gp 100 3 inch question

[twomoons]

folks,
i know its not one of our coveted 3 inch k frame guns,but what are your thoughts,experience,with a 3 inch gp 100.new,100% cosmetic and mechanically like new.

 

[hberttmank]

I don't have a 3" GP, but I do have a 4" and a 6". I think the GP 100 is a heck of a nice revolver. They are very stout, closer to an L frame. The trigger can be slicked up fairly easily. If you can get it for a good price, I'd say go for it. No reason why you can't have a Ruger as well as Smiths.

 

[ENGINE18]

Oh great, now I want a 3" Ruger too. Love them 3-inch barrels.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

I have a 4" GP100, great all-around .357 and very rugged. The trigger was a little rough out of the box but a few minutes of light polishing and some shooting smoothed it right out. Size and weight makes it less than ideal for carry for me, so I went with the 4" instead of the 3".

 

[epj]

I had an older 3" half lug with fixed sights. Also had the smaller grips. Current models have a full lug and the same size grips as the 4-6". I did not like the fixed sights, and traded it for a 4" with adjustable sights. I like the GP. It is a very solid revolver. I did a trigger job, and it has a very good trigger. It is not as nice as my 686 trigger. They made a few 3" adjustable sight models some years back, with half lug and the smaller grips. If I had had that one, I would probably still have it.

 

[18DAI]

I had a blue 3" GP100 that I foolishly let get away.

Accurate as all get out, particularly with American Eagle 38's, and a good looking revolver. Fit and finish on mine was flawless. Not a single tool mark to be found.

Great revolver for not alot of money, IMHO of course. Regards 18DAI.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

In my opinion, there is only one revolver that comes close to being the equal of the S&W CS-1 686 3"...and it is the GP-100 3". I own both and love both. If you were going to send me into the wilderness with just one gun, I would pick the GP-100 every time. Built like a tank. Easy to carry and shoot. Great trigger. What's not to love?!?
Gonzo

 

[handgunner356]

I have the current production 686+ 3" and must say I'm quite pleased with the gun. It has been one of the few that I have not had to clean up the trigger on right out of the box. The S&W does run about a $150 more than a Ruger and if you just can't stand the lock it might be the way to go.

 

[twomoons]

18 dai,and other friends,
hey guys thanks for the great reply's.i wont spend endless banter about how much i or we like the 3 inch 65,66 etc.there is really just something nice about that size gun,that fills a lot of needs in 1 gun..
18 dai,this is a stainless gp,so it must be a newer one. i can easily smooth the insides up for a smoother action.
i tried a search to get a good ,or fair ballpark price of what these are worth, but could not get much info.the seller needed cash for xmas gifts for his kids,and i really did not want a ruger 3 inch, but i did buy it to help him out.
just out of curiosity that i did not pay to much, if anyone has an idea of what these are worth,thanks in advance for any advice
happy new year sw forum members

 

[epj]

The older one I had, I sold for $325 a few months back. Anywhere between that figure and $400 is a pretty fair price depending on condition and location.

 

[18DAI]

Hi twomoons! IIRC, I paid $400 for mine in 2006, and sold it last year for $450.

Spent the money on another revolver (that I no longer own) but just "had to have". You know how that goes.

If it were not for S&W current production revolvers, I never would have tried the GP100. I would have missed out!

If I come across another one, or the stainless version, I'll snap it up. I think anywhere from $400 to $475 to be a reasonable price for a 3" GP100 with box and docs. For some reason, the blue is scarcer, it is also cheaper when found. Good luck with your GP100! Regards 18DAI.

 

[twomoons]

18.
i sure do understand friend. i am glad i gave the seller enough then,for his kids.as i said,i did not need the gp 100,but the seller needed cash for xmas,for his kids.and i think i gave him a fair price.which makes me feel good.and i might have a keeper for a gun also,but as you said dai,i have my eye on another certain smith gun,and i might sell this gp 100 ,but,its a 3 inch cross between a k and L frame .shot maybe 20 rounds.like new.and i do know the 3 inch gp 100 guns are pretty rare,like you said,or seldom surface.this could be the hunting,packing ,hiking 3 inch gun,and the 3 inch 66 could go back to safe queen status.i guess these are the things that keep us gun nuts going,huh dai
thanks for the advice sir.your right on as far as everything you have said
happy new year sir
steve

 

[ladder13]

Steve, pm sent.

 

[bronco45]

I have owned a coupla GPs, I've owned a coupla hundred S&Ws. If I could have ever found a gunsmith who could do a outstanding job on a GP I probably would have kept both.

If you're going to pack them, then get a good high ride holster and a stiff belt.

 

[Rolan_Kraps]

Great gun. I often carry one and use it for IDPA from time to time. Great woods gun too. I paid $500 out the door new last year. Changed out the springs and polished the hammer.

 

[Rolan_Kraps]

It also uses the same speedloaders as a 6 shot L Frames.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
The 3in GP100 is like a Smith 3in...
Once you have one ,why would you carry anything else!
Its just the right size, not to long for under the coat, not to short for
open carry.. Same thing with a 5in ......

 

[8emem]

I recently picked up a CAI import version (which apparently was issued in Canada) of the 3" short-lug GP100 for $325. It has a fair amount of nicks and dings but that's ok on a stainless gun in my opinion. It is worth what I paid for it. The springs had obviously been replaced with something lighter but the trigger was very inconsistent and gritty. I suspect that the trigger or hammer was dragging on something, as there is typically a fair amount of side-to-side play in these parts on a GP100 even when NIB. I replaced the hammer and trigger return springs with factory parts and while heavier, the trigger is very smooth and consistent now. I also have a 686+ 3" (newer version with the lock) and there really is not much to choose from between the two. Short barrel revolvers like this are not the easiest thing to shoot, especially when magnum loads are involved. I shoot the GP100 a little better because the smaller panel grips fit my hand really good. I curl my little finger under the bottom of the grip and seem to get the best control that way.

 

[WJR]

I have one and really like it. Never could get myself to carry my 686s with a 3" barrel, so I sold them. I do not feel guilty about the GP100.

WJR

 

[shawn mccarver]

folks,
i know its not one of our coveted 3 inch k frame guns,but what are your thoughts,experience,with a 3 inch gp 100.new,100% cosmetic and mechanically like new.

Ruger makes a fine, if somewhat "thick" revolver. Since a gun that big must be carried in a holster, it is probably not relevant. They are easily disassembled for serious cleaning. Very reliable and serviceable guns. The equivalent S&W would be the 3 inch 686, the L frame, not the 3 inch K frame.