Ruger GP100 3" barrel for CCW

[gdeal]

I have tried semi-auto's and they are NOT for me. Call me old fashioned by I like revolvers better. I have had the Ruger SP101 but it seemed a little too small for me. I used to have a Ruger GP100 4" barrel but I would think that is a little too big for CCW. What does everyone think of the Ruger GP100 with a 3" barrel for CCW?

[45_Shooter]

The 3" barrel length is optimal IMO for a mid size revolver carry gun. The GP100 is an excellent service weapon, and overbuilt for the .357 cartridge. However, the extra bulk that gives it strength might prove an annoyance for carry. Simply finding better grips for the SP-101 would be the better option in my opinion. Or, if you like the larger revolver, K-frame S&W's can be found in 2.5" and 3" barrel lengths.

[MADISON]

I have carried open and CCW since 1959.
I loved my Ruger 2 3/4 inch barrel Security Six. I was stolen during a burglery.
I have carried a 7 1/2 inch Super Blackhawk in a shoulder holster.
Many 2 to 2 1/2 inch revolvers, over the years.
GO FOR either the Ruger GP-100 or the Ruger SP-101. The 3 inch, under discussion is only 1/4 inch longer than 2 3/4 inch Security Six.
Which ever one you select you will want to:
Change the grios-Hogue for the SP-101 or Pachamyer....
Go to www.gunsprings.com and get tht guns kit of several trigger springs.

[Playboypenguin]

The GP100 would be way too big for me to carry comfortably. Of course I said the same thing about my Sig P229 before I started carrying it.

If I was going to carry a revolver that size, I would probably opt for the S&W m686...since it is a bit smaller.

[rugersp101]

I have carried my 3" GP100 in a Bianchi Cyclone 111 and this holster holds it snug against the body. I do find it a little on the bulky side so I carry my 2.25" SP101 .38 +P as the norm in a Bianchi 5BHL or Bianchi Accumold thumbsnap and find it much more comfortable. I am 5' 9" and 210lbs. so its borderline on the 3" GP100 CCW, If you are a Sasquatch sized guy you should easily be able to CCW the 3" GP!
If I ever have to shoot defensively, I would rather my SP101 be held by the police until cleared, than my beloved 3" GP100.

[Kreyzhorse]

I'm going to say that a GP is pretty over sized for a CCW. Can you do it? Yes, but there will be times that it's just to big and bulky (think shorts and a T-shirt). I would suggest getting a snub nose (either S&W or Ruger SP) as a main carry gun first. If a GP still wanks your crank, make it a second option. A gun too big to be carried all the time will get left at home. A CCW left at home means you are unarmed. Being unarmed negates the reason you got your CCW in the first place.

Keep in mind I carry a full size 1911, a Glock .40, a S&W Airweight snub and a Ruger LCP (not all at once mind you!). While I love a full size gun, there are times that they are just too big to carry. My advice is to start small with a piece you can carry all the time. Expand your collection from there.

[madmag]

Nothing wrong with the GP100, I have one. But my favorite CCW is my Speed Six SS 2 3/4" barrel. They are now hard to find, but if you find a good one you will never regret the money spent.

[Tacp]

I have inherited a 8" Gp100,new and unfired.Was planning to trade for the 3" SP-101.Then thought that since I carry a 35oz 4" K frame This would not be but an ounce heavier and a little larger frame size.This would give me the Hogue grips ,which I would have put on anyway, plus the 6th shot.I won't have the gun for a couple weeks ,meanwhile I can compare my 4" blue GP to the size of a SP,if I can find one around here.I am 5"10" and 185 so size matters as was mentioned.

[wnycollector]

A 3" gp100 should be fine. I regularly carry a 2.75" ruger security six ~7 months a year. In the summer, with t shirt and shorts, my j frames pull CC duty.

[Mark Milton]

A couple of years ago, I used to carry a 3-inch S&W Model 65 Ladysmith.
I came across a 3 inch GP-100 with fixed sights and it struck me as being a darn near perfect all around carry gun.
It was roughly a tad bigger than the Smith but did not seem quite so bulky as my four inch 681 L frame.

I think it is a perfect all around carry gun.

J frames and five shot pocket rockets, make good deep concealment guns, but a medium frame six shot revolver is easier to hit with under stress, and makes a better all around gun because of improved shootability.

I can't remember who said it, maybe Massad Ayoob, but a few years ago somebody in print noted that J frames were carried by people whose main concern was carrying the gun comfortably, but the three inch service frame size revolvers were carried by those who were concerned about surviving a shootout.
I still carry a 3 inch 65 sometimes for just that reason.
Albeit the five shooters are easier to carry.

[18DAI]

/\ What he said. Regards 18DAI.

[Kraziken]

My first gun was a GP100. I had a 4" with target sights. But then traded it for the 3" with combat sights. I ended up using it for carry. You get used to what you have. The size isn't as bad as the weight in my opinion.

[apr1775]

I have a 3" GP100 but rarely carry it, I normally carry a Taurus or Rossi snub nose. The 3 inch barrel is great but the frame and cylinder are heavy on the GP100. Make sure you have a good holster and belt to carry it.

[BikerRN]

My EDC is a 3" Ruger GP100 and I don't find it hard to hide using a good IWB Holster.

My BUG, the first one, is a SP101 with a 2 1/4" Barrel carried OWB on the weakside. My other BUG is an Airweight J-Frame. So, no, the GP100 is not too big to conceal easily if you "dress around the gun" and use a good Holster.

I myself like the Sparks' Summer Special II for the GP100 and the PMK for the SP101. If I could I'd use the GP100 on duty as well, but I have to carry the "issued" piece of government owned junk.

Biker

[dawgfvr]

An old man told me once, "Real men" carry real weapons...in a leather OWB holster, strong side where they can access them standing, sitting, kneeling, laying down, etc.

Ahem. Well...we all have our druthers...but to be honest, the GP100 carries niclely OWB. One must, first, get into "revolver shape" and purchase a good holster and a good belt.



3 inch barrel GP100 (with a little gunsmithing) is the finest CCW revovler made today IMHO.

[CarbineCaleb]

Don't overlook the 3-inch S&W 686P... if you're going to carry something that size, might as well get an extra shot... and many people prefer the Smith trigger with it's flat mainspring vs the Ruger coil...

[2ndamd]

The 3" GP100 may just be the perfect combat revolver. Very easy to ccw with a good holster and cover garment.

If you can ccw a sig 229 you can ccw a 3" GP100.

Very very very good guns. It sounds like you like revolvers as much as me (and others). You will not be disappointed with the GP100 in 3" brl.

But, I must confess that I ccw a couple of SP101s for the most part and the GP100 (3") gets the nod less and less. The SP101s are just so easy to tote around.

[Gonzo_308]

THe 3" GP100 should be a great gun for CCW or all around carry. since we're all showing off though, here's a K frame model 66-2 3" steppin' out old school.

[mavracer]

IMHO a very good choice