Ruger 3" barell GP100

[Handyman]

If you have one , how do you like it ? How does it compare with the 4" barell GP100 ? Does it shoot about the same as the 4" ? Does it weigh much less ? Do you use it for concealed carry ? I'm thinking of buying one [ might trade in my 4" GP ] but the gunshops don't have them on display so I can't look them over / hold them . Anything you could tell me about the gun would be helpful . Pics would be nice too .
Thanks in advance for your replys .

 

[dispatch]

Got one. 3" stainless, fixed sight, factory grips. Shoots great. I love it. It's the only GP100 I own, so I can't personally measure it against the GP100 4". Compared to my 4" Security Six and S&W Model 19, it's definetly heavier and harder to conceal- the GP100 is a pretty hefty revover. From what I'm seeing on the forums, the 3" is hard to find, so if you see one that looks good to you, I'd say buy it.

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello.

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

Best.

 

[Bulldog]

Love mine, but don't have any other GPs to compare it to.

I don't have a problem concealing mine under a t-shirt or polo.

Keep in mind that the grips on the 3-incher are shorter than on larger models. That combined with the lower-profile fixed sights give the gun a much different feel than a 4-incher, IMO. I was never interested in a GP100 until I ran across my 3-incher which feels perfect in my hand. I prefer it over any of my Smiths.

 

[JohnKSa]

Keep in mind that the grips on the 3-incher are shorter than on larger models. That combined with the lower-profile fixed sights give the gun a much different feel than a 4-incher, IMO.

The fixed sighted guns do have a different feel. If one examines them closely, it's apparent that there is less metal in the frame of the fixed sighted guns.

HOWEVER, the grips that come standard on the 3" guns will fit a standard GP100 (and vice versa), and you can also get 4" barreled GP100s in the fixed sight configuration.

I have a fixed sight 4" half-lug barrelled DAO GP100 with fixed sights.

Here's a comparison between the topstrap of the adjustable sighted models compared to the fixed sight models' top strap.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=45171&d=1158805900

My apologies for the quality of the "photo", it was done on a scanner.

 

[NonNativeTexan]

I've got both, a 3" as well as a 4" GP 100. Both have the full underlug. The 3" version is blued and the 4" is stainless steel. The difference in weight is not that much. That being said, the 3" GP 100 can be concealed far easier due to the shorter barrel and the smaller grip. I agree with Bulldog, concealment is not a big problem with a good holster.

For me, the 4" GP100 is a little easier to shoot, however, this could just be due to having less practice with the 3" one.

FYI, I bought my 3" GP100 used (in LNIB condition) for $325 a few months ago. In hindsight, I think this was a good price, considering that I've never seen them offered NIB. Since I find the 3" version more versatile, if I had to sell one, it would probably be the 4" GP100.

Good luck!

PS: I almost forgot, I like both revolvers!

 

[dispatch]

GP100 3" link

http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/repatriatedrugergp.html

 

[Gary A]

JohnKSa, you showed "a comparison between the topstrap of the adjustable sighted models compared to the fixed sight models' top strap".

Do you think there is any measurable or practical difference in the strength between the two? Although there does seem to be more metal in the topstrap of the adjustable version, there is also a rather deep cutout in that version to accomodate the sight. It would seem that regardless of how much metal is in the rest of the topstrap, any "weak" (relatively) link would be this cutout. The fixed version, while having a groove, lacks this deep cutout. I remember this question coming up with regard to Vaqueros and Blackhawks a couple years ago. What do you think?

Edited to add: Of course, that cutout is bolstered quite well by the "ears" around it.

 

[JohnKSa]

It seems from what I can tell that there's less metal in the fixed sight models. The top edges of the top strap are contoured, there's a sight channel all the way down the middle, and the frame tapers down to the barrel rib. In addition, the top of the barrel rib is lower than on the adjustable sight gun, so the taper is actually more pronounced than it appears.

The taper is probably the biggest difference, but it's not over the cylinder in the area that would be stressed so I think that metal loss won't affect strength.

I would guess that there IS a strength difference, but knowing the way Ruger designed his guns, I feel safe in saying that neither revolver is deficient in the area of topstrap strength.

My suspicion is that the extra metal is there on the adjustable sight versions primarily because it would cost money to remove it--not because it's needed.

 

[Gary A]

JohnKSa - Yeah, I think you are spot on in all your observations and agree that "extra" metal may be left on the adj. models because nothing would be served by shaving it off. The squared-off looks fits those models anyway. I currently have no 4 inch adjustables but do have a couple of 6 inchers, one full and one half lug. I have other GPs but they are all fixed sight. Sadly, but understandably, those are the ones that seem to be fading away. For various reasons I like the fixed sight versions better (for me) but have wondered if I was giving up strength. Like you, I suspect any difference is more theoretical than practical.

 

[jbeltz7]

Love my 3" GP-100 and based on these posts it is allot more accurite then I am. I'm working on that, as I think with hardcast bullets it would be a perfect <50yds hunting hangun.

No experiance with an adjustable sight GP-100 but for me the compact is a natural point and shoot handgun. Try it, worst case is you don't like it and sell it for what you paid. Good Luck.

 

[Jim March]

On topstrap strength, we've had the same discussion going on the Blackhawk-vs-Vaquero for years. Visually the adjustable-sight looks stronger, but the lack of rear-sight-area "cutout" makes a difference too.

Since people tend to do "stupid handloading stunts" on the single actions in the thinner-walled big-bore calibers, there are pictures of blowouts available online here and there on both. The cylinder (identical in both) will tend to cut loose and spit metal sideways, but in BOTH the topstrap tends to hold together (bulged of course).

I have not yet seen a picture of a blown up GP100, nor have I heard reports of same. I won't say they're indestructable but they're damned close . I strongly suspect that the topstraps of both types of GP100 will hold up just fine and would not choose one or the other based on strength.

 

[Euclidean]

If you have one , how do you like it ?

I love it, 5 out of 5. I originally really wanted a 3" barrel 681, bit that's a bit of a rare bird. I have found the GP100 a more than adequate replacement.

How does it compare with the 4" barell GP100 ?

I can say with certainty that for me, the main determination was handling. A 3" barrel with fixed sights is just perfect, it feels perfect, it balances perfect. I tried the 2.5" barrel 686, which is a fine gun but it just didn't "feel" right. I like the feel of 4 and 6 inch barrels too. It's amazing how the same revolver with different bore lengths takes on tottally different characteristics...

But I digress. I would want the 4" model if I were more into hunting or bulls' eye or was going to use it for an IDPA type event, it would be more of a true all purpose gun. By my 3" could be my only handgun if if had to be.

See the 4" will be easier to shoot especially with the adjustable sights, but the 3" just looks and feels awesome and it's easier to carry. But I'd want the 4" barrel if I wasn't going to conceal carry it, and I think the 4" lends itself to a lot more recreational activities. I honestly want both, just can't afford or justify it.

Does it shoot about the same as the 4" ?

I think so... now the thing is, your groups will be larger at any distance with the 3" fixed sight for most people, or more often than that you'll find if you use a different kind of ammunition your groups will form not quite on the bulls' eye. However try it on a silhouette type target in any form of shooting and you'll see you're still hitting where it would count.

It's not that the gun is less accurate, it's just that it doesn't facilitate as much accuracy on your part. The sights aren't as good, and it's a smaller sight radius. Does that make sense?

Does it weigh much less ?

Oh it's still a heavy little sucker. That's one big reason, that and cylinder bulge, I don't carry it all that often.

Do you use it for concealed carry ?

At times. I like to use it as a house gun, or times when I feel I might be better served with a .357 magnum, or when I go on short errands.

I'm thinking of buying one [ might trade in my 4" GP ] but the gunshops don't have them on display so I can't look them over / hold them . Anything you could tell me about the gun would be helpful . Pics would be nice too . Thanks in advance for your replys .

I don't think I would give up a 4" model for the 3" model without some strongly compelling reason and vice versa. I know the itch is strong, like I said I have the 3 and I'd like a 4 and a 6. Heck my Holy Grail is one of the rare Target Gray 5" GP100s.

Sure it's got some rough edges in places, but I'm crazy about my GP100, and I honestly think it looks awesome to boot. It is distinctive and invokes a certain pride of ownership.

I think you could, since you have the 4", get your mitts on a set of the smaller grips they put on the 3" GP100 and experience an aspect of how the 3" model handles.

 

[greener]

Just bought a 4" GP100. Fired one between Christmas and New Year's and really liked it. It is such a big honker, not sure how you carry one of these concealed unless it is the dead of winter and you have a big coat.

 

[Gary A]

Quote, "I think you could, since you have the 4", get your mitts on a set of the smaller grips they put on the 3" GP100 and experience an aspect of how the 3" model handles."

That's a good suggestion. However, for myself, I have some fixed sight GPs in 3 and 4 inch and like the smaller grips a great deal. So much that I tried some on a 4 inch adjustable version. I was very surprised that I didn't like them so much on that revolver. I think it is the fact that the adjustable 4 inch has that heavy underlug and a heavier top rib on the barrel. For me, the smaller grips affected the balance negatively on that model, I greatly prefer them on the fixed versions, which even in the full-lugged 4 inch have a lighter top rib. It's a small thing, but I was surprised at how much better the adjustables feel to me with the larger grips. My favorite GP is the 4 inch, fixed-sight 1/2 lug, now sadly discontinued except, I think, in .38 Special.

 

[zebco]

I just bought a GP100 3". So far, so good. Good balance and accurate enough. However, it seems I notice the recoil just a bit more compared to the S&W 620 I recently sold. I wonder if an aftermarket grip would help?

BTW, anyone know of a good holster for this gun (for concealed carry) ?

 

[dispatch]

zebco

Factory grips to me are probably the best you can find. It's frustrating not being able to upgrade or customize, but I think Ruger got this one so really right that you can't improve the factory grips.