Ruger da revolvers?

[Doc45]

I've been offered 3 different Ruger double action revolvers. I know they're built like tanks but everyone I've ever shot has the worst double action imaginable (admittedly I'm used to S&Ws). The 3 are a brand new GP100 .44spl, a brand new Wiley Clapp GP100 .357 (both 3") and an old Speed Six 2 3/4" .357 with bobbed hammer but stock action. I'll grab one of them if I can find someone, preferrably local, who can smooth them up.

Anyone have experience with these? Thanks.

[MrAK]

That speed six is probably going to be the furthest from what you’re looking for out of the bunch. I’d start with Wiley Clapp, standard gp100 and would pass on the security unless you’re getting a crazy deal.

[ray1970]

All fine guns. It takes very little to make the triggers pretty nice. A little fluff and buff and a couple of springs can make them very nice. The GP100 is an improvement over the older speed or security sixes in my opinion.

[buffalobo]

Like Ray said, not alot needed to make them nice. Wiley Clapp is good place to start but Speed Six is classic. Dad raved about his Speed Six after some spring swap and polish.

ETA - Dad was always proud of the fact that a Texas State Patrolman carried that Speed Six on duty.

[Doc45]

Thanks for the replies. I view the speed six vs gp in the same light as the k vs l frame Smiths. I have my late father’s early 4” 686 Smith he bought new in September 1981. That gun has tens of thousands of magnums through it. This Ruger would only see limited magnum loads as I just don’t enjoy shooting .357s any longer.

The speed six is just a tad smaller and handles a little better for my limited experience with them. I really want a 3” prelock S&W 64 or 65 but they’re really climbing in price.

[Big E3]

I would think all 3 are somewhat unusual because the 3” barrels are less common. The Speed Six is gaining a cult like status. I don’t know if you could ever get the triggers to smooth out like a S&W. If you are used to the Smith triggers you may never be happy with any of them. I will never give up my Speed Six just because you can’t find them anymore. I’m in no hurry to sell my GP100 but would not lose sleep if I sold it. The 44sp would be a very interesting gun to me just because the 3” barrel in that caliber would be more desirable. Long story short get the 44sp and the Speed they will be the easiest to turn if you don’t like them. But the 3” 357 is no slouch I just have never heard anybody rave about the Wiley Clapp being special. I would be confused if it was my decision and would end up with all 3 if the price is right. As a collector trigger function doesn't keep me awake at night.

[Marine24]

Have to agree with others. All are solid revolvers. I have both S&W and Rugers in my collection. The Smiths are more collector items and the Ruger intended as working guns. My Ruger DAs are big bore revolvers in 45 Colt and 454 Casull and smoothing out the DA pull on a Ruger is very doable, as stated previously. Really depends on what your goals are.

[thedave1164]

You can clean up a Ruger trigger but it will never be a S&W trigger.

I have a Ruger GP100 Match Champion, and it has a very nice trigger, but it is not the same as my S&W 586, and I never expected it to be.

Just a warning there is just so much you can do to a Ruger trigger before you run into reliability issues.

Like Marine24 said, it really depends on your goals

[davsel]

Friends don't let friends buy Ruger

[thedave1164]

Friends don't let friends buy Ruger

I like my Rugers, and they are great guns, I just accept the fact that they will never have a trigger like a pre-lock S&W.

I also accept the fact that my S&W’s will never be able to shoot the loads that my Rugers can.

[Mazin]

Agree with thedave, rivers are over built so they can take loads that would normally be way outside the normal pressure. I've had a couple sp101's and I still think the LCR is the best DAO trigger I've ever felt on a factory gun, the sp101 needs some work to tune the trigger but it can be done

[Doc45]

All good info, greatly appreciated. After looking them over today I’m holding off for now, sticking with Smiths, my friend that has these Rugers has a line on both a 3” 64 and 3” 65 that may be available soon. We shall see.