Full Shroud or Half Shroud on GP100
- Thread starter DTown24
- Start date
On that barrel length, the difference is primarily cosmetic, in my opinion.
The shroud is the part of the barrel that protects the ejector rod. The full shroud just extends to the end of the barrel. It gives the revolver a little more weight in the front which can help with recoil. In the longer barrels, this can make a significant difference in recoil and also in the overall weight of the revolver. Some folks don't care for the "nose-heavy" feel and prefer a half shroud.
In a 3" barrel, the difference in the amount of metal in a half shroud barrel vs a full shroud barrel isn't that significant.
Here's a 4" GP100 with a full shroud:
And here's the same length barrel with a half/partial shroud.
The shroud is the part of the barrel that protects the ejector rod. The full shroud just extends to the end of the barrel. It gives the revolver a little more weight in the front which can help with recoil. In the longer barrels, this can make a significant difference in recoil and also in the overall weight of the revolver. Some folks don't care for the "nose-heavy" feel and prefer a half shroud.
In a 3" barrel, the difference in the amount of metal in a half shroud barrel vs a full shroud barrel isn't that significant.
Here's a 4" GP100 with a full shroud:
And here's the same length barrel with a half/partial shroud.
It is worth noting that Ruger recently discontinued many, if not all, of their half-shroud offerings. I like both and was sorry to see this but I guess the full-shrouds sell better. I believe the only 3" left in the line is the 3" full shroud in stainless steel but you may be able to find some "out there" with the 1/2 shroud and Davidson's recently still had quite a few full shroud blue 3 inchers (on sale, too).. Not too long ago there were some used 3" 1/2 shrouds imported by C.A.I. that were largely very nice guns. I got one and outside of some cosmetic flaws (from being carried a lot I suppose) mine is like new and tight as a tick and a great shooter. While I really like the short-shroud 4 inch (discontinued) I agree that in the 3 inch the difference is mainly how you like the looks. The difference in weight is very minor. Good luck. The 3 inch GP is a gem and now that it is getting more rare, all of a sudden many of us have found a love for them...ain't marketing grand? We always want what we can't have. 