Ruger GP100

The one thing I lack in my arsenal is a self defense handgun. I've never been a big Auto fan so I'm considering a DA revolver. I'd like something for my wife to start shooting with too. She shot a couple of rounds through my sons 9mm Glock and didn't like the recoil. I was thinking of a 357 that I could load down to 38 Cowboy action levels for her to start with and gradually work up to factory type 38 loads. Any opinions on the Ruger GP 100? Are there better guns for the dollar out there? Which grips are the best? I actually like the rosewood/rubber look. Anybody have opinions on the fit and servicability of these?  RD

Rocky,

CB is about right, as usual.  I have shot a lot of gp100, mostly target 38s.  Great gun very well built.  It work well with reduced loads and full 357 rounds.  So I think it fills the bill for you.

It is not a lightweight carry gun.  But for plinking, carrying in the car on long trips, or in the night stand, it can't be beat.

My conceal carry guns tend to be ultra light weight 38 revolvers, S&W 442.  I use the S&W M39 (aluminum frame m439) as my car/night stand gun.

Most people want lots of power for CCW.  I do not.  The important things in a CCW gun for me is lightweight and accuracy.  These guns are not for a shoot out nor a LEO gun fight, so no fire power is really needed in 99% of intended use. It is better to have a lightweight gun 32 auto, 25 auto, or 22rf ON YOU when you needed it than having a 40 auto in the car or at home.  I've been CCW carrying since 1972, carried a lot of guns.  The best gun is one that you will carry.  For many years I carried the s&W 39 and model 19 (great revolver gun but more $$ than the GP).

Maybe in conclusion you do need two guns.  But the GP would be an excellent first one.

BEAR

rocky - no flies on the gp-100 for a home defense weapon, but as noted it is not one you are going to carry much.

you did not explicitly say you are looking for a carry piece, so given that it is a night-stand type of gun, i would sign off on the gp w/ a caveat. make sure the trigger reach fits you and your wife. some 357's have some pretty large frames and trigger reach can be difficult. note my s&w 686 - my brother w/ his short fingers can barely fire the gun in double action mode because he just can't reach the trigger.

as for grips... my 686 wears pachymar combat grips because the open backstrap actually reduces the trigger reach significantly and makes the gun a ton more comfortable to hold. note the open backstrap: w/ most loads, especially up to run of the mill factory loads this is not a problem. but when i put in one of my nuclear-option loads (any 357 mag handload), i note the gun will actually start stinging my hand after about the first cylinder.

also w/ grips... checkered grips may tear your hand up a little, but you will get great control over the gun, increasing speed of accurate follow up shots. smooth grips are a little more comfortable to shoot and for damned sure more comfortable to carry (checkering is certainly not comfortable for carry... and sometimes will grab your cover garment, too).

as for ruger's factory rubber/wood grips... they do just fine. nothing special w/ them either way.

btw... a 357 can be a mighty accurate gun. my cast 158 handloads will punch soda bottles at 100 yards w/ factory open sights. my 686 is sighted in for 50 yards, and i have made quite a few small game kills w/ it beyond the 100 yard mark (on purpose, on the first shot).

if this is to be primarily a carry piece, i would urge you to look for a different gun...

4" barrel is pretty universal. 6" barrel doesn't balance as nice, but would be an asset if you are stuck in a tree looking to kill a pig.

for open carry, in and out of the truck, and general moving around, you will find the 6" barrel would be a hassle.

guess my reccomendation for your purposes is a 4" barrel. agree on the full underlug.

good luck!