GP100 DOA or DA? (GP100 vs. S&W Model 10)

[BOSS]

New to the forum, and am wanting to purchase a revolver for home defense. I am not looking to spend over $300 at this point, I'm still in school, so it'll be a while before I can buy any expensive guns. I've narrowed my search down to two revolvers, at least with my limited knowledge. They are the GP100 and the S&W model 10. Here are links of two I am looking at:

GP100

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html

S&W model 10 (3 or 4 inch heavy barrel)

http://catalog.jgsales.com/index.php?itemnumber=25-343

The price isn't really all that much different for either, but here are a couple things I'm pondering and need help with:

1) The gp100 at southern ohio gun says it's DOA, is this only because the hammer has been bobbed...and could I theoritically replace the bobbed hammer and make it DA??

2) These two models are similar, but from what i understand the GP100 is a newer model vs. the S&W model, which would be an older S&W...I'd like to have .357 rounds for defense, and from what I've heard the S&W model 10 shouldn't be fed too many of these vs. the GP100 which can take that and more.

Suggestions on either....or another revolver in the same $$ range I should consider.


Thanks for your time and look forward to your responses.

[Russ5924]

If you want a .357 you don't want a Model 10 is .38 only

[Mastrogiacomo]

Get the GP - great gun, built solid, incrediable trigger.

[BOSS]

ahh, is the Model 19 the older S&W that can handle .357, but should be shot mostly with .38??

[boa2]

1)Yes, the Model 19 is a .357 but should mostly be shot with .38's. This is a blue revolver with adjustable sights. The Model 66(.357)is the same gun-EXCEPT made in stainless steel.

2)The Model 13 is a blued heavy barreled(Fixed sight).357 revolver that looks like a heavy barrel Model 10 and should mostly be shot with .38's. The Model 65 is the stainless steel version of the Model 13(Same .357 caliber).

3)All of the above are K-frame revolvers(Medium size)!

[Ichiro]

The two are totally different guns. I have both.

The Smith 10 cannot shoot .357 magnums; they don't even fit. If you want to shoot magnums, you have to get the GP-100 or other type of magnum revolver.

While you can shoot .38s in a .357, and it is a good idea at first, I find myself totally bored with .38s in my GP-100, or SP-101 for that matter. I'd rather shoot .22s for low-recoil practice, and for much lower cost.

If I could only have one gun, I might go with the model 10, which I also own, because it is a sweet shooter. If I could have two guns, I'd get the GP-100 and a .22. And I would NOT get the DAO model, unless you're going to carry it. Having SA and DA in a revolver is like having two guns in one.

~Ichiro

[fisherman66]

You will have a hard time finding a new DA/SA trigger for the GP100. It's a great gun though.

[Ichiro]

Rather than go to JG Sales, I think you could do better at Auctionarms.com. I bought my latest Smith model 10 for $155. It was only in "good" condition, but I polished it up with Flitz and it looks great! It also shoots great, the action is smooth, and the bore is perfect. With shipping and transfer, I was able to own this gem for $200.

The magnums usually cost at least $150+ more for a Smith; $100+ more for a Ruger.

The 38 special +P is a very good defensive cartridge, and the practice ammo is quite a bit less costly. Natchezss has 130-grain FMJ on sale for $6.99/box right now. Plus, shooting any .38 from a 4" model 10 is very easy. This particular gun, with this particular cartridge, is a perfect match.

~Ichiro

[jclaude]

Welcome to the forum.

I think your questions have been pretty well addressed by others with the exception of the DAO only question for the GP100. I looked at the link you provided and the GP appears to have the hammer bobbed. That's not a big deal to resolve. Ruger parts are readily available and reasonably priced. The price on the GP is a "steal", even if yu have to pay someone to replace the hammer for you. I'm an old, diehard, S&W fan, but in your case, I'd say go for the GP. (I have one in a 6" barrel length and absolutely love it)

[Ichiro]

Check Ruger's web site for a new hammer. Inserting a new hammer is simple if you can take the gun down into sub-assemblies, and the manual (also free on Ruger's site) will show you how to do that.

~Ichiro

[jclaude]

I checked one of my regular parts sources and they list the hammer as a factory only item, so you may have to send the GP to Ruger for a new hammer. I still think you can stay within your $300.00 target. You can always call them and ask for a quote to install a new hammer.

[BOSS]

Thank you all for posting, it has helped quite a bit. I'm in the air about which to get...I figure the GP100 after transfer, etc. will cost me around $280-290, and there are also both a model 10 & model 19 at a gun shop here in town for around $250-260 each. I don't know that I would need the hammer on the GP100 to be SA/DA, but it'd be a plus I guess. GP also wins over the model 10 due to the .357 loads. Ahh, if only I could own both.

I'm gonna have to call Ruger and see what a new hammer would cost out of curiosity, which leaves my final question:

Outside of trying to use this gun for hunting..which I won't, or attempting very accurate shots at the range, will I be losing anything by having a DAO revolver as a defensive handgun?? Does anyone see a need for the SA component when the gun will be used for home defense?

I understand there are new springs I can get which would lessen the DA trigger pull if necessary.

[DWARREN123]

I would go with the Ruger, have to send back to Ruger for a hammer. The Ruger will fire 38 spl, +P, +P+ and 357mag. The S&W 10 will do 38spl, I don't know about +P or +P+ ammo.

[Majic]

Take a close look at the M19 in your local gunshop. If it's in good shape ask the shop owner what's the best price he can put on it. If he won't come down then show him you only have $25 to $30 less than his selling price. Used prices are flexible and you may haggle him down. It may or may not work, but you don't know until you try.

[dallasconundrum]

I would like to second Majic's last post.

[Ichiro]

For defense practice, double-action is the way to go. Problem is, it can get a little dull at the range. A SA/DA revolver gives you options as to how you want to shoot and is a better all-around gun UNLESS you are going to carry it, or are ONLY concerned with defense.

~Ichiro

[Webleymkv]

If you are looking for a gun strictly for home defence (not for carry) then you may look into a S&W Model 28. It is a .357 built on the large N-Frame (similar in size to the Model 29 .44 Magnum). Because of it's large frame, it can handle all the magnum rounds you'd ever want to shoot and due to the added weight (mine with a 4" barrel weighs 43.5oz unloaded) it's one of the most pleasant .357's to shoot. I bought one used for $250. If you want something that you could also carry, A 3" barrel Taurus model 66 or Ruger SP101 (2.25 or 3") with either barrel length may be the ticket. Of course, if you can find one, the best all around would be an old Ruger Security Six with either a 4" tube or the coveted 2.75" barrel.