Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger GP100

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and here, we’re on the range with a Ruger GP100, but this isn’t just any GP100. This Davidson’s Exclusive variant comes in a barrel length we don’t see all that often in today’s market. Thanks to Davidson’s position as one of the largest firearm distributors in the country, the company convinces manufacturers to craft unique models and product combinations for their buyers. The resulting configurations from the Davidson’s network of dealers are ones you just won’t find anywhere else. This 5”-barreled Ruger GP100 revolver is one of those exclusive options. Watch the video above to see this exclusive Ruger GP100 in use on the range.

The Ruger GP100 is a mainstay in the revolver market, having replaced the popular Security-Six in the 1980s. It’s known for its ruggedness and solid build, and Ruger’s made it a versatile option for wheelgunners, with dozens of different versions available. But even with all these options, only a scant few are available with a 5” barrel, which is considered by many to be a “Goldilocks” length that’s not too long or too short. Davidson’s worked with Ruger to bring this 5” .357 Magnum revolver to market.

Constructed entirely from stainless steel, this six-shot revolver uses a fluted cylinder and a full underlug on the barrel, providing some extra weight out front to soften recoil. Part of the GP100’s vaunted durability comes from its triple-locking cylinder, which is secured at the front, rear and bottom of the frame during firing. Releasing the cylinder from the frame simply requires a push on the cylinder release latch located on the left side of the recoil shield. This allows the cylinder to swing out, exposing the fully shrouded ejector rod that enables shooters to quickly dump spent cartridges.

Ruger’s GP100 is a double-action/single-action design with a generous hammer spur that allows for crisp single-action operation. An adjustable target sight sits at the rear of the top strap, and it matches up with an all-black ramped front sight dovetailed into the muzzle end of the barrel. Replacement front sights are available and can be easily swapped out by pressing the spring-loaded pin above the muzzle.

A generously sized Hogue rubber monogrip completes this well-balanced package, and it features pebble texturing on either side of the grip, as well as finger grooves on the front and a well-cushioned backstrap that softens the blow of hot .357 Mag. rounds. A robust aftermarket of GP100-compatible grips also makes it easy for owners to swap out for their preferred style, though slight variations between frames may require some fitting.

Taking this GP100 to the range, we were reminded why Ruger continues to be a leader in the revolver market. This rugged .357 Mag. felt comfortable in the hand, even despite its 43.5-oz. weight, and all that steel helped soften the blow of fired rounds. Given the 5” barrel on this example, we felt the gun settled onto target well without having too much extra weight out front, and the combination of length, sight radius and balance made this setup just right for our shooters.

Davidson's Exclusive Ruger GP100 Specifications
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com
Action Type: double-action, centerfire revolver
Chambering: .357 Mag.
Barrel: 5" stainless steel
Frame: stainless steel
Grip: Hogue rubber Monogrip
Sights: adjustable square-notch rear, ramped-post front
Cylinder Capacity: six-round
Overall Length: 10.38"
Weight: 43.5 ozs.

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