The Gun I Wish Ruger Made

[Petrol & Powder]

OK, Ruger is never going to bring back the Service-Six / Speed-Six line. I came to grips with that reality years ago and found a couple of used Service-Six's to placate myself, including an un-fired NIB Service-Six. However I can still dream, right?

The GP-100 and the Six series guns share a lot of design features and I like both of them. However, I've always favored the Six's over the GP-100. It's a trivial amount but I find the slight extra weight and bulk of the GP-100 to be the negative issue between the two models. I like the cylinder locking system and the non-rotating ejector rod of the GP-100. The peg style grip frame also makes sense to me, it's just that I feel the GP is a tad heavier that it needs to be.
I know, I know...if you're shooting magnums the extra weight is a plus; I get it! I just don't shoot that many magnum rounds.

So, here's the gun I wish Ruger would add to their line up:
A stainless GP-100 with-


A 4.2" (.2" extra for our Canadian friends), thin contoured, half-lug barrel.
A GP-100 cylinder with a slightly smaller diameter forward of the locking notches.
A semi-permanent, flat black ramp front sight, dove-tailed into the barrel and secured by a set screw or pin.
A low profile, black, snag-proof rear sight dove tailed on the top strap (something similar to a Novak shape)
A contoured top strap that was just a bit more rounded on top.
A peg style grip frame that was lightened but still accepts all GP style grips.


Basically a lighter, stainless steel, GP-100 that incorporates a better set of fixed sights and mimics the size of the Service-Six's. It would retain the GP-100 lock work, cylinder locking system and peg style grip frame. GP-100 speedloaders could be used. All current GP-100 style grips could be installed. The sights would be heavy duty & fixed but capable of being regulated to a load and provide an improved sight picture in bright light. A front night sight could be added without much trouble.

Anyone have a connection at Ruger that could make this happen ? :-)

[cstrickland]

have you seen the GP100 match champion ?? Sounds almost just like your description !! comes with both fixed or adjustable sights.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100MatchChampion/models.html

[williamwaco]

AND - it is FANTASTIC.

[hporter]

I haven't shot a Match Champion yet, but I did put a set of those grips on my 3" GP100. Nice and comfy.

Speaking of "Rugers I wish they made", there was an American Rifleman Insider email article recently where B. Gil Horman list 5 Rugers he wished they made. He brought up a GP100 in 44 special and 45 Colt. Oh - to day dream! To his list, I would add a moon clipped 10mm Auto GP100.

Petrol and Powder - I have read other post of yours lovingly discussing the old Six series. I always go back to my gun safe after reading them and lovingly wipe down my Speed Sixes, Service Sixes and Security Sixes. I sure am right with you there.

[dilly]

I was pretty excited when I first read about the GP100 Match Champion, but I have handled them in the store and they still are just a tad bulky to me. The 686 SSR version seems like a good option, although I know you're a big Ruger guy P&P.

[Petrol & Powder]

The Match Champion is getting close but it still tips the scales at 38 oz.

I haven't held one yet but it might do the trick !

[Petrol & Powder]

I was pretty excited when I first read about the GP100 Match Champion, but I have handled them in the store and they still are just a tad bulky to me. The 686 SSR version seems like a good option, although I know you're a big Ruger guy P&P.

One of the best L-frames I ever had was a 4" 681. Nothing wrong with a S&W !

[Petrol & Powder]

I think the GP-100 cylinder is just big enough to fit five - 44 Special chambers into it. Would that be a great 44 Special DA revolver!
Another one for the "I wish they made list".

[rking22]

I'll second that , and long as were dreaming, make mine a 5 inch without the underlug. I like your idea in the first post, just would prefer the 5 shot 44Special in that format. If they would actually do it a 4.2 would be just fine! Really like your idea on the sights, my six is a service fixed!

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

I hear you loud and clear on a easily user changeable front sight on Ruger revolvers I think a LOT of people would replace the front sight on their SBH if it were easier and options where readily available so many of us want to shoot loads that just don't work with the factory sight post.

I also wish every Ruger auto came in a pro series without the magazine disconnect , having a magazine disconnect is like saying we don't want our product used in the 4 largest pistol competitions around USPSA IDPA ISPC and steel challenge all of which you need to show clear then aim at the backstop and pull the trigger , having to put in a magazine again is just a hassle and I think it makes some RSOs nervous seeing a mag go back in the gun.

[FergusonTO35]

Agree with all that has been said about making the GP-100 go on a diet. I will say that I prefer the Six series grip frame. The GP really doesn't have that many options unless you want to spend close to a c-note. Also, I'm one of the weirdos that actually prefers old school checkered wood panel grips with no finger bumps or weird contours. I guess I'll just keep enjoying my 1988 Service Six!

[Petrol & Powder]

I actually prefer fixed sights for most revolvers but it would be nice to have front sight that could be replaced with a taller one that could be filed down to match a specific load and returned to stock configuration by easy replacement. A fixed, heavy duty rear sight that was tough but provided a better sight picture than a simple notch cut in the top strap would also be welcomed.

As for magazine disconnects, I can only say that they are predominantly a European design feature. Apparently despite all of their self proclaimed intellectual sophistication the average Europe dweller cannot tell the difference between an empty chamber and an empty magazine well. Therefore they require the intervention of a magazine disconnect to compensate for their inability to recognize a cleared chamber.

[Petrol & Powder]

Agree with all that has been said about making the GP-100 go on a diet. I will say that I prefer the Six series grip frame. The GP really doesn't have that many options unless you want to spend close to a c-note. Also, I'm one of the weirdos that actually prefers old school checkered wood panel grips with no finger bumps or weird contours. I guess I'll just keep enjoying my 1988 Service Six!

You're not weird or alone.

[Sax.45]

I would love to see Ruger make a Super Blackhawk with a 5 shot cylinder in .480R. Don't think it will happen tho.

[kbstenberg]

PP I would be second in line to get one of your 44 spcls.

[DrCaveman]

That match champion looks awesome, but maybe a bit overprice.

A five shot 44 spl in same format would inspire to immediately sell whatever is necessary to obtain one! Kidneys included! ;)

[JSH]

If I recall correctly, .410 is the biggest that the cylinder will index to the barrel even with a 5 shot. Thus there are some 41 special and 10mm custom GP's out there.

[dubber123]

If we are dreaming, a 5 shot Bisley Blackhawk in .480 Ruger in 4-5/8 or 5-1/2". A Vaquero in the same lengths would be cool too. Put a real front sight on it though :)

[Petrol & Powder]

If I recall correctly, .410 is the biggest that the cylinder will index to the barrel even with a 5 shot. Thus there are some 41 special and 10mm custom GP's out there.

I think the cylinder could be enlarged just a bit and still fit in the frame window. if you reduce the number of chambers from 6 to 5 I believe you could fit 44 chambers in the GP frame.

[dougader]

I don't know why a 5-shot 44 Special wouldn't work on a GP100. The S&W 696 is on the L-frame.

[Lonegun1894]

have you seen the GP100 match champion ?? Sounds almost just like your description !! comes with both fixed or adjustable sights.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100MatchChampion/models.html

Exactly what you want! A friend of mine bought himself the Match Champion, and we compared it and my Security Six side by side, and both of us thought that there was very little difference in the feel/handling, and balance of the two.

[SteveS]

The gun I wish Ruger made is the Security-Six.

I wish they, at least, still made parts for them.

In my opinion, it was a mistake to end production of such a good gun.

[Petrol & Powder]

The Six's were and continue to be, great guns.

The GP-100 is a fine gun. Incredibly strong, accurate and a good value; it just needs to go on a diet.

[Petrol & Powder]

Exactly what you want! A friend of mine bought himself the Match Champion, and we compared it and my Security Six side by side, and both of us thought that there was very little difference in the feel/handling, and balance of the two.

I'm getting lots of votes for the Match Champion ! :drinks:
Right now they're are running above the capacity of my wallet but maybe that will change when more of them end up in the used market.

Thanks to all for the comments. Keep them coming.

[GP100man]

Check out BC Gunworks over on Ruger Forum.com , other than the cyl. release ya can hardly recognize it as a GP100.


http://www.baysidecustomgunworks.com/

[rking22]

Looks nice, but I want to lose some more of that GP pudgyness with a bigger bore :)
About 1/2 way down the page is what I'm jonesin for !
http://www.clementscustomguns.com/gp100.html

[Lonegun1894]

The gun I wish Ruger made is the Security-Six.

I wish they, at least, still made parts for them.

In my opinion, it was a mistake to end production of such a good gun.

I couldn't agree more, but I really like my GP100 too. I still think there was room for both in the catalog.

[Tatume]

Gary Reeder converts the GP100 to 44 special or 41 magnum. Personally, I would prefer the 41.

http://www.reedercustomguns.com/revolvers/skorpion.htm

[Petrol & Powder]

Check out BC Gunworks over on Ruger Forum.com , other than the cyl. release ya can hardly recognize it as a GP100.


http://www.baysidecustomgunworks.com/

That's a slick rig!

[BigAl52]

Match Champion. Someone said overpriced I disagree. The 686 Smith is more than the Ruger especially the 4 inch model. Owned both the Smith 686 and now a Match champion with fixed sights. I like the Ruger better and it will shoot as good if not better than any 686 I have owned. I have owned more than one and I own Smiths now. Not saying at all that the 686 isn't any good I just like the Match champion better. Al

[mart]

A 5.5 inch blued Bisley, adjustable sights, patridge front sight, 357, 41, 44, and 45. A 5 shot Bisley in 475 and 500 LB would be great also.

[Good Cheer]

3" barrel five shot .41 on a Security Six geometry.

[Tatume]

I'd like to see Ruger make a single shot pistol. It should be available chambered for cartridges suitable for hunting medium game (unlike the Hawkeye in 256 Win). My hope is to fill the niche vacated by the T/C Contender.

[Piedmont]

Ruger should make New Vaqueros and medium frame Flat Tops in .40 S&W. All that cheap brass and ammo everywhere.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

Ruger should bring back the 3 screw single action. They should make it in the .44 Special, .45 Colt, and Piedmont suggests the .40 S&W but with the .40 S&W Ruger could make a triple cylinder model which would include cylinders for the .38-40 and 10mm. That would take a lot of demands off of Gary Reader.

[Piedmont]

A friend of mine converted a 50th Anniversary .357 Flat Top to .40 S&W. It is one of the coolest revolvers I have ever seen. Since I don't even load for that caliber I have trouble justifying the perhaps $1,100 the gun would cost, then all the other stuff I would need to load it. But if Ruger made it we could knock $500-600 off the entry price.

[Tackleberry41]

Yes Ruger does need some options on the sights. A drop in front sight for the black hawks would be a really good thing. My 22/45 it was just a screw to replace it. My black hawk, well your sort of stuck with whats there.

I know some aren't fond of the 40S&W. But it would be a good option, I like being able to drop cheap 45 acp in my convertable blackhawk. Or that with 45 super brass can be loaded hotter, or that you have way more bullet options in a revolver cyl.

But knowing Rugers past, doubt they will listen to much to what we want, vs what they want to sell.

[FergusonTO35]

I think they are going to focus on plastic autos for the forseeable future. Now, I like my plastic autos but not at the expense of the wheelguns!

[nickeda85]

Agree with several here. Would love to see larger caliber options for the GP100, 10mm/40 S&W w/ moonclips would be awesome.
Really like the reviews on the Match Champion.
Larger calibers in Blackhawk would be great also. A mild 50cal (500 Special or 50GI ballistics) on Bisley platform would make a great packing gun.
Thought it was really neat that Ruger offered the Blackhawk in an 8-shot for the 327 Magnum. Maybe a 7-shot 357 next?
Always liked in one of the Louis Lamour novels where BGs thought main character had run out of ammo and SURPRISE, not a sixshooter.
Good thread, like seeing people's ideas.

[rintinglen]

My wish is for an SP-101 327 with the light weight barrel like those on the 22.s, rather than the full underlug of the 357 versions.141904
Just like this, only .327.

[dilly]

Picky picky rintinglen. Actually I like the idea too. Couldn't a smith chop it down without too much trouble? I wouldn't be adverse to having it done to mine.

[BloodGroove4570]

I'd like to see a 5 shot SBH in 454, 475 LB or 480 Ruger. Id also like to see a BH in 25-20, and a twin cylinder in 32-20 & 327... Now in the sp-101 underlug & non ul, a 4" 22 mag.
LCRX 4" 22 mag, also 327!

Still Thinking...?

BloodGroove4570

[lbaize3]

I would like a model 77-327 to go with my model 77-357.

[NavyVet1959]

I would like to see the Mk-II in .22 TCM, but a bit stronger so that the cartridge could be experimented with by handloaders (i.e. heavier bullets at 55K psi).

[rking22]

How's about a 20 Ga Red Label frame with 20ga over 3030 combo barrels, pretty wood please, and 28s would be just right.Or make it a 28 ga over 45Colt on the sweet little 28ga frame. Now THAT would make me happy :)
They might sell a dozen, but it sure would be special.

[Lonegun1894]

How's about a 20 Ga Red Label frame with 20ga over 3030 combo barrels, pretty wood please, and 28s would be just right.Or make it a 28 ga over 45Colt on the sweet little 28ga frame. Now THAT would make me happy :)
They might sell a dozen, but it sure would be special.

If the price was reasonable for what we would be getting, I wouldn't hesitate to get one. I wouldn't even be picky on either 20ga or 12ga or if the rifle barrel was .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, or .30-30. Might even consider it if it was a .223, but would prefer a rimmed case. .45-70 maybe?

[FergusonTO35]

I would be very happy if revolver makers quit putting full underlugs on short barrel revolvers.

[SteveS]

I would be very happy if revolver makers quit putting full underlugs on short barrel revolvers.

I'm with you on that one.

[Blackwater]

The biggest thing I'd like to see, now that I have Flat Tops in .357 & .44 Spec., are grips that hav increased girth at the top. If they made 3 different sizes of grips, with increasing girth at the top, we could fit the gun to our hands, rather than trying to do it backwards, which never really works out quite as well. Just got a SuperB SS that has been cut to 4 5/8" and has stag grips with just EXACTLY the right girth at the top, and I may leave my 7.5" in the safe from now on. Ironically, it's a gun I did an action job on years ago. Didn't even remember doing the work, and only found out when I went back later and was told who owned it. Funny how stuff happens sometimes, isn't it?

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm with you on that one.

At least offer a half lug barrel for those of us that want a 4" barrel that doesn't weigh as much as a 6"

[knfmn]

Id also like to see a BH in 25-20, and a twin cylinder in 32-20 & 327.
BloodGroove4570

Be still my beating heart! If these ever happened (highly unlikely, IMO. :/) I would be sending some folks at Ruger flowers every month!

[Lonegun1894]

I would be very happy if revolver makers quit putting full underlugs on short barrel revolvers.

I guess I'm an oddball but I like full underlu

[Petrol & Powder]

I like the full underlug option but wish there were more half lug options available. That extra muzzle-forward weight is welcomed with magnum loads but not as desirable when lighter loads are the norm. I think there's a demand for both barrel contours.

[FergusonTO35]

I never shoot any sort of magnums out of handguns so a full lug is just dead weight for me. My short lug Service Six and no lug S&W 10-5 have no problems with a 158 grain slug at 850 fps. My Taurus 82 does have a full lug, fortunately it isn't terribly thick and is nicely contoured to the lines of the gun. The lug on the S&W L and N frames is the most butt-ugly thing on a handgun ever, right up there with the GP-100 Hogue grips. It looks like they just took a piece of 7/16" bar stock and welded it to the bottom of the barrel.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

How's about a 20 Ga Red Label frame with 20ga over 3030 combo barrels, pretty wood please, and 28s would be just right.Or make it a 28 ga over 45Colt on the sweet little 28ga frame. Now THAT would make me happy :)
They might sell a dozen, but it sure would be special.

This thread has mostly been about revolvers, but this does sound a very practical project. I believe people have built considerably more powerful double rifles from the Red Label. There are situations in hunting where a totally silent second shot without body movement is better than a dozen to follow.

But with Ruger's expertise in investment casting, why not a Martini rifle? It be made with thicker sides and narrower inside to accommodate the .45-70 head size, and the use of a square wire mainspring, with a smaller tunnel to accommodate it, would strengthen the breechblock.

[Tatume]

While I would love to see Ruger make a Martini, I doubt they will deliberately compete with their own No. 1 rifle.

Also, the thread title says "guns," not "revolvers." I also entered a suggestion for a single shot, albeit a pistol. Any style of single shot hunting pistol would get my attention.

Take care, Tom

[Blackwater]

Full underlug length and extra weight are really for those who fire mainly on the range. Those who tote them in the woods and over hill and dale like the lighter ones. And the thing is, that after you get used to the recoil and muzzle blast of the magnums, the lighter guns can really be brought back on target a mite quicker than the heavy ones. Remember, recoil impetus is according to momentum (mass x vel.), and the mass of your recoiling gun goes up with its weight, so it's harder to stop and bring back to bear. This seems counterintuitive to many, but it's real WHEN you get used to the gun FULLY. I found this out by experience down in the lower 40, and it surprised me, and only afterward did I find the explanation, so if you doubt it, go try it and see for yourself. Just an FWIW.

[waarp8nt]

Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in more calibers; reintroduce it in .45 LC and something they have yet to produce it in like the .357 Mag. Don't get me wrong....I like the .41 or .44, but give us some more options on an already great platform.

[rockrat]

BloodGroove4570

Find one of the Buckeye special runs of BH's in 32-20/32mag and have the mag cyl rechambered to 327.

[Lonegun1894]

Full underlug length and extra weight are really for those who fire mainly on the range. Those who tote them in the woods and over hill and dale like the lighter ones. .

I know many will agree with the above, but some of us actually like a bit of weight in our weapons, and an extra ounce or two in a handgun isn't an issue to us. I mean, if I was to fully take your belief and run with it, I would have to sell off my carry and hunting handguns and go buy a bunch of aluminum, or scandium, or whatever the current lightest offering is to hunt with and carry. But instead, I carry a 5" 1911, a 4" Security Six, or a 4 5/8" (original) Vaquero as my main carry handguns, and a 2 1/4" SP101 as my back-up, and that is my all day, every day, all year long carry choices. I don't mean this as an argument, but just think if anything, we need more choices, both light and heavy, and not to get our options limited by anyone trying to pidgeon-hole anyone who likes something other than their lightweight or heavyweight or whatever other type of gun as a range shooter or whatever else only. I mean, if we all wanted the smallest lightest thing available, then not one of us would need anything other than a Ruger LCP in .380 or the Keltec that is basically the same thing with a different name stamped on the side. I'm glad we have options.

[Blackwater]

Point well taken, but I was just comparing apples to apples in my post, and meant that the shorter underlug CAN make a slight but possibly important difference to guys who carry often, if not always. Lightness and compactness come to mean more when we do that, but of course, the extra weight DOES help steady us up in slow fire, as at the range, usually. For quick action, as in hunting or defensive uses, the lighter, more compact gun almost always has a slight but real edge, if for no other reason than it's slightly quicker into action. Not a big deal either way, of course, unless in a defensive use, where miliseconds CAN make a difference, but that's cutting it pretty fine either way. As I said, I had not expected it to turn out like it did for me, and wound up discovering it quite backwards, by observing it first, and then later finding the explanation.

But then, shooting is always full of surprises, isn't it?

[Jtarm]

ITo his list, I would add a moon clipped 10mm Auto GP100.


I've harped on that one for years, either the GP or the S&W 686.

That would be a near perfect all-around revolver.

Back in the 80s, a local custom shop used to convert Pythons to .41 magnum.

While we're unicorn hunting:
Yeah, sec six, with a better trigger
Three-screw flat tops
#3 carbine.

[mozeppa]

here here!

.40 s&w ruger black hawk single six......AND!......gp100

[MBTcustom]

Here's a video I ran across where the GP100MC is demonstrated at the shotshow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGwdtTai94

[Good Cheer]

Day dreaming...
4" Security Six chambered for a shortened 38-55. Once discussed the idea with a smith in Pasadena, TX about thirty-five years ago. Never did anything with it.
Nope, don't care none about no jacketed bullets selection because I shoot boolits.
And a dang near wadcutter 200 grain wide flat nose would be my first choice.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

While I would love to see Ruger make a Martini, I doubt they will deliberately compete with their own No. 1 rifle.

Also, the thread title says "guns," not "revolvers." I also entered a suggestion for a single shot, albeit a pistol. Any style of single shot hunting pistol would get my attention.

Take care, Tom

They make revolvers which compete with one another too. I think they would benefit from anything that gets custom away from other makers' revolvers and single shot rifles.

[Tatume]

You are right, I stand corrected. Thank you.

[Ballistics in Scotland]

Well not corrected exactly, since it is a matter of degree and imponderables. But plenty of people could lust after a new Martini that wouldn't over the Ruger No1.