Review: Ruger GP100 Match Champion
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- A quick review of Ruger's Match Champion edition of the modern classic GP100 .357 Magnum revolver.
An extended review of the GP100 Match Champion is up on our blog at www.luckygunner...
The holster used in the video is the excellent "George" AIWB model from JM Custom Kydex www.jmcustomkyd...
Speed loaders are the Safariland Comp III. Carrier is the Safariland CD2.
Support our channel, buy ammo from Lucky Gunner!
I went to the gun store to buy a Smith 686 4". Walked out with the GP-100 Match Champion. I've had it for over a year and have put probably 1,000 rounds through it, and I'm 100% satisfied. Superb gun.
I have recently purchased a GP100 5" Davidson Exclusive. I shot a couple hundred 38Spl through it at my first range session and it shot great. Took it home and cleaned it thoroughly. Second range outing and on my second cylinder of 357's the cylinder starting binding. I have owned revolvers since 1976 and this is the first time I have ever had a revolver malfunction that wasn't ammo caused. Sent it to Ruger and it came back with a note that said they replaced the hammer and did some polishing. Carried it to the range and couldn't believe the difference. It feels like it has had a custom trigger job. D/A pull is 6 1/2 lbs and single action pull is a crisp 3 lbs. Way to go Ruger.
I'm from Brazil, can't even own guns like these, but reviews here are so informative and so sentertaining, plus Chris' delivery is a very professional one, he sounds like a Discovery Channel Science documentary narrator.
I've owned this gun since 2015. I used to carry an LCP exclusively, but this GP100 shoots so well and packs such a big punch that I carry it concealed every chance I get. I encourage anyone who wants to carry a large revolver to go for it, but you will have better luck with a GP100 with the compact grips (as far as I know, S&W full frames don't give you this option). I am 5'7" and 140 lbs and conceal it easily. The gun is very comfortable inside the waistband with an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 at the 3-4 o'clock position. Outside the waistband I like a Bianchi Black Widow or Galco Fletch High Ride. Don't wear the skin-tight things the youngins wear and it will disappear under your clothes. On cool to warm days a flannel or short-sleeve button down does the job. In the wintertime I can even get away with bending over at the hip (a no-no maneuver for concealed carry unless you are appendix or pocket carrying) with a sweater or jacket on. On hot summer days I go back to the LCP in the pocket because I don't like to wear large t-shirts, but I can conceal it that way if I choose as well. Of course a good gun belt is a must. I've found the Aegis Enhanced is great but the budget 5.11 TDU gets the job done too.
There's something comforting about carrying a gun that you can hit a 12" plate from 100 yards with.
Just bought my Match Champion a few weeks ago, love it. By far the most accurate revolver i've had and the trigger is a lot smoother that a standard Ruger trigger. Have had the SP101 for over 8 years, great little powerhouse revolver also, had a gunsmith smooth out the trigger and put a lighter hammer and trigger spring so I feel like I have two custom Rugers now. I did however replace the very nice wood grip with a Hogue rubber grip, I have been carrying it and keep it loaded with 125gr. .357 HP's.
The GP is hands down my favorite revolver.
Same here. I bought a GP100 4" Stainless in .357 Magnum about 6 years ago for $595, and I absolutely love it. I'll never part with it.
I only wish I had gotten fiber optic front sights.
Same here.
I own two of the older style (4.0 versus 4.2 inch barrel) KGP-141s. If I were to compelled to dispose of all but one on my handguns, I’d keep one of these KGP-141s. Your video, Chris, is completely accurate, thorough and fair . . . and I can only say that my decades of experiences with this revolver confirm your findings. Simply stated, it does EVERYTHING well (and with utter reliability). Obviously, its broad utility means it is not optimized for any one scenario (capacity, for example, is limited to six rounds). BUT, if an individual is seeking an excellent weapon, that is easy to master and to shoot, that will literally last several lifetimes, that is very accurate and exceptionally durable/reliable, and that has the major advantage of great ammunition flexibility (ALL .38 Special and .357 magnum loads), this is a great choice.
I have a 5 inch half lug blue finish. Absolutely love the action. One of the few good options left,considering the junk Smith is putting out now of days.
This really became my favorite gun, definitely buying it someday!
Nice video. I have a GP100 and also had the Match Champion. The Match Champion was nothing short of horrible. The trigger was horrible and quite frankly selling it was one of the happiest days of my revolver life. I will take (and I did) a well broken in GP100 over any MC. And yes, I have about 20 revolvers from S&W, Colt and Ruger. The Match Champion was only one in my life that I sold.
I got the GP100 Match Champion Talo 3 in 4.2 inches. Full lug. Great Shooter. 1000 rds there about.
Simply a classic.
I finally own one of these. Fucking fantastic.
I absolutely love my gp100.
Have the MC and also have a Taurus Tracker 357.
Installed a lighter spring in the TT and I like it better than the MC
Trigger is smoother on my TT, plus a smaller frame and less recoil with the ported barrel. And also 7 rounds.
. . . And that matchless Taurus quality (often good, but sometimes not so) and peerless customer service.
😏😏
I just finished watching your SW 66 video.
Ruger needs to offer the GP100 in 327 Federal Magnum with a 4” or 4.2” barrel. This cartridge was not an instant success, so before people had a chance to shoot and/or test, it was dropped. I believe our revolver manufacturers miss read the market , it’s much more than a conceal carry w/ a 2” barrel gun . It’s the perfect match for shooters that need the ballistics of the 327 Mag in a larger frame to optimise the reduction in recoil. If smaller hands need the larger frame just put smaller grips for a perfect fit.
Mine is INCREDIBLE !!
this guys like the bingingwithbabish of guns
I was surprised at those group sizes. I really expected more. Btw kudos to you, Chris, for using the correct method of reloading a da revolver. This puts it almost on par with an auto (you just have to carry a few 1 3/4" sockets on your belt lol).
Don't discount this wheel gun for ccw just yet. It amazes me how well a good holster will make a revolver disappear on your hip. This is a larger gun than my PX4 .40 full size and my CZ75bd. Though, it conceals easier than either. A tshirt is all I need to cover this up. Even the huge grip doesn't stick out too badly.
I just purchased this bad boy today
Ruger achieves the level of refinement that Smith & Wesson achieved in 1957.
I often wonder if I should have gone with this instead of the 3" Wiley clapp. The Wiley has great sites, and I already changed the grip, but the length and dehorned frame is nice... but otherwise this looks better in every way. 3" iwb is infinitely easier, but I rarely iwb revolvers anymore.
And it’s great in 10mm.
Great videos man
I agree 100%. I've had my Match Champion more than 1 year and it is PERFECT. As a Trooper I had a Colt Python (great 357 pistol) but I actually like the Match Champion better!! (well THIS is NOW) .. it is easy to shoot, well configured. and it likes anything from very light 38 special to very hot 357 (take down anything in N. America)(including machines) .. FUN to shoot (not limited to defense or service uses .. but fine for that). GOES VERY WELL with Safariland OR HKS speedloaders .. takes a little practice but not much. You can get a lot of rounds on target in seconds (but it's the first 3 that make a difference). Yes it will take on BIG BEAR and other aggressors. It is a very powerful round (don't let anyone kid you about that) Get a LEE reloading book (every load you can imagine)(Lee Precision Modern Reloading 2nd Edition New Format). Good leather from Safariland. enjoy the hell out of Ruger Match Champion. (Ruger has EXCELLENT) product support and customer service. (so does Midway USA, Lucky Gunner, Hornady, Lee, Cabela, Natchez, Midsouth). FortuneCookie45 is very good source of how-to (and how not to)
Gitfidlpickr, it's professionals like you who know what they're talking about. I pay no attention to keyboard warriors.
Ever shot a bear? .357?
Let us know where the next videos will be posted if not on RUclips!
Those hogue grips that come with it are terrible. Switched to Altamont grips, much much nicer. Also changed the hammer spring to a 10lbs Wolff spring, and also much nicer.
I have the 10mm MC one fun gun..
That's a security six!! I have an old blued security six from the 80s and that looks just like mine!! But stainless.
Not quite the same design, but similar aesthetics. The Security Six was a bit more complex, internally, and cost too much for Ruger to keep making them. The GP100 was designed as a replacement and it's much more economical and, incidentally, tends to have a better trigger than the old Six series.
Black finish would work for me
Nice pistol, love Rugers for THEIR DURABILITY. UNFORTUNATELY I LOVE my OLD 4" COLT 3-5-7 BETTER. YOU have to handle it and shoot it to REALLY APPRECIATE IT'S SMOOTH ACTION AND LIGHT CRISP TRIGGER.🤔😉😁👍🎤
Hey do you think you can do a review on the S&w 3.5 pc 460 cause that would be awesome just sayin
I wonder what your thoughts are on the GP100 Wiley Clapp vs the 66-8 2.75".
my cylinder feels a little stiff. is this normal for this model?
Over looked the most important aspect of the gun, the grip angle.
Looks good I held one at at pawn shop buuutttt still not near as good as a smith and wesson though
Shoot one. Itll likely change your mind
Nice intro
I want one.
สวยมากครับ
Does this revolver come in a 7 round variant? I thought i heard that. Also, why do they make the hammers so high for your thumb on these guns? It should be lower.
Currently the .357 Match Champion only comes in 6 rd version.
Theres also a 10mm, and the sp101 match champ 5-shot
Debating between this and a kimber 357 magnum
Wich one did you get?
@@SergioGarcia-lu5yo kimber 3 inch
I've wanted one of these for a bit, it's just a pricey bitch
I got mine for 895 in 2020. I guess I got a good deal.
Holster & speed loader carrier?
Disregard... Found it in the description! Excellent review as always!
Like!
Wow I just got glock 9mm from cashmain on wickr he sells different types of guns
Bad CQ
Hahahaha he said load
Second.
First comment with a big A in it!
Just as ugly and clunky as the regular GP100.
How is that holster for conceal carry
I finally found a Match Champion and got it. Only thing is the previous owner installed rubber grips and could not find the original wood. Really would like to find a stock Ruger wood grip to put back on it!!!
I've collected S&Ws for 30+ years - I've owned nearly every Smith ever made from 1960-1995. Also owned many Rugers, Colts and Dan Wessons (my wife shoots a Python). I'll take a GP-100 over ANY other revolver, period. They are the strongest double-action revolver, and will be shooting long after the others have given up the ghost. The action is as good as any, and they are as accurate as any other. When I hear laments about their "cast" frames, I just laugh and think about how many times my Smiths have locked up due to cylinders going out of time, etc. I consider Smiths to be finicky - I trust the Ruger with my life.
"The action is as good as any, and they are as accurate as any other."
You were piling the BS pretty high, but the above quote made me stop reading.
What BS? Everything I said is true. I guess everything is BS if it's on the Internet.
You’ve “… owned nearly every Smith ever made...” --- Uh-huh, ...ok.
Thankfully you left a few for the rest of us. Odd that you, “collected for 30+ years …nearly every Smith ever made from 1960-1995.” -- But, ...
...the Rugers you bought were just as good ???
So, why did you continue buying so many Smiths ???
Especially since they kept locking up on you ???
“[You’ll] take a GP-100 over ANY other revolver, period.”
In your literal museum of revolvers, not 1 of those hundreds of Smith production revolvers, …nor dozens of custom S&W Performance Center $1,300+ magnums were smoother or more accurate than your 1-of-a-kind GP100 ??? Not even the classic silky-smooth Colt Python, or a $10k - $15k Korth ???
Odd, considering the GP100 doesn’t have the hammer shims, trigger shims, or the improved DA trigger action, nor a recessed target crown like the Ruger Match Champion, ...don’t you think ???
I guess you hand-fitted, hand-tuned and hand-finished that ol’ GP100 yourself. Not bad for a mayor, part-time sheriff / justice-o'-peace in that little hick town of yours. ...Uh-huh
Poor guy. Must be terrible to spend all day in youtube and have no friends.
+Terry: What, ...no clever comeback and no explanations concerning all the exaggerated and outrageous claims in you post???
Concerning your last presumptive comment:
Unlike you, I type very quickly. What apparently takes you all day, I can type in a few minutes.
I love the GP100. It takes at !east 500 rounds and a complete strip down, cleaning and oiling and then I would say the trigger is incredible. I purchased, shot and then sold the Match Champion. Hated the smooth but no feedback trigger. Still have a love the regular GP100!
Compare that one to an older Ruger Security Six. It's the perfect size and the balance is perfect in my opinion.
The Ruger GP100 is a better gun. Do you know why the GP100 was even invented? It was made because the Ruger Security Six couldn’t handle a steady diet of .357 magnum rounds. The Security Six could handle .357 magnum but not all the time. Many people practiced with .38 specials and carried .357 magnums. If you shot the magnums exclusively, you’d destroy the gun. It also created a training issue. People weren’t actually training with carry strength ammo. When they had to shoot the full strength ammo, marksmanship suffered. The Security Six is a good gun but it depends on what you’re using it for. If your shooting .38’s mostly with the occasional.357 magnum usage, it’s a good gun. If you’re looking for a duty revolver with a stronger frame that was made to shoot .357 all day everyday, go with the GP100.
@@leroyjenkins4811 The GP100 was made to save money. Less material had to be removed from the gun. Less machining. There is a Ruger Security Six from a range with a documented over 1 million .357 rounds through it. I believe it can handle more than most would ever put through it. The k frame smith's on the other hand is a different story. The Ruger is built stronger than those. The GP100 is beefier in some areas yes but mainly because they kept it as a full underlug. The gp100 doesn't even have a real grip frame compared to the Security Six. Look at both with the grips removed. Its much cheaper to produce than the old Six line. They had to improve their profit margin to stay afloat. Either gun can take more abuse than most shooters would ever give them and keep on running perfectly fine. The Sixes were better built guns overall. Take them apart and look at the machining and you will see what I mean. Lockup was much tighter also and the trigger pull much better on most. My 1981 Security Six locks up so tight there us basically 0 play in the cylinder. It's amazing. I shoot all types of 357 in it including 125 grain loads and some loads made by Georgia Arms called Deer Stoppers. She has yet to loosen up and I've been shooting her for years. She will last for many generations past me. She's a winner in my book. My last GP100 was a mess internally. I had to have someone work on it. There were so many burrs etc inside. Was poorly finished internally. I've since sold all of my GP100s and only kept the Security Six. It's the best I've owned so far. I also sold a 5 screw S&W Pre27 N frame because I didn't like it as much and got tired of working on it replacing things such as the mainspring and trigger rebound spring. Yes she was old but still. I've had had repair more Smith Revolvers and 1911s than anything else. They always seem to break parts on me. I shoot 25k rounds a year on average. Not as much as some but alot more than others so I I have to perform repairs occasionally and replace springs often. I don't disagree that the GP100 is super strong where it's needed but I just don't agree that the Security Six ever had issues with strength and durability.
I got one yesterday and LOVE it! Been wanting a 357 revolver and at my lgs/range I was getting ready to buy a S&W 586, which felt amazing in its own right. I only wanted a normal GP100 to compare with the 586, but the guy helping me put a Match Champion in my hands :-) I went back and forth between them and "when the smoke settled" (lol) I decided to go with the MC. I've only put 90 rds through it so far but I'm so happy with it!
I own a Match Champion and a Smith & Wesson 627 8shot PC. The Match Champion recoils less shooting full power 357 loads (both revolvers have wood grips) and is faster on target for me. The MC fits my hand perfectly and is very accurate.
Ghost Hack I own the S&W 627 PC but I have always wanted the Ruger GP100 MC, but I can’t find that many holsters or gear for uspsa shooting.
I didn’t think the 627 was legal for uspsa revolver shooting. Do think the MC is competitive in revolver division?
Thanks for the great info.
Love you content. Thank you!
Hey LG, are you still planning on reviewing Langdon's PX4 compact carry?
+pabauza Eventually. Beretta ran out of the first batch before they sent out any for reviews
looking forward to it
thx
the reviews are so good
I have always been a Smith & Wesson & Colt Revolver guy however this new Ruger looks like a real winner to me and would be one I'd like to purchase when I have some extra cash.
ShoreDude105 got it yet?
Good review Chris. Nice revolver. Been looking at it for a while. Someday.
Nice video, short but plenty information. Although I still prefers S&W revolvers (yes even with the stup... safety key...).
I guess is just in modern revolvers not only quality but how you feel it... Thank you again.
Are you using the Safariland speedloader holder on the vid when you are reloading?
That is a good looking revolver. I've been toying with the idea after having shot one but after seeing that it's the size of Chris' head, I think I'll stick with my Sigs. Especially since I'm a lefty and revolvers are as unfriendly as bullpups in that regard.
Azure Coast Media Inc. Hmm I'm a lefty and shooting revolvers has never been a problem for me. If you want one, just get one! :-)
I dont like the hogue rubber grips for these. I think Id like the new Pachmayer Diamond Pro grips better. Wish Pachmayr would make the presentation style grips for it like they do the red hawk.
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Ben Franklin
Boycott Rock River Arms and Springfield Arms, they are TRAITORS. Shut them down with your pocket book.
They no longer should receive NRA support or be allowed to have their product ads in the NRA magazines. Contact NRA to have their ads removed.
monsterman27 - Why? What's the deal with them?
What kind of holster is that?
So nice.
Thank you for another highly enjoyable review Sir.
Do you run the Match Champion with the stock trigger, or have you put in an aftermarket spring kit?
+Wayne Oliver Completely stock.
I have a standard 3" model. My first "midsize" revolver which I bought in part because of the lucky gunner series. I like it, but Ruger treats the standard GP 100 3" barrel version like a red headed stepchild. It has a front sight that is unique to the gun compared to all the other GP100s and cannot be changed out. Also no rear sights yet the 3" barrel Gp100 is same price as the much better 4" version. I would advise anyone who insists on the 3" barrel GP100 to get the Wiley Clap version or for the same money just get a S&W.
It's designed as a self defense handgun. No rear sights is pretty standard for self defense revolvers. Smith&wesson does that on a number of their revolvers
GP 100 6"
I'd open carry that sumbitch. Texas baby!
Jose Benitez: my dad does!
What is the holster you are using? Great video by the way
JM Custom Kydex. Link in video description.
Finally a smooth Ruger, But I'll keep my 6" 686+.
All rugers are smooth
I will keep my match champion and my blackhawks and lever actions to match them!
I love my GP100's
I also love, and hate your reviews.... because, I end up spending money :P
My main carry gun is the PX4 Storm Compact Carry and I know it has been (or is) yours as well. I also have a CZ PO7 that I carry from time to time and noticed it was fairly high up on your scoring chart from the tests you've done. I really like both pistols, but was curious what you liked better about the Beretta. I always enjoy your content
The P07 is a really nice pistol, but I prefer the PX4's ergonomics. The decocker is easier for me to operate, I never get trigger bite from it, the action is smoothers, and I find the slide slightly easier to rack with an imperfect grip.
Lucky Gunner Ammo Yes I tend to agree with you on all aspects. The slide on my PX4 is one of the easiest to rack I've ever handled. The P 07 does seem like a "tougher" gun though if one subjects their guns to abuse.
Good gun
You've got great hair bud.
E Wheeled in glad that I'm not the only one who noticed that .
I could watch your videos all day
I just bought an old Ruger security six as I was wanting a 4" .357 but didn't want a full under lug barreled gun. Had I saw this sooner I may have made a different decision.
Neal Johnson I got the Match Champion yesterday and it's a dream. Though I'd still pick up a Security Six if the opportunity presents itself.
You made the right call
Good info. I'd like to see Ruger produce a shorter barrel bobbed hammer version. They could call it the Combat Champion. Talo had a similar gun but I think it was a short run & heavier too.
You might be thinking of the 3-inch Wiley Clapp GP100. Really nice guns. Would be even better if they did a slimmed down slab sided version. And if it had a factory bobbed hammer, I would be forced to buy one just on principal. If I was made of money, I'd get Gemini Customs to make one for me.
I've got a WC GP100 and it is far and away the best revolver I've ever owned or shot. I've had a 686 and several Model 19s from S&W and 2 Model 15 Dan Wesson revolvers. The DW was super-smooth, but it isn't near as hammer-like as the GP100, and while the S&W's had decent triggers the new actions from Ruger feel every bit as smooth (and in my opinion, much easier to tune). I would dearly love to have a Match Champion in the near future, but I done spent all my slush fund on panic buys thinking that fucking shrew would be our dictator-in-chief.
The price point of the gp100 match champion puts it above the venerable S&W 686...any thoughts for someone who is choosing between the two?
I owned a 686 SSR for several years. They're both very good revolvers. If I were choosing between the two, I'd lean toward the Ruger. I prefer the Smith action, but the Ruger comes with a better front sight and doesn't have the awful internal lock.
Yup love my match champion. Hey can you do more DA/SA reviews.
Awesome. Thanks guys.
+Dickie D I guess I'll have to review that new Springfield DA/SA thing sometime.
Uh, Springfield products...a bit too soon to mention, yeah?
Odd question... what brand of shirt do you wear? I'm having a dickens of a time finding shirts that I can CC in but look "nice" enough to do my desk job.
I think the shirt I'm wearing in the video is from LL Bean. If you don't have to tuck in your shirt, just about any casual-type button down will usually work for easy concealed carry without looking like a total slob.
Thanks! I'll peruse their website tonight!
You really shoot that well. Hat tip!
I already have a GP 100 with a 6 inch barrel, but I may end up buying one of these.
Make it in 3 inch with fixed sights!
Whoa I thought you don't like revolvers with exposed hammers
I would prefer it to be DAO, but nobody makes DAO full size revolvers.
Do you have experience with the Cz P-01 compact? Have you considered to review it?
I owned one years ago. It's a good pistol.
Thanks for answering
The CZ P 01 is an awesome Pistol. You will not regret buying it ever. NATO approved pistol.
I have this revolver and I love it to death!
I really need to get a couple of these.
Appendix carry of a duty sized revolver with a 4 inch barrel? Bold move sir. I like it.
Note that I did not sit down at any point in the video.
Lucky Gunner Ammo I was looking through the comments to see if anyone else asked about sitting down :-)
To be honest, I *could* sit down. JM Custom Kydex makes an excellent AIWB holster. But with a barrel that long, sitting has to be done... very carefully.
More videos!!!
I took my Conceal Carry class with this, it's a great gun!
Is the trigger different from the standard GP100?
Theoretically. The action is smoother and the hammer is shimmed so that it will (also theoretically) not rub against the frame. There is a lot of variability in how they actually come from the factory, however. Some of them are very smooth and others feel about the same as a decent example of a standard GP100. After a few hundred rounds, they all smooth out pretty nicely, though.
I've looked at one of these at my local shop and I was not impressed, I thought the regular Ruger's had a better feeling action, and certainly a standard S&W 686 did
I bought the GP100 Match Champion w/ adjustable sights as my first handgun. I have no regrets, and it's my go to handgun even with the high capacity 9mm I have as an option. I shoot it best, and I know it will never fail
it's nice too see revolver ,I still have my S@W 38 and my 44 Mag..nice vid ,Thank you!!!! :-) :-)