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SR9 vs GP100

3K views 21 replies 20 participants last post by  gqucool 
#1 ·
Hi all, new to the forum. Getting a LCP within the next month for pocket carry, taking my CCW class on Nov 5.

Looking for a second gun for home defense, range practice and carrying in the woods when I'm out hiking. I'm decided on which one to get first (limited budget), I'm torn between the GP100 4.2" 357mag or the SR9. I'm really leaning towards getting (for sure) the LCP, then the GP100, and possibly not getting or waiting a while to get the SR9. I only want handguns and I don't need a collection, I want guns that will serve an actual purpose and not be safe queens.

I'm thinking that the GP100 would be a great range gun. I had the chance to hold and operate both the GP100 and the SR9 at Cabelas. I really like the GP100. I know 9mm is cheap, but I know that I would shoot mostly 38 specials at the range, (38 specials are pretty cheap here, around $15-20 for 50rd box) and a handful of 357 mag and carry 357 mag 180 grain hard cast when out in the woods, camping, hiking, etc.

I am not sure about getting the SR9. My thinking is that the GP100 will be so versatile that getting the SR9 will be pointless for my needs. I can shoot 38spcl, 38 +p, and 357 mag, why get 9mm? I'm thinking about using the SR9 for home defense and a range gun but I feel like I can fill both of those roles with the versatility of the GP100, shoot 38 specials at the range, load it up with 38+p for home defense (really thinking shooting 357 mag indoors would have too much flash and be way too loud) and carrying 180gr HSM bear load out in the woods.

Tell me your opinions.

Thanks in advance
 
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#4 ·
Both are fine firearms. Based on your philosophy of use (i.e., home defense and hiking in the woods) I would say the GP100 is your best bet. I know there are people who would disagree with me, but I always feel a semi-auto is a poor choice in home defense firearms. There are too many moving parts and possibility for failure. I want to know that my gun goes bang when I'm tired/disoriented/scared and safeties, and failures to fire etc are much more likely in a semi auto (but my SR9 has yet to do so!)

Second, for hiking and woods-life a .357 mag is not underpowered in any situation, but a 9mm may not be enough for large game in some cases. Sure you have 17+1 (unless your state hates you) with a SR9 but again pound for pound a hard cast lead .357 is going to be more likely to save your behind if a bear or moose crosses your path angrily.

So all of your intended uses point in my book to the GP100. When your needs change to where you need to fight off hoards of 20+ zombies or clowns then you can consider an SR9 and a few magazines. Plus the GP100 is sexy!
 
#6 ·
GP100 for your purposes OR to throw you a curve ball try a Blackhawk convertible. Great range and woods gun. Then when you get your 9mm down the road you'll be able to load 9mm in both. Just a thought.
I'm a big fan of a shotgun for home defense, but do like the GP100s also.
Good luck on a choice!
 
#7 ·
Another vote for the GP100. As you stated, it is the versatility of the gun (and just plain great to shoot). The 9mm is a little lite in the britches for big woods animal. With the exception of my 1911s, I don't know that I'd even own other semi-autos except for capacity and ease of reloading on the fly (you can get very fast at reloading revolvers). I have a couple of .357s and an SR9c. No complaints on any of them, but for your stated purposes I'd go with the larger caliber revolver. JMO.
 
#9 ·
My first handgun is the 6" barreled GP100 I bought over 20 years ago. I bought it specifically because it would be a "do all" gun with the versatility of .38 Special and .357 Magnum. Since it shoots .357 so softly and I preferred to keep the rear sight adjusted for .357, my theory of saving a few cents per round by not shooting .357 went right out the window in a very short time.

As much as I like my GP100 (which I still have) it is not my "go to" home defense handgun. My CZ75 PCR in 9mm is.

The reason? As strong as a .357 mag is, there are only 6 holes in that revolver cylinder. With my compact 9mm, there are 14 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber. That means my little CZ has the equivalent of 2.5 reloads already in it, which makes me feel a little more comfortable when the thoughts of clearing my house enter my mind.
 
#10 ·
I'm gonna follow the rest of the herd and also recommend the GP100. Fantastic gun, fantastic caliber. Everybody ought to own at least one 357 revolver and IMO a GP100 is as good as it gets for a DA revolver.
 
#12 · (Edited)
Thanks all for the replies. I'm for sure getting the GP100 as my first revolver, and getting the SR9 later for a range gun/home defense gun. The GP100 will fill both of these roles for awhile so there's no rush for the SR9 which will likely just be a range/plinking gun. But if I'm going for a range gun I might as well just skip the SR9 and get a SR22 and make going to the range really cheap.

Was talking to the guy behind the gun counter at the Cabelas and I'm really glad I'll be getting this revolver soon. He said that he has the GP100 and loves it, he carries it in a chest holster when he's out in the woods because he's seen, and heard from friends, that there are black bears in our area forests (about 15 miles from my house). One of his friends said that a bear was killed about two weeks ago in Dundee, WI...about two miles south of where I camped with the wife in July. He says that 357mag is a good choice and that there are also been reports of wolves in our area, outcast wolves that have been separated from their pack and are desperate and aggressive. He said that when his son was snowmobiling up in Tomahawk (passed through tomahawk going to the Apostle Islands in August) that he saw a wolf standing at the edge of the trail just watching them go past on their snowmobiles, not at all scared. A couple years go, my grandpa who lives in a rural area, was cutting his lawn when he saw a black blur run past, and turned around and saw a black bear running into the forest across the road. I spend a lot of time in rural settings and I love to hike in the exact same place that the guy behind the counter says he has seen bears. Can't wait to get the GP100.
 
#14 ·
I have home defense guns scattered around the place in 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 acp and .357 magnum (a GP100). I believe most any gun that is reliable and powerful enough makes a great home defense gun. My 9mm is a Beretta 92A1 with a 21 round capacity and a Surefire X400 light/laser. It makes a great home defense gun. I have a Glock 21 with Trijicon night sights holding 14 rounds of .45 acp that makes a great home defense gun. I have a plain jane S&W M&P40 that holds 15 rounds (IIRC) that makes a great home defense gun. I have a stainless Ruger GP100 3" that holds 6 that makes a great home defense gun (I recommend keeping one or two speed loaders with it).

All they have to be is reliable enough, powerful enough and have the right ammunition to qualify in my opinion. I would also add that a high quality flashlight should accompany any home defense gun regardless of whether the gun has a weaponlight or not.

The GP100 may have the disadvantage of capacity but it has the advantage of being a multitasker as you mentioned. Great for home defense, hiking/camping/trail defense, concealed carry (shorter barrel models at least) and pure fun shooting.

I gave my sister my first GP100, a stainless 3" model for her birthday and I bought a stainless 3" Wiley Clapp version for myself. I love the 3" barrel guns but I would say the 4.2" is probably the most versatile of them all. I'd love to add one to my gun family or maybe a 5". Anywho, excellent choice, buy the multitasker first and go from there.
 
#15 ·
The GP100 may have the disadvantage of capacity but it has the advantage of being a multitasker as you mentioned. Great for home defense, hiking/camping/trail defense, concealed carry (shorter barrel models at least) and pure fun shooting.
True enough. I do forget my requirements back when I first put my limited income into a handgun, the GP100 got the call. :)
 
#16 ·
Both good choices. Like most here, I would go with the GP100. A superb firearm. Very versatile and great for a range gun, home defense, or as a woods gun.
 
#20 ·
The GP100 will give you more versatility when it comes to ammo options and other activities...camping, hiking, hunting, personal/home defense, etc.

Also the GP100 has several grip options...Badger Customs...Hogues...Eagle Grips...etc. (I, personally, prefer the older, smaller Lett rubber grips with the wood panels...which has many options to those as well.)

Meprolight makes a great 3-dot tritium adjustable night sight set-up for it that simply pops right on...and you have increased low/no light shooting capability.

Holsters...the holster options are huge with the GP100...I prefer the Bianchi Model 7, 3-slot holster, which rides very comfortably in the 4:00 OWB position and also switches to become a cross-draw holster for in the winter time worn under a coat or vest...when you unzip it's easy to the hand (and not pinned under your coat when you have a seatbelt in place, restricting your access if ever needed while in your vehicle.)

Lastly, you cannot buy a 180 grain wad-cutter that blasts out of the end of your barrel at 1400+ foot per second giving you 15" of penetration through a layer of fat as a bear or other wild animal might have if you ever go face-to-face with destiny!

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=162

I recommend the GP100 over the SR9 if you had to choose just one?

Best of luck in your choice!
 
#22 · (Edited)
Get the Ruger GP100 just a thought look over the gun you are buying very carefully & be very picky.........reasoning is I hear so many story's here on the Ruger Forum of problems and members are having with new Ruger D/A revolvers. Alot things to look for smooth working actions and rough spots burrs sharp edges etc. if you see this pass the gun up!!! Ruger makes some very nice guns but I spent the better part of 2 years looking at GP100's I passed up on several because of the very things I have mentioned. If you find the gun that the action locks up tight no play in the cylinder and a nice smooth action by working the action then go for it. Hopefully you will get a good one. This is what I did & I could not be happier. I use to think my S&W Model 66 .357 had a smoother nicer action vs my Ruger GP100 WC well not no more I feel my Ruger GP100 has a much smoother & nicer action. The right gun will come up and you will know it good luck to you!!! BTW RANGE DOG my Ruger GP100 WC is just like your's I really like the 3 inch barreled GP100 they are very accurate!!!
 
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