beating a horse that's in ICU: GP100 3" or 4"?

[craig_o]

I'd say I'm sorry, but that'd be a lie.

Reading about .357 magnum this morning has got me drooling.

I'm moving off campus into my own apartment soon (FINALLY), and a good handgun purchase is in order. I'm still vacillating on when to go for my CHL permit because so much of my time is spent on campus or with the possibility of going to campus soon and, surprise, college campi don't like firearms. That aside, any gun I buy I want to do whatever it takes to make it as CC-able as possible. But apartment defense is first, which is why we're not talking about Kahrs, LCPs and 442s.

So, if you were going to buy a wheelgun for what I've described, which would you buy? Ruger GP100 in 3" or 4"? Or.... mystery option #3?

 

[FullEffect1911]

I have a gp100 3" and a sp101 spurless with a 2" barrel.

The GP with the 3" is the better of the two listed for any sort of ccw duty, but I think the sp101 would make a better choice overall.

I use the sp101 for defense purposes still, can't say the same about the gp. And I carry the sp101 in a pocket.

Conversely if you don't plan on carrying the piece... get the 4" as it will be better for target practice too.

 

[crebralfix]

I know...a GP100 is nice, but really, for carry, a semi-auto is better.

The Hi-Power is VERY concealable with an inside-the-pants holster with forward cant.

If you want to go smaller, look at the Glock 26, and the S&W M&P/HK/Springfield XD equivalents. The G26 hides really, really well.

 

[GRIZ22]

I voted 4" as you have a better all around gun. You can do just about anything with a 4" 357 with the diffrent 38 and 357 power loadings available. Not so with a 9mm. The extra inch of barrel means squat for carry purposes and is only important if you have to fit the gun in a certain size box.

Yes, the High Power is slimmer but the 9mm is not as versitile.

 

[Gary A]

Generally, I prefer 4 inch over 3 inch but in your case, I would probably choose the 3 inch GP100 due to it's slightly smaller size, smaller grips, fixed sights. I have both 3 and 4 inch GPs with fixed sights but the fixed 4 inchers have been discontinued and are harder to find. Only one version of the fixed 3 inchers is still cataloged but there is still one model listed. I personally think the 3 inch carries better than the 4 but opinions differ on that. Of course, if you want adjustable sights and a 4 inch barrel, the GP100 is hard to beat and you can always install a compact grip on it - if you can find one since Ruger is going to Hogue grips on new guns.

Gotta love High Powers, though, but they do have a thick butt.

 

[bigmike45]

Here is my 3" GP-100. It is a factory DAO and I had it customized some by Gemini Customs. It would easily serve all your needs very efficiently.

 

[waterhouse]

I used to own both. I traded to 4" in on a 5", so now I own the 3" and 5".

If I were ever going to carry it concealed, I'd pick the 3" by a long shot.

If not, the 4" weighs a little more and has better sights (at least for range use), both of which make it slightly more pleasant to shoot.

Only you can honestly decide if CC is something you'll eventually do.

 

[craig_o]

buying the 3" tomorrow. I think I'll be happy =D

 

[hoptob]

For what you've described - S&W 640 or 2.25 bbl SP101. Both GP's are great guns but they aren't really easy to conceal especially in warm weather. Some people on this forum carry small steel wheelguns with full house 357 magnum loads. They will get BG's full and undivided attention in a hurry – on campus or at home.

Mike

P.S. A horse in ICU would be a sight to remember

 

[461]

Either way is a win for you. For the ccw function the 3" gets the edge while giving up nothing on the home defense front so i have to vote for the 3". Both are darn near perfect guns for the .357 though.

 

[BikerRN]

I frequently carry a 3" GP100 off duty.

I also own a 4" GP100 that I will be setting up for the Police games next year. For HD either gun is good. For concealed carry I favor the 3".

Take care and stay safe.

BikerRN

 

[Rover 'n Rugers]

I would go with the 3" model. If you can find one used at one time Ruger even made a 3" adjustable sighted model which I guess was an overrun for some police agency.

 

[GunNut]

3" GP100 is a fine weapon for CCW.

PS: Go get your CCW today, you never know what tomorrow holds, so why wait. You don't have to carry, but better to be able if need be.

 

[ronto]

I would get a 2 1/4" spurless SP101...Carry it and/or keep it next to your sack for apartment defense...That should stop 'em in either case...I wouldn't bet my life on a semi-auto.

 

[harbinger_j]

I have both 3" and 4" GP 100.
I like the 4" better but for your purpose I voted for the 3"

 

[2ndamd]

I did not find it hard to conceal the 3" GP100.

The 4" on the other hand had me pulling and tugging all day. If there is any chance of you concealing this firearm? Then the 3" gets the nod.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I picked the 3" GP-100 since you didn't list a 2 1/4" or 3" SP-101.

BTW, have you looked at the 3" SP-101 in .327 Magnum?