Ruger GP100 6" vs 4" barrel?

[ilmonster]

Flame cutting? I thought GP100's were pretty imune to this, and it was Smith & Wesson's that had bigger issues with this problem? I don't own a GP right now, but am actually thinking of getting one for taking to the range.

 

[Lazuris]

Nope they flame cut. Or at least this one does.

 

[Gary A]

Unless one is shooting super hot loads, flame-cutting, to the extent it occurs, is usually self-limiting, i.e. it goes so far and then stops. Shouldn't be a problem. At least that is my understanding. Agreed, though, that the hot 125s are more prone to this than other loads.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I'm sure the 6" will easily soak up recoil but I've never tried a 4".

I think it depends on what you will use it for. If it is for home defense and range use, then I would get the 6". If you will be carrying it around a lot, I would go with a 4". I have a 6" and have fired a 4" as well. The recoil difference is noticeable, but the 4" will not leave you bruised by any means. It is a pretty beefy gun either way.

 

[Rob96]

No need to use 125gr rounds in the 4" GP. I found the 145gr Winchester Silvertips to really stand out with this revolver.

 

[Gary A]

I also really, really like the 145gr Winchester Silvertips.

 

[harbinger_j]

The 4" barrel balanced better in my hand than the 6" and it handles the heavy loads well.

 

[Big Mike]

FWIW, I've read a few times that folks have experienced the 4" as being somewhat more accurate than the 6" because the stiffness of the 4" barrel compared to the 6". I have no experience shooting the 6", but I used to own a 3". Looking for a 4" now.