Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns GP 100 .44 Special

I was interested in these when they first came out, but problems with them cooled my ardor. Has Ruger corrected the problem with over-sized throats and the front sight blade?

I have three of these and have been around a couple more and they all shoot great. A couple I have seen are one-hole shooters or near so at 25 yards. I think since Ruger started making .44s in 1956 or so, they have all run .431-.432 exit holes. After 65 or so years, I doubt Ruger will change exit hole diameter now. Standard .429-.430 jacketed bullets should shoot fine. With cast, size as close to exit holes as you can. I size .431 for my Ruger and most S&W .44s and they generally shoot really well.

I haven't had any sight blade issues with mine.

For me, It would be hard to find a better handgun for around camp or as a backup while hunting.

Thanks for the reply. I had read several places that some of the initial runs were are .433-.434.

Wow. I did not know they were running that large

I’ve had my 3” barreled Model since they first hit the doors at Whittaker Guns. Cylinder throats measure .4315” and has been consistently accurate with my cast 250 gr. SWC’s. It is one of my favorites and most often carried handgun.

I think I have one of the first and don't have any complaints. A slightly taller front would be alright but mine has been nothing but serviceable as is.

Thanks for the feedback, and encouragement!

I would honestly rate the GP100 in .44 Special one of the greatest revolvers ever.

Yours had a lot of lead at the barrel/frame constriction. Don't know what diameter/lube the cast you used had, but it just goes to bear, after seeing you shoot it, how much the driver of the ammunition comes to bear.....

Steve has a nice 44 Special Bisley, and Ruger throat dimensions and barrel dimensions, for 44's IME, are infallible at .431 sizing.

I casted for another friend with a new GP-100 4". Keith 265's at .431. He said it was the most accurate handgun he ever shot. He's 73.

Are you saying his is bigger than mine?

Its always gotta be about COCK with you....

I agree.

I don't worry about this kind of stuff, until I see if the gun will shoot. If it doesn't you can always make adjustments, either to the cylinder or the bullet. My shoots well.

Thanks for your input, but I would want/expect a new handgun to be in spec. Should not need to do work-arounds with it.

Judging by the positive responses I am getting it would seem that the number of out-of-spec guns must have been limited to a first round of production, and subsequently corrected.