Ruger GP 100 barrel length

O

Oswald

Inactive
What barrel length is best for a range revolver? 5" or 6". Pistol would not be a personal carry gun. I have heard that the 5" GP 100 is a fabulous revolver if you can find one.

I would appreciate any comment on this topic. Thanks Buddhas
 
I prefer my full lug 6" for the range, I prefer my Dad's 4" for anything else. I'm sure 5" would be a nice compromise, but I've never seen one.
 
Best Barrel Length

For my taste a 3 to 4 inch full lug barrel. Any longer and I can do without the full lug, just makes the revolver too muzzle heavy.
 
Right radius and balance

The longer the sight radius, the more accurate the gun can be aimed (though the difference between a 2" and 6" in ACTUAL accuracy is negligible, the ability to AIM is heavily influenced by the distance between the front and rear sights).

I have 5.5", 6" and 10" barreled (otherwise identical) handguns. The 5.5" and 6" are virtually identical in accuracy, but the 10" shoots almost as well as my carbine/rifle in the same chambering. However, the 10" is awful to shoot, as it is too muzzle heavy to hold well.

Some people like the balance of a slightly muzzle-heavy 6" to the more centrally-balanced center of gravity of a 5" or 4" barrel. So, I opine that it will depend on your particular style of shooting. How you hold the gun, your eyesight, etc.

I know this is not a definitive answer, but it gives you my opinion of the factors that deserve your attention when you make your choice.

My choice in GP100 for range use? 6" most of the time. (I have both 6" and 4" from which to choose).

Lost Sheep
 
i had a 4.2" gp, traded it for 6" gp just out of preference. I knew i couldnt carry the 4" either so it was more of a range gun anyway. might as well have the long barrel/sight radius to go with it, but for all practical purposes the 4" shot just as well.
 
Oswald:

Have you looked at the four inch Smith & Wesson modle 686? It will give the
GP100 a run for its money. A good gun smith can tune a 686 to rival a Colt Python. I'm not knocking the Ruger, it is a fine revolver.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery Sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
I like a GP100 with a 6" barrel and short shroud.
I don't like the front heaviness of the full shroud.
 
The GP 100 five inch barrel is a Davidson's exclusive, they are currently out of stock but if you are patient they do show up periodically. Here is the link to Davidson's:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=1740

The item number is 1740, you can put it on a stock watch and they will email you when they are back in stock.

I have a 5 inch GP100, and it balances and shoots well for me. While the extra inch of sight radius in the 6 inch would be welcome, I think I would find it too muzzle heavy. The out of production half lug 6 inch might have been the best combination of balance and sight radius.
 
I like heavy long barrels. Less muzzle flip and less felt recoil.

The only way to know is to try one on for size.
 
The 4" model is perfect for me and my range shooting. Enough weight up front, but still has good balance.
Hoping to buy the 3" model as well.
I gave up on long barrels, I just don't need them with my medium power loads.
 
I prefer 6" for the range and own a 6" S&W 686. If I ever buy another .357, it will be a 4" Ruger as the shorter barrel is a bit easier to carry as a hunting side arm.
 
6" Ruger GP revolver; Gemini Customs...

About 5-6 years ago, I kicked around the idea of buying a NIB blue steel Ruger GP100 in 6" with adj sights. They ran about $400-500.00 NIB then.
I'd get a 6" stainless or blue steel if you really wanted a GP series revolver.
I owned a sweet NIB Ruger GPNY .38spl 4" barrel in the mid-2000s.
I purchased the Ruger GPNY from a FFL holder in AL. He cleaned out some surplus firearms & older stock he had in a warehouse.
BTW; Custom shop; Gemini Customs has a great package for Ruger GP100 revolvers. They convert a 6" barrel to 3" & trick it out. ;)
See www.GeminiCustoms.com . If you want to upgrade the GP .357magnum but keep the target barrel, you can get other custom features.

CF
 
Everyone that responded to this thread, THANK YOU. I will use comments for reference in determining my purchase.

Buddhas
 
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