Ruger GP 100 S&W comparison

[stantheman86]

I have a 3" blued half lug GP100 and I love it, but I got it for more of the "cool factor" than for actual use as a carry gun. I agree, a 3" 686 would be just as good for carry.

For carry, a 6-shot .357 like a 2.5" 19 or 66, or a 3" 65 or 13 will do the job just fine. The 3" GP100 feels more like a short barreled holster gun to me, than something made for CC. Still, when I get the funds a 3" stainless GP is high on my list, although I have had the nagging urge for a 3" 686.

FYI the last 66's made,with the 2-piece barrel, do not have the flat spot on the forcing cone. My 66-7 from 2003 has a round forcing cone, like an L-frame. Possible S&W just used the same barrels for the K's and L's when they went to the 2-piece.

 

[Stainz]

I've never seen a partially-shrouded GP100 in person - only pictures. I always liked it's looks - with the inset wood panel in the grip, of course. The grey SS finish, a la my long gone .454 SRH, was neat, too... until I 'discovered' S&W 627's... but that's why I spend the majority of my time here... on the S&W forum!!!

Still... a 4" grey SS partially shrouded GP100 with wood panel insert grips might just get my attention...

Stainz

 

[desto]

I'm with your, have had a red hawk, have a 5 inch 629 now, have sold most of my Rugar guns, kept the new vaquero in 45lc, 22-45, and 10-22. They are big with heafty triggers. A friend has a GP100, I just don't like the trigger and cylinder release...just me I guess. I just Like S&W revolvers....have to say I loved my Colt Anaconda in 45 LC, wish I never sold that one. My Smiths are here to stay though.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I have a 3" blued half lug GP100 and I love it, but I got it for more of the "cool factor" than for actual use as a carry gun. I agree, a 3" 686 would be just as good for carry.

For carry, a 6-shot .357 like a 2.5" 19 or 66, or a 3" 65 or 13 will do the job just fine. The 3" GP100 feels more like a short barreled holster gun to me, than something made for CC. Still, when I get the funds a 3" stainless GP is high on my list, although I have had the nagging urge for a 3" 686.

FYI the last 66's made,with the 2-piece barrel, do not have the flat spot on the forcing cone. My 66-7 from 2003 has a round forcing cone, like an L-frame. Possible S&W just used the same barrels for the K's and L's when they went to the 2-piece.

The two part barrel negates the need for the milling by the design. If they had done them like Dan Wesson then maybe they would be better and maybe not. But all the two part barrels I have seen may be highly accurate with jacketed ammo, they are still not very lead bullet friendly and that is a sales kill for me. I'm not big on the end of the barrel having the tensioned cap since it can be set too tight and snap off, but I guess at least that would be easier to replace than the whole barrel. Find me a 620 with the sleeve having nice sharp cut rifling and I might buy it and spread the word. But the one I finally found and rented leaded so bad I didn't want to keep using it. And that was with the range's own ammo you had to buy for their rental guns. No likey.

 

[Checkman]

I would challenge anyone to find a three inch GP100 with the short Lett grip and see what they think of it. I may just buy the Wiley Clapp and swap out for the shorter grip. And I might just save up and buy the 586 L-Comp if they ever drop the (bleep).

I picked up a used GP100 3" with the old compact rubber grips at a local gunshop last week. Wow that is a very nice fitting revolver - it just feels right. The 3" models are so hard to find - especially the blued models (the blue 3" models are long out of production) - that bought it on the spot. I knew that if I didn't somebody else would.

 

[bananaman]

Thanks. I looked at a Wiley Clapp GP100 today. It was sweet!

You didn't buy it? Bob

 

[justintyme]

Maybe he has by now, it was 6 years ago.

 

[hittman77]

Wow that is a very nice fitting revolver -
The 3" models are so hard to find - especially the blued models

Yeah, they're cool for sure.

Good for you on finding one.