[Ridge Runner]

I was looking at a stainless steel one but do not know a lot about them.

How well are they built? Overbuilt? Quality? Recoil? Good for carry? Trigger?

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[P95Carry]

GP-100's are stainless by design.

A very robust and solid revo - which will take a lot of punishment. Can't really say over-built - just inherently strong. No side-plate on this gun - solid frame ... not that Smiths really suffer any frame weakness as such.

Recoil - well - pretty much as any 4" medium to large frame 357. The current Ruger grip offerings seem quite popular with a lot of folks - tho after market grips can make it feel even better.

As for carry - well, I have carried my M28-2 4" with no problem but of course concealment clothing will be a factor - whether adequate. As revo's go, this is maybe on the large side but if manageable a great piece to have along.

Trigger on these, like SP-101 is never, well rarely, totally smooth and sweet out the box but it is usually reckoned that use and dry fire will make them better. If for carry then fitting lighter spring is not probably wise tho it does make trigger feel a bit better.

Have you considered SP-101 - only a 5 shot but could be a better bet for revo carry.

 

[clipse]

I agree whole heartedly on the SP101 suggestion. I carry it daily and love the little guy. I don't think I would want to try and pack the GP100 concealed. That sounds kinda tough.

clipse

 

[Ridge Runner]

Ruger SP101

What is so special at the SP101. Why is it better? Never seen one before.

 

[P95Carry]

SP-101 is close to being a J frame Smith in size - there are three barrel lengths IIRC, the shortest is - hmmm - 1 7/8" is it. Then as mine the 2 1/4" and there is a 3" too.

So - smaller frame, smaller cylinder (5 shot) - reasonably compact but fairly heavy as solid stainless. That tho makes for better control IMO.

I carried mine for quite a long time before going to SIG.

 

[Rob72]

If it isn't a physical challenge, I'd carry the GP, for the extra round. Not to mention that it would make a heck'uva good club, if you ran dry, and still had "problems" close in. :chairshot

I've had both. Great guns, either way, it just would depend on what you can comfortably accommodate.

FYI: I would go with the 3" SP. I had the 2.25", and something about that length just did not work for me, sighting-wise- it was a total belly-gun for me. I've since tried the 3", and was much happier (haven't bought one yet, though...... ) YMMV

 

[ExSoldier]

GP 100 is a solid "woods gun" but I'd never consider it for CCW. Too big, too heavy and difficult to conceal. I'm with P95 here. The SP101 is an excellent carry pistol, rugged fixed sights, mine was smooth in the trigger out of the box. I gave this as a present to my daughter along with her CCW after she got married last year and then started working late at a mall store as manager. For such a small package the SP101 can handle full house magnum loads without any problem....ever. IOW, it won't "shoot loose."

 

[Ridge Runner]

Ruger GP100

I am 6'4'' and go about 290 lbs. Should I have problems carrying a GP100 with a 4 inch barrel IWB?

I would like something with some heft to it. If it is too small or light, my hands do not seem to handle it well.

 

[Euclidean]

I think a big part of this is answering how you're going to carry it. If you can get away with a less restrictive carry methodology, the bigger gun might be easier. And if your body shape supports it, you might be able to get away with it.

I understand what you're going through. Carrying a full size revolver is a challenge.

This is a good gun you're considering and the SP101 is real nice too. I find both of them have a very nice feeling of heft. The SP101 may be the "J Frame" but to me it feels nice, heavy, and hand filling. All I can tell you is go someplace where you can pick them up before you buy either.

 

[clipse]

I love my SP101. Its is basically me "do-all" gun. Its considerably smaller than the GP100 and I believe it was designed specifically for CCW.

clipse

 

[Ridge Runner]

Any of the Ruger GP100 a SA/DA?

Are they only DA, or are they SA/DA?

 

[clipse]

the GP100 are generally SA/DA but some trade-ins are appearantly DA only

 

[Euclidean]

I'm not sure what you mean by that precisely as I would call it a double action revolver.

To me DA/SA is a self cocking gun which is double action on the very first shot and single action on all subsequent shots.

The action of the Ruger is like your typical double action revolver in that each shot can be fired double action (pull trigger) or you can manually cock the hammer for a single action shot. Regardless of how you fire it however, it always starts over with the hammer at rest in the double action position.

Now if you're asking if Ruger makes a double action only revolver (in other words, no manual cocking and the action is enclosed) I believe the answer is no. However if you notice the design of their hammer, it lends itself to being ground off smooth so you can convert one to double action only (or "hammerless") without a lot of fuss.

 

[Euclidean]

the GP100 are generally SA/DA but some trade-ins are appearantly DA only

A lot of the trade-in GP-100s I understand come from Canadian law enforcement. The external hammers have simply been ground off is my understanding, effectively making the gun DAO. I don't know that for sure however.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Ruger GP100

I meant to ask, can it be fired in a single action mode? That is, cock the hammer back manually, then pull the trigger.

Sorry for the confustion. :wink:

 

[gregarat]

It sure can be fired that way.


I carry mine as a duty piece, non concealed. Most days of the week.

Trigger on these, like SP-101 is never, well rarely, totally smooth and sweet out the box but it is usually reckoned that use and dry fire will make them better. If for carry then fitting lighter spring is not probably wise tho it does make trigger feel a bit better.

My GP-100 trigger is heavy! When I shot 300 rds qualifying, it gave my trigger finger a heck of a workout. I'm going to send it to a local shop fore action polishing, lighter spring, etc. After send my 1911 in to the "bugs" worked out.

 

[P95Carry]

I am not dead sure but I think the SP can be had with bobbed hammer from get go - it is then effectively D/A only.

Added to which, IMO any revo for carry will not see much SA work - all practice has to be DA. Only way to go.

 

[clipse]

I'm not sure what you mean by that precisely as I would call it a double action revolver.

To me DA/SA is a self cocking gun which is double action on the very first shot and single action on all subsequent shots.

I also considered a DA/SA handgun to be one that can be shot in either DA or SA. I could be wrong though.

clipse

 

[Euclidean]

I think it has to be considered in context because a DA/SA autoloader and a DA/SA revolver would technically have a slightly different manual of arms in that unless we have a Mateba, our revolver isn't going to cock itself in subsequent shots.

I can see it either way. Because technically a pistol like I described could be fired single action on the first shot.

I've always just said a "double action revolver" to eliminate that ambiguity.

 

[clipse]

The only difference between a DA/SA auto and a DA/SA revolver is the fact that on the auto, the slide is doing what your thumb does on the revolver. Something has to cock the hammer. So, I don't see the the difference. But then again, I've played IT guy at work all day and my mind is shot anyway. (pun intended)

clipse