GP100 4" replaced a Smith & Wesson 19-3 6"

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YankeeIronSights

New member
Hi Everyone:

Today, I went against all popular philosophy preached by revolver "experts". I traded, at my LGS, a Smith and Wesson Model 19-3 with 6" barrel (90-95% condition) for a Ruger GP100 with 4" barrel (99% condition) - it has rubber grips with wood panels.

The reason: the 19 is front heavy due to the 6" barrel. During range practice, I had to over compensate for the extra weight, while aiming. After some minutes, the trigger guard would punish my middle finger.

The GP100 is friendlier to shoot and is in mint condition. The trade was even because the GP100 cost me the same as I paid for the Mod. 19. I am sure that the store will sell the gun for much more money but it all comes to owning a good gun that I can shoot well and comfortably.

Any thoughts?
 
Whatever is best for you. I had a 19 & 66 (superb firearms) but my GP100 was the go to gun for many reasons. Congrats on your purchase.
 
I feel the same. In some revolvers the barrel is long and heavy enough that the imbalance bothers me. My go-to has always been a 4".
 
Since I got my first Glock, I have not carried a revolver on a daily basis. For a range or hunting gun, I would take the GP-100 over Smith. I have several Smith K and L frames but appreciate the robust Ruger for range fun or deer stand back up. It will digest very heavy loads that will put undue wear on a K frame.
 
Since I got my first Glock, I have not carried a revolver on a daily basis. For a range or hunting gun, I would take the GP-100 over Smith. I have several Smith K and L frames but appreciate the robust Ruger for range fun or deer stand back up. It will digest very heavy loads that will put undue wear on a K frame.

Some will argue, with some merit, that the Smith has a better trigger. Just shoot the Ruger and learn it's trigger, you will not be handicapped in the long run.
 
Here is a KGPF-340 GP100, I have one exactly like it:

P1000584.jpg


It's got a 4" half lug barrel, and is perfectly weighted and balanced. Fixed sights are more rugged than adjustable, and just fine for defense use. They are also better on the draw. It is IMHO, the perfect GP100.
 
That KGPF-340 looks great. I have never seen any like it before. I assume Ruger discontinued its production.
Click to expand...

Yeah they are pretty uncommon, but Ruger made a small run of them a couple years ago and that's the vintage of mine, it's new. I also have a set of the same compact wood insert grips pictured, which a gracious member on another forum gave to me for free. These grips a rare these days and fetch prices of $100+ on the open market.

It's just a perfect sized GP100 for my needs, which is home defense and sometimes CCW. It still has a 4" bbl for full magnum performance, but with the fixed sights, compact grips, and slimmer profile bbl it packs easier and more discrete than Ruger's current full lug guns, which are also excellent in their own right.
 
I wouldn't have done it, but that's just me. I don't really care for a 6" Model 19, so I can't really fault you there, but I've never cared for the GP-100 either. Good gun I know however, so if you like it, and you're happy, you did good.
 
Nice deal OP. Some folks really prefer a 4" barrel for the reasons that you give.

This is my half-lug 4" GP100 (GPF340)

 
Here is a KGPF-340 GP100, I have one exactly like it:

It's got a 4" half lug barrel, and is perfectly weighted and balanced. Fixed sights are more rugged than adjustable, and just fine for defense use. They are also better on the draw. It is IMHO, the perfect GP100.
Click to expand...

I also have one, but mine is the early run (1989)...
 
Quit using a 4" 19(with a high end trigger job) over 30 years ago when GP's first came to Canada. Not because one is better than the other, but the GP fits my hand and stock Smith 'K' frames do not. Sold the 19 for what I paid for it.
 
If anyone here would like to send me a Ruger GP100 Match Champion for Christmas, I would be more than thankful.
I have been waiting to see if it would be made with a 3" barrel.
 
If that 19-3 was in decent condition, it was worth a fair bit more than the Ruger. Perhaps even $300-400 more. Hope they gave you a fair deal.
 
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