RUGER GP 100 .357" MAGNUM Revolver

Sturm, Ruger & Co introduced the GP-100 in 1986 as a mid-sized replacement for the Security-Six series. The GP-100 looks something like the earlier guns that it evolved from but is very different mechanically inside. it uses a coil mainspring on a strut mounted inside a frame extension that is not really a 'grip frame' at all like the conventional S&W or Taurus style.

 Because of this slim mounting extension with the mainspring - the size and shape of hand grips can be much more widely varied to suite the biggest and the smallest hands and have a complete wrap-round grip..

                      My Six inch Barrel GP-100 is a nice chunk of .357" Stainless

My gun came with rubber grips set with wood inserts that I guess are meant to give the comfort of  rubber while retaining the 'real wood' look - but personally I wasn't turned-on and think that the two contrasting materials clashed awkwardly - so was well pleased when Santa (my mate John)  brought me a set of  rubbber Hogue Monogrip stocks to fit - hmmm, so comfy ! - they look great against the stainless steel.

                                                   Original Ruger GP-100 Grips.

The GP-100 uses a firing-pin transfer-bar system and has a pretty good, crisp trigger feel in single action that might be worked  lighter, and the double-action pull is OK when you pull straight through as you're meant to, - but if you "stage it" slowly there seems to be three stages, first it feels light, then the pressure builds to a stacking point where you can hold it and feel the bolt drop into its notch in the cylinder - then there's a light final "let-off" squeeze as the hammer goes the last bit and falls 'BANG'.

The frame is very strong and will fire all day for years with any amount of full-house magnum loads - the top strap is visibly thicker and heavier than a similar size S&W .357". The sturdy Rugers have a reputation for being pretty indestructible - And even I can shoot decent groups in the black around 3" spread with my re-loads - so I'd guess that a good shooter with the best ammo would be in the one and a half inch zone. The heavy barrel with full length underlug measures 5 and 1/4 inches from the front of the frame, and a light back-end gives a weight forward feel and easy felt recoil.

 Another feature that really impresses me is the ergonomic cylinder release latch. - Located in a scalloped cut-out rear of the recoil shield it is a natural and comfortable push inward to release - not the sharp-edged and notchy S&W slide forward. - Love it - I wonder if Ruger could be persuaded to make a 10MM version with full-moon clips? - now that would be forward thinking.
                                                                                                                                      Marty K
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