Why is it so hard to find 3" Ruger GP100

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rygould

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I'm just bewildered. I have hunted high and low across the internet for several hours over multiple weeks, and can't seem to find anywhere that is selling the 3" GP100. Not even on gunbroker.

I could understand if it was a collector's piece or had been out of production for a while, but from what I can tell it is still being manufactured. Do they only do limited runs on the 3" or am I just google-stupid?

My darling wife wants to get one for me for my birthday this month, I just have to find one.
 
First off, you have a terrific wife... You NEED to buy her some jewelry, she's earned it!

3" Revolvers are fantastic...I own three S&W's in 3" ; 696, 66, 36-1... I wouldn't part with any of them...

Check Gun Broker, GunsAmerica or Auction Arms...

Also, you may want to check with your local gun shop about ordering one for you direct from Ruger.

Hope that helps...
 
They exist you have to look and look again. I'm still in the I want one state but can't afford it. Haven't looked in a while but every now and then I'd find one on gun broker. If you need it quick I'd say order it from your gun shop
 
I think like a number of Ruger offerings, the 3" GP is sold in smaller numbers and is likely made in runs. Also, a lot of people don't get rid of the ones they have, me being an exception. I sold mine not because they aren't great guns but slimming down my collection, I kept a couple of 4" fixed sight GPs and sold the 3 inch since I felt the 4" better suited to my needs. I'll bet after you find one you'll come across several others in quick succession. Just seems to be how it works.

Also, they really have trimmed the number of offerings in that model. They used to have short shroud, full shroud, and also one in Blue with a full shroud. I think they only offer the stainless full shroud now but am not certain.

BTW, I always felt the 3" short shroud the best looking, though there isn't spit worth of difference in weight or handling, IMO, since with the 3" barrel, the short shroud doesn't shave off much metal at all. I'd take either and be happy.
 
Funny enough, a 3" GP100 is the first ever firearm I bought, back in 1997. After doing much research before getting my first gun, I had decided on a .357 revolver for its versatility, reliability, ammo availability, and all around idiot-proof usability. I found a used 3" GP100 at a gun show, and it was love at first sight. I still have it.

And that's why it's probably hard to find them. The owners tend to hang onto them.
 
>>Sounds like I'll just have to keep hunting and be patient.<<

Yeah, that's kinda the way it is. I bought my first one on Auction Arms (half lug) a few months ago and then found one at my local gun shop a couple of weeks ago. (full lug) Now I have one of each! :)
 
Those who own them tend to hang on to them. I had a 3" Service Six for several years and sold it to the dealer I bought it from for a profit...it was sold almost immediately. If you hunt for one locally, bring cash...

mark
 
they have a 4" fixed sight gp100 on gunbroker right now which seems to have been easier to find than the 3 inch, I remember when it use to be the other way around.
 
@Revolver Ocelot- You are right, I have seen several 4" fixed sights local as well. If I didn't already have a 686 in 4" I would definitely be open to that idea. For some reason I have this kick to drop down to the 3" family.

@hiram2005- I'm jealous!

@bigtubby- Thanks for the link, I will check them out.

Thanks again everyone for the input! I have always loved how helpful and friendly THR members have been.
 
The optimist in me says it is just that the demand for 4" and 6" leads Ruger to reduce production of the 3", making them scarce. The cinic in me says they just don't want to overshadow sales of the SP101, so they keep production very low.

I have a 3" S&W 65-3 and a 3" stainless Ruger Service Six. The 3" is a really nice size and weight. My S.Six has been doing HD/nightstand duty for quite awhile.
 
Check the big distributers often. I bought a 3" GP100 from CDNN a couple years ago for a song.
 
Marketing. Ruger believes more people will buy the 4 in. so they produce more of them. A GP even with a 3 in tube is a heavy gun (to most people, not to me) Also nowdays more and more people are buying ultra lightweight alloy and polymer guns. People are placing much more importance on carry weight (which I totally disagree with.) I always get a chuckle out of guys showing a ultra lightweight carry gun and saying "it only weighs 19 ounces!" Which you will be very aware of every time you fire it.
 
Why not get the 2.75" Six:

39886_1563633818923_1477701250_1503240_7821314_n.jpg
 
personally I'm a big fan of the 3" speed six in 357

AAASpeed-Six.gif

this one is unfortunately not mine, however I have gotten to shoott one just like it and in my personal opinion it balanced better than its gp100 equivilant.
 
Revolver Ocelot, that is maybe the finest DA revolver Ruger ever created. Very nice.
 
Those are some beautiful revolvers. I just love the look of that 3" barrel. It feels like the perfect compromise between a trail gun and range burner. I would love to haul around a 4"-6", but it just won't work for me.

Just for the fact that it's such a hassle to find one seems to be a testament to how much people love them.

Went and played around with the GP's and SP's last night at the range, trying to talk myself into a 3" SP instead of the GP. Not that the SP isn't a fine gun, but the action felt so much better in the GP. If there hadn't been multiple versions I would have chalked it up to a singular bad example, but it was pretty consistant.
 
I would venture a guess that most folks who want a 3" barrel also prefer the compact frame...as in a SP101 or Speed/Security/Service Six. No reason not to have a 3" GP100 but it might explain why they're not as common/popular.
 
I suspect that Ruger just doesn't make as many of the 3" GP's. It is as simple as that. I have one and like it.
 
>>I suspect that Ruger just doesn't make as many of the 3" GP's<<

Although they still show in their catalog, I'm not sure they're making any!
 
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