I have decided that the 7-round Ruger GP 100 will be my next revolver purchase. I can buy the 4.2" model for the same price as the 2.5" model. I intend to occasionally conceal carry the weapon (IWB), and really wish there were a 3" option. Of the available choices, I am leaning toward the 4.2" barrel. Do any of you conceal a revolver with a 4 inch barrel? If so, do you find it comfortable, or would you recommend the 2.5" model if I intend to conceal carry?
I own many revolvers, and the GP-100 is a solid choice with the 7 round capacity. I’d choose a 2.5” for practicality. I have owned the Ruger SP-101 (my first ever handgun decades ago), but the trigger is not good, it’s a brick for weight, and it’s only 5 rounds. If I were to carry it, I’d change the SP-101 grips for a larger wood grip or a thicker/rear padded rubber Hogue grip. The Ruger LCR was shaped in a way for my meaty hands that recoil hit my thenar eminance, making it unpleasant for 38+P. The S&W 442 shape suited my bear mits much better.
My GP-100 revolvers were only 6 rounds (I sold them off since they were 6” and 4” versions, too impractical for me). Of the revolvers I have, I choose to carry a 2.5” Kimber K6S 6 round snubbie or a 3” S&W 586 L-Comp 7 rounder for CCW. For me, anything longer is way to heavy.
Before you decide upon the length of the barrel for purchasing, you should consider a few factors:
Concealed carry issues
What is the total weight of each gun loaded? What is the availability of holsters for your particular gun choice? How do you intend to conceal carry? IWB? OWB?
A longer revolver will be a a slower draw from concealment than a shorter one. The longer sight radius will take a fraction of a second longer to focus on the sights.
Outside the waistband is a faster draw depending upon your method of concealment.
Kydex is a better material for concealed carry than leather. Leather requires a break in and can be a bit snug, even with a proper break in. When I’ve concealed carried a Python, Smith 627 5”, Smith 586 L-Comp 3”, it’s always been a leather paddle holster or a 5.56 Concealment shirt (works like a shoulder holster, logistically).
Handling
How well do you shoot one versus the other? How much time do you intend on practicing, drawing from concealment and how to reload?
Most people will shoot a 4” or longer revolver better than a shorter one. Depending upon the load, the muzzle velocity will be greater by anywhere from 150-200 FPS.
How much experience do you have shooting a 2.5” barrel handgun? It’s not as easy as most people realize.
At what distances do you intend to practice? I typically use a 25 yard standard if it’s going to be my carry gun, on a 10-12” plate, even though most realistic distances are going to be much closer. Why? Because I want to ensure that I have a minimum degree of proficiency with it. A longer distance unmasks any degree of inconsistency I may have with trigger control on it.
When I go hunting, I carry a Ruger Alaskan 454 Casull, 2.5”, OWB Kydex Holster by Bladetech. It’s my backup to a rifle. I have carried a 5” Ruger Toklat 45 Casull, but again, the draw is much slower.
MuzzleblastMD
-Physician
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