Ruger GP100 5″ .357 Mag 6-Shot Blued Revolver
The Ruger GP100 5″ .357 Mag 6-Shot Blued Revolver is a duty-grade wheelgun built for shooters who demand reliability under stress. This Sports South Exclusive configuration pairs a 5-inch full-lug barrel with a six-round cylinder, giving you a balanced platform for concealed carry, home defense, or range work. The triple-locking cylinder ensures consistent alignment shot after shot, while the transfer bar safety eliminates the risk of accidental discharge if dropped. Chambered in .357 Magnum, it also accepts .38 Special for lower-recoil practice. At 40 ounces unloaded, it tames full-power magnum loads without punishing your hands. If you want a revolver that will outlast your grandkids, this is it.
| Manufacturer | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
|---|---|
| Model | GP100 |
| Material | Stainless steel frame and cylinder (blued finish) |
| Compatibility | .357 Magnum / .38 Special +P |
| Finish | Blued carbon steel |
| Weight | 40 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New – factory fresh |
Key Features
- Triple-Locking Cylinder: Locks the cylinder at the front, rear, and crane for rock-solid alignment. Why it matters: It maintains consistent barrel-cylinder gap over thousands of rounds, keeping accuracy tight and preventing endshake.
- Transfer Bar Safety: The hammer rests on the frame, not the firing pin. Why it matters: You can carry six rounds safely without relying on an empty chamber under the hammer.
- 5-Inch Full-Lug Barrel: Adds weight forward to reduce muzzle flip. Why it matters: Faster follow-up shots and better control with .357 Magnum loads, especially in defensive scenarios.
- Finger-Grooved Rubber Grip: Ships with a Hogue-style monogrip that fills the hand. Why it matters: Absorbs recoil and gives you a positive purchase even with sweaty palms or gloves.
- Exposed Hammer: Allows single-action precision shots. Why it matters: When you need a tight shot at distance, you can thumb-cock for a crisp 3–4 lb trigger pull.
Who It's For
This revolver is built for the CCW holder who wants a backup gun that won’t malfunction, the home defender who prefers a wheelgun over a semi-auto, and the shooter who appreciates a classic design with modern metallurgy. If you’re looking for a revolver that can handle daily carry, hot magnum loads, and years of neglect without failing, you’re the target audience.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Bombproof construction; accurate 5-inch barrel; smooth double-action trigger after break-in; accepts .38 Special for cheap practice; easy to disassemble for cleaning.
- Cons: Heavy at 40 oz for appendix carry; stock sights are serviceable but not night sights; blued finish requires more care than stainless.
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | Ruger GP100 5″ Blued | Smith & Wesson 686 4″ | Colt Python 4.25″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl | .357 Mag / .38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 5″ | 4″ | 4.25″ |
| Weight (unloaded) | 40 oz | 36.7 oz | 42 oz |
| Cylinder Lockup | Triple-locking | Ball-detent | Six-ball detent |
| Street Price | $799.70 | $849–$899 | $1,499+ |
| Finish | Blued | Stainless | Stainless / Blued |
| Best For | Duty/HD on a budget | Concealed carry | Collector/range |
FAQ
Does this revolver come with a case or lock?
Yes, it ships in a Ruger hard case with a cable lock and owner’s manual.
Can I shoot .38 Special +P in this GP100?
Absolutely. Per Ruger specs, the GP100 is rated for .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum. The extra cylinder length handles .357 cases without issue.
Is this model compatible with aftermarket grips?
Yes. The grip frame accepts all standard GP100 grips from Hogue, VZ Grips, Altamont, and others. The included rubber grip is great for recoil reduction, but you can swap to wood or G10 for carry.
What’s the difference between this and the standard 4.2-inch GP100?
The 5-inch barrel adds 0.8 inch of sight radius and slightly more weight forward, reducing muzzle rise. It also gives you a longer ejector rod stroke for more positive shell extraction.
Why Buy From Us
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
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Last updated: April 2026