Built to Last: Exploring the Features and Design
The world of firearms is filled with iconic names, weapons that have earned their place through a combination of performance, reliability, and enduring appeal. Among these, the Ruger GP100 stands tall, a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum that has become a favorite among shooters for its rugged construction and consistent performance. This review delves deep into the Ruger GP100 .357, examining its features, shooting characteristics, and overall value, providing a comprehensive assessment for anyone considering adding this classic handgun to their collection.
Frame and Materials
The Ruger GP100 is immediately recognizable. Its robust design speaks to its intended purpose: a handgun built to withstand the rigors of regular use. This revolver isn’t about sleek lines or delicate aesthetics; it’s about functionality and durability, a true workhorse.
The heart of the GP100 is its frame, typically crafted from stainless steel. This material choice contributes significantly to the firearm’s weight and, more importantly, its resistance to the elements. Stainless steel resists corrosion, ensuring the GP100 can endure years of exposure to various conditions without showing signs of significant wear. There are also models offered in an alloy frame, offering a lighter weight option for those prioritizing portability.
Grips and Sights
Grips are an essential part of the overall shooting experience, and the GP100 doesn’t disappoint. Many models feature comfortable and ergonomic grips, often made of Hogue rubber. These grips provide excellent purchase, enhancing control and mitigating recoil, which is crucial when handling the powerful .357 Magnum round. The design ensures a secure grip even with sweaty hands. The shape allows for a good purchase and is usually comfortable for prolonged shooting sessions.
The GP100’s sights are designed for practicality. The rear sight is usually adjustable, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of impact for various distances and ammunition types. The front sight is typically a ramped blade, providing a clear and easily acquired sight picture. The simplicity of the sight system is part of the GP100’s charm; it’s effective without being overly complex. Some models offer the option of replaceable front sights, catering to personal preferences.
Action and Safety
The heart of any revolver is its action, and the GP100 boasts a robust double-action/single-action mechanism. This design offers versatility. In double-action mode, the trigger pull cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder, allowing for rapid follow-up shots. In single-action mode, the hammer can be manually cocked, resulting in a lighter and crisper trigger pull, ideal for precision shooting. This dual functionality is one of the hallmarks of the GP100, making it suitable for various shooting applications, from self-defense to target practice. The transfer bar system, a key safety feature, prevents the gun from firing unless the trigger is fully depressed, adding an extra layer of safety.
The Heart of the Matter: Barrel Length and Capacity
The Ruger GP100 is offered in a variety of barrel lengths, each catering to different needs and preferences. The shortest barrels are typically around three inches, making the revolver more compact and easier to conceal. These models are well-suited for concealed carry and home defense. Longer barrels, such as those four inches or longer, offer benefits in terms of accuracy and velocity. They provide a longer sight radius, making it easier to hit targets at extended distances. Longer barrels can also help in mitigating recoil.
The cylinder of the GP100 holds six rounds of .357 Magnum or, more commonly, .38 Special. The capacity of six rounds is a good balance between firepower and manageability. It offers enough rounds for self-defense situations while keeping the revolver relatively compact. Loading and unloading the cylinder is a straightforward process, facilitated by the cylinder release latch.
Feeling the Fire: Assessing Shooting Performance
The Ruger GP100 is a pleasure to shoot. The ergonomics are well-considered, making the handgun comfortable to hold and control. The grip, as mentioned earlier, plays a crucial role in this, providing a secure and comfortable interface with the shooter’s hand.
Trigger Pull and Accuracy
The trigger pull in double-action mode is smooth and predictable, allowing for rapid and controlled fire. The pull is firm, reflecting the power of the .357 Magnum cartridge, but it is manageable, with practice. Switching to single-action mode reveals a crisp and clean trigger pull, ideal for precision shooting. This lighter pull allows for greater accuracy, enabling shooters to place their shots with greater precision.
The accuracy of the GP100 is excellent. At ranges of fifteen to twenty-five yards, the revolver is capable of grouping shots tightly. Its inherent accuracy, combined with the shooter’s skill, makes the GP100 suitable for target shooting and hunting.
Recoil and Handling
Recoil is a factor with the .357 Magnum, but the GP100 handles it well. The weight of the revolver, combined with the design of the grips, helps to absorb much of the felt recoil. This makes the gun more comfortable to shoot and allows for faster follow-up shots. The .38 Special rounds, which can also be fired in the GP100, generate significantly less recoil, making them a great option for practice or for shooters sensitive to recoil.
Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading the GP100 is simple. The cylinder swings out easily, allowing for quick reloading with either speed loaders or by hand. The cylinder release is conveniently located, and the ejector rod quickly removes spent casings.
The Good and The Bad: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Ruger GP100 is a well-rounded revolver, but like any firearm, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages
On the plus side, the GP100 is exceptionally durable. Its robust construction, featuring a heavy-duty frame and high-quality materials, makes it a workhorse that can withstand years of hard use. The accuracy is another significant advantage, providing the ability to hit targets accurately at various distances. The recoil management is also impressive, making the .357 Magnum manageable to shoot. The versatility of the double-action/single-action mechanism is a major benefit, allowing for both rapid firing and precision shooting. The ease of use is a major draw, making it simple to load, unload, and operate. Finally, the Ruger GP100 .357 offers great value.
Disadvantages
No firearm is perfect, and the GP100 has some potential drawbacks. Some shooters might find the gun relatively heavy, particularly those looking for a concealed carry option. The trigger pull in double-action mode, while smooth, can be firm, requiring some practice to master. The initial cost is competitive, it’s a very popular gun for many.
Value Proposition: Is the Ruger GP100 Worth the Investment?
The Ruger GP100 represents excellent value for the price. Considering its durability, accuracy, and versatility, the GP100 delivers a lot of gun for the money. The quality of the materials and construction ensures that the revolver will last for years, providing a reliable tool for self-defense, target shooting, or hunting.
Compared to other revolvers in its class, the GP100 holds its own. While there are other excellent .357 Magnum revolvers available, the GP100’s combination of ruggedness, performance, and value makes it a compelling choice.
In Conclusion: A Timeless Classic for Serious Shooters
The Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum is a classic for a reason. It’s a robust, reliable, and accurate revolver that has earned the respect of shooters worldwide. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and performance.
This is a solid choice for anyone seeking a versatile and dependable handgun. Whether for home defense, target shooting, or concealed carry (with an appropriate model), the GP100 delivers. Its combination of durability, accuracy, and ease of use makes it an excellent option for both experienced shooters and those new to revolvers. The Ruger GP100 stands as a prime example of an excellent firearm design.
