GP vs BH and 357 vs 45 Colt

[osteodoc08]

I traded some stuff of mine sitting on the shelf to my LGS for a GP100. Through a goof up from the distributor, there are none. So I can either wait for a GP or get my choice of a

1. BH in 357 mag 4-5/8" stainless
2. BH in 45LC 7.5" Bisley blued
3. BH in 45LC/45acp 7.5" blued
4. GP100 in 38 special

What would you do?

This is to be a range/fun gun. Nothing more.

[TUG]

I'd take #3. 45 witha 45acp would be fun.
Ronnie

[Mk42gunner]

I think I would wait for the .357, here is my reasoning:

-For range/ fun gun use, the .35 caliber will do what the .45 will with less powder and lead.

-The double action is more versatile, unless you are planning on doing any cowboy shooting.

-The GP-100 is a pretty stout gun in .357, and about 37 times more than you need for the .38 Special.

-You originally traded for a .357 Magnum GP-100, if the dealer wants to substitute something else, he should make you a significantly better deal.

Just my thoughts,

Robert

[Jupiter7]

Of those, the Bisley would grab my attention. And 45colt downloads or uploads easily, you choose your level of fun.

[Moonie]

I have #3 and I do enjoy it very much, but it really depends on what you want from the GP.

[jakec]

#1. or just wait.

[osteodoc08]

I wanted the DA from a convenience standpoint. I love my ruger single actions and have many.

I currently have in blackhaws
41M Acusport bisley
41M 4-5/8"
41M 6-1/2"
41M 4-5/8" OM

Redhawks (I think these are the correct barrel lengths)
357 6-1/2"
41 6-1/2"
45LC 5-1/2"

And a smith mountain gun in 45 Colt and M57.

So I'm "short" a DA mid frame and SA 357 Maggie.

[RobS]

I don't know why your initial thoughts were for a GP100 357 so can't respond to rational that may fit your needs. Considering that I own a BH Bisley 45 Colt, I've found it to be my favorite revolver. As been mentioned it can be down loaded to mouse fart loads or can be loaded up with heavies (300-350 grain boolits) that can be used to take darn near any game out there. Of course it does take a bit more powder and you aren't going to be pushing around 100 grain boolits but it can be a joy to shoot and pretty economically with quick powders and light boolits.

The strait BH convertible is also another nice option as well. I have flat top Ruger 45 Colt convertible (built on the smaller frame/cylinder) and it's a fun gun too and I can swap cylinders and shoot 45 ACP. The large model BH convertible will handle light and heavy loads from the 45 Colt cylinder and then run 45 ACP loads with ease. I prefer the Bisley grip for heavy loads but others would rather have the standard BH grip; it's a preference. I'm a big bore guy as I find there is more range; if needed there is the option for a large meplat boolit and heavier weight or lighter with a HP or...........................

I will say this though if your heart was dead set on a GP100 then you will likely buy one of the other options and then be looking later down the road to fulfill your itch.

[Beagle333]

Just wait. The GP100 is the bees knees. :mrgreen:

[w5pv]

I think the #2 would be my choice some day the 45 LC brass will be plentiful and at a good price. I love my 45LC and shoot it more than any other gun I own.

[Changeling]

If # 2/3 are the large frame .45 Rugers great, if not.
I would tell the store owner I would settle for a Large Frame Ruger .45 in SS/blued with the barrel length of your choice. Tell him you want an older model that has no "LOCK" on it in as new condition, if the're putting locks on them now, I don't know.

[GP100man]

GP 357 mag all the way plum !!

I`m not biased ,I like all RUGERS !!!!

[lbaize3]

I have not seen a new Ruger blackhawk 7.5 inch convertible in 45 colt/45 acp in a very long time. I bought one used a few years back and have a very good all around shooter. It might take a bit more lead and powder, but not enough for me to choose a .357 over it. Go with #3!

[dualsport]

Get them all.

[Petrol & Powder]

I can't tell you what you should do BUT I would jump on that 38 Special only GP. A lot of folks question why in the world anyone would want a 38 Special only GP100 and my response is because it's FUN! Kind of like shooting 38 wadcutters out of a S&W model 27 (see sticky labeled 75,000 wadcutters in model 27). You can load 38's as hot as you want for that gun.
If the idea of a 38 Special GP100 doesn't appeal to you, I'd wait for a .357 GP.

[Petrol & Powder]

Oh, and by the way. If you get the 38 Special GP and just can't stand it.....you can get the cylinder reamed to accept .357 cartridges. The cylinder for that 38 Special GP100 is the same as the one used for the .357 GP100's, they just cut the chambers short to prevent the use of .357magnum cartridges. The cylinder and the rest of the gun is more than capable of handling magnum rounds.

[9.3X62AL]

I don't see a "bad" choice among those listed. I own #2, and it is a KEEPER. That GP-100 in 38 Special isn't something I'm familiar with; are you certain it isn't an SP-101? Ruger and S&W "rare variants" are cool to have, though--I have a couple of each makers' oddmommas.

Give careful thought to your reasons for seeking out the GP-100 x 357 Magnum initially, before changing horses in mid-stream. A 4"-6" double-action 357 Magnum is a VERY USEFUL revolver to own, and can fulfill almost any role a modern revolver gets called upon to serve.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

I`d wait for the original choice that you went in for. Like others have said, you will be scratching that itch down the road if you don't do it now.

[osteodoc08]

The original reason was mostly cause I miss my 586 that's on permanent loan to my mother as a HD gun. I could get a cheaper 38 special and give it to her and get my 586 back, but if I want an excuse to push the limits in 357, a GP is the natural choice. It serves as range gun, fun gun. I have 41 mags and 45 colts to hunt with.

The other attribute I was looking for is a cheap plinker that conserves powder and lead. I hate chasing brass for the most part and already have guns in 9,40,10,45. The 10mm is my go to woods gun off of hunting season, my 45C or 41M during hunting season. I have an MP mold coming for my 41 that is approx 170-180 wt range to conserve lead for plinking, but a good 158gr mold is a great all purpose weight for 357/38. I also have a marlin in 357 that needs a companion.

That's my reasoning, but I don't have to have any particular one (gun wise). If a GP doesn't show up soon, a stainless BH may take its place. I have a 357 RH as well if I really feel frisky with my loading, which I generally don't.

[Lefty Red]

#4. Why, because unless you are going to hunt with it I doubt you will ever shoot a 357 Mag at the range for fun. And ask LSG to give a you a better deal on the 38 Special only GP100.

Or wait.

Lefty

[TCLouis]

Depends on what I was going to do with it.

Paper/Self Defense
First I would wait for a GP100 if it were going to be 6" SS pistola.

Paper/hunting

First would be the Bisley 45 LC.

Oops, just went back and saw your follow-up posting

WAIT FOR GP 100 IN SS

[captaint]

I can tell you this. A while back I decided I had to have a GP100. So, I ordered one up from the LGS. "Can't tell you how long it will take". Well, it took 3 months. Glad I waited. Terriffic gun.
Mike

[catboat]

OK, I'll be different.

If it's solely for a range and fun gun, I'd get a S&W model 14 ("K-38") in 38 special and load up 148 grain wadcutters until my primer supply ran out.

It's not on your list, but you never know until you ask.

[Petrol & Powder]

The 38 Special only GP100's are not common but they are far from rare. I like them for the incredible strength and great Ruger engineering.
Some folks buy a .357mag and frequently shoot magnum rounds in those guns but a VAST majority of .357 mag. owners spend most of their range time with 38 Special cartridges in their magnum cylinders.
NOW, before everyone starts piping in about how a .357 mag is superior to a 38 Special in terms of energy and velocity, blah blah blah - I'll be the first to admit that the .357 magnum can do things that a 38 +P cannot. I'm not claiming they're equal cartridges. I am saying that a lot of 357. magnums get sold because people want to be able to shoot magnum rounds if they want to but the reality is, they shoot far more 38 Special cartridges than .357 magnums.

[GaryN]

I used to own a 686. It was a good gun. But I use hot loads sometimes. I sold it and bought a GP100. I have never regretted that decision. The GP is one fine gun. It is accurate, strong and reliable. I have a couple of 44 magnums too that I shoot a bunch. But the GP is one of my favorites. It has secured it's place in the gun room.

[Lonegun1894]

If you started off wanting the .357 GP100, I would say stick with it. You will get one anyway, so may as well not "settle" for something else. I have .357s and .45 Colts, all of them Rugers, and you really can't go wrong with any of those options quality and utility wise, but you stated that you wanted the GP100, so in the end, nothing else will do.

[Jtarm]

I have a tough time mustering up the cash for the guns I do want, so I wouldn't spend it on B-list stuff unless it was a tremendous bargain.

I say wait.

[Jtarm]

The original reason was mostly cause I miss my 586 that's on permanent loan to my mother as a HD gun. I could get a cheaper 38 special and give it to her and get my 586 back, but if I want an excuse to push the limits in 357, a GP is the natural choice. It serves as range gun, fun gun. I have 41 mags and 45 colts to hunt with.

The other attribute I was looking for is a cheap plinker that conserves powder and lead. I hate chasing brass for the most part and already have guns in 9,40,10,45. The 10mm is my go to woods gun off of hunting season, my 45C or 41M during hunting season. I have an MP mold coming for my 41 that is approx 170-180 wt range to conserve lead for plinking, but a good 158gr mold is a great all purpose weight for 357/38. I also have a marlin in 357 that needs a companion.

That's my reasoning, but I don't have to have any particular one (gun wise). If a GP doesn't show up soon, a stainless BH may take its place. I have a 357 RH as well if I really feel frisky with my loading, which I generally don't.

I'd have to throw mama from the train & get my 686 back!

A .357 Redhawk is worth some money. I'd sell it & get an S&W 627 PC.

[DrCaveman]

Another vote for waiting for the 357 gp100. My 6" stainless full underlug is mighty accurate, and leads less than any other revolver i own

Seems to have a very gentle forcing cone, and no barrel constriction that i have found

It can make the 357 into a very manly cartridge, and still be easy to shoot and pretty easy on the gun. Im trying to find a replacement for it on my hip while hunting, but so far none of my newer purchases possess the same combination of power, accuracy, and ease of carrying 20 rounds.

My newest italian SAA clone in 45 colt is making a serious attempt to surpass it...but the final accuracy tests in mid-august will decide which gets to ride along on deer hunts

[BigAl52]

Id wait everytime I buy one second on the list it always cost me more in the end. I always still end up wanting what I was after in the first place. Just bought a GP 100 match champion and it is one fine gun. Shoots better than any smith I have ever owned and I am a big smith fan. Al