Ruger Forum

polaris754 · August 27th, 2012, 05:11 PM

when its all said n done , theres nothing like a gp 100 , 4 in barrel , 357 , its a do all ,

quack · August 27th, 2012, 05:17 PM

I just bought my first revolver a week ago and was thinking/planning on getting the SP, but when I got to the store it was smaller than I thought. Since this wasn't going to be a carry gun, I chose the 4" GP. If I had to do it over again, I would still get the GP.

BearcatShack · August 27th, 2012, 05:30 PM

The trigger on the GP100 is better and it handles 357 better. It's a pleasure to shoot. I am much more accurate with it than the SP101. But, it is bigger and heavier.

bwinters · August 27th, 2012, 05:33 PM

I would get a 4 inch gp100 it is concealable with proper clothing and holster selection.

deerhearse · August 27th, 2012, 05:42 PM

You might be wishing you picked a 6 inch GP100, put a Hogue Pau Ferro Grip on it and install a Wolff Spring kit as I did!! (forgive the unabashed braggin'!)

TNWNGR · August 27th, 2012, 05:49 PM

OK, this is from someone who's been there and done that a long time ago. Both the SP101 and GP100 are the best buy's for the dollar that anyone could ever hope to find. For a daily carry defensive revolver the SP101 has an edge, it's lighter and more compact than the 3"GP100. Since I started out with wheel gun's and carried a fixed sight M-64 on duty for year's I'd prefer the 3" GP100. But for a recommendation for the best multi purpose revolver that will do everything you could ever want it to do then go with the 4" GP 100 with it's adjustable sight's. Get the right belt and holster and you will be well served in the field and at home. Bottom line it's the best first centerfire revolver that you can buy and if you look around you'll find used one's everywhere.

ikar · August 27th, 2012, 05:58 PM

If you can find one, why not a 4" Security 6? It's basically a "K" frame and should be less expensive, while the GP is larger and the 101 is roughly the size of a "J" frame. Weight wouldn't be a problem if you are planning on wearing it on your belt. I carried a "K" frame revolver as a duty weapon for years with no problem, just use a good belt and holster.

James6591 · August 27th, 2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polaris754

when its all said n done , theres nothing like a gp 100 , 4 in barrel , 357 , its a do all ,

Pretty much, it's on my wishlist.
Hard to come by here at present.

Pale Ryder · August 27th, 2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deerhearse

You might be wishing you picked a 6 inch GP100, put a Hogue Pau Ferro Grip on it and install a Wolff Spring kit as I did!! (forgive the unabashed braggin'!)

Beautiful but way bigger than what I am looking for.

I think my problem is trying to find one gun to plug into too many roles. Going to look next weekend at the gunshow to try and see a SP and GP up close (local store has neither). Right now I think I'm leaning towards the size of the SP. All this started when I wanted a snubby but I thought the 3in might be a better compromise. So I guess a smaller revolver is what I'm after. Think I'll try to learn with .38s and load up from there.

Thanks for all the help so far.

shootist · August 27th, 2012, 09:28 PM

I want the Redhawk 4" 44mag

Waveform · August 28th, 2012, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pale Ryder

I think my problem is trying to find one gun to plug into too many roles.

Yup - there's no single revolver that's perfect for CCW, hunting sidearm, kit gun, etc. That's why we all need many, many guns!

I would vote for a GP-100. I know you said you did not intend to hunt with your new revolver but check your state's hunting regs just the same. Some states have a minimum barrel length for hunting with a handgun and if you are open carrying a handgun when you are hunting, even though you have a rifle in your hands, your state's game warden may consider you to be hunting with your handgun just the same. Besides, you may decide you DO want to hunt with your revolver. I went with a 6" GP-100 as my hunting sidearm and love it.

States vary in their hunting regs and sometimes they don't make much sense. In some areas where I hunt you have to carry concealed during archery, black powder and non-gun seasons. This means I have to have more than one option as a hunting sidearm - not gonna try to conceal the 6" GP-100!

Good luck in your search for the right revolver(s) for you.

Pale Ryder · August 28th, 2012, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waveform

States vary in their hunting regs and sometimes they don't make much sense. In some areas where I hunt you have to carry concealed during archery, black powder and non-gun seasons. This means I have to have more than one option as a hunting sidearm - not gonna try to conceal the 6" GP-100!

Good luck in your search for the right revolver(s) for you.

Good point and thanks for sharing that. I looked it up and apparently in NC there is no barrel length minimum on handguns only caliber. So I guess any of these mentioned will work.

SR22PSHOOTER · August 28th, 2012, 06:11 AM

I started to look at revolvers with the intent of carrying it. I looked at the LCR, SP101 and other the other manufactures that have one of similar sizes. In the end I wanted the SP101 and ended up with one.

I haven't had it long but it felt great in my hands and seems very balanced, definitely easier to carry than the GP100. I know that the SP101 will out last any polymer revolver, I intend on passing it along to my daughter and then who knows where it will go from there.

Hope you can decide on which revolver to buy first on the list of great revolvers . . .

ozo · August 28th, 2012, 06:28 AM

The SP in .357 can be pretty rough on the hand for some people,
just as any J-frame size anything, yet you have the option for .38special.
Even .38's are no cakewalk for some in snubbies.
The trigger action is much smoother on the GP and .357's are
pretty tame in one.
The SP action can be smoothed out with a little work.

They are both built like tanks.

I even have a SP, GP, and BLKHK in .327 and all of them shoot like .22's
with .32H&R's
I think all ammo is pricey these days. Store bought .38's are still kinda reasonable
but .357's are pretty similar in price to .32H&R's
The .357 gives you the choice to also shoot .38's
The .327 gives you the choice to also shoot .32H&R's, .32long, and .32short
One advantage to choosing the .327 is lack of recoil, and an excellent
choice for teaching recoil-shy folks like kids and some women [men].

Some of us can shoot anything......no matter what size frame or caliber, some can't.
IF you choose the SP101 in .357, a very good choice, you will most likely find the
grip is too small. Many people have only this complaint about it. Worry not.....
there are several other grips to choose from. BUT......
the absolute winner of all choices IMO is the Trausch grips.
Trausch Grips
click USA flag then menu button then grips button
Also read Jeff Quinn's review [gunblast]
Personally, I don't have an SP that doesn't wear them.....
I hope this all makes sense.....
P.S. My SP in .327 is one of my larger guns in .327

McD · August 28th, 2012, 06:35 PM

P.R. - I think Terry P. has a good idea... For a first revolver, the GP100 is an unbeatable choice. Accurate, easy to shoot, reliable as it can get, and a future heirloom for the great grandchildren.
Now, I like the SP101 too, but it is not the same shootability. The SP101 might be good for a next purchase. You have the Glock and that is a decent carry piece too.

The GP100 is great for field and house.

But, you are not hurting yourself with a SP101. I just like the more massive gun.