GP100 3" blued in .38 Special?

[BullsEye10x]

Has anyone here ever owned, or even heard of this configuration on a GP100? I just found one for $300 NIB at a local pawn shop and put a deposit down so I could research it a bit more.

I am curious as to how many of these were made - I've only seen a handful of 4" GP100's in .38 to begin with. This one has a 3" tube (fully shrouded), blued finish, and fixed sights. It appears to be quite rare.

I called Ruger and they couldn't tell me an awful lot except they weren't currently in production. Also asked if it was possible to convert to .357 Magnum and they said all the GP100's have the exact same frames, so it should be. I believe all this one would need (if I ever wanted to) would be a new barrel, cylinder, and extractor rod for the longer case length. But I kind of like the idea of keeping it stock and shooting the dickens out of it with hot .38's Since these guns can take a lifetime of magnum abuse and then some, that would be considered light duty.

 

[BullsEye10x]

The model number for this one is GPF-831, if that helps.
I cannot find reference to this model # ANYWHERE, which means that it's probably a limited production run or special order (govt agency, etc...)
Getting excited now!!!

 

[Dgreno]

Sweet! Let us know what you find out...

DG

 

[mgregg85]

I don't think it would need a new cylinder if it's got the same frame size. Or does the barrel forcing cone extend far into the frame to make up for the gap created by a shorter, .38 special cylinder?

 

[doc2rn]

It was probably an over run from an out of country order. They make alot of them for overseas where people cant have above .38 caliber. I think I saw a thread on TFL about 6 months ago covering this.

 

[dbarale]

If you are not concerned about resale value, you could just have the chambers reamed for .357.
I would NEVER recommend doing this to an older S&W K frame but there shouldn't be any concern on a GP.
You can also try the Ruger Forum for more educated opinions:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/

 

[BullsEye10x]

Thanks for the replies and Ruger forum link! I posted over there and will keep this thread updated with any other info I get.

 

[Jim March]

They're also sold stateside to private security a lot - insurance rules often won't let them have 357s. Not as much collector value as you suspect, not like the Service/Security Six guns in .380 (and no, I'm not kidding, overseas police contract...India I *think*).

A simple chamber reamer should convert the factory cylinder to 357 through the factory barrel. $50ish at any gunsmith.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like Jim said, just have the cylinder reamed to accept a .357 Magnum round and you're good to go!

Do you have any pics??

 

[BullsEye10x]

Pics

It's officially bought I picked it up today! A member of Ruger Forum says this model was only produced in limited numbers. I'm tempted to leave it unfired, but what fun would that be?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Nice looking revolver... great fine!! That revolver looks a lot like the Blue 2 3/4" Ruger Police Service-Six I have.

 

[Moonclip]

I've never seen a .38spl GP100 in person. I know someone that has one of the Security or servive sixes in .38spl that likes it, I rarely see those either.

The India order .380 Ruger revolver I believe is actually chambered in what we call .38S&W in the USA.

 

[19-3Ben]

Bullseye- very very nice gun. Congrats. If you can leave that unfired, all power to you. But I know if it were my gun, it'd get shot up on the way home from the store!!!!

Just a heads-up: You may want to blur out the serial number in the pic.

 

[BullsEye10x]

Thanks Ben, I fixed it. Didn't realize it was legible in the photo.

 

[19-3Ben]

No problem at all.

I an green with envy incidentally. NICE gun. I love those 3"GP100s. As it happens, I have a 3"SP101 on my hip right now. I might have to get it a big brother one of these days.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I like my 4" .38Spl GP100, but sometimes wish it was a 3". Since 3" GP100s are available in .357Mag, I'd keep that one as it is.

 

[41magsnub]

Nice gun! If it were me I would leave it as is like you said and use it as a .38. If you want a .357 buy a GP100 .357.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The 3" GP100 .357 Magnum is offered in Stainless only, no blue available...