Ruger GP-100 with 6 inch barrel

[stinger 327]

Is this a good .357 revolver? How does it compare to the SP-101 or the LCR .357?
Is the GP-100 really up in the $700 range?

 

[SDGlock23]

It's a fantastic revolver, like a big SP101 and all steel unlike the LCR. Last I saw they were running around the $575-600 range for stainless, less for blued.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Ruger GP100 .357magnum ....

FWIW: I read a gun press article in the early 2000s that Corbon used Ruger 6" barrel GP100s to T&E .357magnum rounds, .
That's saying a lot for the robust GP100 line.
I owned a GPNY .38spl stainless steel 4" barrel in the mid-late 2000s. It was new and unfired/unused. A FFL holder in rural AL found a case of guns in some storage lockers he was inventorying . The GPNY was intended for sworn cops of the NYPD. I put a Hogue Tamer grip. It was great.
I considered buying a new Ruger GP100 6" .357magnum revolver just to cheese off a local patrol deputy who was constantly berating armed security officers who worked in my area.

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

I love my GP100. It has turned atleast 3 of my friends onto wheel guns.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

I have a GP100 with a 4in barrel. Absolutely one of the finest handguns you can buy. Built like the vault at Fort Knox ,It can handle any load that can be safely fired in any 357. It has good balance,enough weight to tame heavy recoil, and excellent adjustable sights. Whats not to like? I just saw a 6 in. model at a LGS for $617 OTD .

 

[Steve in PA]

Yes, it is a great handgun. I prefer one with a 4" barrel, but my LGS can't keep them in stock. They do have a 6" one and I swear....every time I go to the store, it's calling my name more and more.

 

[chicharrones]

I have a GP100 6" barrel. It is big, heavy, and feels longer than 6" due to the under barrel lug. It shoots .357 Magnum with ease and with no punishment to the shooter whatsoever.

It's a great open carry holster gun or a range gun.

 

[stinger 327]

It's a fantastic revolver, like a big SP101 and all steel unlike the LCR. Last I saw they were running around the $575-600 range for stainless, less for blued.

I had a SP-101 snub in .357 and a LCR +P in .38. Couldn't hit a thing with those guns. That's why I am looking at a GP-100. The Smith's revolvers are just too expensive.

 

[Confederate]

I'm not crazy about the Ruger GP-100, especially the 6-incher. In my view it's a boat anchor. By cutting off the grip, then adding an underlug to the barrel, it becomes way too front-heavy. But try it at the gun store and see for yourself; you may not agree.

I have a Smith 686 6-inch and I believe it's a bit too front-heavy, as well. But it's extraordinarily accurate and has much better balance. I also have a 6-inch Ruger Security-Six, and the weight and balance are perfect. But it's no longer available unless you find a good used one.

Right now I'd recommend the new Smith & Wesson 6- or 4.5-inch Model 66 Combat Magnum. It's light weight, has outstanding balance and can shoot a steady diet of full magnum loads. It's just been released, so I have no idea when it'll appear on dealer's shelves.



The early Smith 686 was arguably the best .357 production gun made. It was intended
to be a better revolver than the Colt Python, and after extensive testing, it appeared they
succeeded. The new Model 66 appears to be very accurate, too.

 

[stinger 327]

I'm not crazy about the Ruger GP-100, especially the 6-incher. In my view it's a boat anchor. By cutting off the grip, then adding an underlug to the barrel, it becomes way too front-heavy. But try it at the gun store and see for yourself; you may not agree.

I have a Smith 686 6-inch and I believe it's a bit too front-heavy, as well. But it's extraordinarily accurate and has much better balance. I also have a 6-inch Ruger Security-Six, and the weight and balance are perfect. But it's no longer available unless you find a good used one.

Right now I'd recommend the new Smith & Wesson 6- or 4.5-inch Model 66 Combat Magnum. It's light weight, has outstanding balance and can shoot a steady diet of full magnum loads. It's just been released, so I have no idea when it'll appear on dealer's shelves.

View attachment 718234

The early Smith 686 was arguably the best .357 production gun made. It was intended
to be a better revolver than the Colt Python, and after extensive testing, it appeared they
succeeded. The new Model 66 appears to be very accurate, too.

Aren't those Smith revolvers Mod. 66 remake classic or 686 in the $800+ range?

 

[beag_nut]

I have a GP100 6" barrel. It is big, heavy, and feels longer than 6" due to the under barrel lug. It shoots .357 Magnum with ease and with no punishment to the shooter whatsoever.

It's a great open carry holster gun or a range gun.

What he said, with the addition that it also good concealed in a waist pack.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

The early Smith 686 was arguably the best .357 production gun made. It was intended
to be a better revolver than the Colt Python, and after extensive testing, it appeared they
succeeded. The new Model 66 appears to be very accurate, too.

The 686 is not in the same league as a Python....Colt's 686 competition was the King Cobra.....One famous gunsmith had made the statement that the King Cobra is the strongest mid framed .357 ever made.

 

[ChiefTJS]

The GP-100 is a wonderful gun, the SP and LCR are both 5 shot concealment guns while the GP is a full sized 6 shot. I have a 4"and a 5" and love them, you will not go wrong with a GP-100.

 

[Ex]

I echo what's been said. GP100's are works of strength and art. I own two of them.
A blued 4" that i mostly keep in oiled paper and a 6" SS that I shoot A LOT!

Picked up my low milage 6" Stainless at a gun shop for $400 so as to save the blueing on the 4".

Great pieces, accurate and built like tanks!

 

[Joezilla]

I have the GP100 blued with a 4.2" barrel. It is my FAVORITE revolver. Sweet trigger!!

Joe

 

[Kman314]

Both GP100s and SP101s are great revolvers. I actually CC a 3" GP100 with a large, loose shirt or a jacket. Otherwise, I'll CC the SP101.

 

[stinger 327]

Both GP100s and SP101s are great revolvers. I actually CC a 3" GP100 with a large, loose shirt or a jacket. Otherwise, I'll CC the SP101.

I used to have a Ruger SP-101 by Lipsey Distributors. Really nice snubby but couldn't hit target at range. Very nice compact .357.

 

[NapalmMan67]

As said a few times, GPs are great guns. I have a 4, 5 and 6". I really like the 4" the best, but the other two are fun also. Now for a 3"er to round out the herd.

I see the 4 or 6" blue versions in the $500 range, the SS versions under $600.
I would think that $700.00 would be able to claim a Wiley Clapp or Match Champion version if you desire.


.

 

[SeanSw]

We have a 2 1/4" sp101 in .357, an lcr .38 special and a 3" fixed sight gp100 .357. They are all quite different. The lcr trigger is superior by far and if you have trouble shooting one in double action then the others will be worse. The sp101 trigger is heavy and smooth and fairly consistent but the gp100 has a long pull and stacks badly despite having a lighter pull than sp101. I plan to swap springs on the gp100 in an attempt to reduce trigger stacking.

For ccw the lcr is fantastic. I prefer smaller grips for carry than the hogue tamers. The sp101 will do fine if you're dedicated to carrying it but it takes more effort, but you also gain a reduction in recoil and the factory grips are a good compromise for range and carry. I traded into the 3" gp100 and didn't have a role for it to fill so it hasn't been used much but it's definitely just a range gun for now. Maybe with a coat and some compact grips it would be serviceable for ccw. I admit that the fixed sights and 3" barrel make for a well balanced and visually appealing gun.

 

[stinger 327]

We have a 2 1/4" sp101 in .357, an lcr .38 special and a 3" fixed sight gp100 .357. They are all quite different. The lcr trigger is superior by far and if you have trouble shooting one in double action then the others will be worse. The sp101 trigger is heavy and smooth and fairly consistent but the gp100 has a long pull and stacks badly despite having a lighter pull than sp101. I plan to swap springs on the gp100 in an attempt to reduce trigger stacking.

For ccw the lcr is fantastic. I prefer smaller grips for carry than the hogue tamers. The sp101 will do fine if you're dedicated to carrying it but it takes more effort, but you also gain a reduction in recoil and the factory grips are a good compromise for range and carry. I traded into the 3" gp100 and didn't have a role for it to fill so it hasn't been used much but it's definitely just a range gun for now. Maybe with a coat and some compact grips it would be serviceable for ccw. I admit that the fixed sights and 3" barrel make for a well balanced and visually appealing gun.

I HAD a LCR .38 +P talk about recoil. This is first and foremost up close only for personal protection. Not a range gun. It felt like it was exploding in my hand. It had the greatest double action pull very smooth. I can't imagine what the LCR in .357 feels like as it only gets worse with this light of a gun.

 

[SeanSw]

I felt the same way. We rented a .357 and despite being marginally heavier than the .38 special model it was unpleasant to shoot. Recoil was severe enough with low end factory loads that I knew we would never take advantage of the magnum capalities. In fact, last week I ran 10 rounds of Barne's vor-tex 140gr .357 through the sp101 and found my hands hurt the next day. Potent stuff. No idea what it chronographs at from a 2" barrel.

 

[stinger 327]

I felt the same way. We rented a .357 and despite being marginally heavier than the .38 special model it was unpleasant to shoot. Recoil was severe enough with low end factory loads that I knew we would never take advantage of the magnum capalities. In fact, last week I ran 10 rounds of Barne's vor-tex 140gr .357 through the sp101 and found my hands hurt the next day. Potent stuff. No idea what it chronographs at from a 2" barrel.

Try those Buffalo Bore loads. I have never seen any gun in any caliber kick like that factory ammo. Very violent recoil.

 

[stinger 327]

We have a 2 1/4" sp101 in .357, an lcr .38 special and a 3" fixed sight gp100 .357. They are all quite different. The lcr trigger is superior by far and if you have trouble shooting one in double action then the others will be worse. The sp101 trigger is heavy and smooth and fairly consistent but the gp100 has a long pull and stacks badly despite having a lighter pull than sp101. I plan to swap springs on the gp100 in an attempt to reduce trigger stacking.

For ccw the lcr is fantastic. I prefer smaller grips for carry than the hogue tamers. The sp101 will do fine if you're dedicated to carrying it but it takes more effort, but you also gain a reduction in recoil and the factory grips are a good compromise for range and carry. I traded into the 3" gp100 and didn't have a role for it to fill so it hasn't been used much but it's definitely just a range gun for now. Maybe with a coat and some compact grips it would be serviceable for ccw. I admit that the fixed sights and 3" barrel make for a well balanced and visually appealing gun.

Does the SP-101 measure up to the GP-100 when both have equal barrel lengths?
I know GP-100 has 4 and 6 inch barrels. Not exactly sure what else SP-101 barrel lengths come in other than that snub nose and I think a 3 inch barrel. The recoil must be alot worse on the SP-101 compared to the GP-100. How is the accuracy between these two Ruger revolvers?

 

[stinger 327]

I'm not crazy about the Ruger GP-100, especially the 6-incher. In my view it's a boat anchor. By cutting off the grip, then adding an underlug to the barrel, it becomes way too front-heavy. But try it at the gun store and see for yourself; you may not agree.

I have a Smith 686 6-inch and I believe it's a bit too front-heavy, as well. But it's extraordinarily accurate and has much better balance. I also have a 6-inch Ruger Security-Six, and the weight and balance are perfect. But it's no longer available unless you find a good used one.

Right now I'd recommend the new Smith & Wesson 6- or 4.5-inch Model 66 Combat Magnum. It's light weight, has outstanding balance and can shoot a steady diet of full magnum loads. It's just been released, so I have no idea when it'll appear on dealer's shelves.

View attachment 718321

The early Smith 686 was arguably the best .357 production gun made. It was intended
to be a better revolver than the Colt Python, and after extensive testing, it appeared they
succeeded. The new Model 66 appears to be very accurate, too.

I had a Model 66 S & W 4 inch .357 I bought in 1983 for $257 brand new. Now these new Model 66 revolvers Smith is releasing is around $800? Too much $$$$$
In any event seems to be that 4 inch feels the best but this time I want to get a 6 inch for more accuracy.

 

[SeanSw]

I cannot give a fair evaluation of the difference in accuracy between the sp101 and the gp100. Hickock45 on youtube has a 3" Ruger gp100 video available for viewing and he shoots it as well or better than many handguns in his other videos. My gp100 has had fewer than 150 rounds through it and wears much larger and more comfortable Altamont grips than the sp101 in factory rubber. My significant other can shoot the sp101 better than I can and the gun has returned respectable groups for us casual shooters, at least well enough that we do not suspect the gun for any poorly placed shots. At 5-15 yards I can see no difference between 2 1/4" or 3" barrel lengths. I do feel less difference in recoil between the sp101 and the gp100 than there is between the LCR and the sp101. The LCR seems to be a more selective with ammo as well but that is an incomplete evaluation. I suspect that some standard pressure 158gr lrn ammo is so slow that it will not stabilize in the short barrel.

As mentioned, I traded into the gp100. I requested a fixed sight 3" revolver in trade for another firearm and would have preferred an older service six or S&W to the gp100. As it arrived I don't care for the longer and less steady trigger of the gp100. The action itself is smooth (not gritty) but it feels too long and uneven compared to it's brothers despite a lighter pull. For what it's worth, the GP100 has more slop in it too. Lockup is great but there is slop in the hammer and trigger. Less so in the sp101. Not trying to start an argument with any of that, it appears to be de rigueur for Ruger . These are all 2013 and 2014 guns with very low round count.