Ruger GP100 Match Champion .357 Mag 4.2″ SS Revolver
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Ruger GP100 Match Champion .357 Mag 4.2″ SS Revolver? It’s a competition-oriented, slab-sided half-lug revolver engineered for repeatable shot placement through mechanically tuned internals and precise barrel geometry. Built on Ruger’s medium frame, it balances robust construction with target-specific features like an 11° target crown and adjustable rear sight. This model bridges the gap between duty-grade durability and match-grade precision, making it a serious proposition for the shooter who demands both.
What is the Ruger GP100 Match Champion used for?
It’s used for formal shooting competitions, particularly in revolver divisions, and as a high-round-count training platform. The 38-ounce weight, 1:18.75″ rifling twist, and consistently tuned 10.5-pound double-action pull absorb .357 Magnum recoil effectively, allowing for rapid, controlled follow-up shots. You will find its repeatability excels in steel challenge and USPSA revolver matches, where its 4.2-inch barrel profile optimizes the sight radius-to-handling balance.
How does the Ruger GP100 Match Champion compare to the Smith & Wesson 686 Performance Center Pro Series?
The Ruger is superior in absolute frame durability and long-term service life, while the S&W typically offers a smoother, lighter stock trigger pull. The GP100’s frame uses investment-cast 4140 chrome-molybdenum steel, renowned for its resistance to timing issues under tens of thousands of full-power .357 loads. For the shooter prioritizing mechanical robustness over a slightly more refined out-of-the-box trigger, the Ruger is the definitive choice—this is a gun built to outlast its first owner.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The revolver weighs 38 ounces unloaded and measures 9.5 inches in overall length. The cylinder window is 1.73 inches long, and the 4.2-inch barrel has a slab-sided, half-lug profile that reduces front-end weight versus a full underlug. These dimensions give it a neutral balance point just forward of the cylinder, which aids in sustained off-hand shooting during a 90-minute practice session.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not for the casual plinker seeking a lightweight trail gun or a first-time handgun buyer. Its 38-ounce heft makes it less ideal for all-day concealed carry compared to polymer-frame alternatives, and its competition-focused sights lack the extreme durability of fixed combat sights. If your primary needs involve occasional .38 Special range use or deep-concealment, a lighter, smaller-frame option like a used snub-nose is a better allocation of funds.
What's in the box?
You receive the revolver, one 6-round cylinder, a Ruger security lock, a 37-page owner's manual, and a factory test target. The manual includes a detailed takedown guide and warranty registration card, but note that Ruger does not include spare fiber-optic rods for the front sight, a common oversight for a competition model. Expect to source replacements from aftermarket vendors like HiViz.
Is the Ruger GP100 Match Champion worth it at $1007.99?
At just over a thousand dollars, it’s worth the investment for the shooter who will exploit its repeatability in competition or high-volume training. You are paying for a hand-fitted action, precise barrel crowning, and a sight system tuned for speed—features absent from the standard Stevens 334 Rifle. If your revolver use is limited to occasional range trips, a base-model GP100 or a used police trade-in saves several hundred dollars for ammunition.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 11° target crown reduces muzzle blast dispersion for consistent 25-yard groups
- 38-ounce weight mitigates .357 Magnum recoil by approximately 25% vs. a 28-ounce K-frame
- Fiber-optic front sight gathers 40% more ambient light than a standard white-dot for faster acquisition
Trade-offs
- Double-action trigger pull measures 10.5 pounds stock—requires a $75 spring kit and polishing to reach a competitive 8.5 pounds
- Satin stainless finish shows holster wear more readily than a matte or coated finish after 200 duty cycles
- No included speedloader or moon clips—adds $35-50 to be match-ready
Key attributes
| upc | 736676017553 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 1755 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| atf type | Revolver |
| barrel finish | Satin Stainless |
| barrel length | 4.20" |
| caliber/gauge | .357 Magnum |
| capacity | 6 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 12.5000 |
| model | GP100 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 10.8 |
| product type | Revolver |
| safety | Transfer Bar |
| shipping weight | 3.95 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| sights type | ADJUSTABLE |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with .38 Special ammunition?
- Yes, the .357 Magnum chambering is fully compatible with .38 Special rounds. You can safely fire any SAAMI-spec .38 Special load, which typically produces about 40% less felt recoil, making target practice more economical and comfortable for extended sessions at the range.
- Does it fit standard GP100 holsters?
- It fits most holsters designed for the standard Ruger GP100 with a 4-inch barrel, but verify clearance for the slab-sided half-lug profile. Some kydex models molded for the full underlug may require minor heat-gun adjustment for a proper fit—expect a 1-2 day break-in period for leather rigs.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships most firearms within 1-2 business days after FFL verification. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground typically adds 3-5 business days, so plan for a total of 5-7 business days from order to your dealer’s receipt, barring regulatory delays in your state.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to fit or ergonomic preference once the transfer has been initiated at your FFL. You should handle a GP100 at a local retailer first; the grip circumference measures approximately 5.75 inches, which is substantial for smaller hands.
- Does this work with a red dot optic?
- No, the revolver is not optics-ready from the factory and lacks a mounting interface for a red dot. Machining the top strap for a mount is a complex, $250+ gunsmithing job that voids the warranty and compromises the structural integrity of the frame—it’s not recommended for this model.