Went by a local gunshop today at lunch. They have a few used, Ruger GP100 in stainless that Ruger special made as a foreign model. The big difference between these and the ones sold in the states is the hammer. The back of the hammer is smooth so can't be cocked with the thumb. In other words, (hate to show my ignorance here) but no part of the hammer protrudes for the thumb to grab. Supposedly, these were built as carry models. Long and short of it is that these pistols must be fired double action only.......i.e., can't pull the hammer back then fire.
The pistol appears in good shape. Only looked at one of the pistols on display but they said they have a few to pick from. All are chambered in 357 Magnum. They want $229 for the stainless pistol. Does this sound resonable? A comparable GP100 of "normal" configuration goes for about $400 or so.
GP-100 version of the older SPEED SIX (MODELS 207, 208 and 209)
- .38 Spl., .357 Mag., or 9mm Para. cal., 2 3/4 or 4 in. barrel, fixed sights, checkered walnut grips, round butt, blue finish, some guns have factory speed hammer (no hammer spur). Mfg. 1973-88. Model 207 and 208 disc. 1988.
Grading
100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
$300 $205 $190 $170 $160 $150 $140
These versions may not be foreign. A local Gander Mtn. shop took a number of these 4" DA only revolvers in as police trades. It is a great gun and is not a catalog item for Ruger. There is no single action sear notch, so it can only be fired DA.
When I found these, they were down to the last few guns, which were pretty rough conditionwise, so I passed. They wanted $300 for them, so if the gun you found is in good shape, it sounds like a good deal.
You don't see them that often...
TM
These are actually RCMP trade-ins according to the guy that sold me mine. I got a nice bianchi duty holster and a speed loader with it, too, for $300. I put my old Redhawk grips on it because they fit my hand better. It is my woods carry gun now. I did inquire with Ruger about changing out the hammer and making it a regular DA revolver. It would have brought the cost up to the same as new one, so I decided to leave it alone.
Fast Ed
Royal Canadian Mounted Police aka Mounties
Picked up an SP-101 recently for the wife DA only bobbed hammer. Carries very well in her purse. Went for about $275 in excellant condition-she shoots it well too. It would NOT be advisable to make the little redhead defend herself!!!
Update.
Bought the pistol for $230. Have only shot 38 ammo so far but it shoots great. So far very pleased.
I have heard you can drop in a GP-100 double action hammer and it will convert it to DA.