Best Barrell length/lug for GP-100

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

No one has mentioned the 6" half-lug as a compromise of barrel length and balance

I don't beleive that Ruger sells a half lug with adjustable sights. That's another consideration.

 

[c_yeager]

There are two ways I can see working for you. On one hand you already have a snubbie so, your not going to have to carry this gun at all. In that case you will get a lot of mileage out of a 6" revolver. ANd really I don't think that the extra 2" is going to make it that much more likely to get you disarmed or be cramped in a small space. On the other hand you mentioned that you plan on buying a .44mag at some point. My thinking is that you will get more mileage our of getting a 6" .44 than anything so, you might as well put the standard 4" .357 in your inventory.

One thing i can say is that no matter what you WILL eventually end up with a 4" revolver in your collection regardless.

DHART, thats a NICE 3" GP you have there. I remember you also have a sweet 3" model 65. How would you compare the two in terms of handling and weight?

 

[kyoung05]

Well, Ruger may not sell a 6" half-lug w/ adjustable sights currently, but they used to (I should know, I have one) and I'm sure you could find one if you looked. Only thing with them is, it wouldn't be good for carry at all since adjustable sights can snag more easily than fixed sights and it's a pretty big gun in general. But, as a range gun/plinker and to test new loads on (which is what I'm thinking of doing...getting into reloading at least...) I think it fits the bill just fine. Whichever configuration you decide to get, I'm sure you'll be happy. The only thing is the DA is a little different from an S&W DA, in that there is more of a "stacking" feel versus the straight back smooth feel. I've heard it gets better with use though, so hopefully, with enough rounds through it it'll be nice.

 

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

Well, Ruger may not sell a 6" half-lug w/ adjustable sights currently, but they used to (I should know, I have one) and I'm sure you could find one if you looked

I think your right about them making a half-lug 6" w/ adj. sights up till about two years ago. The 2003 Gun Buyers Annual had a comparison a test of one with a Smith (686?) and some kind of Taurus if I recall correctly. I think they may have even have had a 5" half-lug with the target sights. The author discussed the old-school cops who carried a 6" .357 as their duty sidearm, & how changes in retention holster design (along with the autoloaders) pretty much killed off the 6" length.

 

[R.H. Lee]

Ditto what c yeager said. If you're planning to get a .44 mag at some point, make it a 6" and go for the 4" .357 now. I'm jonesing for a 6" .357, but I've already got a 4" 586.

 

[Cool Hand Luke 22:36]

c_yeager:

On the other hand you mentioned that you plan on buying a .44mag at some point. My thinking is that you will get more mileage our of getting a 6" .44 than anything so, you might as well put the standard 4" .357 in your inventory.

RileyMC:

Ditto what c yeager said. If you're planning to get a .44 mag at some point, make it a 6" and go for the 4" .357 now. I'm jonesing for a 6" .357, but I've already got a 4" 586.

That idea makes a lot of sense.

 

[L-Frame]

In my opinion, the only issue for barrel length is for someone who wants to carry it. 6" is definitely too long (for most people). I target shoot with all kinds of barrel lengths. I enjoy the challenge of using shorter barrels at longer distances. As for the self-defense issue, my opinion has always been, that if he's close enough to grab your 6" revolver, he's close enough to grab your 4" revolver, and if he's close enough to do that, you've got a whole new set of problems.