD. That just looks soooo right to me.

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Ruger's website used to have an email link to send an email directly to the president. Back when I was shooting revolver division in USPSA I utilized it multiple times, basically illustrating how S&W had ZERO market competition in USPSA and ICORE and that an 8 shot Ruger .357 and a 45acp revolver would just be 'da bomb. All I heard was crickets. Then USPSA made the rule change allowing revolver division to allow 8 shots before reloading which basically killed all 6 shot guns. At that point I basically hung up my previously highly sought after 5" 625 with no lock hole in the side and picked up the 1911. Fast forward 3 or 4 years and Ruger has this awesome 8 shot Redhawk and what is that? A 5.5" .45ACP Redhawk too? Revolver division is basically dead in USPSA and if I want to shoot ICORE I have to get on a plane. Gee thanks Ruger....

better late than never :cool:

[spinmove_]

So if one wanted their first real revolver in .357, would they be better off with the GP100 or a 4” Redhawk?


Sent from mah smertfone using tapathingy

[mtnbkr]

So if one wanted their first real revolver in .357, would they be better off with the GP100 or a 4” Redhawk?


Sent from mah smertfone using tapathingy

Either, though the GP100 will be a bit more carry-friendly. The Redhawk will stand up to ANYTHING you can put through it. The original 357mag Redhawks are reputed to be nearly indistructable. The additional weight also dampens recoil.

Now, in terms of trigger quality, the 6-shot GP I had was better than my 44mag Redhawk, but lots of shooting, some clean-up, and lubrication has made the Redhawk's DA trigger smooth enough. Neither will be a finely tuned S&W trigger.

If *I* were buying one, I'd get the Redhawk and start playing with hot & heavy 357mag loads. The GP100 doesn't do anything for me (scratched that itch already).

Chris

[BehindBlueI's]

So if one wanted their first real revolver in .357, would they be better off with the GP100 or a 4” Redhawk?


Sent from mah smertfone using tapathingy

Personally, the GP100 Match Champion is the .357 to beat. I prefer the GP100 trigger to the Redhawk in terms of both weight and progression. The grips work better for me, and there are a ton of aftermarket offerings if the ones that come on it don't.

I'd sell my Redhawk long before my GP100 MC or Wiley Clapp.

Some blatherings about said GP100 here: https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/ruger-gp100-match-champion/

[TicTacticalTimmy]

So if one wanted their first real revolver in .357, would they be better off with the GP100 or a 4” Redhawk?


Sent from mah smertfone using tapathingy

Disclaimer: i have never owned or fired a Redhawk

IMO the GP100 for the following reasons:
1. Match Champion MSRP is $100 less vs the Redhawk, new 7 shot model is $150 less
2. Match Champion weighs 6oz less, 7 shot is 4oz less, a pretty good tradeoff for one less round it seems to me
3. GP100 is really easy to work on especially for stuff like lowering the DA weight
4. GP100 is already tough enough to handle any reasonable .357 loads, don't see what you would gain with the bigger Redhawk frame unless you want to handload to .357 Maximum type loads
5. GP100 already very controllable with typical .357s, unless you really dislike recoil I don't imagine the benefit of the Redhawk's extra weight will be noticed

The Redhawk does look really classy though, if you are just getting it to plink with at the range perhaps that factor outweighs all the practical stuff

[Rex G]

The 2.5” version looks so very, well, business-like. Not quite as business-like as my .454/.45 Super Redhawk Alaskan, but business-like enough. (One must watch his choice of words, when describing what may be used defensively, someday.)

A seven-shot GP100 would tend to complicate the speed loader logisitics, so I am not sure I am in a hurry to add a seven-gun, but I may decide it is worth the bother.

I will say that, personally, it is SO GOOD to see the original-pattern OEM grips!

[OlongJohnson]

If you planned to shoot a lot of .357, I think the 5-inch GP100 with full lug would probably be a sweet spot. A little more length and weight to soak up recoil, but not so front-heavy like the 6-inch. Of course, I keep bidding on 6-inch half-lugs, so...

[BobM]

I agree with Rex, I really like the looks of the 2 1/2" but I already have six-shot GPs in 4" and 5" so I'd like to keep them the same

[Rex G]

If you planned to shoot a lot of .357, I think the 5-inch GP100 with full lug would probably be a sweet spot. A little more length and weight to soak up recoil, but not so front-heavy like the 6-inch. Of course, I keep bidding on 6-inch half-lugs, so...

The six-inch “half-lug” GP100, or what I would call non-lugged, with what I consider a mere ejector-rod shroud, is GP100 Nirvana. I have one, and want another. Don’t we all own “braces” of our favored handguns? ;)

[OlongJohnson]

I reckon Nirvana would be sending one of the new six-inch seven-shooters to Mr. Bowen and having him de-lugify it along with everything else he does. There'd be a little purgatory to pay for it, of course.

Hmmm. Wondering if Ruger could be talked into swapping the guts to make a six gun into a seven gun.

[Andrew E]

I reckon Nirvana would be sending one of the new six-inch seven-shooters to Mr. Bowen and having him de-lugify it along with everything else he does. There'd be a little purgatory to pay for it, of course.

Hmmm. Wondering if Ruger could be talked into swapping the guts to make a six gun into a seven gun.Since I'm one of those types who can only dream of serious custom work...
I like the second bit. After your post I just had to speculate on the idea of a Match Champion with the 7-shot cylinder.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

[Bigghoss]

I'm really hoping for a 7-shot Wiley Clapp and Match Champion with fixed sights. Those would be awesome.

[OlongJohnson]

Seven-shot MC is not likely to happen. It was created to compete in IDPA SSR against S&W's 686 SSR. There's a six-round limit in that class.

[Andrew E]

Seven-shot MC is not likely to happen. It was created to compete in IDPA SSR against S&W's 686 SSR. There's a six-round limit in that class.More's the pity, really. I'd forgotten about the rules bit.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

[mtnbkr]

4. GP100 is already tough enough to handle any reasonable .357 loads, don't see what you would gain with the bigger Redhawk frame unless you want to handload to .357 Maximum type loads


I have a 200gr .358 mould for my 35Whelen. Assuming the cylinder of the Redhawk is longer than the GP100, I'd load those bullets into 38special cases (maybe slightly trimmed 357mag brass) with a stout charge of 2400 and see what I can hit "way out there". :D

I'd probably see if my Weiland "no drill" scope mount fits this gun (it currently lives on my 5.5" 44 Redhawk).

Chris

[Totem Polar]

Surprisingly, the range had 3 of these—one in each respective barrel length—in stock this afternoon. The 2.5" put me in gun-nerd heaven. The cylinder looks fantastic, and the front dovetail and FO sight actually matched up perfectly (no gaps). I can see the 2.5" seven shot being my next handgun...

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Regarding the new .357 Redhawk, looks like it would be a great choice for those who like to do long range or bullseye type shooting. My favorite review site got one and it seems the shrouded barrel does produces impressive accuracy, factory ammo shooting as tight as 1" at 25 yds!

https://www.realguns.com/articles/977.htm/

[TicTacticalTimmy]

Another neat advantage of the new Redhawk I wasn't aware of is that it takes moon clips

[Totem Polar]

I woke up today thinking that one of the 2.5" 7-shots and a little bit of custom work would yield a pretty great "poor man’s/smaller man’s’ no-lock "Bloodwork" revolver for less than the originals go for.

Action/cylinder chamber hone, DAO, and a D&L or Bowen rear with a brass bead front, along with an Andrews leather shoulder rig has me stylin’ like Clint, with less bulk and weight for only 1 round.

Compelling. Very, very compelling...

[TAZ]

Regarding the new .357 Redhawk, looks like it would be a great choice for those who like to do long range or bullseye type shooting. My favorite review site got one and it seems the shrouded barrel does produces impressive accuracy, factory ammo shooting as tight as 1" at 25 yds!

https://www.realguns.com/articles/977.htm/

The 4.2” Redhawk sure does look purdy. I’m not a revolver guy, but I could justify one to put in an HPG kit bag for trapsing through the woods. Would pretty much down most things in TX, 2 or 4 legged.

[vaglocker]

A 3 inch Wiley Clapp version would have me seriously thinking about getting back into revolvers

[Bigghoss]

Seven-shot MC is not likely to happen. It was created to compete in IDPA SSR against S&W's 686 SSR. There's a six-round limit in that class.


A 3 inch Wiley Clapp version would have me seriously thinking about getting back into revolvers

The big thing for me is just the Novak-style fixed sights. They're rugged, replaceable, I can see them, and by-far the most important thing is that they look cool. I'm not actually concerned what they call it or what other features it has, I just want those sights on 3" and 4" guns. But the closer to a Wiley Clapp and Match Champion the better.

[ragnar_d]

A 3 inch Wiley Clapp version would have me seriously thinking about getting back into revolvers

If they do that, then I'm just going to have a couple or four checks just direct deposited to the Ruger sales office with the SP101s I'm already looking to pick up in 2018.

[BobM]

The 2.5” version looks so very, well, business-like. Not quite as business-like as my .454/.45 Super Redhawk Alaskan, but business-like enough. (One must watch his choice of words, when describing what may be used defensively, someday.)

A seven-shot GP100 would tend to complicate the speed loader logisitics, so I am not sure I am in a hurry to add a seven-gun, but I may decide it is worth the bother.

I will say that, personally, it is SO GOOD to see the original-pattern OEM grips!


Today, in two different stores in central Ohio, I saw six shot GP100s with the 2 1/2" barrels. I hadn't noticed those on Ruger's website last time I checked.

[Tokarev]

Today, in two different stores in central Ohio, I saw six shot GP100s with the 2 1/2" barrels. I hadn't noticed those on Ruger's website last time I checked.https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1763.html

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[novemmmber]

I was looking into one of these, and it looks like there was a design flaw in this 7-shot model. There's rumor on one of the following links that the design had enough tolerance for the flaw to be engineered-out in subsequent batches, but that's just a rumor. No confirmation from Ruger.. It looks like Ruger is willing to give full refunds to anyone unhappy with their 7-shot model.

The flaw, specifically, is that seven cartridges with rim diameters greater than .435 will not be able to fit into the seven-shot cylinder at the same time. The SAAMI spec for max rim diameter in .38 Special and .357 Mag is .440. This means that certain brands or batches of SAAMI spec ammo might not fit inside the cylinder. There are some reports that ammo will fit going in, but thermal expansion will push the rims together after firing, making it difficult to eject casings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETlvR8zezgo

https://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/329897-new-7-round-gp100-problem.html
https://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/339378-ruger-gp-100-7-shot-two-threads-merged.html
https://nygunforum.com/threads/just-picked-up-a-ruger-gp-100-7-shot-4.20648/

[OlongJohnson]

That ended up being discussed elsewhere. Once I got my head around it, I forgot about 7 shots and bought a Lipsey's half-lug.

[awp_101]

So if one wanted their first real revolver in .357, would they be better off with the GP100 or a 4” Redhawk?
As much as I am a dyed-in-the-wool pre-lock S&W guy, it's hard to argue with a nice GP for less than what a S&W brings.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/39181112085_1a03713fd6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22Girzg)

[spinmove_]

As much as I am a dyed-in-the-wool pre-lock S&W guy, it's hard to argue with a nice GP for less than what a S&W brings.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4661/39181112085_1a03713fd6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22Girzg)

When I finally get around to getting a real wheelgun, it’ll most likely be a GP100 with Altamont grips.


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[TGS]

Sorry if this was covered and I missed it while reading through...…

...but why this instead of an 8-shot Redhawk?

[awp_101]

Sorry if this was covered and I missed it while reading through...…

...but why this instead of an 8-shot Redhawk?
New or used, the GP is less expensive than the Redhawk and will still hold up to a lifetime of sane (and some not so sane) loads. The GP is built like a tank but the RH is just a horse of a revolver. If you're plan was for nuclear loads or attempting to get .357 Max performance without buying a Max the RH would serve you well IMO.

The GP is easier to get a nice trigger on than the Redhawk because of the difference in spring and trigger geometry. I do not recall the specifics, but it's something about the RH using 1 spring for the hammer and trigger instead of 2 separate springs IIRC. A nice trigger can be had on a RH but it's more difficult with less room for error and correspondingly more expensive.

On a personal level, I prefer the GP grip to the RH. I also think centerfire revolvers with more than 6 rounds are borderline heresy but that's not important right now...

[willie]

If I were going to buy a GP100 and could select from among several specimens, I would opt for the one with the best action regardless of cylinder capacity.

[BehindBlueI's]

Sorry if this was covered and I missed it while reading through...…

...but why this instead of an 8-shot Redhawk?

GP100 is 9 oz lighter for 4" barrel models, cheaper, and is generally accepted to have the better trigger.

https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1772.html is a good looking gun.

[Tokarev]

https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1772.html is a good looking gun.


I wish Ruger would do a 4" with a half underlug. Both in blued and stainless.


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[OlongJohnson]

The stainless one is called the Match Champion. I'd say it's the Glock 19 of .357-capable revolvers at this point.

I would pick the best action from among available samples of the model I want, expecting that there will be the least work to do on the way to it being what it ultimately will be.

[Bigghoss]

Sorry if this was covered and I missed it while reading through...…

...but why this instead of an 8-shot Redhawk?

For most folks the main difference is size. The Redhawk is designed around 6 rounds of .44 magnum.

I wish Ruger would completely replace the Redhawk with the Super Redhawk. An 8-shot .357 Alaskan would be cool.

[jtcarm]

I wish Ruger would do a 4" with a half underlug. Both in blued and stainless.


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I hate full-lug barrels.

The 10mm GP is whispering to me in my dreams.

[jtcarm]

No lock and I like the Lett grips better. And I don't consider them "second class". Why spend more for a similar product?

Better trigger on the Smith. Maybe not out of the box, but with a little smoothing.

Ruger will always stack.

[jtcarm]

What Oblong reports is true but a fact surprising to some is that it's nothing new. In 1970 I bought my first K frame Smith which was a good specimen. In '71 I bought a M25 .45 ACP that had numerous problems. As time passed I bought more and more Smiths and began working part time in gun shops and noticed that quality control issues existed in various other brands. In 1981 I began working for the Texas prison system which used M65 Smiths. Our armorers were factory trained. Once we received a large shipment of several hundred M65's, and so many were non functional that S&W had to send a factory team from Massachusetts to Texas to repair them. I had the privilege to observe master fitters repair them. Mostly they used a file and big hammer(lead bar). We also had several hundred 870 shotguns that had an outstanding service record. Our Colt AR15's were trouble free too.

I observed that when other state agencies or the feds trained, semi auto's frequently malfunctioned. One sheriff's dept had a new batch of 1911 .45's and six out of six continuously malfunctioned. So why has this problem persisted over decades? I'm certain that factory techs know the difference between good and poor work. My opinion is that they perform poorly because manufacturers continue to accept low standards because "good" quality control is expensive. Eventually nobody cares as long as the companies are making money. Law enforcement agencies have armorers to correct some crappy factory products. The guy buying a firearm at a box store or a lgs may lack knowledge to know the difference. And then we have guys like ourselves who either fix it at home or send it back.

I’ve said that for years on the S&W forums.

The difference in the Bangor Punta/Lear Siegler days was the lack of an internet to report every problem and then 100 other people who never saw it to echo the problem as gospel.

I’ve heard when San Antonio PD switched to the Model 58, their armorers earned a ton of overtime pay getting them into shape to issue. One even had a Model 29 cylinder.

I guess shooters today are too young to remember, or else grouchy old farts who have never gotten over P&R, MIM, etc.

Fact is, all that loving “hand fitting” they claim was the source of the quality of yore was necessary because by today’s standards, manufacturing tolerances sucked. That much skilled labor today would probably triple the cost of a gun.

I’m not disputing Oblongs observations, but someone posted on another forum how nine out of ten 929s he inspected at an LGS had issues. Which left me wondering, since I’ve never seen even ONE 929 on a dealers shelf, what LGS has ten in stock? It’s not a gun with broad appeal that dealers will devote precious overhead to.

[spinmove_]

GP100 is 9 oz lighter for 4" barrel models, cheaper, and is generally accepted to have the better trigger.

https://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1772.html is a good looking gun.

That’s basically exactly what I want.


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[Kan S LaTrans]

I have no need for a revolver....

Want however...I have a surplus of want.

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It's not the Bill Of Needs man!

At least, that's what I tell my wife when I come walking in the door with a new box from the LGS.

She rolls here eyes and says "Lemme guess...if you didn't adopt it, they were going to send it to the pound?"

On Topic though: My son bought one of the GP100 Match Champions (6-shot) last year and I was super impressed with it. It was smoother than any Ruger revolver I had ever fired out of the box, and with 20 minutes at the bench, it was like butter. I can only imagine the 7-shot would be even nicer and with a faster cyclic rate with less rotation between chambers.

I am waiting for the 6-shot GP100 Match Champion in 10mm to actually be available for purchase. I will be there on day one with my money in hand. Moon clip fed 40 S&W IDPA revolver anyone?

[Kan S LaTrans]

I’ve said that for years on the S&W forums.

The difference in the Bangor Punta/Lear Siegler days was the lack of an internet to report every problem and then 100 other people who never saw it to echo the problem as gospel.

I’ve heard when San Antonio PD switched to the Model 58, their armorers earned a ton of overtime pay getting them into shape to issue. One even had a Model 29 cylinder.

I guess shooters today are too young to remember, or else grouchy old farts who have never gotten over P&R, MIM, etc.

Fact is, all that loving “hand fitting” they claim was the source of the quality of yore was necessary because by today’s standards, manufacturing tolerances sucked. That much skilled labor today would probably triple the cost of a gun.

I’m not disputing Oblongs observations, but someone posted on another forum how nine out of ten 929s he inspected at an LGS had issues. Which left me wondering, since I’ve never seen even ONE 929 on a dealers shelf, what LGS has ten in stock? It’s not a gun with broad appeal that dealers will devote precious overhead to.

I have never seen more than one on the shelf at any single time...they are usually a "We'll have to order one, and I don't know how long it will take to get it" proposition. I shoot IDPA and USPSA weekly, and I see more than a few of them on the range and the guys who run them absolutely love them. The ones I have shot, out of the box, were good guns. The ones I have shot that had been worked on by Accuracy Speaks in Mesa, or by Nels Ford were nothing short of spectacular. Not a lot of people are aware...but Rob Leatham is shooting in REVO a lot now, and he uses a pair of 929s. A young revolver shooter named Caleb Higby shootes REVO like a madman, I mean this kid has the chops to be a national champion, and he runs a 929 a lot now too.

I am the first to admit that I am, generally speaking, a Smith & Wesson man...I have my pet Python, and my pet Detective's Special so that fills the Colt niche...but I have come to appreciate the Ruger SP101 and the GP100, and even the old Security Six and Speed Six models a lot. There is no wheelgun on the planet I like more than a 4" K Frame Smith, but as I have gotten older and more practical in my gun tastes, I have come around to Ruger more and more. When I went to Alaska last year on a fishing trip with my sons, I used that as an excuse to buy a new 44 Magnum revolver, and I bought a 4" Redhawk. I have a perfectly good Smith 629 Mountain Gun, but I have pretty much decided that it, along with my 6" Model 29 are truly 44 Specials That Can Shoot A Very Limited Number Of Magnum Rounds. The Redhawk will gobble up all the Magnum ammo you want to stuff into it.

We, as gun guys, have an emotional attachment to our guns. We can claim we don't...but if we were honest, we'd all admit that "Glocks don't blow up", "1911s don't only run if you spend $2000 on them to make them reliable" and "Kimber is a good 1911 even with the MIM parts". We all buy into the anecdotal stories about how Brand X sucks without actually shooting one ourselves to some extent or another. The reality is that Smith, Colt, and Ruger revolvers are pretty damned good guns and none of them will serve you poorly.

[willie]

Ruger's Security-Six revolvers are outstanding, affordable handguns. Prices are rising, though. Everybody needs at least one. I say buy a couple. The fixed sight Service-Six versions in round butt are handy and compact.

[Kan S LaTrans]

Ruger's Security-Six revolvers are outstanding, affordable handguns. Prices are rising, though. Everybody needs at least one. I say buy a couple. The fixed sight Service-Six versions in round butt are handy and compact.

Amen. I have been looking for one of the 3" Round Butts.

[OlongJohnson]

Discussion and links to 7-shot issues here:
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?30925-Six-vs-seven-shot-for-back-country-carry-revolver/page2

Comments and discussion of .40 in the 10mm GP here:
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?30941-Ruger-GP100-Match-Champion-10mm&p=735688&viewfull=1#post735688

[Bigghoss]

Better trigger on the Smith. Maybe not out of the box, but with a little smoothing.

Ruger will always stack.

So? I still don't think that makes it second class to a current S&W. I've got the trigger in mine where I happy with it.

[jtcarm]

So? I still don't think that makes it second class to a current S&W. I've got the trigger in mine where I happy with it.

I never said it did.

You asked a question and I answered.

Glad you’re happy with your GP.

[Chuck Whitlock]

Ruger's Security-Six revolvers are outstanding, affordable handguns. Prices are rising, though. Everybody needs at least one. I say buy a couple. The fixed sight Service-Six versions in round butt are handy and compact.


Amen. I have been looking for one of the 3" Round Butts.

Just an aside, but the round butt fixed-sighted version was dubbed the Speed-Six. Hope that assists you in your search.

[BehindBlueI's]

Ruger's Security-Six revolvers are outstanding, affordable handguns. Prices are rising, though. Everybody needs at least one. I say buy a couple. The fixed sight Service-Six versions in round butt are handy and compact.

I sold mine. The GP-100 does everything it does better, has current support, has a lot more aftermarket sight/holster/grip options, etc. The GP-100 is a touch wider, but so am I so who am I to complain about that? I much prefer the DA trigger in the GP-100.

[willie]

Yes, a most important point that you make is that the GP100 has current support--the Security-Six Series does not. I like both.

[Jared]

I sold mine. The GP-100 does everything it does better, has current support, has a lot more aftermarket sight/holster/grip options, etc. The GP-100 is a touch wider, but so am I so who am I to complain about that? I much prefer the DA trigger in the GP-100.

I'm with you on that. I got ahold of a wonderful service six one day that had a DA that was nigh on unshootable....it didn't stack, it did the opposite. It actually started heavy and got lighter at the end, which gave me runaway finger in DA and made any type of serious accuacy at speed impossible.

The more recent production GP's (I have three now) have been very usable. Much as I love me some 4" K frame, my overall average on the HiTS revolver Super Test is a few points higher with my 4" GP.