Ruger GP 100

Sturm, Ruger & Company introduced the Ruger GP 100 revolver in 1985. They fall in the double-action handgun class, which means that they can be fired both by cocking the hammer manually, or just by pulling through on the trigger. There are models configured for .357 Magnum and .38 Special rounds available, with five versions made for .357 Magnum (GP-141, GP-161, KGP-141, KGP-161 and KGPF-331) and two for .38 (GPF-840 and GPF-841). The .38 models were developed for reduced recoil and increased economy in ammunition, though they naturally lose out on overall stopping power as compared to the .357 Magnum models, which are very suitable for use in hunting and personal defense. The .38 models are, however, ideal for practice and traninig The KGP-141 and KGP-161 costs around $615 and the KGPF-331 around $596. The GP-141 and GP-161 sell at $557, and the GPF-840 at $552.

Almost all of them share a maximum effective range of 150 feet. The GP 100s are made of steel based on the classic six-cylinder design. Barrel lengths vary from 76 mm to 152 mm. The Ruger GP 100 revolver weighs in at 2.2 pounds. Depending on the model, it is available in blued steel or stainless steel finishes, and with either fixed or adjustable sights. The .357 models feature cushioned grips that help in repeat firing by reducing strain on the shooter's hand and thereby reducing fatigue. These grips can be changed to customized ones, according to the shooter's personal preferences. Despite this feature, many shooters have found the heavy recoil of the GP-100 to be too cumbersome for prolonged shooting sessions.

When disassembled into its component parts, the GP-100 consists of the frame/barrel, hammer and hammer pin, the mainspring assembly, the trigger group, the wood grip panels, the aluminum grip module locator, the grip screw and grip modules and the cylinder/crane assembly.

While there are a number of medium-framed double action revolvers on the market today, Ruger's GP 100 is among the most robust and durable models. They owe their longevity to a number of design factors - for instance the patented frame extensions, housing mainspring seat and protective trigger guard latch. The sidewalls of this line of revolvers are integrated solidly into the frame, which in turn varies in width in order to accommodate and support the barrel at all critical points. They all feature positive cylinder alignment by virtue of the fact that the cylinder is triple-locked to the frame in the front, rear and bottom.

The Ruger GP 100 is considered an all-round utility weapon, though some users find the 4' barrel on the .38 models, which are in any case less powerful, inadequate for hunting. One of the preferred ammunition for the Ruger GP-100 is the Winchester 110-grain jacketed hollow-point personal-defense load. For those who can afford them, loads made by the ammunition maker Glaser is another good option. They are popularly used in conjunction with speed-loading devices such as the ones developed my German armament and munitions manufacturer Heckler & Koch.

The Ruger GP-100 probably had its peak of glory just before the newer breed of automatic pistols hit the market. It still has its diehard adherent, who love the rough 'n ready Frontier look and feel of this ruggedly designed revolver. There are some interesting parameters of preference that speak for or against Ruger weapons in general, and these have impacted their popularity and sales to a certain extent. This refers to the fact that Bill Ruger Sr. supported the American government's 1994 ban on what it classified as 'assault weapons' and 'high-capacity' magazines, meaning magazines that held more than 10 rounds). This was considered an act of betrayal of personal freedom of choice, and many gun enthusiasts have withdrawn their business because of this quaint fact.