Ruger GP100 Review: The .357 That Outlives You

Some guns are built to be impressive. The GP100 was built to be inherited.

What overbuilt means

There is a line of thinking in the revolver world that says a gun should be as strong as the job requires and no stronger. The Ruger GP100 politely disagrees. Its steel construction and substantial frame are designed to take sustained diets of full-power .357 Magnum, the sort of ammunition that wears on lighter revolvers over thousands of rounds.

The Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum is a six-shot double/single-action revolver, and the version we link has a 4.2-inch barrel. That barrel length is a good middle ground: long enough for useful sight radius and magnum performance, short enough to handle quickly and to carry in a belt holster.

What you get

For weight, sight type, grip style and finish, read Ruger's specification sheet for the version you want; the GP100 family covers several configurations. Our Ruger double-action lineup guide places it between the smaller SP101 and the larger Super Redhawk.

The case for weight

Weight is the defining trait of the GP100, for better and worse. The mass absorbs recoil. A .357 Magnum fired from a light revolver is a short, sharp experience; the same load in a heavy steel gun is a firmer shove. That difference decides whether you enjoy a 100-round session or dread the last cylinder.

The GP100 also pays off in less visible ways. A strong frame and cylinder give you a wide margin for ordinary loads and the confidence to feed the revolver a regular supply of the cartridge it was designed for. If you want a gun that you can shoot, clean and hand to someone else, that is a practical virtue.

The cost is weight on the belt. This is not a gun for pocket carry, and it is not a quiet, featherweight companion. If you intend to carry concealed, the practical approach is to try it with your holster and clothing before committing.

Magnum days and .38 days

The way most people get value out of a .357 revolver is to shoot .38 Special for most of their practice and save the magnums for specific jobs. That keeps cost and recoil down while preserving the option of a more powerful load when you need one. Our .38 Special vs .357 Magnum guide explains the difference between the two cartridges.

A practical routine for a GP100 owner looks like this:

1. Start with .38 Special to learn the trigger and groups.
2. Introduce .357 Magnum in small amounts, noticing the recoil and sound.
3. Keep a note of which loads your gun prefers. Different bullet weights and brands group differently.
4. Clean regularly. Revolvers that shoot .38 followed by .357 can build a carbon ring in the chambers that makes magnum cases hard to seat, so clean the chambers.

For magnum ammunition, browse the .357 Magnum ammunition category at Ammunition Depot.

The trigger and the feel

The GP100 trigger, like most Ruger double-action triggers, is a working trigger. Expect a firm double-action pull and a clean single-action break from a design like this, but treat that as a design expectation, not a measurement. We have not handled one ourselves, so we recommend the old method of dry-firing a sample, if you can, and taking the first few range trips seriously as part of breaking in a mechanical tool.

If you want a smoother action, there are ways to improve one, and ways to ruin one. Our revolver action work article covers what helps and what to leave alone.

Takedown and upkeep

One of the reasons the GP100 has a following is how it comes apart. Ruger designed the revolver so the trigger group can be removed for cleaning, which makes the sort of routine maintenance our cleaning guide describes simpler. That is not a license to disassemble the gun without learning how. Use the manual, use proper tools, and stop if you are unsure.

The 686 question

The S&W 686 is the GP100's obvious rival. In one paragraph: both are steel six- or seven-shot .357 Magnum revolvers with reputations for toughness; the GP100 leans on a stout frame and Ruger's serviceable takedown, while the 686 line is known for a refined feel and the seven-shot 686 Plus option. If you want to read more, see our 686 Plus Spec Series review and the network's head-to-head, Ruger GP100 vs S&W 686 Plus. The practical advice is to handle both, because grip feel and trigger preference decide this one more than specifications do.

Who it fits

Pick the GP100 if:

• You want a revolver that can take frequent full-power .357 Magnum without worry.
• You value durability and simple maintenance above weight savings.
• You want a six-shot all-round gun for the range, the field and home storage.

Look elsewhere if:

• You need a light concealed-carry revolver. A snub designed for that, like those in our carry snub guide, is a better fit.
• You want the most refined factory trigger and are willing to pay for it.
• You are looking for a big-bore hunting gun. The Ruger Super Redhawk line exists for that.

Grips, sights and the buying checklist

The GP100 has attracted a large aftermarket for a reason: people like to change grips, sights and holsters to suit their hands and their jobs. If you are buying one, decide ahead of time what matters to you and check it on the exact listing.

1. Barrel length. The version we link is 4.2 inches. Other lengths exist, and each changes balance and holster options.
2. Sights. Many GP100s have adjustable rear sights. Confirm which style you are getting, and whether the front sight is fixed or replaceable.
3. Grips. Rubber grips with inserts are common on factory guns, and aftermarket support is broad. Check that any replacement grip is made for the frame style of your gun.
4. Capacity. Six rounds on the linked listing, seven on certain variants.
5. Finish. Stainless and blued guns age differently. Choose the one you are willing to maintain.

Verdict

The GP100 is a revolver that does not need special treatment. It accepts the cartridges it was built for, it absorbs punishment, and it will probably still be working long after its first owner has gone. It asks you to accept weight, a working trigger and a plain presentation. For people who want a revolver to use rather than to display, those are acceptable terms, and that is a large part of why it is still one of the first names mentioned when someone asks which .357 to buy.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications and publicly available information. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and legality for your own situation.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.