Ruger GP100
The Ruger GP100 is the strongest production double-action revolver available — a full-size .357 Magnum six-shooter built on a solid steel frame engineered to handle a lifetime of full-power magnum loads without the endframe wear that affects other designs. The GP100’s triple-locking cylinder, transfer-bar safety, and Ruger’s coil spring action (rather than leaf springs) produce a revolver that is more durable and requires less maintenance than most competitors at any price point.
Read our full Ruger GP100 Buying Guide ↓
GP100 vs. Smith & Wesson 686: The Classic .357 Comparison
The GP100 and Smith & Wesson 686 are the two most compared full-size .357 Magnum revolvers. The S&W 686 has a better factory trigger in double-action — the leaf spring system produces a smoother, lighter DA pull that most shooters prefer for precision work. The GP100 uses coil springs throughout, which makes it more durable and easier to maintain but produces a heavier, somewhat less refined DA pull. The GP100’s advantage is its frame strength — it is genuinely indestructible under normal use conditions and will outlast most S&W L-frames under high-volume .357 Magnum fire. For a duty, hunting, or high-volume range gun, GP100. For a competition or target revolver, 686.
GP100 Lineup: Standard, Match Champion & Wiley Clapp
The standard GP100 is available in 3″, 4.2″, and 6″ barrel lengths in stainless or blued finish — the workhorse configuration for hunting, home defense, and range use. The GP100 Match Champion adds a fiber-optic front sight, competition trigger job, and slab-side barrel optimized for IDPA and revolver competition use. The Wiley Clapp GP100 is a special edition designed in collaboration with firearms writer Wiley Clapp — a compact 3″ carry-optimized version with enhanced sights and a bobbed hammer for snag-free carry.
GP100 Caliber Options: .357 Mag, .44 Special & 10mm
The standard GP100 is chambered in .357 Magnum (also accepting .38 Special for practice). Ruger also produces GP100 variants in .44 Special for buyers who want a larger bore in the GP100 frame, and a GP100 in 10mm Auto — one of the few revolvers available in this powerful semi-auto cartridge. The 10mm GP100 with moon clips offers the power of 10mm in a revolver format, making it a capable hunting sidearm. For most buyers, the .357 Magnum is the right choice given its ammunition availability and versatility with .38 Special practice loads.
GP100 for Hunting and Field Use
The GP100 is a natural hunting sidearm — the combination of .357 Magnum power, rugged construction, and the simplicity of a double-action revolver makes it a trustworthy companion in the field. The 6″ barrel version maximizes .357 Magnum velocity for deer-class game hunting. The stainless finish resists moisture and field wear better than blued steel. For hunters who want a capable backup or primary hunting sidearm that will function reliably regardless of conditions, the GP100 is the gold standard. Scope rings are available for the GP100 for hunters who want optical assistance at distance.
GP100 Ammunition & Related Pages
For .357 Magnum ammunition, see our .357 Magnum ammo page. For .38 Special practice loads, see our .38 Special ammo page. For the full Ruger brand page, see our Ruger page. For the Colt Python as the premium alternative, see that model page. For competing double-action revolvers, see our revolvers page.