I'm pretty set on picking up a Ruger GP100, just trying to decide between a 4" and 6" model.

I sure appreciate experiences, pro's or con's of one over the other. I guess that applies to any 4" vs 6" 357 revolver.

Thanks

I have both.

The GP100 is already big, and gets quite unwieldy with a 6” barrel. Unless you are using it for hunting, I’d go with the 4.

MNSIG, thanks, yep, it's going to be a indoor range gun only so that's good info.

I used to carry a S&W 64 and had a Ruger .357 w/ 6" barrel, I think it was a Security Six. I bought the Ruger for intra-departmental pistol competition and that was the only thing I found it good for.

If you are planning to use it at any time for a carry piece, I would recommend the 4" barrel. It would be easier to carry and present, if needed. If it is strictly a range gun, then I would opt for the 6" barrel.

When my wife and I first started shooting pistols Her a S&W 686 3" and i a Ruger Red Hawk 4" that was back in 1980. Today my pistol is a Ruger GP100 WC 3" with CT laser grips. Here is a photo.

For offhand DA shooting go 4". Shooting off the bench over a sandbag for group go 6".

3" is my favorite for shootability and concealibility.
Second is 4", so that's what I would suggest, but these are just the nonsensical ravings of a lunatic mind.

For overall use, carry and performance, take the 4 inch.
For better ballistics (and possibly accuracy) go with a 6 inch.
For strictly concealed carry, 3 inch Wiley Clapp.

Eh? Ruger's finally making them in a proper barrel length - 5 inches, not too short and not too long.

http://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1768.html

How bout a 3” ?

It’s going to be a range gun, I say get the 6”. The weight is not A factor because your not going to carry it. If you don’t already have a long barrel gun then definately get the 6”.

I shoot and train a lot with G19/P226 and when I switch things up with a long barrel .357 it is a nice change.

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
Eh? Ruger's finally making them in a proper barrel length - 5 inches, not too short and not too long.

http://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1768.html

Yes I own GP100 in 3" 4" 5" sold the 6" one after I bought the 5" GP100. It is just right for balance. The 5" GP100 is also works well with full power 357 loads.

I have a 6" GP-100. Got a great deal on it. $350 about 15 years ago. I WISH it was a 4" however. Would be much more useful in that size.

I got the Lipsey exclusive, in 5 inch. Perfect balance.

quote:

Originally posted by mlazarus:
I got the Lipsey exclusive, in 5 inch. Perfect balance.

Same here. I also had a 4" that I gave to my BIL.

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
Eh? Ruger's finally making them in a proper barrel length - 5 inches, not too short and not too long.

http://ruger.com/products/gp100/specSheets/1768.html

I've had a stainless 5" for a few years now, purchased from the days when it was a Davidson's exclusive. Great, perfectly balanced gun as others have voiced and an excellent complement to my 3" GP100. With those two in-hand owning a 4.2" 'tweener' really doesn't make sense anymore.

Don't forget, they have a 7 shot cylinder now!

I have a 4.2" GP100 that I bought strictly for a range toy, I guess 2 more inches wouldn't really make any difference for the range. Get whichever feels best in your hand.

4 inch. I have a longer one and it is unwieldy. I might dump it actually. Too much of a good thing.

I'd generally get the 4". The 6" is potentially more accurate, but I prefer the aesthetics and balance of a 4" more. Within 25yards (and maybe a fair amount further) the accuracy difference is going to have more to do with how any particular shooter benefits from the longer sight radius. Everything else being equal I'd bet they'd be within .1s of an inch if shoot out of a ransom rest.

If you plan on shooting further than the 6" will start to look better.