Ruger gp100 - change barrel length?

[bpetro]

I was just looking at the online manual for the Ruger gp100 and in the exploded diagram it shows that the barrel is threaded into the body of the weapon. I'm having a hard time deciding if I want the compactness of a 4" barrel or the accuracy of a 6" barrel. Does anyone know how easily the barrels could be swapped back and forth? Is this something that could be done easily by a non-gunsmith? Does anybody know if Ruger would be unwilling by sell a 6" barrel to the owner of a 4" gp?

Thanks

Brian

https://www.bpwebdesign.com

[JTROKS]

Barrels will need to be indexed and will more than likely require a lathe. If you go custom I'm sure a gunsmith can set it up for you if you want to have a quick switch option, but it won't be cheap.

[rivviepop]

Agreed, it's no small feat -- you'll probably spend as much or more money on getting interchangeable barrels/frame made (ala a Dan Wesson 2"/4"/6" revolver kit) than on the gun itself. Seeing as how the GP100 isn't extremely expensive, you might just buy one in each length.