Opinions on Ruger GP-161

[vicpinto]

I am in the market for a wheel gun - specifically something in 357 magnum for a couple of reasons.

1) I want to try my hand at reloading. Not for any specific need currently but just because I want to learn. I figured 357 magnum was just as good as any place to start seeing as I get the benefit of reason number 2,

2) The ability to shoot 38 caliber ammo is a plus as my wife will be able to shoot it as well. Less recoil for her.

I am not interested in this being a carry piece. I just want it to work up some loads and have fun at the range. I came across this Ruger offering http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=1704&return=Y The price is right and the styling is nice to boot. Does anyone own one of these revolvers and would like to share his/her opinions on it? I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[soloman02]

What about the Ruger Blackhawk? My dad has one of the older ones (from the 70's or 80's) and he loves it. Shoots both .357 mag or .38 special.

 

[vicpinto]

I'd rather have something that's double action.

 

[KMM696]

I've owned two GP-100s - started with a blued one that was an incredible shooter, and then got stupid and sold it to buy a stainless one. The second one was very good, but not as good as the one I sold.

That big grip soaks up recoil well, and if you do get a stainless one it's easy to polish up a bit. The trigger improves with a spring kit, and some light polishing on drag spots in the internals.

I keep an eye out for a blued one, just haven't found one at the same time I've had money. I just like the looks better than stainless.

 

[eisenhow]

I've only read good things about the GP100. Personally I'd get the 141 (4") so you could use it for IDPA .

 

[KMM696]

Both the ones I had were 4" models. I like the old grips better than the new ones, but it's because of looks, not function.

They're plenty heavy to soak up recoil in 4" - unless you really want the longer sight radius of a 6".

My ideal would be a blued 4" without the full underlug barrel and the old style grips with the wood inserts, but I don't think Ruger ever actually cataloged that.

 

[PatMcD]

The Ruger 100/101 series are absolute tanks that will last forever. Great guns. Buy one with no fear.

 

[Woodstock]

Good choice

What Pat said. These Rugers are legends for accuracy, toughness and reliability. And they will retain their value. I would also recommend the 4" for general use, but the 6" is fine, too, if that's what you prefer.
On reloading, get all the information you can, a recent manual or two, and start with .38's. There are lots of good threads and links here at NES, and the manufacturers have good websites. Good luck finding components.

 

[vicpinto]

Thanks guys.

 

[Kevin l]

Definitely can't go wrong with the GP100 series revolvers. It was the first gun that I purchased and the first gun that I reloaded for. My wife and kids love to shoot it and my father who never cared for shooting anything but .22 liked it so much he offered to buy it. I found another one and my brothers and I got together and gave one to him for Christmas last year.

Both the ones I had were 4" models. I like the old grips better than the new ones, but it's because of looks, not function.

The newer GP100's come with Hogue grips, I hated them because I found them to be very uncomfortable. When I purchased my first GP100 they came with the Hogue's. I called Ruger because they were still advertising them on their website, they said they were phasing them out. If I remember correctly, I guess the folks who made the wood panels were either no longer in business or not doing business with Ruger anymore. They had a few left in stock and sent me a set of the old grips.

Here's a pic of my GP100 in action.

Kevin

 

[depicts]

Vic, I've owned GP 100's since 1986. You can''t do better for a .357. It's built like a tank, and shoots great.

I prefer the 4 inch, full underlug barrel, but that's a personal choice. Don't consider the 101 series, they are too small, and if you don't want it for a carry gun, the 4" is better. Weighs more, dampens recoil, aids in steadying the gun.

You're more than welcome to shoot mine at the club.... Taunton or Mansfield... any time. Mine's blue, I've had several blue ones. My next will be stainless. They are just too easy to take care of.

 

[drgrant]

The only downside to the GP100s is that there are less people that can slick up the action really well on them, or so I've been told.

The guns are build like brick s**thouses, though. You can run some really
hot .357s through them without fear.

-Mike

 

[depicts]

Mike, the action on my GP100 is plenty "slick" Maybe twenty years of shooting it will do that to a gun but it tells me that if you just shoot the gun you'll be very happy with it. I actually like the trigger on my GP's better than most of my S&W's, and I'm a Smith freak!

The only downside to the GP100s is that there are less people that can slick up the action really well on them, or so I've been told.

The guns are build like brick s**thouses, though. You can run some really
hot .357s through them without fear.

-Mike

 

[vicpinto]

Vic, I've owned GP 100's since 1986. You can''t do better for a .357. It's built like a tank, and shoots great.

I prefer the 4 inch, full underlug barrel, but that's a personal choice. Don't consider the 101 series, they are too small, and if you don't want it for a carry gun, the 4" is better. Weighs more, dampens recoil, aids in steadying the gun.

You're more than welcome to shoot mine at the club.... Taunton or Mansfield... any time. Mine's blue, I've had several blue ones. My next will be stainless. They are just too easy to take care of.

Thanks man! I'll have to take you up on your offer. I stopped by Pheasant Ridge in Seekonk on the way home today. They had a blued one with a 4" barrel. It's a really nice handgun. I was also surpised at how little it weighed. I'll have to place an order for a stainless steel one.