Ruger Gp100 Instruction Manual

							128
FIGURE 3
LOADING THE
REVOLVER.
TO LOAD AND FIRE
Be sure the revolver is pointed in a safe direction and is
never cocked while loading.
1. Press the crane latch and guide cylinder out of frame to the left to its loading
position (See Figure 3).
!WARNING – CYLINDER INTERLOCK
➧
When correctly operated, the cylinder
cannot be opened when the hammer is
cocked, and the hammer/trigger
mechanism  is not able to be operated
until the cylinder is locked shut.
However, this safety interlock can be
intentionally defeated if the crane latch is
depressed and the hammer is then
cocked while the cylinder opened. If the
cylinder is then shut when the hammer
is cocked, the hammer may fall and the
gun may fire.
NEVER CLOSE OR OPEN
THE CYLINDER WHILE
THE HAMMER IS COCKED
2. Insert cartridges and gently close cylinder, making sure it is securely latched.
Do not “flip” the cylinder open or shut. 
						

							13
5.DO NOT HOLD THE REVOLVER BY THE BARREL OR CYLINDER WHEN
FIRING.
!CAUTION–DOUBLE ACTION FIRING
When firing in the double action
mode, be sure that the trigger is
released completely to its fully
forward position before pulling the
trigger for a subsequent shot. If
the trigger finger is allowed to
interfere with the full recovery of
the trigger (preventing it from
moving through about the last
one-eighth inch of its forward
movement), the trigger cannot be
pulled again for another discharge.
The trigger must be fullyreleased
after each shot is fired. This
characteristic is found in all
modern double-action revolvers
and “double-action only” pistols.
FULLY RELEASE
TRIGGER
BETWEEN SHOTS
3. The revolver is now ready to fire, either “double-action” by pulling the trigger
through its complete arc for each shot, or “single-action” by cocking the
hammer and then pulling the trigger for each shot. The trigger pull is
somewhat shorter and lighter when the revolver is fired single action, and
this is the preferred mode for precise shots or target shooting
4.DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO FIRE. 
						

							14
TO UNCOCK (DECOCK) THE REVOLVER
If your revolver is cocked, and you wish to let the hammer down to its forward
position (against the frame), proceed as follows: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN
ATTEMPTING TO DECOCK THE REVOLVER, AS THE THUMB SLIPPING
DURING THIS PROCESS CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE IF
THE TRIGGER IS HELD TO THE REAR.
1.Make certain that the revolver is pointed in a safe direction(See Rule 2, Page
33).
2. Make certain both hands are dry and not impeded in any way – gloves,
bandages, cold, etc.
3. Grasp the revolver (if right handed) so that the thumb and forefinger of your
left hand are firmly holding the frame, forward of the trigger guard. Thus,
your left hand is in full control of the revolver (See Figure 4A, Page 15).
4. Place your right thumb firmly on the hammer spur and, with your thumb
securely in control of the hammer, squeeze the trigger only enough to permit
the hammer to ‘break free’ of the trigger. At that instant, IMMEDIATELY
RELEASE THE TRIGGER and then slowly permit the hammer, STILL
SECURE UNDER YOUR THUMB, to move fully forward to its resting position
against the frame. NOTE: It is imperative that finger pressure be removed
from the trigger just as soon as it is free of the hammer. Then, properly, the
trigger and hammer will move towards their fully forward rest positions
together (See Figure 4B, Page 15).
!WARNING – FIRING
When firing the GP100 revolver, be sure
all persons are a safe distance to the rear
of the shooter. When fired, all revolvers
discharge hot gas and particles of lead,
powder grains, or lubricant through the
clearance gap between the cylinder and
the rear of the barrel at high speed. This
can injure a person who is standing too
close to the revolver.
When firing the GP100 revolver (or any
revolver), always be certain that nothing
– including your hands – is in the path of
the hot gas and particles which are
discharged from the front and sides of the
cylinder.
When shooting, adequate eye protection
is essential. Shooters and bystanders
must wear shooting glasses. Hearing
protection must also be worn. Exposure
to shooting noise can damage hearing.
HOT GASES EXIT
BARREL/CYLINDER GAP 
						

							15
Practice this important gun handling skill with an unloaded revolver until you
have developed the proper control and ‘touch’ to decock your revolver safely. The
key to safe decocking is having the weight of the revolver controlled with one
hand, while the thumb and forefinger of the ‘shooting  hand’ control the
hammer and trigger. Improperly restraining the trigger during this procedure
may result in the hammer not resting fully against the frame. If this should
occur, carefully repeat the procedure for decocking, steps 1–4 again.
UNCOCKING THE REVOLVER
FIGURE 4
TO UNLOAD OR EJECT CARTRIDGE CASES
KEEP THE REVOLVER POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION!
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO UNLOAD WHEN THE HAMMER IS COCKED.
1. Uncock the revolver (See pp. 14 - 15).
2. Press crane latch. Guide cylinder out left of frame as for loading. The revolver
now cannot be fired.
3. Push head of ejector rod smartly toward rear of cylinder until it stops. This
action will extract cartridges or fired cases. Do not eject live cartridges onto
any surface where a primer might strike a solid object and discharge the
cartridge.
4.Check to be sure all chambers are empty.
B.  When hammer is free, IMMEDIATELY
release trigger (3). Then lower hammer
slowly to its resting position completely
down against frame (4). A.  With the thumb controlling the
hammer as shown (1), squeeze trigger to
permit hammer to ‘break free’ (2).
AB
2
1
2
144
33 
						

							Always unload a firearm before
cleaning, lubrication, disassembly
or assembly.
Never remove or install a loaded
cylinder – it can fire if dropped or
struck.
16 NOTE:  When ejecting fired cartridge cases, position the revolver at a
high angle so the cases will come fully out of the chambers and not slip
under the ejector. This high angle positioning is not necessary when
ejecting unfired cartridges.
2
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
2
!
UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING 
						

							17
DISASSEMBLY
Read instructions before disassembling a gun.
1.BE CERTAIN THE REVOLVER IS UNLOADED BEFORE DISASSEMBLY.
2. Using a properly fitting screwdriver,
remove grip screw. Remove pistol grip
inserts from grips. Grip panel locator may
then be removed. Pull grip downward off
frame. Take care not to lose the disassembly
pin, which may fall free when the grip is
removed.
3. Cock the hammer. Insert disassembly pin
about one half its length into the hole at the
rear of the mainspring strut (See Figure 5).
Lacking a disassembly pin, any similar instrument will serve. 
4. With thumb on hammer spur, squeeze trigger allowing hammer to go fully
forward. Lift out mainspring assembly. CAUTION: Do not remove the
disassembly pin until the mainspring
assembly is reinstalled in the revolver at the
time of reassembly. Doing so will permit the
mainspring to fly off its strut with great
force and may cause injury.
5. Pull trigger and remove hammer pivot while
holding trigger in a rearward position. Lift
hammer out of the top of the frame while
trigger is held in a rearward position (See
Figure 6).
Figure 5
Figure 6
6. Use mainspring assembly to depress trigger guard lock plunger located inside
frame at rear of trigger guard. Simultaneously pull down and remove trigger
guard assembly (See Figures 7 & 8).
Figure 7 Figure 8 
						

							18
NOTE: If you cannot supply sufficient force to the plunger using the mainspring
assembly as a “tool”, then use a screwdriver of appropriate size and insert
through hole in frame. It may be necessary to slightly depress the trigger while
removing the trigger guard assembly.
8. Cradle the revolver frame in your left hand and with the thumb of your right
hand press cylinder latch button, swing out cylinder assembly and remove it
forward from the frame.
9. Further disassembly is not essential for normal cleaning purposes. Any further
disassembly should only be undertaken by factory service personnel.
REASSEMBLY
AGAIN, BE CERTAIN REVOLVER IS UNLOADED!
Before starting reassembly, be certain that all components and the inside of the
frame are thoroughly clean. In particular the tongue on the front of the trigger
guard and its mating recess in the frame must be completely clean.
1. Replace cylinder and crane assembly in frame and close cylinder.
2. Hook front of trigger guard into recess in
frame (See Figure 7, p. 17). Align pawl in its
recess in the frame and be sure transfer bar is
in correct position in rear of firing pin. Swing
trigger guard upward into position in frame
then allow latch to re-engage. If solid
resistance is felt when swinging trigger guard
into frame, or if trigger guard will not lock
into position re-check position of pawl and
transfer bar (See Figure 9).
NOTE: At this point in reassembly trigger should function to rotate and lock the
cylinder. Pull the trigger a few times, to check proper functioning, as always
with the revolver pointed in a safe direction.
3. Hold trigger in its rearward position and insert hammer into frame. Install
hammer pivot. Release trigger and permit hammer to go fully forward.
4. With hammer forward, insert mainspring assembly into frame. Position the
two ends of notch in the mainspring seat onto the matching projections of the
grip frame. (Note: The large notch in the mainspring seat should be forward to
allow clearance for the grip screw.) Hold mainspring assembly in position and
cock hammer. It may be necessary to move the mainspring assembly a little to
properly position the upper end of the mainspring strut to rest in recess in the
hammer. When the hammer is cocked, disassembly pin can be removed (It will
fall free).
5. Squeeze trigger and ease hammer down. Put the disassembly pin in its “nest.”
Push grip upward onto the frame, install grip panel locator and place pistol
inserts into position. Install and tighten grip panel screw.
Figure 9 
						

							Firing a revolver with oil, grease, or any
other material even partially obstructing the
bore may result in damage to the revolver
and serious injury to the shooter and those
nearby.
Do not spray or apply lubricants directly on
ammunition. If the powder charge of a
cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may
not be ignited, but the energy from the
primer may be sufficient to push the bullet
into the bore where it may become lodged.
Firing a subsequent bullet into the
obstructed bore may damage the revolver
and cause serious injury or death to the
shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants
properly. You are responsible for the proper
care and maintenance of your firearms.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS
19
6. Open and close cylinder. Function the trigger and hammer single action and
double action to be certain that all parts are working properly.
CARE AND CLEANING
ALWAYS BE CERTAIN THE REVOLVER IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. 
The internal mechanism of the GP100 revolver can be lubricated without
disassembly. A few drops of light oil recommended as suitable for firearms,
applied periodically about the various frame openings, will work its way into the
mechanism parts. The exterior of the revolver and the bore and chambers should
be thoroughly cleaned and then wiped with an oily cloth if the gun is to be
stored. Do not apply excess lubrication.
To clean the revolver after firing, swing the cylinder out and clean the barrel
from the muzzle by running a cleaning rod with a solvent coated patch through
the bore several times. A bronze wire brush (of correct size for gun caliber)
attached to the cleaning rod should then be pushed the full length of the bore
several times. Again swab the bore with a solvent coated patch. Then wipe the
rod clean and, using a dry patch, swab the bore until it is clean. Examine the
bore to be sure that no fouling remains. Repeat the above procedure for each of
the six chambers.
Chambers must be thoroughly scrubbed to remove build-up of bullet metal and
firing residue. A dirty chamber can prevent full seating of a cartridge, which in
turn causes the cylinder to bind. DO NOT APPLY EXCESSIVE OIL TO
UNDERSIDE OF EJECTOR – AREA SHOULD BE WIPED DRY WITH OILY
CLOTH. Also, the underside of the ejector (‘star’) and the area of the cylinder
where the ejector seats, must be clean. Dirt can prevent the ejector from fully
seating. That condition can cause hard closing of the cylinder and interfere with
proper cylinder rotation.
!WARNING – LUBRICATION 
						

							20
If lead bullet loads are fired extensively, lead build-up may cause cylinder
binding. Lubricate the cylinder crane gap with Break-Free® CLP or some other
lubrication which meets mil. spec. Mil-1-63460 to prevent this condition.
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
Do notkeep your revolver in a leather, fabric or canvas holster when it is stored.
These materials attract moisture, even though the holster may appear to be
perfectly dry.
TO RENDER THE REVOLVER INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, press the cylinder latch and swing the
cylinder outward. Check to be sur
e that each chamber is completely unloaded!
With a coin or screwdriver, unscrew the grip panels and remove the grips. Cock
the hammer and then insert the disassembly pin into the hole at the bottom of the
mainspring strut. Uncock the hammer, remove the hammer strut from the frame,
remove the hammer pivot from the frame, and lift the hammer out of the top of
the frame. Use a screwdriver to depress the trigger housing latch and remove the
trigger assembly from the bottom of the frame.
Store the hammer and the trigger assembly in different locations from the frame.
When disassembled in this manner, the revolver is inoperable. It is impossible to
fire the revolver until the trigger assembly and the hammer have been correctly
reassembled into the frame.
To reassemble the revolver for firing, carefully re-insert the trigger housing into
the frame. Place the hammer into the top of the frame, and reinsert the hammer
pivot pin. Cock the hammer, reinstall the mainspring strut, and remove the
disassembly pin from the mainspring strut. Lower the hammer and replace the
grips on the revolver. The revolver is now reassembled and can be loaded and fired
normally.
While the revolver is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when
disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store a firearm with the
supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun safe
or other secure location, away from children and unauthorized adults. Guns
should always be stored securely, unloaded
and separate from their ammunition. 
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE REVOLVER FOR STORAGE.(SEEPAGE6) 
						

							Never place or store any firearm in
such a manner that it may be
dislodged. Firearms should always be
stored securely and unloaded, away
from children and careless adults. Use
the locking device originally supplied
with this firearm for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety
lock is only one aspect of responsible
firearms storage. For increased safety,
firearms should be stored unloaded
and locked in a location that is both
separate from their ammunition and
inaccessible to children and any other
unauthorized person.
STORE SECURELY &
UNLOADED
21
!WARNING – STORAGE
CARE OF STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVERS
Revolvers made of stainless steel are more resistant to corrosion than blued steel
revolvers. However, in the interest of proper operation and long life of your
revolver, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate and apply an appropriate rust
preventative.
Sometimes surface discoloration may be noted, particularly in the grip area of
stainless steel revolvers, resulting from perspiration. Contact with some types of
holsters can also cause stains or rusting. Rusting may also occur as a result of
the revolver being exposed to moisture, humidity, salt air or chemicals.
Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stained area with an
abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When using
any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve a
blending of ‘color’ with those areas that are not discolored.
External surfaces of the barrel, frame and cylinder should be cleaned and wiped
dry after use or after exposure to adverse conditions. If the revolver is to be
stored, coat it with a light film of oil or preservative. Where the revolver is in
continuing use, and the presence of oil or grease would be objectionable, then
the external surfaces can be coated (after cleaning and drying) with a paste wax
formulated for use on metals. Apply the wax sparingly, allow time for it to dry
hard, then buff lightly with a soft cloth. When applying the wax, take care that it
does not get into the mechanism or on the functioning parts such as the
hammer, trigger, crane latch, etc. A properly applied hard wax coating will not
interfere with gun handling and it will provide a measure of protection.