DHart
Member
Medium frame, fixed sight revolvers with 3" barrels seem to be a little like bastard children. Most people would choose a smaller frame and shorter barrel for carry use or a longer barrel with adjustable sights for other purposes besides carry.
For example, I've got two guns which many buyers would choose to have for themselves: a GP-100 4" blue steel with adjustable sights for general revolver use and an SP-101 w/3" barrel for concealed carry and just hanging around. Both are great guns. It took me a little bit to warm up to the "shootability" of the little SP compared to medium frame .357 revolvers, but I'm getting there.
But lately, I've become extremely attracted to revolvers with fixed sights and 3" barrels... this started when I recently bought a S&W 65 which has fixed sights and a 3" barrel. The combination of size, balance, feel, and shootability of this gun is the best I've ever felt. To me it's the perfect defense revolver, no bigger nor any smaller than just about right for the job. I like the gun so much that I bought a model 13 (blue steel version of the 65) to go along with the 65.
Now I'd also like to buy Ruger's 3" versions of the GP-100 (the blue GPF-331 and stainless KGPF-330).
I understand the bulk and weight issues with the GP-100 frame for carry use (the SP-101 is much better in that regard) and also the merits of a 4" barrel and adjustable sights for general use. So I guess that from a purely practical standpoint, the SP-101 3" and GP-100 4" really cover the concealment and general use needs quite well. A reasonable gun person would probably call it good right there!
To my mind, the GP-100 3" offers the best combination of size and features of any revolver for defense use... fixed sights, excellent balance in the hand (for me, anyway), .357 power, enough weight for good shootability. And the bonus of tremendous aesthetic appeal. I guess that's why the fixed sighted 3"ers have so much appeal to me.
I really don't NEED another 3" size blaster, but those little 3" GP's are sure calling my name! And who knows for how long they will be available, being as they are like bastard children! (Sadly, S&W is dropping their K-frame .357 bastard children.)
Sorry for the long ramble... but I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the 3" GP-100's and seeing your pictures of them... thanks so much.
For example, I've got two guns which many buyers would choose to have for themselves: a GP-100 4" blue steel with adjustable sights for general revolver use and an SP-101 w/3" barrel for concealed carry and just hanging around. Both are great guns. It took me a little bit to warm up to the "shootability" of the little SP compared to medium frame .357 revolvers, but I'm getting there.
But lately, I've become extremely attracted to revolvers with fixed sights and 3" barrels... this started when I recently bought a S&W 65 which has fixed sights and a 3" barrel. The combination of size, balance, feel, and shootability of this gun is the best I've ever felt. To me it's the perfect defense revolver, no bigger nor any smaller than just about right for the job. I like the gun so much that I bought a model 13 (blue steel version of the 65) to go along with the 65.
Now I'd also like to buy Ruger's 3" versions of the GP-100 (the blue GPF-331 and stainless KGPF-330).
I understand the bulk and weight issues with the GP-100 frame for carry use (the SP-101 is much better in that regard) and also the merits of a 4" barrel and adjustable sights for general use. So I guess that from a purely practical standpoint, the SP-101 3" and GP-100 4" really cover the concealment and general use needs quite well. A reasonable gun person would probably call it good right there!
To my mind, the GP-100 3" offers the best combination of size and features of any revolver for defense use... fixed sights, excellent balance in the hand (for me, anyway), .357 power, enough weight for good shootability. And the bonus of tremendous aesthetic appeal. I guess that's why the fixed sighted 3"ers have so much appeal to me.
I really don't NEED another 3" size blaster, but those little 3" GP's are sure calling my name! And who knows for how long they will be available, being as they are like bastard children! (Sadly, S&W is dropping their K-frame .357 bastard children.)
Sorry for the long ramble... but I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts on the 3" GP-100's and seeing your pictures of them... thanks so much.