4" or 3"

[76shuvlinoff]

I am casually browsing for a Ruger .357. I have it narrowed down to the GP100 and for my uses the 6" is simply too much.
Are there there real gains pushing the 357 from a 4" over a 3" barrel? This would not be a carry piece. I was set on a 4" until I saw the Wiley Clapp 3" in another thread. My wife would be shooting 38 spcl for practice and it would be loaded with 158gr .38s for the home. The .357s would be for when I need to hear something bark with a bit of recoil.

 

[Sam1911]

You get a few fps more velocity for a given load (obviously). Whether that matters at all or not may depend more on the whims of opinion than any real practical application.

You get a very slightly longer sight radius. That's kind of nice as it makes the gun ever so slightly easier to aim accurately.

You get a tiny bit more weight out front, which might help with balance and recoil, but is likely far too little to make an appreciable difference.

Mostly, though, with the 3" you are getting a gun that many people feel is the perfect balance between ease of accurate shooting and concealability/carry-ability.

If you aren't going to carry it, go with the 4". Almost always cheaper and a little bit easier to shoot.

 

[BossHogg]

Yup, that Wiley Clapp 3in is a good looking gun. The drop from 4 to 3 in. 357 isn't to big of deal. The big drop is from the 4in. to the 2 in snubs. I shoot a lot of 3 in 38 spl and the sight radius is great. If you want to pay extra for the 3 in. barrel it should be fine. But if used for range and HD why pay more just go with the normal GP 100. That Wiley Clapp is good looking.

 

[Cluster Bomb]

I would get the 4" for some of the things Sam has mentioned. I am not a real fan of snub-nosed revolvers, and hammerlese ones as well. If wife is using it as well. I would bring her in with me to compare the ones I had in mind.

I would narrow it down to comfort, balance,and handitability.

I am a fan of large cal revolvers, and revolvers that are big, and well revolvers in general lol.

 

[MrBorland]

I'd opt for the 4" as well in this case, for the reasons mentioned, but also for the sights. The adjustable rear on the 4" is nice, but so is the removable front sight. Not sure if the 3" WC also a changeable front sight, but the standard 3" GP100s didn't.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Thanks for the input, now I need to find one to fondle.

 

[S&Wfan]

I love the 3" to 3 1/2" S&W revolvers . . . 3" for the smaller frames (J-K-L) and the 3 1/4"-3 1/2" barrels on the big N frames.

I find them best looking vs a 4" . . . just as easy to hit accurately with . . . easier to carry and conceal . . . faster from the holster in matches . . . perfect "pointability" and handling . . . and fast time back onto the next target in competitions.

The 3" versions command a premium over the 4" versions for several reasons.

BTW, the large blued N frame is a 25-2 in .45ACP. It started out in 1980 as a 6 1/2" barreled TARGET revolver and was converted to my favorite handgun of all time with a 3 1/4" barrel. It will put all five rounds into a single, ragged hole at ten yards, standing and unsupported.

If I were buying a Ruger, I'd go with the 3" personally . . . and for the reasons stated above. Good luck on your selection!

 

[sidheshooter]

Somebody here once described 3" vs 4" in the same gun as: the 4" sight radius is slightly easier to be accurate with, while the 3" is slightly faster to acquire.

For me, the advantage lies in the 3" tube.

YMMV, of course.

If money doesn't matter, I'd get the Clapp (uh.. Wiley Clapp, that is...)

 

[sixgunner455]

If someone is going to carry it at all, get the 3" fixed sight model. If it's going to be range and home exclusively, you will both really appreciate the nice sight picture the adjustables on the 4" will give you.

Since the wife is the one who will be using it for defensive purposes, let her choose.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Those Smiths sure are pretty.

 

[weregunner]

Don't forget the better half is going to have to share this as well.

It depends partly on whether she can handle a 3inch or 4 incher better.

The nice thing about a 4 inch model is that it puts the muzzle blast a little further out. This might no seem like a big deal for most, but you'd be surprised just how much a factor it can be.

It happened with people I've taught, have seen others doing the teaching who were certified,and women out to shoot anything and everything at various women only get togethers. I was able to observe the gals shooting.

It was amazing how many liked the longer barreled 4 inch or more guns.

Same for my family members. 5 and 6 inch barrel length guns,no problem. Shorten those puppies down to 4 or less and the enjoyment part goes down hill. It depends on the caliber of the gun for the most part.

The bark of the snub revolvers and mini-guns made them flinch.

The grown daughter can stand next to a .45 ACP pistol with 5 inch barrel and have no problem. Put a 3 inch .45 next to her in the stalls and she cannot concentrate. I'm just saying this is something to consider is all.

I do love short barreled revolvers myself.

 

[76shuvlinoff]

I've had several threads on this as we progressed, currently she and my daughter are shooting a well seasoned beater of a 4" Taurus .38. (Not a disparaging remark on Taurus, this particular revolver was really neglected and a rescue project for me).
As much as the Clapp GP is beckoning to me personally we will likely bow to the 4"... for now. and I probably should not rule out the 6" yet.

.

 

[jad0110]

weregunner is right, if your wife will be a user (I'm assuming for home protection), be sure to involve her in the selection process. And the GP is a very nice revolver, but don't rule out other .357s as well.

If you are lucky, you'll both like the same gun. If not, even better, as you'll have an excuse to buy 2!

 

[theicemanmpls]

Yup, that Wiley Clapp 3in is a good looking gun. The drop from 4 to 3 in. 357 isn't to big of deal. The big drop is from the 4in. to the 2 in snubs. I shoot a lot of 3 in 38 spl and the sight radius is great. If you want to pay extra for the 3 in. barrel it should be fine. But if used for range and HD why pay more just go with the normal GP 100. That Wiley Clapp is good looking.

This brings an all new meaning to:
"Honey, I brought you home the Clapp"

Seriously, that is one pretty wheel gun.

 

[Black Knight]

If your wife can handle the 4" better fine. If she handles the 3" better get her that, then later on when you can afford it get yourself the 4". I have several revolvers mostly 4" models. Which did my wife choose for her gun? My 2 1/2" S&W model 66. She said it was lighter than the others. She has 38 Special +P in it. Remember with 2 revolvers you double the fun at the range. Remember that even though it will be your gun she will have access to it. Why not get something she can handle well so that when the chips are down and you're not there she has a chance of winning?

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Black Knight
In the end this one is all about her HD weapon. It took years (for me) to figure out she just doesn't like autos. I handed her this beater wheel gun and she's happy happy. I won't bring one home now for her without her input.

 

[Black Knight]

Good thought. Take her to the gunshop and let her check them out so that she can choose her gun. That way she will be happier with it.

 

[357 Terms]

The 4 and 6in barreled GP's will have adjustable sights.

If you and your wife will be shooting 38's, 38+p's and 357's it may be best since you can adjust POA for different bullet weights and velocities.