View source for Ruger GP100

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{{Infobox weapon
|name= GP100
| image= Ruger GP100 .357 Stainless.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption= Ruger KGP-141 with speed loaders of .357 ammunition.
|origin= United States
|type= [[Revolver]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
<!-- Production history -->
|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=[[Sturm, Ruger & Co.]]<ref name="MGV">{{cite book|last=Peterson|first=Philip|title=Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900 to Present|edition=16th|pages =242}}</ref>
|production_date=1985–present <ref name="MGV"/>
|number=734,500<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-GP100.html |title="Ruger GP100® Serial Number History" |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327092653/http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RE-GP100.html |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|variants= See ''[[Ruger GP100#Models|Models]]''
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight=  {{convert|35|-|45|oz|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug>{{cite web|title=Ruger GP100|url=http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/models.html|publisher=Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.|access-date=8 December 2012}}</ref>
|length= {{convert|8-11.5|in|mm}}<ref name=Rug />
|part_length= {{convert|2.5|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug/><br />{{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug/><br />{{convert|4|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug/><br />{{convert|4.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug/><br />{{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Davidsons>{{cite web|url=http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=1740|access-date=2011-11-16|title=Ruger GP100 Double Action Revolver|publisher=Davidson's|work=Gallery of Guns|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506131940/http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=1740|archive-date=May 6, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><br />{{convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=Rug/>
|crew=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge= 
•[[10mm Auto]]

•[[.22 Long Rifle]]

•[[.327 Federal Magnum]]

•[[.357 Magnum]]

•[[.38 Special]]

•[[.44 Special]]

|caliber=
|action= [[Double-action]] revolver
|rate=
|velocity=
|range= {{convert|55–110|yd|m}}
|max_range= +/− {{convert|550|yd|m}}
|feed= 5-shot [[Cylinder (firearms)|cylinder]] (.44 Special) <br /> 6-shot cylinder (.357 Magnum, .38 Special, & 10mm Auto) <br /> 7-shot cylinder (.357 Magnum & .327 Federal Magnum) <br /> 10-shot cylinder (.22 Long Rifle)<ref name=Rug/>
}}

The '''GP100''' is a family/line of [[Trigger (firearms)#Double-action|double action]] five- ([[.44 Special]]), six- ([[.357 Magnum]], [[.38 Special]], & [[10mm Auto]]), seven- (.357 Magnum and [[.327 Federal Magnum]]), or ten-shot ([[.22 Long Rifle]]) [[revolver]]s made by [[Sturm, Ruger & Co.]], manufactured in the United States.

==History==
The GP100 was an evolution of an earlier Ruger double-action revolver, the [[Ruger Security-Six|Security Six]]. 

It was introduced in 1985 as a second generation of the Ruger double-action, exposed-hammer revolvers intended to replace Ruger's Security-/Service-/Speed-Six line. 

It was made stronger with the intent to fire an unlimited number of full-power .357 Magnum rounds. The first significant change was introduced with the [[Ruger Redhawk]] and that involved a new triple-locking cylinder mechanism with a lever on the crane rather than using the end of the ejector rod to lock.

Another change was the use of stronger steels and the redesigned, beefier shape of the frame. 

Traditional revolver frames had exposed metal at the front and rear of the grips, with the frame determining the shape of the grips. This meant that to have a round butt [[concealed carry]] version and a square butt holster or target version of the same gun usually meant having two different frame shapes. 

The GP100 series, instead, used a small rectangular "peg" grip large enough to enclose the hammer spring and strut. The grips could then be any shape desired, as long as they were large enough to enclose the peg. 

This was not a new innovation, having been used by Dan Wesson and some High Standard revolvers that predated the GP100. 

The Dan Wesson patent ({{US Patent|3683535}}) was granted in 1972 and Ruger's patent ({{US patent|4625445}}) was granted in 1986.

== Features ==

=== Grips ===
The stock grips are made of [[Santoprene]], a soft, chemical resistant [[elastomer]] that helps absorb the recoil of firing. 

Panels on the side, made of black plastic, [[goncalo alves]] wood, or [[rosewood]], provide contrast to the flat black of the Santoprene. 

The grips are now Hogue one piece rubber grips standard.<ref name="Rug" /><ref name="ps172">{{cite book|title = Gun Digest Book of Ruger Pistols and Revolvers| first= Patrick |last=Sweeney |author-link=Patrick Sweeney (gunsmith)|pages=172–174|location=Iola, Wisconsin|publisher =Gun Digest Books|year= 2007 |isbn = 978-0-89689-472-3 }}</ref>

=== Frame ===
The GP100 shares the crane lock from the Redhawk that was later used in the small frame [[Ruger SP101|SP101]] revolver. 

All of these models use the same thickness on the solid frame and double latching system as used on the heavy [[.44 Magnum]]. 

Because of these features, the GP100 series is widely described as one of the strongest medium frame revolvers ever made.<ref name="ps172" />

=== Ammunition ===
The GP100 is manufactured in [[.327 Federal Magnum]], [[.357 Magnum]], [[.38 Special]], [[.22 Long Rifle]], [[.44 Special]], and [[10mm Auto]] calibers. Available [[Gun barrel|barrel]] lengths are {{convert|2.5|in|mm}}, {{convert|3|in|mm}}, {{convert|4|in|mm}}, {{convert|4.2|in|mm}}, {{convert|5|in|mm}}, and {{convert|6|in|mm}} with partial or full length underlugs.<ref name="Rug" /> 

[[Bluing (steel)|Blued steel]] or [[stainless steel]] finishes are available, with stainless model numbers preceded by a "K". 

=== Safety ===
The [[firing pin]] of the GP100 is mounted inside the frame. The [[Safety (firearms)|transfer bar]] of the GP100 is connected directly to the [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger]]. The transfer bar must be present between the [[Hammer (firearm)|hammer]] and the [[firing pin]] in order for the [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] to be fired. 

The transfer bar only assumes the required position when the trigger is pulled completely rearward. 

=== Sights ===
GP100 models are available with fixed or adjustable [[sights]]. Fixed sight models are designated by a "F" suffix model number. 

=== Cylinder ===
When the cylinder is closed and the gun is at the point of firing, the cylinder crane is locked into the frame at the front and rear of the crane and by the cylinder lock at the bottom of the crane opening. 

=== Disassembly ===
The GP100 disassembles into three major modules with only limited use of tools. This allows the user to easily clean the revolver after shooting. The design of the gun eliminates the need for a frame "sideplate", a feature which contributes to the GP100's reputation for strength.<ref name="ps172" />

==Specifications==
[[File:Rugerdis1.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Major sub units of GP100 ''(KGP-141)'']]
* Weight: Variable, dependent on barrel and shroud length
* Barrel lengths: {{convert|2.5|in|mm}}, {{convert|3|in|mm}}, {{convert|4|in|mm}}, {{convert|4.2|in|mm}}, {{convert|5|in|mm}}, and {{convert|6|in|mm}},<ref name=Rug /> the run of 5" GP100 revolvers was made for the distributor, Davidson's.<ref name=Davidsons />
* Action: The GP100 may be fired by either cocking the hammer and subsequently pulling the trigger (a.k.a. Single Action), or by merely pulling the trigger when the hammer is not cocked (a.k.a. Double Action).
* Maximum effective range: {{convert|55-110|yd|m}}, depending on barrel length, cartridge load, and additional optical sights
* 5-Shot: .44 Special
* 6-Shot: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and 10mm Auto
* 7-Shot: .357 Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum
* 10-Shot: .22 Long Rifle

== Models ==
[[File:Gpwik.JPG|thumb|KGP-141 and KGP-160 .357 Magnum revolvers]]Since its introduction, it has been produced with a number of variations including various barrel lengths and profiles, fixed or adjustable sights, and in blued carbon steel or stainless steel.
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
! Catalog Number !! Caliber{{ref|1}} || Barrel Length<ref name=Rug/> !! Finish !! Sights !! Weight !! Shroud
|-
! GP-141
|.357 Mag. || 4" || Blued || Adjustable || 41 oz || Full
|-
! GP-160
|.357 Mag. || 6" || Blued || Adjustable || 43 oz ||Short
|-
! GP-161
|.357 Mag. || 6" || Blued || Adjustable || 46 oz || Full
|-
!GPF-331
|.357 Mag. || 3" || Blued || Fixed || 36 oz || Full
|-
!GPF-340
|.357 Mag. || 4" || Blued || Fixed || 37 oz || Short
|-
!GPF-341
|.357 Mag. || 4" || Blued || Fixed || 38 oz || Full
|-
! KGP-141{{ref|4}}
|.357 Mag. || 4.2" || Stainless || Adjustable || 41 oz || Full
|-
! KGP-151{{ref|2}}
|.357 Mag. || 5" || Stainless || Adjustable || 42 oz || Full
|-
!KGP-160
|.357 Mag. || 6" || Stainless || Adjustable || 43 oz || Short
|-
! KGP-161
|.357 Mag. || 6" || Stainless || Adjustable || 46 oz || Full
|-
!KGPF-330
|.357 Mag. || 3" || Stainless || Fixed || 35 oz || Short
|- 
! KGPF-331
|.357 Mag. || 3" || Stainless || Fixed || 36 oz || Full
|-
!KGPF-340
|.357 Mag. || 4" || Stainless || Fixed || 37 oz || Short
|-
!KGPF-341
|.357 Mag. || 4" || Stainless || Fixed || 38 oz || Full
|-
! KGPF-840
|.38 Spl.|| 4" || Blued || Fixed || 37 oz || Short
|-
! KGPF-841
|.38 Spl.|| 4" || Blued || Fixed || 38 oz || Full
|-
! GPNY{{ref|3}}
|.38 Spl.|| 3" & 4" || Stainless || Fixed || 36~37 oz || Full
|-
! KGP-4327-7
|.327 Fed. Mag. || 4.2" || Satin Stainless || Adjustable || 40 oz || Full
|-
! 1757
|.22 LR. || 5.5" || Satin Stainless || Adjustable || 42 oz ||Short
|-
! 1761{{ref|3}}
|.44 Spl. || 3" || Satin Stainless || Adjustable || 36 oz || Full
|-
! 1790
|.357 Mag || 2.5" || Blued || Adjustable || 35 oz || Full
|}

==Special editions==
In 2016, a limited edition variant of the GP100 was available from the [[Friends of NRA]] through a fundraising [[raffle]]. 

The guns were all stainless, chambered in .357 Magnum, had 4 inch barrels, serial numbers with "NRA" prefixes, and rosewood grip inserts engraved with "NRA". Only 1,145 were produced.<ref>{{cite web |title=2016 Standard Package Calatog |url=https://www.friendsofnra.org/hp-slides/merchandise/2016StandardPackageCatalog.pdf |website=Friends of NRA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107224728/https://www.friendsofnra.org/hp-slides/merchandise/2016StandardPackageCatalog.pdf |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |page=5 |language=en-US |date=2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2021, Ruger produced 500 GP100s in memory of Jeff Quinn, a [[YouTuber]] and founder of the online firearms magazine Gunblast, who died the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=C|first=Luke|title=Ruger Releases Jeff Quinn Memorial GP100 Revolver|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/02/25/ruger-jeff-quinn-memorial-gp100/|website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref>

==Users==
* {{flag|Canada}}: Local Police<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ruger Super GP100 9mm revolver review|url=https://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/ruger-super-gp100-9mm-revolver-review/382947|access-date=2024-08-28|website=gunsandammo.com}}</ref>
* {{flag|Greece}}: [[Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (Greece)|EKAM]] counter-terrorist unit of the [[Hellenic Police]]<ref name="astymonia2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.astynomia.gr/images/stories/DOCS/Attachment11480_ENHMEROTIKO_EKAM_ENGL.pdf |title=Greece Ministry of Public Order Press Office: Special Anti-Terrorist Unit |date=July 2004 |work=astynomia.gr - Official Website of the Hellenic Police |access-date=2009-10-13}}</ref>
* {{flag|Serbia}}: [[Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (Serbia)|Special Anti-Terrorist Unit]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Specijalne-jedinice.com {{!}} Special Anti-terrorist Unit-SAU|url=https://specijalne-jedinice.com/Srbija/SAJ-English.html|access-date=2021-02-25|website=specijalne-jedinice.com}}</ref>
* {{flag|USA}}: [[New York Police Department]] "GPNY" <ref>{{Cite web|title=NYPD Duty Weapons For Patrol|url=https://leelofland.com/nypd-duty-weapons-for-patrol/|access-date=2024-08-28|website=leelofland.com}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Ruger GP-100.jpg|GP100 (mod. KGP-161) revolver
File:GP-100&357mag.jpg|GP100 (KGP-161) with opened cylinder and .357 Magnum ammunition
File:Gp100-site-md.jpg|Ruger GP100 revolver adjustable rear sight
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book|title =Ruger & His Guns: A History of the Man, the Company and Their Firearms |first= R. L. |last=Wilson|author2=G. Allan Brown  |publisher= Book Sales, Inc.|year=2008 |isbn =978-0-7858-2103-8 }}

==External links==
{{Commons and category|Ruger GP100|Ruger GP100}}
*[https://ruger.com/products/gp100/overview.html Ruger's GP100 page]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/RugerFirearms#p/search/2/kkyRDM7md9A Ruger-produced Dissembly video]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/RugerFirearms#p/search/0/G_mtU4JZrfs Ruger-produced Cleaning video]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/RugerFirearms#p/search/1/OiWkxSgi4IA Ruger-produced Reassembly video]
*[http://www.gunweek.com/2004/feature1010.html Ruger’s .357 GP-100 Revolver Considered a Modern Classic], Gun Week, by Jim Williamson

{{Ruger}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ruger Gp-100}}
[[Category:Ruger revolvers]]
[[Category:.327 Federal Magnum firearms]]
[[Category:.357 Magnum firearms]]
[[Category:.22 LR revolvers]]
[[Category:.44 Special firearms]]
[[Category:Revolvers of the United States]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1985]]