GP100 5" full-lug or 6" half-lug?

[Nipit]

I need help deciding between one of these two GP100s from Davidsons. Unfortunately, no dealers in my area stock either so I can not handle them. I handled a 6" full-lug and it seemed too muzzle heavy. The primary use would be target shooting at the range and I am pretty recoil tolerant so that isn't a concern. I already have a house and carry guns. Anybody out there have any advice or comments to help me choose? Thanks

 

[jad0110]

Its kinda up to you, really. Personal preference thing, but if you found the 6" full lug to be too muzzle heavy you'd probably find the 5" full underlug to be too heavy as well. Myself, I don't like full lugs in barrels longer than 4" - too clumsy feeling in my hands. So I would go half lug in a 5". In fact, I kinda wish my 686 were a partial underlug, but not enough to sell it by any means.

 

[mgregg85]

I've got a 6" full lug GP-100(its probably about the same weight as a 5" full lug) and I thought the same thing at first, that it felt muzzle heavy.

But then I shot it and that extra weight really helps soak up the recoil of full power .357 mag loads and now I prefer it. It really helps keep me on target and stops muzzle rise. I also think it looks better than the have lugs.

If you were gonna be using this gun for carry purposes I might think that the full lug would be a concern. But if its for target shooting/range use then you might appreciate the extra weight.

 

[aimbotter]

got a GP100 6" and feels super good in my hands and i'm a small guy

 

[ClemY]

My GP100 is the 4". It has a pretty good sight radius and the balance is good. I also had a 6" S&W 617. Like the 6" full lug GP100, I thought it had an excessively muzzle heavy feel. I sent it to a guy and had it cut to 5". It took about 3 oz. off the muzzle and it now feels very good. You may find the same thing with a 5" full lug GP100. I suspect the weight of the 5" full lug and 6" short lug may be about the same. You just have to decide what you prefer in sight radius and if you plan to carry it afield, which you would prefer to carry.

 

[ejnogarb]

I think the full lug looks better. I don't think the extra inch in the 6" will make any difference any way. It won't necessarily be any more accurate.

 

[Nipit]

Thanks for the advice

I found a dealer that had a used GP100 6" half-lug barrel so I got to handle one. Theirs looked like it had been abused pretty bad but it did feel just right so I'll order a new one. The truth is I would probably be just as happy with the 6" half-lug or 5" full-lug. After it will be a new gun, and a Ruger at that. Thanks for your input.

 

[GP100man]

a5" would make a nice addition!!!!!
& being a limited run would probably hold value better.

GP100man

 

[Walkalong]

I prefer the feel of the 4" 686 over the 6" 686, but the 686 tames recoil a bit better. I had a 4" GP-100 and really liked the feel of it over the 6" GP-100 as well.

Same reason, the 6" feels muzzle heavy to me, but that is personal preference.

 

[BigBlock]

For me, I'd definately go with the 6" half lug, because I think even my 4" GP is a tad muzzle heavy. Plus that extra inch of barrel will give you some velocity.