A .357 Magnum cartridge, the round chambered in both guns
The Ruger GP100 and SP101 revolvers are both manufactured by US-based firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Both are double-action, all-steel revolvers usually chambered in the venerable .357 Magnum cartridge. It is here, however, that the similarities end. The GP100 and SP101 have a number of differences, ranging from size and weight to intended use.
Size and Weight
In its heaviest configuration, the Ruger GP100 weighs in at 45 ounces. The Ruger SP101, on the other hand, weighs 28 ounces. Despite this weight difference, both guns are considered heavy for their class. The Ruger GP100 has an average overall length of 10 inches, while the Ruger SP101 has an average overall length of 7 inches. Because the GP100 is chambered to accommodate more firepower than the SP101, it is significantly wider than its smaller counterpart.
Intended Use
The Ruger GP100 was originally introduced to be a sturdier alternative to Ruger's previous "Six" line of revolvers. The GP100 is significantly overbuilt when compared to some of the other guns in its class. More recently, the GP100 has proven popular with handgun hunters and silhouette shooters. The Ruger SP101 was designed as a sturdy, easy-to-use compact revolver for self-defense and law-enforcement purposes. For this reason it is significantly smaller than the GP100, but is usually chambered for the same powerful .357 Magnum round.
Available Configurations
The GP100 is currently available with 3-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch barrels, with the 6-inch models being by far the most popular. It comes in both blue and stainless finishes. The 3-inch model is available only with fixed sights, while the 4-inch and 6-inch models are available with adjustable sights. The SP101 is available only in 2-inch or 3-inch barrel configurations, and only in a satin stainless finish. The SP101 also can be purchased with the option of a Crimson Trace Lasergrip instead of the rubber grip normally provided.
Capacity
The Ruger GP100 will hold 6 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, while the Ruger SP101 will only hold 5 rounds of the same cartridge. Both the Ruger GP100 and the Ruger SP101 are now available chambered in the new .327 Federal Magnum cartridge. This cartridge offers similar muzzle velocity to the .357 Magnum, but shoots a smaller bullet. This reduction in size means that it increases the capacity of a gun normally chambered for the .357 Magnum by one cartridge.
Tags: Ruger GP100, Magnum cartridge, Ruger SP101, 4-inch 6-inch, 6-inch models, available only