Popped my Cherry on a GP100

3124 Views 43 Replies 36 Participants Last post by Wysiwyg101, 5 mo ago

Mr. Pepper Nose

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

Finally purchased a revolver. Initially was aiming to procure something in 44 magnum, but the only Rugers locally in stock were the Alaskan model; they look ugly as sin IMO and I don't intend to mount any optics on one. Was also considering grabbing the all stainless SR1911 in 10mm, so this was my "compromise."

Will probably hit the range this weekend after giving it a good clean. Grabbed some 125 gr Remington UMC SJHP 357 that was on sale. Had no idea SJHP was a thing. Remington advertises it as all-purpose...I'll take that with a grain of salt. Looking to grab some sort of holster in the near term, but I will probably only carry this on road trips into the boonies. Tempted to grab one with a coupon on Ruger's corporate store - most of the offerings are leather Bianchi and Triple K, but I'm open to recommendations.

Words of wisdom would be appreciated from any GP100 users or haters.

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rmichael63

· #2 · 6 mo ago

Congrats on the new filly. I own two, one in 357 mag (inherited) and one in 44 spl. Both shoot and function flawlessly. If you reload, no more chasing brass. Congrats again.

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fxstchewy

· #3 · 6 mo ago

I would look for a Simply Rugged Pancake, buy new or like me used off of ebay.

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brnwlms

· #4 · 6 mo ago

Don’t need any words of advice, you are already on the right track. You got the GP100, now just shoot it often.

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Corndog

· #5 · 6 mo ago

Love mine. It’s my favorite revolver I own. Good thing about 357 velocities, plain old SJHP ammo works very well. Premium ammunition is not needed.

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Wheelguns

· #6 · 6 mo ago

Congratulations! You just can’t beat a GP100.

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bgavin

· #7 · 6 mo ago

Wheelguns said:
Congratulations! You just can’t beat a GP100.

Indeed.
Mine was the first gun I actually purchased back when Bill Clinton was the nation's best gun salesman.
It remains as my favorite shooter today.

I just acquired the Alaskan in 44 mag, but cardiac surgery sidelined me before I got to shoot it.
I'm not one for looks over function... IMO the Smiths are more "handsome" but I don't ever want to own one.

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svahadean

· #8 · 6 mo ago

Congratulations! You got my cherry itching now. I love that big revolver platform.

If you do go with shopruger.com for your holster, double-check that they actually process your coupon. I've had to call them twice for them to issue a refund on the difference between full price and discounted coupon amount.

Good luck - keep shooting.

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rickclark28

· #9 · 6 mo ago

It is a beautiful Ruger and congratulations on the find. Seriously a great choice. You have a keeper there!
*That is not a compromise-> you now have an heirloom.
Enjoy it and shoot it. (Any reports of your finding at the range would be welcomed)

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fixitagain

· #10 · 6 mo ago

I'm a little surprised that more people don't own any revolvers. You don't have to like them but just own at least one. Probably because I got started on a Sec 6 and SBH in the early eighties and started reloading early so it seemed that revolvers were the way to go and I have problems understanding why everybody else doesn't think so.

I don't know what other guns you have but you probably will have gripes because it's new to you. It should grow on you and hopefully you'll come to appreciate what it has to offer. Just shoot it and also dry fire as much as possible to get accustomed to it before you start changing springs and such. If you're handy there's some polishing you can do to help smooth it out and accelerate the break in process.

125gr is good starter ammo and I've shot a lot of it but I've have settled on 158gr SWC and pretty much shoot that exclusively.

I think I have a holster or two for my GP100 but it has only utilitarian value. I plan on getting a good leather OWB 'dress' holster for it. I had a Roy Baker design pancake and a great basket weave thumb break duty holster for my Sec 6 that I loved but time has separated me from them but the fondness remains.

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Corndog

· #11 · 6 mo ago

As for advice, the Santoprene grips make the magnums a lot easier on your hand.

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Jack Ruger

· #12 · 6 mo ago (Edited)

Good for you. Looks nice. I'm hoping this coming year to land my first big boy revolver, .357, .44 / 45.

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Redhawk100

· #13 · 6 mo ago

My first revolver was a GP100, too, @Mr. Pepper Nose . I got the 6" model, though.

I got a 100-round value pack of that Remington 125gr SJHP about four years ago and keep it as a good SD ammo. I used to for hog hunting and took a 117lb sow with it. I put the shot behind the shoulder, the projectile clipped the spine, and I found it under the hide on the opposite side while skinning the carcass. The projectile expanded all the way and kept its jacket, too.
I think that it's a great round, and you will be very happy with it.

For my standard range ammo, I use 158gr FMJ stuff. If you get the loose-pack cans of it from LAX Ammo, you can get a good value, and they load their .357 Magnum pretty lightly compared to other manufacturers, so it's easy on you and the gun over time.

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fixitagain

· #14 · 6 mo ago

I don't know if you reload or thought about it but 38/357 is the ideal caliber to start with. You can load light or heavy and is very forgiving of mistakes. Function of a revolver isn't dependent on the ammo so besides the load you have a wide latitude on choice of components. The case is fully supported and won't vent on you like a hot 40 in a S&W Shield, ask me how I know. It's an economical caliber to load and provides economy especially on heavy 357 loads. No hot brass down your shirt and no chasing it around the range.

It's also a gateway to 44 spec/44 mag where the savings really compound increasing the enjoyment.

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True Grit

· #15 · 6 mo ago

My advice is to just shoot it.
I have the 5" model and really like the balance. Ruger double action triggers get a lot of flack, but both my GP100 and SP101 were pretty dang good out of the box.

The only thing I've done is swap out the front sight for the HiViz. It works great for me. Lots of people hate the monogrip. It actually fits my hand perfectly.

+1 on the Simply Rugged pancake holsters. Have them for several handguns. In the ballpark with those on Shop Ruger, but no discount.

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Fafhrd

· #16 · 6 mo ago

GP100s are great revolvers. Enjoy.

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Scswolf

· #17 · 6 mo ago

Holster for OWB
Desantis Thumbreak Scabbard
Comfortable, affordable, durable
Keeps GP high and tight

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Robert70

· #18 · 6 mo ago

I agree, congrats on your new addition. The only wheelgun I own is a Ruger Security 6 38/357 mag, I bought in 1977 before i PCSd to Germany (USA) for a 3 yr stint. I still have it today and will never part with it. My only other revolver was an S&W 38 Chiefs Special Snubby, in 1972, that I traded for a remington 12ga wing master SG

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wproct

· #19 · 6 mo ago

I just can't say enough good about the GP100. Mine is a 5 incher that I just really love, but about all I shoot in it is light .38 special target loads, it's a real pussy cat with those. 😊

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Angry Hippo

· #20 · 6 mo ago

That 125 grain Remington SJHP is a nice load. Advertised at 1450 FPS IIRC. Almost always gets some attention at the range. Not the very stoutest load out there, but for factory ammunition it definitely zips along pretty fast. One of my favorites to run in my SP101 or GP100.

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