Ruger GP100



Overview

Ruger KGP-141

Ruger KGP-141 revolver shown with speedloaders alongside.
Source: Gordon Gartrell - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
United States
Type
Revolver
Entered service
Mid 1980's
Status
Limited service
Development
Early 1980's
Developer
United States - Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Production
1985 - present
Producer
United States - Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Unit cost
$ 899 MSRP for KGP-141 in 2021
$ 899 MSRP for KGP-161 in 2021
$ 799 MSRP for KGP-331 in 2021
Number produced
Over 730.000 by 2015, including civilian sales
Notable users
United States - Law enforcement

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

KGP-141
Stainless steel finish, 4.2 inch full shroud barrel and adjustable sights.
KGP-160
Stainless steel finish, 6 inch partial shroud barrel and adjustable sights.
KGP-161
Stainless steel finish, 6 inch full shroud barrel and adjustable sights.
GP-141
Blued steel, 4.2 inch full shroud barrel and adjustable sights.
GPF-331
Blued steel, 3 inch full shroud barrel and fixed sights.
GPF-340
Blued steel, 4 inch partial shroud barrel and fixed sights
GPF-341
Blued steel, 4 inch full shroud barrel and fixed sights

Details

Facts KGP-141 KGP-161 KGP-331
General
Origin
United States
Type
Revolver
Caliber
Caliber
.357 Magnum
.38 Special
Feed system
6 shot cylinder
Optional 7 shot cylinder
Barrel length
106mm
Rifling
5 grooves, 475mm right hand twist
Operation
Action
Double action
Single action by cocking hammer
Rate of fire
Semi-automatic
Dimensions
Length
241 mm
Weight
1.13 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, post front and adjustable notch rear
Optics
None

Media

Related articles

Ruger Security-Six

The GP100 was introduced to replace the Security-Six line of service revolvers.

Read more about Ruger Security-Six