357 Mag - GP100 vs RedHawk

[Phil3]

I intend on purchasing a 357 Mag Ruger revolver, but see it is available in the venerable GP100 and RedHawk. Just a range gun, so wondering what might provide best accuracy, the GP100 or RedHawk. I would also shoot 38 Specials.

I figure the RedHawk is heavier and would offer minimal recoil, but the GP100 can be had with a 6" barrel for a longer sight radius. I do feel this one is a bit nose heavy, so may opt for the 4" barrel. TheRedHawk comes in an 8 round model with 5.5" barrel, which I thought might be the optimal for accuracy. At 52 oz, it is over 3 lbs., and recoil should be minimal. Thoughts?

Phil

[therealnickb]

Probably boils down to personal preference of ergonomics. Shoot em both if you can find them to rent or borrow.

[Delta Rose]

GP100- a much better selection of grips is available to fit various hand sizes and the trigger is much easier to tune due to the independent trigger return and hammer springs. The RH is a beast and is much larger than necessary unless you really want the 8 round capacity.

Also- beware the 7-shot GP100. There are reported issues of case rim interference on certain brands of ammo at the higher end of the SAAMI specs.

[mj1]

I'm not sure if I understand the question. I put 80 rounds of .38+P through a 3" GP100 with no problems. Maybe if you tell us what you want for the end game. Target , defense , a camping gun ?

Good luck.

[bmk20398]

I have.. GP100 6", S&W 627-5 5", Dan Wesson 715 6", Dan Wesson 15 8"
For best accuracy, I'm sure you should go Dan Wesson 715.



S&W 627-5 best accuracy = 5MOA
GP100 best accuracy = 6MOA

RedHawk 357 Model 5060 is new model, and has shrouded barrel like Dan Wesson.
"Cold hammer-forged sleeve and shroud barrel provides outstanding accuracy."
I expect this RedHawk will have great accuracy... but I don't see detailed review yet.

[babo]

I have a GP 100 Match Champion thats a sweet shooter. although, it likes the magnum rounds much better than the 38s. Im actually looking to sell it since i dont shoot it that much since i had a kid. DM me if you are interested!

[camshaft]

I've owned both.
I would say from the choices given, Gp100(6 shot). Very accurate!
My Redhawks both were never as accurate as any Smith I've ever shot! The Redhawks have sloppy clearances. The cases wiggle in the chambers about 1\8th inch. That's too much. Relying on chamber throats to straighten bullet is not a good idea.
The smith and wesson cylinders are nice and tight.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[timbo399]

One of the first guns I ever bought was a 4" GP100. Still to this day, even with owning various S&W Performance Center revolvers, all sorts of semi autos, etc-- that trusty GP100 always is in my range bag-- I just LOVE to shoot it.

Zero issues with full house magnum loads-- shoots and handles like a champ. I love it. Cannot comment on the Redhawk as I've never shot one.

[PennypackPete]

I converted mine

I converted my G30SF (G3) to 10 mm.

I used a Storm Lake conversion barrel, a G29 extractor, and of course 10mm mags.

I also used a stronger recoil spring (22 as opposed to stock 17 lb) because the cases were flying about 15 feet behind me.

Worked great and very accurate. I liked it so much, when I found a G29 (G3) on sale in gun genie and bought that.

I have found the G30 and G29 slides to be absolutely identica lexcept for the markings. I've heard some theorize that the G29 has a heaver slide than the G30, but I found the weights to be identical.

I suspect that the conversion barrel was not necessary. I tried the G29 stock barrel in the converted G30 and it worked fine, with no adverse signs on the brass.

Its a fun conversion to do, and I learned a lot. I ended up putting the 22lb recoil spring in the G29. Its harder to move the slide, but the brass pile is much more manageable.

[DArBad]

I used to own both the 4 inch and 6 inch stainless Ruger GP 100 in the recent past. The 6 inch is indeed front heavy, the 4 inch is more balanced. I never owned the Ruger Redhawk though I've had the opportunity to shoot it several times, courtesy of my shooting buddy.

In my opinion, the .357 is perfectly tailored to the Ruger GP 100 series, while the Ruger Redhawk is tailored for the 44 magnum. That was also the intent of Bill Ruger when he came out with both of those models in the Ruger lineup.

[PennypackPete]

Sorry about above comment, wrong thread!

[Hardwarejunkie]

I own both a 4" stainless GP100 and 3" SP101 in .357.
I can't see any benefit in going heavier than the GP100, but I have no experience with the Redhawk.

[sofbak]

Sooo, no love here for a single action vaquero?

[FullMetalJacket]

Have not owned a Redhawk, but have one of the new 7-shot GP-100s (a 4") in jail. My nephew has a GP-100 from about 20 years ago and it seems an excellent gun (well-made, accurate).

I have a S&W 327 (the R8) and I think this is a better way to go for an 8-shot .357.

[Mr. Beretta]

Never owned or shot the Redhawk so can't comment.

But have several 1000 rds of 357 downrange with my stainless 4" GP 100 (6 shot) with the Hogue grips.

No issues, no problems. Hits where I point it. Its a keeper.

Good Luck.