[Mattkc]

I've been looking for a GP100 with a 6" barrel locally without much luck so I checked out GunBroker.com. While looking over the GP's for sale I saw a couple of 5" barreled GP100s. I really liked the look of the 5" for me it just look well balanced. Does anyone out there have a 5" does it balance as well in the hand as it looks. Before Glocks came along I carried 4" Smiths for a lot of years and now that I'm retired I'd just like to get something different.

[stans]

This is the first time I have ever seen or heard of a 5" GP-100. I really can't see the need for the 5" barrel. Most holsters for the GP-100 are also designed for the Colt King Cobra and Smith & Wesson 586/686. These revolvers were most commonly made with 4 and 6 inch barrels, so finding a holster specifically designed for a 5" barrel might be hard to find. You can put it in a 6" holster, but that would defeat the purpose of the shorter barrel.

I really think the 3, 4, and 6 inch barrels pretty well covered the capabilities of the GP-100. I think if Ruger wanted a different barrel length, they should have brought out an 8 inch barrel. As far as balance is concerned, the 6 inch is muzzle heavy and the 4 inch balances perfectly in the hand. Just my two cents.

[Inspectorlee]

I have a 5" GP100. It is stainless steel, with the full underlug. Ruger made a limited edition run, the number escapes my memory. The case that the gun comes in is black plastic with the words "Special Edition" written in gold script. The sticker on the side of the case should carry the model number as KGP-151. I was fortunate enough to be able to compare the 4", 5", and 6" side by side. The 4" was too short for my liking, although the balance was very good. The 6" looked great until I saw the 5".

The gun is slightly muzzle heavy, if this is a concern. But it looks better than the 4" version. Yes it's just an inch, but for some reason, it looks better to the eye. I haven't bought a holster yet but plan to just buy a 6" holster. Again, it's just an inch and if need be, I can modify the holster if the gun won't fit correctly, which I doubt.

It's my first gun and I love it. Unfortunately, I've only been able to put about 100 rounds through it so far. I plan to remedy that this weekend, time permitting:D

Best of luck.

Inspectorlee

[Bullet Bob]

I think 5" barrels are the bee's knee's for a general purpose gun. I have a 5" S&W model 27 & 29 Classic; if I liked Rugers I'd ask you where I could get a 5" GP100. El Paso Saddlery makes great holsters, and in any length you want.

[Gary A]

Yes, the full-lug six inch is a bit muzzle-heavy, but the six inch short shroud (half-lug) is perfection.

[Shane]

Yes, the full-lug six inch is a bit muzzle-heavy, but the six inch short shroud (half-lug) is perfection.

Agreed.


Unfortunately, I hear Ruger discontinued the GP 160 in middle 2003. I bought a second GP 160 because its my favorite GP model, I'm a little ticked off that it was discontinued. :banghead:

[Rob96]

Ruger is just doing away with what doesn't sell. The 4" GP's are outstanding sellers for Ruger. IMHO, I didn't really see a need for the 5" GP. I had a 6" GP with full lug. I didn't like the barel length. Once I got into the 4" with full lug, I was in heaven. Like it better than a S&W 686 that I had.

[Gary A]

Shane, I had planned on getting a second one and was dismayed to here it was discontinued. I could probably find one but have a lot of other things on my plate right now. Pity. Oh well, I do have the one and it's a keeper.

[Shane]

The 4" GP's are outstanding sellers for Ruger. IMHO, I didn't really see a need for the 5" GP. I had a 6" GP with full lug. I didn't like the barel length. Once I got into the 4" with full lug, I was in heaven. Like it better than a S&W 686 that I had.

I understand the reasoning why Ruger canned the KGP/GP 160.

I don't understand WHY the KGP 160 and GP 160 don't sell much. IMO, they have nearly perfect balance (very similar balance to the 4" full lug model), and yet give you two more inches of sight radius and more muzzle velocity than the 4". I also prefer the looks of the long barrel with short shroud over the relatively short and thicker 4" barrel with full shroud.

The main area I prefer the 4" in is packing--its definitely a little lighter and easier to carry in a holster. I suppose the 4" is also a better choice form home defense, since its more maneuverable. That said, most of the times I bring a GP 100 to the range its one of the GP 160 6'inchers. While I like my 4" KGP-141, it spends more time in the safe than at the range.


As far as the 5-inchers go, that is as good as it gets IMO. I've always wanted a 5" GP 100, as that is generally my favorite all-around barrel length. In darn California though the 5" cannot be sold, since its not on our horse manure infested "safe guns" list. And since the 5" GP is special edition, its very unlikely Ruger would submit their guns to CA for testing.

[jdmb03]

Matt:

This guy is nice to deal with, his name is Ernie. Here is a 5" he has for sale.

GP100 (http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976349009.htm)

[Rob96]

Originally posted bt Shane
I don't understand WHY the KGP 160 and GP 160 don't sell much. IMO, they have nearly perfect balance (very similar balance to the 4" full lug model), and yet give you two more inches of sight radius and more muzzle velocity than the 4". I also prefer the looks of the long barrel with short shroud over the relatively short and thicker 4" barrel with full shroud.

You answered your own question. More people buy handguns for defensive purpose versus normal recreational shooting and hunting. The 4" just seem to offer more people a better option.

[RustyHammer]

4" SS ... doesn't get much better.

[Mattkc]

I found a local dealer with a 5" GP and payed $400. I have nothing against 4" revolvers, carried them for years (before Glock) now that I'm retired just wanted something different. Took it to the range and enjoyed that extra 1". I like shooting longer range then most people 50-100 yards and the extra inch helps. This gun will go deer hunting with me backing up my Marlin 357. If I get a deer with in 35 yards I think a 158gr sp will get the job done.

[Brasso]

FYI, I found a used leather holster for a 6" barrel smith that just happens to fit a GP100 perfectly, except my gp was a 4". I took the holster to a shoe repair shop and the guy cut off the extra leather and re-sewed it for $5. It works great .

[standingbear]

i have the 6"ss gp,full underlug and although it looks muzzleheavy,it fits me perfectly(my other is a ss redhawk 44 mag in a 7.5 inch barrel).i too enjoy the longer shots which is why i chose the 6 over the 4.its personal preferance.youre going to like your new gp,they are well built handguns.