gp100 or speed six?

[wnycollector]

I am looking for a occasioanl CCW/ full time hiking/camping revolver. I was wondering what are the pluses/minuses of the 3" ruger gp100 vs 2.75" ruger speed six?

 

[L-Frame]

I like them both, but personally I'd go with the GP100. The grip fits me like a glove, it's stronger, and works for me as a CCW or woods gun. Near perfect.

 

[Rexster]

I own a 4" Speed Six and GP100 sixguns in 3", 4", and 6" barrel lengths, including fixed-sight 4". The 4" sixguns are carried and used regularly. The only difference I see, from a practical standpoint, is that the Speed Six is just a bit less bulky than its GP100 counterpart. I think there is a slight weight difference, when comparing the 4" Speed Six to the 4" fixed-sight GP100, but it is so minor I don't notice it. My old holsters once used to carry 4" K-frames will accomodate the Speed Six, so it sees a bit more use as a belt gun, whereas I tend to carry the GP100 in my Safepacker. If you own neither weapon, the 3" GP100 will tend to be easier to find for sale. Speed Sixes are coveted by collectors and by serious sixgunners who want them for carry, and nice ones offered for sale tend to go quickly. For now, my Speed Six wears a Pachmayr Compact Professional grip without the finger grooves, and with an open backstrap. My fixed-sight GP100 wears the factory stock rounded grip. Both are a good fit for me. I have considered custom wood for the Speed Six, but that is a someday thing, no hurry. I know I have done little to help decide beween the two; bottom line is that both are very, very good weapons.

 

[wnycollector]

Thanks for the info Rexter. Your kind of post is the reason I keep coming back here! Its wonderful to hear opinions from people who actually own the guns they talk about!

I found the gp100 at a local shop, but the speed six is on gunbroker. currently the speed is $10 cheaper than the GP100...lol not even enough for a box of .357 ammo!

PS L-frame, thanks also!

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. If it might be of interest, here are some observations on the GP100:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Range Evaluation - Ruger GP100.htm


Best.

 

[wnycollector]

Thanks Stephen...your GP100 review is the sole reason I started my quest to add a Ruger .357 to my collection!!! Now I am just waffeling on which Ruger If the "new" ruger will spend more time on my hip as a CCW I am leaning to the speed six, mainly because it seemed slightly slimmer and the barrel is 1/4" shorter and therefore is should weigh less. My problem is the only speed six I have handeled was at a gunshow back in September...I have yet to get them next to one another. I think I will bid on the speed six and see what happens.

 

[Dienekes]

Have used "Sixes" of various persuasions since the early 80s; also own a really nice 4" GP. The Sixes are noticeably handier to me, and what I use most. The GPs handle recoil better, and my 4" is at its best in the field, not CCW. I realize that the 3" is a little smaller, but the older guns are better for what I do.

Both will get the job done.

 

[slow944]

I've got a Security-six in the 2 3/4" bbl. I had a GP100 with 6" BBl and traded it off. The older Ruger's are really nice guns as are the new ones. Guess I'm just nostolgic for the older guns. The SS is my night stand gun and when I bowhunt it goes to the field with me never felt under-gunned with the 2 3/4" bbl. and it's very accurate. Hope this helps.

 

[velcro8ball]

I've had a number of speed sixses and a couple of gp's in the last 20 years, I still have a speed six. It's a little lighter and smaller and as I have small hands it is the best match. Mine have mostly been 4". I saw a nice 2 3/4" stainless with a bobbed hammer today at a show, but didn't have the 400 bucks the gentleman wanted to trade it for. Alas.

 

[wnycollector]

Well I didnt get to bid on the speed six last night, but I plan on tracking one down either online or at a gunshow this winter! Again, thanks for ALL of the input.

 

[BigMak]

I have the security-six in 2.75" for my woods gun and love it. Also have a 6" GP-100 for the range and leagues. Am now also looking for stainless speed-six for ccw/truck. I just like the slightly smaller dimensions of the "sixes'.