4" or 5" barrel for a 357 magnum?

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I really liked my GP100 5-in and almost kind of sort of regret selling it except for the fact that I upgraded to Colts Smith and Wesson's and Dan Wesson.
If you get it I would recommend that particular gun in stainless steel it just looks awesome and you wouldn't have to worry about the bluing when you use it to shattered glass to get your car keys out.
Don't get me wrong I have a lot of respect for Ruger and own many Ruger firearms there is nothing wrong with the GP100 it's just not the most accurate or finest 357 out there by a long shot
 
I personally prefer to carry a shorter barrel and shoot a longer barrel. A 5" is just slightly too long for carry comfort, for me. When I sit down the muzzle touches whatever I'm sitting on and pushes the whole works up into my gut. Doesn't happen with the 4" - but I can't hit quite as well with it, either.
 
But the full under lug and just massive tank like and bank vault like nature is the essence of the GP100.

Otherwise get a Smith & Wesson or anything else.

I'm pretty sure the GP100 could easily handle 44 Magnum if it was reworked for it but if you don't want to carry a gun as heavy as a GP100 there are so many other options out there once you get a GP100 whether it's 4 in or 5 in you might as well go ahead and get a red hawk 44 Magnum
 
For me it comes down to what I will do with the gun. If it is primarily to be used for self defense or ccw, go with a 4 inch. For outdoor use like protection from animals or hunting, the 5 inch would be my choice. I have both and do not see them as really interchangeable. I have a 4 inch, stainless, fixed sight GP-100 with the half lugged barrel and it makes a better gun for ccw or self defense. I load it with 110 grain .357 magnum ammo or +P .38 Special like FEDRAL HST or DOUBLE TAP 125 grain jhp. Recoil is not bad on these loads, so the lighter gun is not a problem when shooting.
For the heavier recoiling 125 or 158 grain .357 magnum ammo, I want the longer, heavier gun.
The RUGER 5 inch blued gun with wooden grips is really beautiful and shoots well, but when I carry a revolver, it is usually my RUGER Security 6 with a 4 inch barrel or a 2 inch snubby.

Jim

p.s.---last night my bedroom gun was a RUGER Security Six with a six inch barrel and PACKMAYR Gripper grips loaded with.38 +P, so it comes down to what you want it for.
 
This thread can go on for ever and you will not find an answer to your "dilemma". Other than how well (or not) the revolver hangs in your hand, the only other real question is what the intended purpose is-and even that distinction is a moot one in terms of practicality. Given the fact that you plan on the gun being used almost entirely at the range, with the small but real possibility that you might carry it concealed on occasion, I'd go with the 5" length. And if that suggestion proves insufficient in addressing your quandary, there's always the coin having two sides option. :) :(
 
Stopsign - as so many have posted already, there is no "right or wrong" answer except what works for you.
I have the 4" GP-100 in .357 with the black rubber grips with finger grooves (see below). I tried the 6" but found the extra 2" made the gun "nose heavy". While I wear gloves that are labelled "large", my longest finger of my right hand is only 2.75" from tip to base and 6.5" from tip to heel of my palm. Depending on the size and structure of your hands, you may find the shorter barrel easier to manage.
Good luck !
GP-100 Lt. side.jpg
 
Other than possible range accuracy and potential $ value if you choose to sell it, I would go 4 inch. My 4 inch GP100 is very pleasant to shoot with, even hot .357 rounds. Shooting most .357 through it isn’t much different than .38 special, I assume due to the weight of the GP, because there is a major difference shooting.357 vs. .38 special out of my King Cobra Target.
 
Stopsign32v said:
Well, a rough day at work and a few downs of Captain Morgan 100 proof spiced rum when I got home had me placing an order for a GP100 in 5". Tombstone Tactical had them for $750 free shipping and my FFL said basically jump on it if I could.

So I think what I will do is pass on the 4" completely and instead get this 5" right now and later I will get a 3" for carry.
Click to expand...

I am sure you will like the 5”. How long before it comes in?

I have never fired a GP100. Handsome revolvers.
 
Pat Riot said:
I am sure you will like the 5”. How long before it comes in?

I have never fired a GP100. Handsome revolvers.
Click to expand...

Damn thing will be here day after tomorrow! I'll be shooting it Saturday! :eek:

I already have a hard to find Uncle Mike's grips on the way for it along with some Hogue target rubber NO finger grooves...And also some Ruger shim kits from triggershims.com along with a Wolff trigger/hammer spring kit. Plan on 10lb spring and 8lb spring. Obviously will be doing a huge polishing of internals as well. :rofl:
 
In a K frame Smith, a 5" would be the cat's meow IMHO. For the most part, I prefer the 4" bbl's on my M19 & M66 Smith's, but...and this is a big but....that extra inch of bbl. does make the gun that much harder to conceal under a shirt tail or jacket unless you can handle a high rise holster.

My 5" bbl'd revolvers are a 629 & a M27 Smith. Both are "N" frames: better than a "K" frame for absorbing recoil, but paying for that benefit with the extra weight on the gun belt. I make my own holsters, (and it's hard to find one for a 5" bbl. BTW), and that add'l inch requires a very high rise to be comfortable when seated in any modern conveyance. I do like their greater sight distance, and balance, but object to the add'l weight.

All things considered, I'd buy a new 5" bbl'd Smith "K" frame M19 or 66 in a heartbeat if it was offered w/o the infernal lock...but I'm not holding my breath on that one. I do have a M69 in .44 Magnum, keep it loaded with Skelton's famous load, and really like it's "K" frame weight on the belt. It's a 4-1/4" bbl'd proposition that's been very accurate with my loads, and would be a nice back up gun to a rifle on elk trips etc., where a 2nd gun is a good/excellent idea. It balances better than either my M27 or 629.

YMMv, Rod
 
Rodfac said:
I do have a M69 in .44 Magnum, keep it loaded with Skelton's famous load, and really like it's "K" frame weight on the belt.

YMMv, Rod
Click to expand...

Oh yea! Man...Talk about a revolver that I forgot that I wanted. Those things are NICE!
 
I like 3" and 5" visually but my 6" gp100 with a half barrel lug is a fine compromise. I shoot it little and handle it often so feeling "right" is part of the joy of ownership. My 3" gp100 with compact grips felt very nice in the hand although we never got along well (not enough to ccw) so it moved it down the line. No idea what it takes to find a tapered barrel gp100 these days or if they come at a premium but I'm very glad that I jumped on one.
 
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I had both and the longer one was for the range. I want to offer though that once past 4" you are into drop holster strong side or cross draw. My 5" carried strong side at least needed a strong forward cant holster to be able to clear the holster without shoulder surgery.
 
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