Ruger GP100
Overview
Ruger KGP-141
Ruger KGP-141 revolver shown with speedloaders alongside.
Source: Gordon Gartrell -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
$ 899 MSRP for KGP-161 in 2021
$ 799 MSRP for KGP-331 in 2021
Description
Introduction
The GP100 is a late Cold War era revolver of American origin. It was introduced in 1985 by Ruger to replace their earlier line of double action service revolvers, the Security-Six.
Design
The GP100 is a double action revolver with swing out cylinder. Can also be fired single action by cocking the hammer. Barrel lengths vary, with four and six inches being most common. The GP100 is one of the sturdiest medium frame revolvers. Especially the models with full shroud barrel. Service models for general issue to police forces often feature fixed sights. Variants with adjustable sights are common as well. Recent production models also feature a translucent fiber front sight.
Firepower
The GP100 fires either .357 Magnum or .38 Special from a six round cylinder. Six round speed loaders are commonly used for swift reloads. Some variants feature a seven round cylinder. The practical effective range is up to 50 meters.
Users
The GP100 was introduced at a time that revolvers were no longer adopted as standard issue by military and law enforcement. A small number for law enforcement agencies in the US and Europe did adopt the GP100.
Variants
Ruger GP-141
Left side view of a blued steel GP-141 revolver with 7 round cylinder.
Source: Ruger -
© Copyright lies with original owner
List of common variants for law enforcement use
Details
Media
Ruger GP100 series
Two GP100 series revolvers. KGP-141 four inch model on the left and KGP-160 six inch model with partial barrel shroud on the right.
Source: Michael E. Cumpston
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Ruger KGP-161
Oblique view of Ruger KGP-161 revolver with 7 short cylinder
Source: Ruger
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ruger KGP-161
Ruger KGP-161 revolver shown with cylinder swung out and with .357 Magnum rounds alongside.
Source: Niedzwiadek78
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Ruger KGP-161
Ruger KGP-161 revolver shown with .357 Magnum rounds alongside.
Source: Niedzwiadek78
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Ruger KGP-141
Right side view of Ruger KGP-141 revolver.
Source: Ruger
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Ruger Security-Six
The GP100 was introduced to replace the Security-Six line of service revolvers.