GP100 vs. 617

[GypsmJim]

I realize this is a S&W forum, but here goes anyway.

I have been looking for a 10-shot 8 3/8" Model 617, but they are few and far between and those that are out there cost more than I am willing to spend. I finally decided to go with a 6" model instead.

In the process of looking I came across a couple GP100s in .22LR. I am wondering if that would be a good alternative.

I have a good collection of Smiths, but I also have a few Rugers as well. Anybody have first hand experience with both models that can provide a comparison?

 

[challer61]

GP100 are fine guys but feel, to me, very different. As a result I sold my GPs use Smiths exclusively

 

[slickracer]

Trigger on the Ruger will not compare to a S&W.

 

[holo]

I sold my 617 and bought the GP100 I like the sight on the Ruger much more. The Ruger also seems lighter in the hand for me. I also have both model 17 & 18. I shot best with my model 18 and then 2nd best with the Ruger. I did put the orange paint on the front sight of my model 18 which help with my accuracy.

 

[jtcarm]

Trigger on the Ruger will not compare to a S&W.

The OP probably wasn’t planning a lot of DA shooting with an 8 & 3/8” 617.

 

[pasound]

I actually like my 5 3/4" 617's DA trigger. Very smooth, and it "stacks" well when point aiming. (I did replace the rear sight with a Weigand rail, and mounted a Romeo 5 for point and shoot.) For Rugers, I have shot a GP100 and didn't like the feel. My Ruger 22's are single action only - a Single-Six and a Wrangler. Both hit where I aim, using CCI standards and Federal Match.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

I owned both at the same time. Even as a Smith fan I was impressed with the gp100 in 22. Believe it or not, the short ejector rod of the gp100 actually gave me a few problems.

 

[glenncal1]

The GP100 is a well made gun (in any caliber IMHO). The DA trigger can be a little heavy and not as smooth as a SW. This is easily fixed with springs and maybe a little stoning. A lot of SW's benefit from the same treatment.

 

[joe44va]

Not a direct answer but here goes:
Had two Ruger 357s. a KGP100 4" and a 3" SP101. Traded them both for S&W versions because they felt better and I liked the triggers better. I now also have a 6" 617 that I really like. It's one of my favorites.

 

[GypsmJim]

Well, I went ahead and did it. Found a used GP100 with a 2019 manufacturing date. Looks like it didn't have more than a dozen rounds thru it. The trigger is simply amazing - feels more like a tuned S&W. Accuracy is outstanding as well.

Next step is to mount a reflex sight - parts are on the way.

Thanks for all the comments.