Ruger gp-100

[gnmwilliams]

So I've been looking at different hunting pistols for a while now and was looking at a Taurus 608 6'' model. However, due to reading various accounts of limited durability in the long term I went looking some more and came accross the Ruger gp-100. I've read nothing but good stuff about this pistol and am wondering if anyone can give me an idea as to its durability and it's effectiveness as a hunting pistol compared to the 608? It just doesn't look as kewl as the Taurus but I can get over that....I guess (sigh)

[I_Like_Pie]

Are you limiting yourself only to .357? The GP100 is as good as they come, but .41 or .44 magnum guns make a much better hunting platform.

If you only are considering a .357 - the GP100 really isn't meant for a scope. Even in the range of .357 (20 - 75 yards) a scope or red dot helps quite a bit.

Make sure you only consider a 6" model. Legally and ballistically it is the only way to go.

Since you will be shooting SA - the difference between it and a Taurus or S&W will be whatever fits your hand the best.

[JeffL]

TWRA says it needs to be at least .40 caliber if I'm not mistaken.

[JAB]

TWRA says it needs to be at least .40 caliber if I'm not mistaken.

Since when? Is that new? It used to be 'any centerfire handgun with a minimum of a four inch barrel'.

Edit:

From the 'Legal Equipment' section of the TWRA website, under the heading, "Deer, Bear, Boar, Elk and Feral Hog Hunting":

• Centerfire handguns firing a single projectile and having a barrel length of four inches or more, in all counties except where regulated by legislative acts.

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/huntweapons.html

Edited November 2, 2010 by JAB

[VERO1]

I have a 4 and 6 inch GP100 if you want to try one out. I have no doubt they will outlast a dozen Tauri.

[JeffL]

Since when? Is that new? It used to be 'any centerfire handgun with a minimum of a four inch barrel'.

Edit:

From the 'Legal Equipment' section of the TWRA website, under the heading, "Deer, Bear, Boar, Elk and Feral Hog Hunting":

http://www.state.tn.us/twra/huntweapons.html

Nevermind, I was confused as I often am by hunting regulations.

Muzzleloading percussion cap or flintlock rifles, handguns or shotguns of .40 caliber (.40-inches) minimum. These muzzleloading firearms are legal during any gun season or hunt unless otherwise specified. Muzzleloading firearms are defined as those firearms which are incapable of being loaded from the breech.

[bigwakes]

I have a 4 inch GP100. Love the gun.

[Guest tbone]

I GP 100 w/ a 6in barrel is the way to go in .357 as far as I am concerned. I picked mine up used and absolutely love it. Frankly, I like it better than a colt python that I shot a while back, (and I consider myself to be something of a colt fanboy). Granted, I use mine for range time and not hunting, but the GP 100 is a great weapon and I am sure you won't be disappointed if you get one.

[Zeus]

If you only are considering a .357 - the GP100 really isn't meant for a scope. Even in the range of .357 (20 - 75 yards) a scope or red dot helps quite a bit.

Make sure you only consider a 6" model. Legally and ballistically it is the only way to go.

Since you will be shooting SA - the difference between it and a Taurus or S&W will be whatever fits your hand the best.

Mine works pretty darn good with a scope. The open sights of a GP100 are great too.

[Will Carry]

GREAT ZEUS! That's a fine looking GP-100! I love mine too.

[mk19]

You asked about the durability of the GP 100. I used to manage a shooting range, out of all the revolvers we had the GP 100 was the only one that did not get sent to factory for rapairs during the 2+ years i worked there. S&W's, Taurus' Freedom Arms or what not they all made a bunch of trips back to factory to rebuild or broken something but not the GP100. That is why when i bought my first revolver it was a GP100.

[Guest The Highlander]

The most accurate revolver I own is a 6" GP-100. Love them Rugers. Brownell's carries scope mounts, and you can probably find them at Midway and other places as well.

As far as durability, I seriously doubt you will ever wear it out! In that "only one gun scenario" a 4" stainless steel, adjustable sighted GP-100 would probably be my pick.

If the trigger pull doesn't suit you, pick up a Wolff spring kit from Brownell's at the same time you order a scope mount. With the use of an ordinary paper clip and about 15 minutes of unskilled labor time, you will have a decent trigger. Not gunsmith quality, but better than factory, with no stoning or filing. Just a simple parts change.

[Louisb]

24 caliber and 4" barrel.

Oops guess that is likely 22 centerfire now