The Ruger GP100 is a double/single-action revolver chambered in .357 Mag / .38 Special with a 5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and smooth walnut grips. At 39 ounces it's substantial, which helps tame recoil from full-power .357 loads. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Ruger 
• Model: GP100 
• Type: Revolver 
• Caliber: .357 Mag / .38 Special 
• Barrel Length: 5 inches 
• Capacity: 6 rounds 
• Weight: 39 ounces (2.4375 pounds) 
• Finish Color: Blued 
• Frame Material: Alloy Steel 
• Grip Material: Smooth Walnut 
• Action Type: Single/Double Action 
• Safety Features: Transfer Bar safety 
   

Detailed Features 

The cold hammer-forged barrel improves accuracy and extends service life compared to cut-rifled alternatives. The gold bead front sight pairs with a fully adjustable rear sight, letting you dial in elevation and windage for different loads or distances. 
 
The smooth walnut grips look good and offer enough texture to control the gun without being abrasive. The exposed hammer lets you cock to single-action for a lighter, shorter pull when the shot calls for it. A transfer bar safety means the revolver won't fire unless the trigger is pulled through. 
 
The GP100 is well-suited to home defense, competitive shooting, and recreational use — the .357/.38 Special compatibility gives you flexibility with ammunition cost and recoil management.

The Ruger GP100 in blued .357 Magnum with a 5-inch barrel and walnut grip draws consistent praise for its construction and durability. The stainless-steel frame in earlier comparisons and the alloy-steel frame here both hold up under heavy use, and shooters appreciate that the gun doesn't feel fragile.

The trigger pull is widely described as smooth and predictable in double-action, making the recoil from standard .357 loads manageable. Most owners can run .38 Specials for practice without any issues, then step up to .357 for the range work that matters.

The walnut grip is a point of genuine satisfaction for the aesthetics-minded, and the blued finish holds its appeal against the more clinical look of stainless alternatives. Comparisons with Smith & Wesson revolvers come up regularly, and Ruger owners typically cite the GP100's tougher lockwork as a reason for brand loyalty.

Maintenance is worth staying on top of to keep the blued finish from showing wear. Some users share that the grips can loosen over time and benefit from occasional tightening. Overall the GP100 is viewed as a durable, accurate revolver with strong value for both everyday shooters and collectors.