[Malodorousroadkill]

Saw one in a gun shop, for about 450, handles better than the 4inch in my opinion. Handsome revolver too. Used to have a 4inch inch but never shot it and sold it, wanted the 3inch anyway. Anyone shoot one of these? How's the accuracy?

[Pat Cannon]

I'm no bullseye shooter but mine seems accurate enough for IDPA. I like it. Mine was $320 used online; you should shop around.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. The GP100 3" is one of my favorite revolvers.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/hipowersandhandguns/GP1003inRust1.jpg
To me it is not as "elegant" as the S&W revolvers I grew up with, but it works fine, hits POA with 145 to 158-gr. magnums and has proven itself dependable. It is a revolver that I plink with, shoot at the range, take with me when boondocking about and always keep loaded at home.

I've had really good luck with this revolver. If interested, here are some observations:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Range%20Evaluation%20-%20Ruger%20GP100.htm

Best.

[Jim March]

For any newbies: the fixed-sight GP100s came with a smaller factory grip similar in size (but not compatible with) the standard SP101 grip.

That smaller GP grip can be retro-fitted to any GP100, incl. those with adjustable sights. Or any SuperRedHawk family member for that matter.

So if you're picking a fixed-sight GP simply because you like the grip, a swap is about $40 away.

[bigmike45]

Yes sir!!!!

I too have jumped on the 3" GP-100 boat. I picked up one that was just slightly used. It was reimported by Century Arms. It came from Canada and was ever so slightly used by one of their Police forces there. Looking at it I believe it spent most of the time in a drawer. I really like the factory DAO hammer since I do all my revolver shooting DAO anyway.

It is very accurate and I put 200 full house factory 158gr. and another 300 full house & slightly hotter handloads with bullet weights ranging from 125gr. to 180gr. with only one failure and that same factory load would not discharge in any other .357mag revolver I have either. It is now in Marc Morganti's capable hands over at Gemini Customs. I will replace my SP-101 as my carry weapon with the GP upon it's return and testing.

bigmike

Here is the before picture.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/Picture005.jpg

[22LongRifle]

I haven't noticed any differance in the 3" barrel vs the 4" barrel.

Jerry

[christcorp]

There's one just like the one BigMike shows pictured, at a local pawn shop. I was tempted to get it. It is in mint condition for about $350. I think the price is a little high, but probably not too bad. I personally think it felt great. The only reason I didn't buy it, was because of the DAO spurless hammer. I've never shot a DAO and I'm use to having a hammer that I can pull back for single action if I want. Or to partial cock so I can spin the cylinder. I guess deep down it just looked weird for me. But it definitely felt right in my hand. I'm probably going to hold out for a S&W 13/19/65/66/586/686 or a regular GP100. I personally also prefer the 4" barrel in any of my guns. Especially a 357. It handles recoil better. Just my opinion. Later... Mike....

[22-rimfire]

I like my 3" quite a bit. To me it has excellent balance and points nicely. The trigger needed smoothing. Accuracy is just fine to me although I don't shoot it much past 30 feet often. It's my house gun. $350 is a good price on one; check out the new prices. I paid $350 new for one two years or so ago and that was a good price then.

[bpisler]

I have a 3" GP-100 stamped DSC PRESCOTT
AZ on the left side just below the cylinder.
I've not been able to find any info about it
yet but i'am still looking.

With 110gr XTP reloads i've been able to
shoot under 2" at 15 yards D/A,my carry
load (win 145gr silvertips) shoot about as
well but impact slighly high.

I paid $325.00 dollars in a FTF online deal
and it's worth every cent.

[Malodorousroadkill]

Wow, I had no idea that Mr. Camp was a mod here. Wow, I've visited Hipowers on occasion over the last few years. The Makarov info was wonderful, and then they had that 3inch GP on there. I think thats where my interest started. Yeah, it was balance that seemed better over the 4inch, just sat better in hand, and was handier. Having trouble explaining. You guys have been great with the info, I appreciate it. Well, I just hope that the guy still has that GP by thursday, or I'll have to begin the hunt anew. After I get it, mak be CCW only. Thanks again.

[fletcher]

The 3" is a great gun. I've never tried to test the accuracy, but only know it can shoot better than I can - should give you no problems. What kind of accuracy at what range are you looking for?

[slow944]

Stephen; how do you feel about the Ruger Security-Six's? I traded a Gp100 4" for it and it has the 2.75bbl. I wanted something with a shorter barrel since I also have a M66-2 in 4" and a Python in 6". Not trying to hijack this tread, just thought I'd ask as I know you have shot both.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I've not owned one but shot several over the years. I regret not having bought a Speed Six or two. The Security Six revolvers I shot all worked just fine and had decent (some were splendid) trigger pulls.

Best.

[MortalWombat]

I have a 3" GP-100 stamped DSC PRESCOTT
AZ on the left side just below the cylinder.
I've not been able to find any info about it
yet but i'am still looking.Mine says the exact same thing.

I do know that Ruger has a casting facility in Prescott, AZ (http://www.ruger.com/Casting/F-Prescott.html), but I don't know what the DSC stands for.

[tomkatz]

I love the 3in. GP, here's mine in blue....
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5894/img6642wz8.jpg

[FXWG]

I love the 3in. GP, here's mine in blue....

I've got the same one, and I am very pleased with it.

[DawgFvr]

I am beginning to lust for a three inch barrel GP100 myself. If I do not find a Speed Six at the next gun show, I was thinking about purchasing directly from Gemini Customs http://www.geminicustoms.com/RugerGP100.html
They will sell you a GP100 at a better price than a regular dealer if you get their gunsmithing package. Now me, I will not get the porting done, as I was considering this as a carry piece. I do want the moon clips though...they are slick. I have a small hand...so I doubt I will go with those fancy grips...might just keep the stock "smaller" grips that come with the GP100...or go with Eagle. OBTW, does anybody carry the GP100 three inch as a primary weapon? I would like feed back on the holster...grips...etc. Personally, I would load it with the 125 gr. Corbon DPX.

[22-rimfire]

I think it's a bit big and heavy for a carry piece. That does not change the fact that I think they are a great gun.

[GTSteve03]

Could anyone that's used both the 3" GP100 and the 3" SP101 give a comparison of the two and possibly which one you prefer?

I currently have the 3" SP101 and think it's a fine revolver, but if the 3" GP100 gives you that extra shot and slightly greater weight to tame the recoil somewhat, I am thinking about switching. How much bigger/heavier is the GP100? The SP101 nearly disappears when IWB, I don't know if the GP100 could do that, but it might be worth the tradeoff for better controllability.

[bigmike45]

I have carried both. I have carried my 3" SP-101 periodically for about 8 months in a Tucker IWB. Even changing griops it is a bit small for my big hands. I also carried my 3" GP for about a month before sending it off to Gemini Customs. I dont see much difference in weight or comfort, but then I am a big guy...6'8" and a tad over 300lbs. I have always carried heavy guns. 1911's, S&W Model 65, SIG P220 ST, and a few more. The GP-100 is lighter than most of those and only marginally wider across the cylinder, but then that is just my humble opinion.:)

Mike

[L-Frame]

I have a 3" stainless that has a Jack Weigand action job and I love it. The fixed sight GP's are much less blocky than the adjustables. People bemoan the loss of the "six" series Rugers to the Gp's, saying the the GP100's are not as elegant, and are bigger, heavier, and blockier. I agree with that but only with the adj. sights. I like the fixed just as much, if not more, than my speed six.

[DawgFvr]

If I am going to carry a .357 mag for self defense, I want a revolver that I can handle with that potent cartridge. Although a bit heavier, I really think that the GP100 three inch barrel...with a little bit of trigger work and some gunsmithing...is the most dependable/best made revolver built today for a steady diet of .357 mag. Too heavy for carry? Balderdash!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/Ruger/RugerGP100andSP101ammotile1.jpg

[Pistol Toter]

I bought a 3" GP for conceal carry. To me, it was far too heavy and bulky; the accuracy was good, but it just didn't satisfy. I already had a 2 1/4" SP and it is nearly my everyday carry. If I am not carring the SP I have a GLOCK 21; big difference ehh, but different requirement. I 'm not or was impressed with mine and traded it away.

[DawgFvr]

Let's see...the SP101 weighs 1 pound 9 oz (25 ounces) and the GP100 weighs 2 lbs. Why would that be so much more difficult to carry if one has a good belt and holster? I know it was a few moons ago...but I used to carry so much weight on my load bearing equipment in the Army...hell, the Kevlar Helmet alone, weighed in at 11 pounds...and that was on my head! You just harden up to what must be done...eh? A couple pounds on my hip covered by a sport coat should be something I think I could get used to...especially with a six round revolver that contained .357 mag that can be controlled and placed accurately on target.

[Gary A]

I agree with your entire post, Dawgfvr, except the 3" HB GP100 weighs more on the order of 36 ounces, not 32 ounces. An ounce here, an ounce there; at some point, it ends up being too much for some people to mess with.

[MikeJ]

I had really forgotten what a great gun the 3" GP100 is. I bought mine new a couple of years back with the short shroud but only shot it a couple of times. Took it out this morning and replaced the standard 14 lb. hammer spring with a Wolff 10 lb. hammer spring and off to the range I went. Shot a variety of .357 and .38 rounds and it handled everything exceptionally well. Replacing the hammer spring made a noticeable difference in trigger pull and didn't cause any light strikes as I thought it might. I might mention that one of the rounds I fired were the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain .357 short barrel and I have to say that there was virtually no muzzle flash and very accurate. Most of my shooting was done at 10 yards and even shooting in DA mode could keep all of the groups in very respectable limits. Along with my 3" S&W 65, this is one of the most ergonomic and best handling revolvers I have ever shot. Just had to add my praise to the other positive comments made earlier.

[DawgFvr]

Gary A: I stand corrected...36 ounces. I guess the secret here is a good belt and a good holster...and the right clothes for cover. What the hey...I already have a J frame in the 642...which I love...and it makes a great "pocket" gun. If I'm going to carry a .357 mag revolver on my belt in the OWB mode, I'm going to make it worth my time, e.g., it will be a large frame. The SP101 looks to be a great choice. I just do not want to buy a sportster and later wish I've bought the super glide.

[Gary A]

That just about says it all. :)

[Brian Williams]

I think it's a bit big and heavy for a carry piece. That does not change the fact that I think they are a great gun.

Now compare the weights and measures to a S&W K frame or even L frame, you will be within ounces.

[Bulldog]

Mine carries and conceals easily under a polo type shirt. I don't carry it that often because my G19 is just so damn convenient with it's Alessi CQC/S (which isn't available for the GP100, unfortunately), but if I ever get around to picking up a similar rig from K&D Holsters, I'll be toting it more often.

http://jdlawhon.com/wheelguns/ruger01.jpg

http://jdlawhon.com/wheelguns/ruger_fist02.jpg

[sheepdog]

I obtained a Stainless GP100 3" half shroud yesterday...clean and oft-fired...very little metal wear...it also has the DSC PRESCOTT AZ mentioned twice above on the left frame...I called Ruger who told me mine was shipped to a dealer in Dec 90 uninscribed...I got to thinking and researched Prescott gun stores...guess who I found...Davidson's...the CS lady said that yes, looooooooooong ago:) they used to mark their special order and some regular guns with that inscription...mystery solved...

...since finding that out...I've found numerous other references to DSC markings on the web...

[RugRev]

If I recall the short shroud GP-100 is 37 oz, the 4" 19/66 36 oz, a 686 Mtn. Gun 35 oz, a 6 shot 686 4" about 41 oz and 7 shot 686 4" about 38.5 oz for comparison.

[armybass]

My local shop just got in a 3" and a 4" the other day. I went back to snag the 3" today and it was gone. I would love to have one to use as a backup or switch out as my daily CCW with my Smith M65 3". The 4" was still there but I really wanted the 3".