As a collector of the first 3 double action revolvers from Ruger in 72 to 87 / and many other wheel guns and Ruger products, this is a very detailed and quality video.
Bought the stainless version of this and fitted it with Novak tritium sights and a Wilson combat trigger pull spring. It is my favorite gun and is my carry weapon. My friends and family were shocked at how smooth and easy the double action was. Also they are smith and Wesson guys. The smith is a great gun but the coil springs in a Ruger are far more easier to tune to your preference. The Smith has a better trigger out of the factory but 10 minutes of changing a spring and the Ruger is better. The Smith has old school leaf springs in it.....not easy to change or tune.
I have that gun & love it too. It doesn’t take a ‘weirdo’ to tote that gun around, but a good belt & the proper rig. I also put nice wood stocks on mine. Cover garment sticks to rubber. I’ve had mine for about 7 years. They don’t go down much in value either. Built like a bank vault!
Excellent reviews. I'm enjoying your narrative style. I've owned and shot many revolvers, especially Rugers, and you've aptly described their quirks as fairly and accurately as their virtues. I still occasionally carry an SP101 I've had for 30 years, still whine a bit about the trigger mechanism, but am pretty satisfied with it after some careful polishing and a lighter spring kit. The overall DA pull feels different from my J-frame snubbies (I won't compare this coil spring revolvers with a tuned leaf spring S&W, which is in a class by itself), but when I shoot my SP101 and S&W Model 49 and 642 side by side in the same range session, the triggers on all three feel pretty similar now. Naturally the heavier SP101 is more pleasant to shoot with .38 +P. And it's hard to beat Ruger's stainless steel. In 30 years of carry against my sweaty hide, including while jogging, I've never found a speck of rust on the Ruger frame or cylinder. Occasionally I've found a tiny bit of rust on a spring or internal component, but switching to a better protective lube fixed that issue. A little Flitz polish removed the minor rust specks. BTW, in addition to your observations about cylinders feeling sluggish and draggy after shooting a bunch of lead SWC over Unique (also my favorite load for many years), be sure to disassemble the Ruger to check the bearing surface between the cylinder and crane. With hot, dirty handloads, powder debris and lead can be blown back into that bearing surface. Rather than oil or any wet lube, I've switched to white lithium grease on that bearing surface. It's less likely to pick up debris and become draggy. I use it on most carry guns now because it's less likely to migrate onto my clothing. And I'm trying one of my bicycle chain lubes with PTFE powder, Rock 'n' Roll Extreme blue. The carrier (probably naphtha) evaporates, leaving a persistent film of PTFE and a very thin oil that doesn't migrate everywhere. If a good Ruger Old Army black powder revolver, or classic 1980s-'90s S&W 586 or 686 comes your way, grab 'em. IMO, the 586/686 of that era was S&W's best in .38/.357. And the Ruger Old Army is great dirty fun, with a very simple mechanism that's easy to completely disassemble for occasional thorough cleaning.
Just bought one of these and i bought it used so the trigger was already broke in but ive noticed the same heavy double action trigger pull. Ive adjusted to it and so far its proven itself to be a trusty accurate revolver. The double action pull on my S&W 686 was a lot smoother. However the GP 100 seems to have a better feel when shooting hot loads than my 686 did. My 686 did not seem to like hot loads at all. Will say the 686 is a tiny bit more accurate than the GP 100 at longer range but the GP is pretty darn close to being as accurate...and its built like a tank, lol
A pleasant look into a lovely piece, and your narration is both comprehensive and soothing to listen to. Nice work - I'll have to take a look at these GP's in the future. Wish Ruger was still making the Security/Service/Speed Six series based on looks alone (I prefer high polished blue finishes and half/partial underlugs), but these GP100 variations appear to be quite promising.
Subscribed due to the intelligent style, tone, and script of the video. Nice work, and I do find myself attracted to GP100 revolvers for the sheer ruggedness.
I've had sp101, gp100 blue 5in loved them both the gp100 shooting single or double was easy to stay on target. have one of these now and love it as well. haven't shot SW or any of the other but just like all around everything of the rugers so for wheel gun they're my pick and they're stuff as nails and I can get them in blue. don't care for shinny guns.
Since this video is a couple years old, you've probably discovered this, the 357 magnum load you described as desirable sounds like a Gold Dot to me. Their 357s are downloaded a bit but still work great.
It’s probably a carry over from semi shooting. I do the same, I actually get my shooting had over the tang on my snub nose revolvers and right up against it with bigger revolvers. I also still take a thumb forward grip, I leave it halfway up the cylinder so it’s not near the forcing cone. It’s just what is comfortable for me. On a bigger revolver like this most people don’t have big enough hands to even get their thumb up across the cylinder gap so it’s not much of a concern.
Hate to break your heart, Fudd, but as a Glock armorer I can say that Glocks are just as sensitive to fouling as any other semi-auto or revolver of similar quality. I have match autos (including a Glock) that are VERY sensitive to fouling due to tight tolerances.
I have the stainless wc gp100 and love it, bought it used for $600 back in 2016. I would love to add this blued version to the safe....keep my eyes peeled.
I have the black one, I say black cause it ain't like a normal blue steel you see. I like it a lot but some things could have been different on it. the front sight, why did this one not have the same front sight as the stainless steel? my guess some one had a bunch of these no good brass ones laying around needing to get rid of them knowing everyone who got this one would change them out. just so happens Novak sells the only sights that fit this revolver. there made just a little different that others won't fit. next why does the cylinder stop on bottom drag all the way from release. nomal? guess so. last if making this was to be special why not work the TCG? yes it's long and heavy but rougher then a cob, corn cob. would it have been to much trouble to just smooth out the parts a little? go so. I'm no pro just my 2 cents
It's a revolver that Hellboy would like to carry! ;-) Regarding the other comments, I have Altamont on a couple of my handguns and am quite pleased. They eliminate catching on coats and shirts and fill my hand.
As a collector of the first 3 double action revolvers from Ruger in 72 to 87 / and many other wheel guns and Ruger products, this is a very detailed and quality video.
Bought the stainless version of this and fitted it with Novak tritium sights and a Wilson combat trigger pull spring. It is my favorite gun and is my carry weapon. My friends and family were shocked at how smooth and easy the double action was. Also they are smith and Wesson guys. The smith is a great gun but the coil springs in a Ruger are far more easier to tune to your preference. The Smith has a better trigger out of the factory but 10 minutes of changing a spring and the Ruger is better. The Smith has old school leaf springs in it.....not easy to change or tune.
I have that gun & love it too. It doesn’t take a ‘weirdo’ to tote that gun around, but a good belt & the proper rig. I also put nice wood stocks on mine. Cover garment sticks to rubber. I’ve had mine for about 7 years. They don’t go down much in value either. Built like a bank vault!
That’s a beauty for sure. “After all, I needed something to panic about in 2020.” 😂 Good choice!
Excellent reviews. I'm enjoying your narrative style. I've owned and shot many revolvers, especially Rugers, and you've aptly described their quirks as fairly and accurately as their virtues. I still occasionally carry an SP101 I've had for 30 years, still whine a bit about the trigger mechanism, but am pretty satisfied with it after some careful polishing and a lighter spring kit. The overall DA pull feels different from my J-frame snubbies (I won't compare this coil spring revolvers with a tuned leaf spring S&W, which is in a class by itself), but when I shoot my SP101 and S&W Model 49 and 642 side by side in the same range session, the triggers on all three feel pretty similar now. Naturally the heavier SP101 is more pleasant to shoot with .38 +P.
And it's hard to beat Ruger's stainless steel. In 30 years of carry against my sweaty hide, including while jogging, I've never found a speck of rust on the Ruger frame or cylinder. Occasionally I've found a tiny bit of rust on a spring or internal component, but switching to a better protective lube fixed that issue. A little Flitz polish removed the minor rust specks.
BTW, in addition to your observations about cylinders feeling sluggish and draggy after shooting a bunch of lead SWC over Unique (also my favorite load for many years), be sure to disassemble the Ruger to check the bearing surface between the cylinder and crane. With hot, dirty handloads, powder debris and lead can be blown back into that bearing surface. Rather than oil or any wet lube, I've switched to white lithium grease on that bearing surface. It's less likely to pick up debris and become draggy. I use it on most carry guns now because it's less likely to migrate onto my clothing. And I'm trying one of my bicycle chain lubes with PTFE powder, Rock 'n' Roll Extreme blue. The carrier (probably naphtha) evaporates, leaving a persistent film of PTFE and a very thin oil that doesn't migrate everywhere.
If a good Ruger Old Army black powder revolver, or classic 1980s-'90s S&W 586 or 686 comes your way, grab 'em. IMO, the 586/686 of that era was S&W's best in .38/.357. And the Ruger Old Army is great dirty fun, with a very simple mechanism that's easy to completely disassemble for occasional thorough cleaning.
Just bought one of these and i bought it used so the trigger was already broke in but ive noticed the same heavy double action trigger pull. Ive adjusted to it and so far its proven itself to be a trusty accurate revolver. The double action pull on my S&W 686 was a lot smoother. However the GP 100 seems to have a better feel when shooting hot loads than my 686 did. My 686 did not seem to like hot loads at all. Will say the 686 is a tiny bit more accurate than the GP 100 at longer range but the GP is pretty darn close to being as accurate...and its built like a tank, lol
A pleasant look into a lovely piece, and your narration is both comprehensive and soothing to listen to. Nice work - I'll have to take a look at these GP's in the future. Wish Ruger was still making the Security/Service/Speed Six series based on looks alone (I prefer high polished blue finishes and half/partial underlugs), but these GP100 variations appear to be quite promising.
Subscribed due to the intelligent style, tone, and script of the video. Nice work, and I do find myself attracted to GP100 revolvers for the sheer ruggedness.
I've had sp101, gp100 blue 5in loved them both the gp100 shooting single or double was easy to stay on target.
have one of these now and love it as well. haven't shot SW or any of the other but just like all around everything of the rugers so for wheel gun they're my pick and they're stuff as nails and I can get them in blue. don't care for shinny guns.
I have a GP100 model 1790, almost the same gun except it has a 2.5 inch barrel and a fiber optic sight.
Mentioning a glock in a revolver video is the quickest way to get a dislike haha no but seriously this was a good break down very informative
Since this video is a couple years old, you've probably discovered this, the 357 magnum load you described as desirable sounds like a Gold Dot to me. Their 357s are downloaded a bit but still work great.
Subscribed.
I appreciate your low key delivery and humility.
DOUGout
I like how you apply very high grip ... Not seen very often when people shoot revolvers
It’s probably a carry over from semi shooting. I do the same, I actually get my shooting had over the tang on my snub nose revolvers and right up against it with bigger revolvers. I also still take a thumb forward grip, I leave it halfway up the cylinder so it’s not near the forcing cone. It’s just what is comfortable for me. On a bigger revolver like this most people don’t have big enough hands to even get their thumb up across the cylinder gap so it’s not much of a concern.
You should do audio books.
good review/analysis... I actually like the trigger and grips on mine.
I had to see the WC gun again.... Those grips are BEAUTIFUL...
I have the Altamont Snake Skin Compacts in good shape... TRADE???
I have the STANDARD 3 in GP 100 gutter sight 357 mag and I bought the Compact Altamonts...
I prefer them myself.....
Hate to break your heart, Fudd, but as a Glock armorer I can say that Glocks are just as sensitive to fouling as any other semi-auto or revolver of similar quality. I have match autos (including a Glock) that are VERY sensitive to fouling due to tight tolerances.
I have the stainless wc gp100 and love it, bought it used for $600 back in 2016. I would love to add this blued version to the safe....keep my eyes peeled.
Beautiful! Dig the dark stainless steel model as well! Cheers
Snap caps and work that trigger slowly , it will break in nice
polishing trigger contracts and change out sptings. Ruger triggers are rough machining rifles like wise handgun
So beautiful
Thanks for the video
Did you swap for the Altamount compact? If so, What’s your opinion?
I love the look of the matte finish but it is not very durable, it looks great but does not wear well
Which North American mini did you get???
I have the same gun. I put badger rosewood boot grips on it. Super grips. Maybe check them out. Pricey but totally worth it. Nice gun man. Congrats
alternate option. Smith and Wesson 686 2.5" with DS Products rear combat sight.
very fine...
Were can I get those grips
I can’t find this exact model.
I have the black one, I say black cause it ain't like a normal blue steel you see.
I like it a lot but some things could have been different on it. the front sight, why did this one not have the same front sight as the stainless steel? my guess some one had a bunch of these no good brass ones laying around needing to get rid of them knowing everyone who got this one would change them out. just so happens Novak sells the only sights that fit this revolver. there made just a little different that others won't fit. next why does the cylinder stop on bottom drag all the way from release. nomal? guess so. last if making this was to be special why not work the TCG? yes it's long and heavy but rougher then a cob, corn cob. would it have been to much trouble to just smooth out the parts a little? go so. I'm no pro just my 2 cents
I caught you saying model number 1753.. is that different than the ruger gp100 wiley clapp 1752?
It's a revolver that Hellboy would like to carry! ;-) Regarding the other comments, I have Altamont on a couple of my handguns and am quite pleased. They eliminate catching on coats and shirts and fill my hand.
Do you own any ARs?