Ruger GP100 2.5-Inch 7-Shot Snubnose: Major Pandemic’s Bunker Bar Podcast Summary (Trail Revolver Breakdown)
In this episode of Major Pandemic’s Bunker Bar, the host goes full “wheel gun nerd” on one of the most unusual—and surprisingly practical—revolvers in the Ruger lineup: the Ruger GP100 2.5-inch 7-shot .357 Magnum snubnose (Model 1774). If you think “snubby” automatically means punishing recoil, mediocre sights, and compromise everywhere, this episode argues the opposite: this is essentially a full-size GP100 that just happens to wear a 2.5-inch barrel.
What Makes This GP100 Snubnose Different
Most snub-nosed revolvers are built on smaller frames and trimmed down in ways that sacrifice shootability. This one isn’t. The host emphasizes that the 2.5-inch GP100 is a big, beefy large-frame .357, and that weight (around 36 ounces) turns into a real advantage: less recoil, more stability, and better control with everything from .38 Special to hotter .357 loads. Yes, you still get the classic .357 “fireball” out of a short barrel—because physics—but the gun stays composed instead of dancing around like lightweight snubbies.
The Headline Feature: 7 Rounds in a GP100 Cylinder
A standard GP100 is usually a six-shot. Here, Ruger “stuffed seven rounds” into the same general cylinder footprint, creating what the host jokingly calls a “high-capacity assault revolver.” The practical takeaway is solid: if you’re carrying snake shot for trail work, you’re not giving up as much defensive capacity as you would with a five-shot or a typical six-shot.
Trail-Gun Utility: Snake Shot + Magnum Capability
The host is a big fan of CCI snake shot loads (and similar options) for real-world trail problems—snakes, pests, and nuisance critters—because they solve the “close-range problem” fast. He also argues the GP100 platform gives you the flexibility to run .38 Special for comfort, .357 Magnum for serious threats, and specialized loads when needed, all in the same revolver.
Sights, Extraction, and Shootability—No Snubnose “Gotchas”
One of the most interesting points is how little Ruger compromised:
Fully adjustable rear sight with a high-visibility front (and easy swap compatibility with other GP100 sight options).
Full-length extractor—a big deal on short-barrel revolvers where partial extractors can leave you fighting sticky cases. Here, extraction behaves like a full-size gun.
GP100 grip system with easy swaps and tons of aftermarket options, letting you tune comfort and recoil control.
Trigger and Refinements vs the Earlier Run
The host compares this newer production to earlier versions (notably around the 2017-era run) and says Ruger cleaned up the rough edges—especially the double-action staging and overall smoothness. His read: it now feels closer to a “Ruger-Wesson” trigger—more controllable and stageable like many people love on Smith & Wesson, while still retaining the Ruger character.
Availability Note: Buy It When You See It
A repeated theme is that this model has come and gone through catalog cycles and distributor availability. The host’s advice is simple: if you want this specific 2.5-inch 7-shot GP100, don’t assume it’ll always be easy to find.
Bottom line: This episode sells the Ruger GP100 2.5-inch 7-shot as a rare combo—snub-nosed carryability with full-size revolver shootability, adjustable sights, strong extraction, and legit trail versatility. If you’re hunting for a rugged .357 that doesn’t beat you up and still delivers real capability, this one lands squarely in the “seriously consider it” category.
