Ruger GP100: 4" vs 6" Barrel?

[CodyGT46]

I've shot the 6" and the 3" and own a 4" (4.2 whatever it is) and I didn't notice a whole lot of accuracy improvement with the longer barrel vs the shorter one. I do like the balance of the 4" better, but lets face it. Either way GP100 is a heavy tank of a revolver and it to me it handles .357s like they're just hot loaded .38s.

Like others have said, if you decide it to just be a range toy the 6" will be fun and I own a 6" Dan Wesson and a 6" S&W M19 and they're always fun. If its defense and carrying I'd go with the shorter barrel, and lean more towards the Match Champion. I'm hoping I might get a Match Champion for Christmas myself

[jeffrice6]

Get the 4" ~ Same accuracy & easier to pack

[ElvenSoul]

Just shooting at range or home defense the 6" wins hands down

If your going to carry all day a 3"

[DArBad]

Just shooting at range or home defense the 6" wins hands down......

+1 to this^^^^^^

[Nick Adams]

I was all excited about this model, until I saw it is not approved for CA, according to the Ruger website. Damn!

Phil

I am as dissapointed as you are. One more for my 'when I move' list.

[Undecided]

The answer is simple - get both. In the 1970s I had a chance to buy two Pythons but only got one. Regretted ever since.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Unless you're gonna carry it, the 6" is a tack driver!

Come to one of the Santa Clara meet ups (PM me I'll put you on the mailing list) and I'll let you shoot my GP 6".


And before that kids/jokesters chime in about how that sounds...I guess I should include no homo!

[ee2]

For target shooting the 6 inch barrel has a better sight radius and being muzzle heavy helps control recoil and enables quicker accurate follow up.

[FUBAR]

Go 6 inch...I'm sure your wife will appreciate the extra length...

[ddaarr]

I have the 4" 38spl only model. I'm still working in getting better groups. Handle both and see which feels more natural in your hand.

Sent from my HTC Desire 610 using Tapatalk

[Fishslayer]

Question is, for target shooting, is the 4" or 6" barrel best? I expect I would be shooting 38 Specials most of the time. My wife will shoot it infrequently. I have not handled the 6", but wonder if it is too front heavy. Any GP100 owners care to comment? This gun may act as a home defense weapon too, but would the 6" barrel rule that out?

Phil

For target shooting the 6" will be easier to shoot accurately because of the longer sight plane. No, the longer barrel would not rule it out as a home defense weapon.

[b.thomas]

I was looking at the 100 a few years ago when I pick up my 6" Security Six instead. I found the full lug six inch to be very barrel heavy, not so much with the four inch. At the time I got a great deal on the S6 and with the shorter lug barreled S.6 feeling, "just right", I went with it.
Doing it all over again, without the S6 in the mix................................. I'd go the the four inch gp100.

[saudadeii]

I have a 4" SS. For me it balances well enough. I can shoot ridiculous full power magnums (shot some Underwoods) and still be manageable. Shooting .38spc, even Golden Saber 125gr +P feels routine.

[yellow748]

I have the GP100 in 4" and absolutely love it. Shooting 38 feels like shooting a 22. Shooting 357 is even enjoyable! I haven't shot the 6" barrel but did consider it before going with the 4" barrel. Did it feel a tad bit heavier than the 4" barrel? Ya, but not a lot. Why did I pick the 4" barrel? Cause it is my hunting sidearm and fit better in a holster on my hip. That's the main reason I chose it. Looking at them side by side, I have to admit, the 6" barrel looks much better and maybe one day I'll get one as well.

[Günter]

I had the same dilemma earlier this year, I ended up with getting the GP100 in 6" Stainless.

Reasons:
-Chose stainless because: I'm not a big fan of Ruger's particular bluing in their gun, light scratches can be polished out in stainless, cleaning is also easier.

Chose 6" barrel because:
-Was not looking for a carry gun, have plenty of smaller lighter guns for that.

-The aesthetics of the long barrel is simply just bad@$$.

Results:
-Most accurate handgun I ever fired, despite it being clunkier and heavier trigger than my friend's 4" 686P, I shot much better with the GP100 for some odd reason.

-Must admit it is front heavy and not really well balanced, but tact driver performance has me sold - no regrets over a 4".