Ruger GP100 Match Champion vs....
- Thread starter Fivesense
- Start date
So the Match Champion is a slightly more refined, better shooting, equally capable .357 as the GP100? No "regular .357 revolver guy" would kick sand in my face at the range?
I've read about the "drawbacks" (DA trigger, etc...) on the GP100, which really only means "utilitarian" to me anyway. But I'm just as pleased to have a smoother shooting .357 that doubles for HD and range/target shooting.
The match champion seems to be a fine revolver. The only issue I ever had with it was the fixed sights but Ruger soon offered adjustable sights so that problem was solved.
The caliber issue is a different one. I have numerous handguns and the 357 mag offers flexibility and lower cost to shoot. When you get reloading, those costs go down a great deal.
The caliber issue is a different one. I have numerous handguns and the 357 mag offers flexibility and lower cost to shoot. When you get reloading, those costs go down a great deal.
The Match Champion puts you a little closer to a Smith & Wesson, including price. I wasn't interested until they came out with the adjustable sight version, but I like my Match Champion in many ways. Of course, it had to immediately go back for a new cylinder, which seems to be a nagging issue for Ruger, certainly for me and all but one of my Ruger revolvers bought new.
The wooden grips on the Ruger would account for some of that. Smith people talk all the time about replacing rubber grips. Other than that, the 686 is a pretty plain gun. I have spent a lot on mine removing the ILS, an action job, recutting the forcing cone, and reaming throats. The MC, on the other hand, so far is untouched.
This is what my LGS is also charging (although I get a better price). That said, it's not $300+ better, so I'll be checking out Bud's Gun Shop right now.
Edited- Bud's Gun Shop Ruger Redhawk .44 Mag, 5.50 inch
Not $300+ better, but still dang good.
MSRP is quite high on these Match Champions it seems, but for $700 or so it's a sharp deal. I like mine a lot and I own both a 6" GP100 and the 4.2" Match Champion. I can feel the difference in out of the box trigger pull and I enjoy the nice grips and the nice fiber optic sight. If I were to buy a new sight and grip set for my 'regular' GP100 it would erase a lot of the price gap, but I still wouldn't have the action job.
I'd say that if you're happy with the 4.2" barrel there is no reason not to get the Match Champion.
I'd say that if you're happy with the 4.2" barrel there is no reason not to get the Match Champion.
$
Both the prices that I quoted for the Match Champion and the 686 are MSRP.
Bud's Gun Shop has the 686 six inch at $661-$665.
The Ruger is at $665.
I was surprised to see the Ruger at the same price as the S&W when, historically, they have always been less costly.
Pete
Both the prices that I quoted for the Match Champion and the 686 are MSRP.
Bud's Gun Shop has the 686 six inch at $661-$665.
The Ruger is at $665.
I was surprised to see the Ruger at the same price as the S&W when, historically, they have always been less costly.
Pete
Last edited:
Hammerhead
New member
Saw one today for $750. Looked very nice, feels lighter than the regular GP. Sights are nice, the wood grip feels OK, but the old rubber w/panels grip is hard to beat.
It looked very well made. Very smooth bore & chambers, perfect crown. Very tempting.
I wonder if the front sight has a standard 3/8" dovetail?
It looked very well made. Very smooth bore & chambers, perfect crown. Very tempting.
I wonder if the front sight has a standard 3/8" dovetail?