Revolvers are far from outdated although they are no longer first line military and police handguns. A revolver is simple to use and may be stored for a long period without maintenance. A revolver kept at home ready will come up shooting after long months of ready. There are no springs compressed when the handgun is loaded and the revolver need only be aimed and the trigger pressed to fire. While you should get training with any firearm a busy schedule and commitments limit our time. The revolver is a solid choice those on the run needing a simple tool for personal defense.
This is the .44 Special version of the GP100.
On the other hand there are those who train hard and expect a lot from their revolvers. For these shooters there is no revolver with a stronger reputation for reliable function and longevity than the Ruger GP100. The GP100 is available on long barrel versions suitable for hunting, target shooting, or competitions that favor a revolver. This is a handgun is designed to handle the power and pounding of a magnum cartridge. The GP100 is also available in four inch barrel versions, a good all around barrel length, and carry guns with a three inch barrel. These three inch barrel variants are fast on target and make excellent concealed carry handguns.
The GP100 is a double action revolver. This means a press of the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer. The GP100 may also be fired single action in deliberate fire by cocking the hammer and using a single action press which does one thing it drops the hammer. The Ruger uses a transfer barrel ignition system. This is a drop safe action. This is not only a very safe system, but the floating firing pin also handles recoil better than conventional firing pins mounted on the hammer. The ejector rod is shrouded by a heavy barrel underlug. The cylinder release doesn’t press forward like most revolver but presses inward more like a plunger. This is a reliable system not likely to bang the thumb up in recoil. The Ruger locks up tight with a crane mounted plunger adding to the revolvers rigid lockup.
Simply swing the cylinder open to confirm if the revolver is loaded. These are simple to use handguns.
The GP100 is available with three types of sights in different models. The standard model features Ruger fully adjustable rear sights and a post front sight. The Wiley Clapp and similar models feature high visibility fixed sights. Some models use the traditional groove in the top strap fixed sight. Choose the model you like based on the likely role the revolver will fill. For home defense and self defense the three inch barrel revolver looks good. In all of the Ruger GP100 models the grips are well designed with some give in the synthetic grips to cushion recoil. Then there is the Match Champion which features wood grips to stabilize the hand during long range shooting. All are superbly accurate revolvers but some due to the barrel length and sight configuration are more accurate than others in practical off hand fire.
Among the author’s favorite handguns is the three inch barrel .357 Magnum.
This long barrel GP100 is a great hunting revolver.
The GP100 is available in a number of calibers. I have never fired the .22 version but it must be a light kicking and accurate handgun. I have extensive experience with the .357 Magnum, .44 Special, and 10mm versions. My favorite for versatility is the .357 Magnum. The Magnum also will handle .38 Special loads. For many shooters a good strong .38 Special such as the Critical Defense +P is the ideal home defense load. This loading is controllable and accurate but effective with good shot placement. The GP100 is well suited to the heaviest Magnum loads including the Hornady .357 Magnum 158 grain XTP and the new Hornady BackCountry animal defense loads.
The most common GP100 is the six shot .357 Magnum version. There is also a seven shot .357 Magnum and five shot .44 Special. These are well balanced revolvers well suited to all around shooting chores.
Ruger’s Match Champion GP100 is a great shooter.
Accuracy results from the author’s four inch barrel Ruger .357 Magnum
Groups fired at 25 yards from the MTM Caseguard shooting rest. All groups are five shots measured from the center to center of the most widely spaced bullet holes.
Load Velocity Group
.38 Special
Hornady 158 grain XTP 809 fps 1.0 inch
Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain 980 fps 2.0 inch.
Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain+P
1050 fps 1.7 inch
.357 Magnum
Hornady 125 grain Critical Defense 1380 fps 2.1 inch
Hornady 125 grain XTP 1401 fps 1.6 inch
Hornady 158 grain XTP 1190 fps 1.25 inch
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