Ruger GP-100 seven shot .327 Federal

Personally, I saved the gun I’m most excited about for my “last” post, which coincidentally will show up highest on the page.  This gun is the 7 shot Ruger GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum.

The new GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum features a 4.20″ stainless steel barrel and an overall length of 9.50″. It weighs 40 oz., holds seven rounds, and includes a fully adjustable rear sight. All GP100 double-action revolvers are known for their rugged construction and reliable performance, utilizing solid steel sidewalls (no side-plates) and frame widths that are increased with extra steel in critical areas that support the barrel. GP100’s are built to last, and the addition of the .327 Federal Magnum adds diversity to a proven product line.

Personally, as a revolver shooter I’m more interested in getting my hands on this gun than I am on the SR9c Compact.  As I mentioned in the Blackhawk post below, I’m intrigued by the .327 Federal cartridge, especially with the versatility that it brings to the table in the rugged GP100 platform.  The capability to fire everything from hot .327 Federal loadings down to pansy-weight .32 S&W Long loads means that the new GP100 in .327 Federal will be a great revolver for target practice, new shooters, self defense, and concealed carry.

With a fully adjustable rear sight, and Ruger’s easy to change out front sight, the new GP100 in .327 Federal could also be a great platform for an ICORE revolver.  In ICORE’s Limited Division, 7 and 8 shot revolvers rule the roost; usually the S&W 686 and 627 are the most common platforms.  However, unlike USPSA and IDPA, ICORE allows .32 caliber revolvers as “main match” competition guns.  I’m SURE that TK Custom will be able to churn out moonclips for the new GP100 capable of holding 7 .327 Federal cartridges.  I’d love to see a little variety in the competition wheelgun world, as right now it’s dominated by Smith & Wesson revolvers.

The new Ruger GP100 in .327 Federal Magnum positions itself nicely in Ruger’s new 2010 lineup of defensive firearms.  Marrying the nigh-indestructible GP100 platform to the .327 Federal cartridge means that you’re going to have a light recoiling, fun to shoot revolver that would make a great defensive firearm as well.  I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these – I’ve been waiting for a midsized platform in .327 Federal since the round was announced last year, and now I’ve got it.  Now to convince IDPA to allow .327 Federal as a competition round…

8 Comments

  1. Looks like Ruger is playing to strength. Small semis and revolvers made the company and they are sticking with what they know. Am sure the ..327 will eventually make it into the Vaquero line as well. As for me? I now know what my Christmas money will be spent on … the Blackhawk .327. Sheesh, just what I need. A new caliber for my logistics train.

  2. Now this is a slick looking gun. I’m very impressed with Ruger’s revolvers, as am I with the .327 Magnum (Tho I dunno if it’s enough to get me to choose one over a .38 Sp +P and .357 Magnum wheelie)

    I’m also very happy to see a company pushing a newer cartridge into the mainstream. .40 S&W isn’t very old, but it’s become a standard, I would love to see .327 Mag enter those ranks, god knows it deserves it.

  3. These .327 Fed guns also have the added benefit of being able to shoot other .32 caliber rounds as well correct? .32 H&R Mag, 32. S&W Long etc.

  4. Yep, you can go backwards with .32 H&R mag, and .32 S&W Long….probably .32 S&W “Short” as well, tho that’s going to gunk up your charge holes pretty good.

  5. Ummm… nice to see Ruger trying something, but a 7 shot 327 mag?

    S&W 686 is 7 shots of 357/38. Nice boring, light recoiling 38 special. You can shoot it in USPSA and ICORE.

    I guess you would really have to like 327 mag.

    I would rather see a 6 shot LRC in 327 mag or a 5 shot LRC in 9 mm.

  6. Would be REALLY neat to see something LIKE the LCR in 9×19, that doesn’t have a .38 sp length frame window, that way ruger could add a longer barrel (and ejector rod) or simply make a more compact package.

    I see that as a HUGE disadvantage to compact revolvers is they’re all based around frames for those big horse-pill revolver cartridges that are still clinging to the vestigial blackpowder skeletons of their 19th century ancestors.

  7. It is going to be hard for a lot of people to get away from a .38/.357 platform. With that said, I think the superior ballistics, extra round, and lower recoil are going to compel a lot of folks to give it serious consideration. I almost bought an SP101 but it did not feel comfortable in my hand (I ended up with a S&W 638, which fits in my hand live a glove).

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