Sometimes when you are used to something so short, 6” seems like a lot. In fact, 6” seems huge in the land of 3” barrel pistols and with the Ruger GP-100, you can add heavy and thick to the list as well. Get your mind out of the gutter, we are talking about one of the most saluted and upright revolvers on the market.
Despite the fact that in the right light and camera angle the 6” barreled Ruger GP-100 makes for some pretty great gun porn, the GP-100 has been the cornerstone of Ruger’s double action revolver line since its introduction in 1985. It has spawned the SP-101 and even inspired Ruger’s new light weight line. The Ruger GP100 has been featured as a firearm for both villains and heroes in movies such as “Tango and Cash” and television on shows like “CSI:Miami” and “Law & Order.”
Part of the love and popularity of the Ruger GP-100 is the big beefy bomb proof design that handloaders depend on to test high pressure rounds and it also looks bad ass. Beyond its super size me look, it is also among the most accurate factory .357 revolvers made and has stood the test of time from a design, function and accuracy perspective. Although I already own one 4” .357 GP-100 model, I have lusted after the giant 6” barreled model for years and I was ecstatic that I was able to find one.
FIT, FINISH, FEEL, FEATURES, FUNCTIONS & ACCURACY
All those glowing accolades, I will say the current production brushed stainless steel model is not as well finished as my limited edition gloss high polish 4” version. The fully polished version had all the little corners knocked off and delivered a pistol which felt like you were holding polished glass, however the current production version had a few sharp edges here and there. The beauty of a brushed stainless steel gun is that you can just use a little sandpaper to knock off any sharp edges and the gun finish looks perfect. I do with Ruger would bring back the glossy mirror polish as I think it adds to the glorious look of the revolver.

It features a Hogue rubber grip which takes the sting out of the heaviest .357 rounds, and delivers a delightful grip when shooting the soft shooting .38 Special rounds for target practice, small game hunting, and plinking.
FUNCTIONS & ACCURACY
Where the 4” barrel GP-100 is the epitome of common sense and practicality for home & camp defense, and hunting and perhaps even open carry, the 6” is about as impractical as it comes for typical defensive tasks. Sure, whipping out an impressively long 11.5” piece of .357 caliber stainless steel would certainly do the job from a defensive perspective with a bit of added intimidation, however it is not going to be the fastest on the target or the easiest to carry at 11.5” and a whopping 2.8lbs.


From an accuracy perspective, the 6” barreled Ruger GP-100 is, drumroll, more accurate than my 4’ barreled model. The main noticeable differences to the shooter are \the extra weight and longer sight radius which make the revolver more precise and more stable to shoot. My 4” model can hold a 2” 18-round group shot offhand at 15 yards with my standard 158gr reloads, however the 6” barreled model delivers about 1.5” groups at the same distance. Do I think the barrel delivers more accuracy? No, however I do think the extra barrel length weight and sight radius allow the shooter the deliver more accurate shots.Off the sandbags, I can hammer golf balls all day long at the 50-yard line with my 158gr cast semi-wadcutter loads, but with great factory loaded ammo like the Hornady Critical Defense 125gr FTX, the GP-100 delivers consistent 1” 50-yard off the sandbags.

FINAL THOUGHTS

SPECS
Model Options:
Mod. # 1707
Material Stainless Steel
Finish Satin
Front Sight Ramp
Rear Sight Adjustable
Barrel Length 6.00"
Overall Length 11.50"
Weight 45.00 oz.
MSRP $759.00
SOURCES
Shop a huge selection of Firearms and Accessories at Brownells.com - excellent prices and huge selection.
Ruger - http://www.ruger.com/
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