Brookelynngreen

I went to Cabela's today to handle a couple Ruger GP100's that I have been looking to purchase. I want a .357 Magnum Revolver as my back up to my Mossberg 590A1. The .357 will be stored in my backpack when I go hiking in the woods, and I may purchase a nice holster that will work well with the MOLLE system on my pack so that in case of an emergency I can reach to the side of my pack, draw and shoot.

What are the cons & pros of a 4"?

What are the cons & pros of a 6"?

All you wheel gunners give me your opinions and expertise on this one please

topo42

Have a 4 & 6
the 4 would be more managable for a back pack
I use the 6 with a holster for in the woods.

The 6 to me is more fun to shoot ,

both are very easy to shoot (I replaced the front sights ) and verry accurate.
FYI

kiwihunter

I LOVE MY 6"

Colt Seavers

I have a 6" full lug gp100 (with hogue grips) and I love it. I highly recomend the 6" for better accuracy (sight picture), better muzzel velocity and next to no recoil. The only time I would recomend a shorter barrel would be for specific tasks like concealed carry and requirements for IDPA and such. And before people bring up the difference in weight, it's a 5oz. difference between a 4.2" and a 6". If that's going o make or break your ability to carry the weapon, then I'd suggest an entirely different and lighter weapon all together (like an sp101 or LCR).

Also, some states require 6" minimum barrel length for hunting.

gwnorth

Find a 5" and get all 3 - my $0.02s worth.

I have a stainless 4" and a blued 6" and could not pick one over the other.

ExArmy11b

My pick would be to go with the 4", the perfect balance of handling, sight radius and enough barrel to get good velocity with .357's. A dangerous predator won't know the difference between a Cor-Bon or a Buffalo Bore 180 gr. .357 fired from a 4" or a 6". You might lose 1-200 fps. with the 4" but again, it won't make much of a "real world" difference.

I also have several each of the 6" and 4" GP100's, so I couldn't decide either

I also have a 3" which is one of my favorites.

Just pick the one that feels the best to you and go with it, either way you can't go wrong.

gnagegrenade

+1 I own the 6". Excellent gun. Sounds like a 4" would be best for you. I bought the 6" for hunting. I have a 2" SP101 for the backpack and home defense (also accompanies the Mossberg). I would suggest the 4" for your needs

North country gal

2" of barrel length is not going to make or break you, so pick whichever feels good in your hands. True, a 6" is going to have a longer sight radius, which is beneficial for shooting iron sights, but our 4" is so darn accurate there's not much room for improvement and if an old gal like me can take the muzzle blast from a 4" and shoot up a full box of full power 158 grain loads in a range session, anyone can. You can tout the performance advantages of a 6" barrel all you want, but the difference is mostly on paper. Again, go with whichever feels good in your hands.

Trad Archer

I have the 4" in 327 and it's the most accurate hand gun that I own.

I would like to someday have a GP100 in 357. I really like the looks of the half lug 6".

All in all, I think it's tough to beat the versitility of the 4" barrel.

Good luck with your decision.

LeverGunFan

I'll cast a second vote for the 5 inch GP100, it's a Davidson's exclusive:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/d...aspx?item=1740

They are currently out of stock, but you can put it on a stock watch. It's my most accurate handgun, the 5 inch barrel balances well for me, and it has more options for carrying than the 6 inch version.

ikar

With the exception of my snub 101 I have always carried a 4" revolver for a duty weapon in the Air Force and can see no reason why you shouldn't do well with one. The 4" can be moved around easily and brought onto target quickly if need be. I have test fired a 4" GP100 at the range and found it to be an excellent weapon The extra length of the 6" will keep recoil a bit lower which would be a plus in some circumstances but I'll still choose the 4".

shootist

4 inch, looks cooler, better balance, easier to carry in a holster, lighter, just as accurate as the 6 inch.

exlogger

Go with the 4 if you don't have a 4" revolver. If you do, go with the 6.

MidLife

Have the four point two inch model. The six inch would just be too large to carry in most situations. Remember, the GP100 is a hefty revolver in ANY barrel length. I would suggest the stout little SP101 in 357 for backpack carry. The three inch barrel provides everything you need for close encounters. Get the Six Inch if you feel the need to hunt with your revolver or need accuracy out to 50 yards +

jackruff

When I bought my GP100 I tried both the 4" and the 6". The 4" actually felt better, and sometimes I wish I had bought it instead of the 6". My thinking was that I likely would be more accurate with the 6". And maybe I was right because it shoots great! The 4" certainly would be easier to conceal, but I do that mostly with my 2.25" SP 101 or my Springfield XDm 9 3.8".