Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum 6-inch 7-Round Satin Stainless
Pros & cons
What works
- Triple-locking cylinder maintains 0.002-inch barrel-cylinder gap consistency through 500+ rounds
- 42-ounce weight reduces perceived recoil by 30% compared to 30-ounce .357 revolvers
- 7-round capacity exceeds typical 6-round revolvers like S&W 686 by one cartridge
Trade-offs
- No optic mounting platform—limits modern sighting options compared to milled semi-autos
- Double-action trigger pull measures 12 pounds—requires intentional practice to master
- Satin stainless shows holster wear faster than matte or coated finishes
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum 6-inch 7-Round Satin Stainless? It's a stainless-steel double/single-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum, built with Ruger's triple-locking cylinder and transfer-bar safety system. This specific configuration features a 6-inch barrel, 7-round capacity, and satin stainless finish, making it a mechanically robust sidearm for serious shooters who demand reliability over flash.
What is the Ruger GP100 used for?
The Ruger GP100 is built for duty-grade handgun applications including field carry, target shooting, and regulatory-compliant hunting where revolvers are mandated. Its 6-inch barrel provides a 14.5-inch sight radius that improves practical accuracy with .357 Magnum loads, while the 42-ounce weight helps manage recoil better than compact counterparts like the S&W Model 686.
How does the Ruger GP100 compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Ruger GP100 delivers immediate defensive capability at close ranges where the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win requires more space to operate effectively. While the Stevens 334 offers superior ballistic performance beyond 100 yards, the GP100's revolver mechanics eliminate magazine feed issues and function reliably with .38 Special practice ammunition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GP100 weighs 42 ounces unloaded and measures 11.5 inches in overall length with its 6-inch barrel. Cylinder width is 1.73 inches, and the grip frame accommodates hands from medium to large without requiring immediate aftermarket modification—unlike many polymer-frame pistols that need backstrap adjustments.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for concealed carry applicants seeking a compact firearm, as its 11.5-inch length exceeds typical IWB holster dimensions. Shooters requiring high magazine capacity should consider semi-automatic platforms; the 7-round cylinder demands more reload practice than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge's 2-round tube but with faster single-round top-offs.
What's in the box?
The package includes the revolver, one 7-round cylinder, a hard plastic storage case, and Ruger's factory manual outlining maintenance intervals. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a cable lock or cleaning kit—expect to invest another $25-40 in basic revolver maintenance tools.
Is the Ruger GP100 worth it at $896.99?
At $896.99, the GP100 justifies its price through proven durability and lower lifetime maintenance costs compared to semi-autos. For comparison, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge costs less but serves entirely different ballistic purposes—this revolver's value lies in its decades-spanning service life and .357 Magnum versatility.
Key attributes
| upc | 736676017737 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 1773 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 6" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 7 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 13.00 |
| model | GP100 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 10.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 4.49 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the GP100 safely fires .38 Special rounds, which produce less recoil and cost approximately $0.35 per round compared to .357 Magnum's $0.60. Always verify chamber dimensions with calipers if using handloads exceeding SAAMI specifications.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 6-inch revolvers?
- It requires holsters designed for Ruger GP100 frames—generic S&W N-frame holsters may not secure properly due to the 1.73-inch cylinder width. I recommend Blade-Tech or DeSantis models specifically molded for this platform.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most orders process within 3 business days and ship via UPS Ground, arriving at your selected FFL in 5-7 days. Delays occur during holiday seasons or if your dealer hasn't provided current licensing documentation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final due to federal regulations, but the grip can be replaced with aftermarket options from Hogue or Pachmayr for $40-80. Measure your hand from palm heel to middle fingertip—if under 7 inches, consider a compact revolver instead.
- Does this work with Trijicon RMR sights?
- No, the GP100 lacks optic mounting provisions—it uses traditional iron sights only. The factory fiber-optic front sight is replaceable with Williams FireSights, but red dot integration would require custom gunsmithing costing $300+.