While you consider .357 Magnum revolvers, you is perhaps inclined to mentally image a 6-inch barrel connected to a medium-sized body. They’re normally six-shooters, until they’re in 5-shot snub-nose type. Hopefully, an adjustable rear sight adorns the body. The psychological picture is accomplished by reflecting within the gun’s deep, polished blue end.
Properly, generally our psychological photographs get a bit fractured. Take the gun we have now earlier than us immediately… a Ruger GP100 .357. This gun sports activities a 4.2-inch barrel, a seven-shot cylinder, two-piece rubber and wooden grips, and a gorgeous satin stainless end. A finely adjustable rear sight and fiber-optic entrance sight full the image.
The gun is constructed like an Abrams tank, as are a lot of Ruger’s merchandise. I do know that’s a cliche that will get used so much, nevertheless it’s true. Rugers are usually overbuilt, and the GP100 is not any exception.
The place did the GP100 come from? Right here’s a fast backstory.
GP100 Historical past
Ruger had entered the legislation enforcement revolver market within the Nineteen Seventies with their Safety Six revolver. Chambered in .357 Magnum, this DA/SA wheelgun was supplied in a couple of totally different barrel lengths. It offered effectively, however discovered competitors towards S&W and Colt powerful sledding when attempting to get legislation enforcement companies to purchase it. Keep in mind, this was when LEA used revolvers. Civilian shooters purchased it, although… I can keep in mind seeing a number of of them in outlets again then.
Quick ahead to 1985. Ruger discontinued the Safety/Velocity/Service Six and launched two new fashions as replacements. One was the GP100, and the opposite was the SP-101. They had been made for various functions.
The GP line was finally supplied in calibers .22LR, .327 Federal Magnum, .38 Particular, .357 Magnum, .44 Particular, and 10mm. They had been both 5-, 6-, or 7-shot, relying on the caliber. Finishes had been both blue or stainless, and you can get a hard and fast rear sight or an adjustable one, once more relying on the mannequin.
Lastly, barrel lengths had been accessible in a spread from quick (2.5”) to lengthy (6”). This revolver was made with heavy-duty use in thoughts. Many hunters carry one among these, both as a main looking gun or as a backup. They’re generally carried in bear nation, and I do know that various deer have fallen to them. They’re additionally pressed into service for residence protection, together with different makes use of.
The SP-101 is extra of a hid carry revolver, being a 5-shot constructed on a barely smaller body. Sometimes, the weapons have a hard and fast rear sight and a 2- to 3-inch barrel, however as with the GP100, variations happen.
These weapons serve totally different functions and excel at their particular missions.
Photographs
Let’s have a look at a couple of images of our GP100…
Specs
Listed here are the specs, from the Ruger web site…
Grips Cushioned Rubber with Hardwood Insert
Capability 7
Barrel Size 4.20″
Total Size 9.50″
Materials Stainless Metal
Entrance Sight Fiber Optic
Rear Sight Adjustable
Twist 1:18.75″ RH
End Satin Stainless
Weight 40 oz.
Grooves 5
Out there in CA No
Out there in MA No
Advised Retail $1129.00
The place To Purchase
One Gripping Element
Altering the grip on a GP100 is straightforward, because it doesn’t have a grip body to take care of. All you might have is a mainspring housing, a small “publish” that comes down from the body. The grip screws to its backside. That approach, you’ll be able to have custom-made grips of many varieties & shapes, as they gained’t intervene with a grip body, not like most different mainstream wheelguns.
Taking pictures The GP100
I grabbed three masses to strive on this revolver. They had been all made by Black Hills… they ship me ammo to make use of in my opinions, and it’s good things. The hundreds included their 158-grain JHP, 127-grain HoneyBadger, and, for enjoyable, their .38 Particular 147-grain full wadcutter goal load… that was virtually like capturing .22s on this 40-ounce gun.
Listed here are a couple of 5-shot consultant 25-yard targets – they’re self-explanatory.
The HoneyBadger goes off with an enormous “ka-boom”, however the recoil isn’t that dangerous. We’re taking a look at velocities round 1450 fps. I not solely see this as a protection load, however, out of a long-barreled revolver or carbine, this might make an excellent deer spherical. The 148-grain HBWC felt virtually like a .22 in my hand… a really gentle goal load. The gun shot effectively, total. It will make an excellent backup to your important deer rifle.
So… Ought to You Have One Of These?
Properly, clearly that’s a query I can’t reply, in fact, however rhetorically talking, I would definitely think about it. In our fashionable age of pistolcraft, most shooters carry semi-autos, with 9mm being king of that specific hill. Many shooters, particularly youthful ones, have little or no to no expertise with revolvers.
I’m previous, subsequently I grew up, so to talk, capturing revolvers. (Don’t fear – I personal my share of semi-autos, too…) I’ve owned, or personal, many revolvers, ranging in caliber from .22LR to .44 Magnum. My 8 ⅜” S&W 629 has accounted for extra deer than I can keep in mind, and the pea shooters have earned their place within the woods looking squirrels or defending the rooster coop. Revolvers have their place, as they’re straightforward to make use of and are usually very dependable. No “bang?” Pull the set off once more.
One of many best possible revolvers to personal, for my part, is a 4-inch .357. This is among the most versatile weapons going. You’ll be able to carry it (in a correct holster), both as a CCW or as a looking gun. It may be utilized in competitions and excels in offering double bang for the buck, as you’ll be able to shoot .38 Specials in it. Right here within the Hoosier state, it’s a authorized deer gun if the barrel is at the least 4 inches. That makes for one helpful sidearm.
To reply the query, I’d say a professional “sure”, however everyone seems to be totally different. Solely you already know the actual reply. I do know another factor… revolvers are making a comeback and are extra common now than they’ve been in years.
Maybe you must think about choosing one up the subsequent time you’re at your favourite gun store… You may like what you see!
