Ultimate long term durability revolver

[Crow Hunter]

If you were going to pick up the ultimate long term durability revolver that is reasonably easy to find and reasonably priced, would the group suggest something like the GP-100 3" 1715?

https://www.ruger.com/products/gp100...eets/1715.html

3" barrel = good compromise for CCW
GP100 = Durable and easily user serviceable
Stainless Construction = Improved environmental resistance
Fixed sights = less likely to break than adjustable

While I believe, based on my research that a Manhurin M73 or maybe a Korth might be more reliable, they are significantly harder to source at a reasonable price.

Am I going down the wrong path?

[TicTacticalTimmy]

If I were looking for the "most durable revolver" the exact model you posted would be a great choice.

Another to consider would be a fixed sight SP01, if you can live with one less round.

[HeavyDuty]

For me, a 1715 is about 90% of the way there. If it only had a drift adjustable rear...basically a stainless 1753.

[Crow Hunter]

For me, a 1715 is about 90% of the way there. If it only had a drift adjustable rear...basically a stainless 1753.

Yes. I would love if Ruger did the stainless WC again. Those are really, really hard to find. I assume whenever Ruger gets around to that production batch there will be another run of the 1715 again but I don't know if a stainless WC will ever be available again.

[Lester Polfus]

I have a 4" blued model. Clearly if you wanted ultimate reliability, stainless would be better. I've replaced the stock rear sight on mine with a Bowen Rough Country, and while in strict terms no adjustable sight is going to be as durable as a trough milled into the top-strap, I would suggest that it is extremely unlikely to break in a lifetime of hard use, and the utility it offers in allowing the gun to be zeroed to a wide variety of loads is worth it.

[gato naranja]

If you were going to pick up the ultimate long term durability revolver that is reasonably easy to find and reasonably priced, would the group suggest something like the GP-100 3" 1715?

https://www.ruger.com/products/gp100...eets/1715.html

3" barrel = good compromise for CCW
GP100 = Durable and easily user serviceable
Stainless Construction = Improved environmental resistance
Fixed sights = less likely to break than adjustable

While I believe, based on my research that a Manhurin M73 or maybe a Korth might be more reliable, they are significantly harder to source at a reasonable price.

Am I going down the wrong path?

I made my utility wheelgun choice by getting a gently used 1705 since it best checked all my boxes at the moment. But to address specific points-

3" Barrel: 3" or 4" is fine, though 3" is going to be less unwieldy for CCW. I believe 4" to be the best "all around" choice of barrel length... but that is me.
GP-100: It is as rugged as anything out there, and easier to fiddle with at home than the others. Rugers are generally kind of "agricultural" in fit/finish compared to most S&Ws, let alone Korth or Manurhin.
Stainless: Stainless is easier to care for and is a better "all-weather" choice, but I do not think the stainless used in most revolvers wears as well mechanically - I am talking about timing, endshake, etc - over long use (my humble opinion). Tossup, depending on use/location (again, IMHO).
Fixed sights: Personally, I would not go with fixed sights unless the model has a Novak-style rear that is at least "drift-able/changeable." And replacing an adjustable factory rear with something along the lines of a Bowen Rough Country or equivalent is pretty doggone rugged, all things considered.

The 1753 TALO run would probably be my choice among the current GP-100s having a 3" barrel.

[Stephanie B]

Pretty much "yes", and I'm a S&W girl.

If I had to have one handgun and only one, a 3" or 4" GP.100 would be my first choice (686 second, 66-8 third), A 3" is better for appendix carry. I can do a 4", but it's a little bit pokey. 4" is better if you're going to shoot a lot of magnums because the longer tube extracts more of the work.

[okie john]

Any of those would work. Feed it milder ammo and keep it clean and properly lubricated, and you'll add thousands of rounds to its life.


Okie John

[Pol]

Ruger released the GP100 in 44 special. S&W released the L Frame in 44 mag. There is a reason why Ruger did not chamber the GP100 in 44 mag.

GP100 the most durable gun, my rear-end. Shoot 44mag level pressure ammo in a GP100 and you’re going to lose fingers.

FTR. I own Rugers, including a GP, and I do like them. But I pass on drinking the koolaid.

[03RN]

Im still trying to shake apart my M66.

Any of the .38 k frames would work too. A m64 might be the easiest solution if you dont need the magnums.