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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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I have a S&W Model 19 357 Mag with a 4" barrel. I like the gun and it shoots well. I have been thinking about trading it for a Ruger GP100. I don't know anything about the Ruger. Can you give me some pro's and cons with the GP100 compared to the Model 19?
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Joined: Apr 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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The Ruger GP-100 has a larger frame than the M-19. It is about the same size as a S&W L frame. The GP-100 will stand up to heavy loads better than the Smith. If it is going to be a carry piece the M-19 is a little smaller and lighter thus may be better for you. If you shoot lots of heavy loads then go with the GP.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Pros: Greater durability, easily changed front sight.
Cons: Greater weight; worse trigger, shortage of good, well shaped grips, overall crudeness of construction when compared to the S&W product.
I have both, and enjoy both (having acquired them at different times over the years and having come, now, to appreciate their differing strengths), but I would never trade a S&W M19 for a GP100.
Last edited by Oregon45; 09/01/12.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I got banned on another web site for a debate that happened on this site. That's a first
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Kinda like comparing an F-250 with a Corvette.
I've had a couple GP100s, and they are really tough, like overbuilt you might say. Mine were good shooters too. I liked the older rubber grips with the wood panels better than the newer Hogue grips.
I put a LOT of miles on M19s too, they are really nice revolvers for the size/weight. Great trigger. And classy.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Smith or Ruger??? Not sure there's a question there (S&W every time)...
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Posts: 19,269
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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For hard use,one that can and will stand up to anything you can throw at it and still shoot very well,the GP 100 is the winner. The M19 is a sleek little piece that has earned its place nicely. Your call Lad!!
Be afraid,be VERY VERY afraid ad triarios redisse My Buddy eh76 speaks authentic Frontier Gibberish! ![[Linked Image]](http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/EvilTwinMar/Sabretooth-1.jpg)
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I would much rather have the GP-100 than the Smith if you are going to shoot it a lot, if not then the Smith would be easier to sell and may be worth a little more.
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
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I have a S&W Model 19 357 Mag with a 4" barrel. I like the gun and it shoots well. I have been thinking about trading it for a Ruger GP100. I don't know anything about the Ruger. Can you give me some pro's and cons with the GP100 compared to the Model 19? The S&W is a more elegant weapon, IMO. It also has the better potential in the double action trigger pull department.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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The Smith is a weaker design, and has a history of weakness when shooting actual 357 loads. K frames were designed around low pressure 38 special loads over a century ago. The GP was designed for unlimited use of 357 magnum ammunition less that 20 years ago. The GP has a frame design that allows almost unlimited grip options, much like Dan Wessons are/were. This design was copied from High Standard revolvers that were released shortly before that companies demise. A GP100 trigger responds to competent trigger work the same as the S&W. The single action is a bit creepier, but that can be dealt with by (once again) a competent gunsmith. The GP100 is heavier than the K frame in all respects. Sometime back, factory 357 mag ammo pressure limits were downgraded by SAAMI in response to the friggin' S&W K frames going down because they weren't designed for such high pressures in the first place. S&W does make an excellent .357 magnum revolver, but it is not a K frame. If the K frames were so perfect, S&W would never have developed the L frame 686 in 1980, so late in the game.
An F250 and a Corvette? More like an F250 and a Vega. Great lines, but not suited to the task. I've had a few K frames, and they were neat 38 Specials, but poor 357 magnums. A quick glance at S&Ws website suggests that they no longer offer any K frame in 357 magnum. 22s,32s & 38s only. The calibers they were designed for in the first place.
Those who believe there is safety in numbers never heard of Auschwitz- Me
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Campfire Tracker
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I wish that S&W would bring back the 19/66, but it would kill sales of the 686. With the improved metallurgy and machining of today, it shouldn't be a problem. If they can make 5-shot J-frame .357's, a K-frame shouldn't be a problem.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2006
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The Smith is a weaker design, and has a history of weakness when shooting actual 357 loads. K frames were designed around low pressure 38 special loads over a century ago. The GP was designed for unlimited use of 357 magnum ammunition less that 20 years ago. The GP has a frame design that allows almost unlimited grip options, much like Dan Wessons are/were. This design was copied from High Standard revolvers that were released shortly before that companies demise. A GP100 trigger responds to competent trigger work the same as the S&W. The single action is a bit creepier, but that can be dealt with by (once again) a competent gunsmith. The GP100 is heavier than the K frame in all respects. Sometime back, factory 357 mag ammo pressure limits were downgraded by SAAMI in response to the friggin' S&W K frames going down because they weren't designed for such high pressures in the first place. S&W does make an excellent .357 magnum revolver, but it is not a K frame. If the K frames were so perfect, S&W would never have developed the L frame 686 in 1980, so late in the game.
An F250 and a Corvette? More like an F250 and a Vega. Great lines, but not suited to the task. I've had a few K frames, and they were neat 38 Specials, but poor 357 magnums. A quick glance at S&Ws website suggests that they no longer offer any K frame in 357 magnum. 22s,32s & 38s only. The calibers they were designed for in the first place. Poor Bill Jordan. He never realized how poorly he was armed.
"Be sure you're right. Then go ahead." Fess Parker as Davy Crockett
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Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2005
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I have a S&W Model 19 357 Mag with a 4" barrel. I like the gun and it shoots well. I have been thinking about trading it for a Ruger GP100. I don't know anything about the Ruger. Can you give me some pro's and cons with the GP100 compared to the Model 19? I've got both and that's what you should do, get them both. Carry the Smith and shoot the GP100.
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,290
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Model 19s are nicely made. Consider a good used Security Six. Just about the same weight as a 19 and rated for heavy loads.
"The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle." John Stapp - "Stapp's Law"
"Klaatu barada nikto"
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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I would never trade that model 19 for a Ruger. NEVER!
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Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
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I wish that S&W would bring back the 19/66, but it would kill sales of the 686. With the improved metallurgy and machining of today, it shouldn't be a problem. If they can make 5-shot J-frame .357's, a K-frame shouldn't be a problem.  Yeah, ya think??
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I would never trade a S&W M19 for a GP100. Me neither...but I would certainly get a GP-100 and add it to the stable.
Every day on this side of the ground is a win.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I flat out like my Rugers ... (Flatops.)
And if I were to purchase a large DA revolver I would still choose the Ruger over the S&W.
> Both are durable, reliable, and accurate ...
> Smith & Wesson is adorable and has 'The Reputation' ...
> Ruger is more solidly constructed, and less expensive ...
BUT - I think it mostly comes down to personal preference.
BUT - Trade a Smith for a Ruger? ... NO !!!
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I also have both including a Smith mod 13 and 19 and the GP-100...If I didn't have any and wanted a .357,I would get the Ruger first but I wouldn't trade either for the other.
The GP-100 is more of what I need in .357.
Jayco
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Campfire Sage
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Campfire Sage
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The only Ruger revolver I own is an early 1980s Speed Six .357 Magnum. Awesome package, but when it heats up at the range, it tends to bind a bit, requiring a cooling off period from time to time. It's the only revolver I own that does that.
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