Author Topic: GP100 3" (Read 1460 times)

jimster · « **on:** May 17, 2006, 03:13:03 PM »

I've been looking at a GP100 3" stainless 357 Ruger for a while now, it's used, the price is $330, and it seems like a good deal.
If anyone has some eperience with this model, would like to hear from you.
I've been looking for a compact revolver to shoot a lot and try to gain some skills in double action shooting (not too good at double action revolvers) and have looked at lots of different ones, but this deal seems like the best deal. The Ruger site lists a retail of much higher than $330.

Thanks for your time

greenjeans · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2006, 03:26:32 PM »

I have one with 3" and fixed sights. Bought it used about a year ago. Dealer said it was a law enforcement turn-in, probably off shore since it was in a box from a distributor. Had a few light scratches and the grips were in poor shape. Put Hogue monogrips on it and love it. Trigger is kind of heavy, but not unmanageable. You will be happy with it. Serial No. dated mine to 1985 and I paid $300. plus tax and would do it again.

257 roberts · « **Reply #2 on:** May 24, 2006, 01:15:37 AM »

I HAD one that I got in a trade, good gun but its not a compact gun, I had a hard time finding a good holster for it so I traded it off

jimster · « **Reply #3 on:** May 24, 2006, 01:14:44 PM »

Thanks for the comments. I'm going to pick it up this weekend I think.
It is a heavy revolver, and I guess your right about not being all that compact, but I was looking to find something to shoot a lot and try to gain some skills in double action. I've been shooting with single action triggers for many years on revolvers and 1911 style guns, and just never did get into double action shooting. Even though I had many large double actions, I always used them single action. I want to try to get good at double action, I've never been worth a toot at it and it's going to take a lot of shooting, so I'm thinking the Ruger might take a beating.
But the double action pull on this used gun is mighty heavy, or it feels heavy to me (I've handled this used gun several times now)
They have a smith at this gun place, they say they can smooth things up and put in wolf springs for 50 bucks....not sure if I want the spring change, but smothing it up sounds good. (comments on changing springs is welcome, don't know jack about double actions)
It's never too late to try something new I guess....what the heck, trying to get good with a short barrel double action is a good excuse to buy something and will give me something neat to do all summer long.
If you call shooting real large groups neat...LOL!!!

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** May 24, 2006, 01:24:31 PM »

It's a fixed sight gun, the one I have experience with shot quite a long way from where it was aimed. Hardly good practice if you have to aim several inches off target to hit what you wish to hit. I'd go with a different gun with adjustable sights. If you want to practice you want to at least be able to hit the target from time to time. My old S&W Model 60 with 3" barrel and adjustable sights is a far better choice and comes closer to be a compact gun as well.

jimster · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2006, 01:57:09 PM »

ya know, I was thinking about those fixed sights too, and wondering what I'd do if shot right or left, and then had to fix something.
They have an indoor range there, and I'm wondering now if I should see if it hits center before I buy it.
I do like the idea of adjustable sights too, they have a used Smith there with adjustable sights in .357...but the barrel is too long.

Well, now you got me thinkin again...you've reminded me of all the work I have to do to get a fixed sight gun shooting right....and how depressing it is to find out it shoots off.
Maybe I best ask if I can try it out at that range first, I have had a few fixed sighted guns that shoot straight...but only a few out of many.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2006, 01:49:10 AM »

I have a 4 inch with adjustable sights and it is a shooter. I paid $415.00 for it new.

jimster · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2006, 01:41:56 PM »

Yep, now I'm looking for a 4" Gp with adjustables.
I guess the 3" was looking good to me, but really not much difference as far as weight and size when it comes to the GP100, so I guess I'm better off with the adjustables. I'm thinking of putting on the round butt grips though, or something more compact with a rounder butt. The smaller grips on the 3" feel better to me.
Sounds like the 4" with adjustables is the way to go with all the variety in ammo out there.
I can't find a good deal in this area like you got Redhawk, you got a good deal there. Last new one I looked at had a 509 dollar tag on it.
I can beat this by a ways ordering one through a small place though.

Thanks for the comments.

greenjeans · « **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2006, 03:17:16 PM »

Getting in this late, but my 3" with fixed sights shoots to point of aim. I put Hogue Monogrips on it because I don't like the factory grips. Way more comfortable to me. The adjustable sights sure are nice, though.

Rover · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2006, 06:34:19 AM »

Also, I am getting into this late. My understanding is Ruger on the fixed sighted guns sights using 158 gr loads for elevation. As to windage I imagine it could be off but then again might not - only way would be to try it. If the windage were not way off there are several methods of dealing with it that date back to the old days of Colt single actions. The small grips from a 3" will fit the 4" and can be ordered from Ruger. There are a myriad of companies that offer grips for the GP-100s so this is not a problem. The 4" gun will also give a bit more sight radius and the rear sight will be a bit more prominent. In addition, Bowen and Reeder offer rear sight replacements with a flat target blade with or without white outlines both for the standard front and Outdoor Express front sights. The 4" adjustable model also offers ease of front sight change with Bowen and Millett offering various sights.

A little unknown fact is that Ruger once made a 3" barrel model with full underlug that had adjustable sights. It was made for some police agency I believe down in the Carolinas. The fixed sight versions were offered both with full underlug and partial underlugged barrels. While the GP is somewhat heavy so is the comparable S&W 586/686 models unless one goes to the 7 shot versions. I think the GP/686 4" weighs about 40 oz. A lighter Ruger Security Six or 19/66 4" goes at 36 oz so there is a difference of about 4 oz. The 3" Ruger GP should be around 37 oz.

jimster · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2006, 01:37:07 PM »

I decided on a 4" gp100 with adjustable sights, picked up a used stainless yesterday for 350 out the door. It seems to be in good shape, good bore, timing is good. Spent the first night just taking it apart and cleaning it good. The only thing I found wrong so far is the rear sight pin is loose, it moves way to easy and might try to slide out while shooting a lot.

Anyone ever have to fix this? I could use a few hints, I don't want it sliding out at the range, and it moves real easy right now.

Anyways, it's built like a tank, after I get the rear sight pin fixed I'l be shooting it a lot. The double action pull is not bad on this one.