Best Outdoor Handguns · #7
GP100 (.357 Magnum)
Ruger
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The all-round trail gun: manageable for practice, effective on everything short of the great bears.
Pros
- Exceptional durability and robust construction
- Handles full-power .357 Magnum rounds with relative ease
- Reliable and simple mechanism, field-tested performance
- Versatile with .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition
- Good value for a high-quality, long-lasting revolver
Cons
- Heavy and bulky, not ideal for lightweight backpacking
- Limited capacity compared to semi-automatic pistols
- Not optimized for concealed carry due to size
- Recoil is still stout with magnum loads for new shooters
Best uses
- Backcountry self-defense
- Trail carry for animal threats
- Camp defense firearm
- General outdoor utility
- Heavy-duty plinking
Specifications
- Caliber
- .357 Magnum / .38 Special
- Capacity
- 6 rounds
- Frame Material
- Stainless Steel / Alloy Steel
- Action
- Double-Action/Single-Action
- Barrel Length
- Often 3, 4.2, or 6 inches
- Origin
- USA
Pricing
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Best for
Backcountry self-defense, Trail carry for animal threats, Camp defense firearm, General outdoor utility, Heavy-duty plinking
Where to buy the GP100 (.357 Magnum)
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The Ruger GP100 in .357 Magnum has long held a spot as a top choice for those needing a serious revolver in the backcountry. It’s a workhorse, plain and simple, built to handle the stout .357 rounds without flinching, and just as capable with more sedate .38 Special ammunition for practice or smaller game. This isn't a lightweight backpacking piece; it’s a substantial firearm designed for real-world reliability and stopping power. For anyone spending significant time in areas where large predators or aggressive wild animals are a concern, or who simply wants a robust and dependable handgun, the GP100 deserves a close look. It’s a firearm that instills confidence, not just with its size, but with its reputation for unflappable performance when it counts. It bridges the gap between dedicated hunting revolvers and more compact personal defense models, offering a versatile platform for a range of outdoor scenarios. Its construction is solid steel, a testament to its intended use and durability. This means it can take a beating and keep on functioning, which is exactly what you want when you’re miles from civilization. While other firearms might shave ounces, the GP100 embraces its heft, turning what some might see as a disadvantage into a positive attribute for recoil management and long-term reliability. It’s not just a gun you own; it’s a tool you trust.
Who It's Really For
This revolver is for the outdoors enthusiast who prioritizes robust reliability and potent stopping power over minimal weight. It's an excellent choice for hikers, campers, and hunters who venture into areas where black bears, mountain lions, or aggressive feral hogs are present. It's also suitable for those who prefer the simplicity and mechanical dependability of a revolver for general outdoor use. While it can be carried concealed with shorter barrel options, its primary role shines as an open-carry trail gun or a reliable camp defense firearm. It’s not a plinking pistol, though it can certainly be used as one with lighter loads. This is a serious tool for serious situations.
Materials and Construction
Ruger builds the GP100 like a tank, using primarily stainless steel or alloy steel depending on the finish. The frame is a single, solid piece, contributing significantly to its strength and ability to absorb recoil from magnum loads. The internal mechanism is straightforward and known for its durability, requiring minimal maintenance even in harsh conditions. Grips are typically rubber, often with wooden inserts, providing a comfortable and secure hold even with wet hands. This isn't a firearm made with exotic lightweight alloys; it’s designed from the ground up for resilience and enduring performance in challenging environments. The attention to robust construction is evident throughout the design.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the GP100 performs exactly as advertised: reliably. The weight of the revolver helps significantly in managing the recoil of full-power .357 Magnum loads, making follow-up shots more attainable than with lighter firearms. Accuracy is consistently good, often better than expected from a production revolver, due to its solid lock-up and consistent barrel quality. The double-action trigger pull is generally smooth and predictable, while the single-action pull is crisp, aiding in precise shot placement. It handles adverse weather and rough treatment without issue, cycling every round and always going bang when the hammer falls. This consistent performance builds significant user confidence.
Weight and Packability
At around 40-45 ounces (depending on barrel length), the GP100 is not a light handgun. This weight is a deliberate trade-off for recoil absorption and durability. While it can be carried in a chest holster or on a hip, it's noticeable, especially on longer treks. It's too bulky for comfortable pocket carry. For backpackers focused on shaving every ounce, this isn't the primary choice. However, for those who prioritize power and reliability and are willing to carry the weight, it's a justifiable addition. It’s a firearm that demands a dedicated carry solution, rather than something you just toss into a pack. Its form factor requires a well-designed holster for comfortable carry.
Durability and Longevity
The GP100 is renowned for its exceptional durability. These revolvers are built to withstand tens of thousands of rounds of even magnum ammunition without significant wear or mechanical issues. The all-steel construction resists corrosion well, particularly the stainless steel models, making it suitable for damp or humid environments. Maintenance is straightforward, and parts, if ever needed, are readily available. Many owners report these revolvers lasting for decades with regular use and minimal care, often becoming heirloom pieces. It's a firearm that you can truly pass down to the next generation, still fully functional and dependable.
Alternatives and Value
At its price point, comparable alternatives often include the Smith & Wesson 686. While the 686 is also an excellent revolver, many find the Ruger's all-solid frame construction to be slightly more robust. Other options might be some offerings from Taurus, but their quality control can be inconsistent compared to Ruger. For the investment, the GP100 offers exceptional value in terms of reliability, power, and long-term durability. It’s a firearm that punches above its weight in terms of ruggedness for the dollar spent, often outlasting and outperforming more expensive options in sheer field resilience. It’s a wise investment for a serious outdoor tool.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best outdoor handguns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
GP100 (.357 Magnum) — frequently asked questions
- Is the GP100 (.357 Magnum) worth it?
- We rank it #7 in Best Outdoor Handguns. The all-round trail gun: manageable for practice, effective on everything short of the great bears.
- What is the GP100 (.357 Magnum) best for?
- Best for backcountry self-defense, trail carry for animal threats, camp defense firearm and general outdoor utility. Standouts: exceptional durability and robust construction and handles full-power .357 magnum rounds with relative ease.
- What are the downsides of the GP100 (.357 Magnum)?
- Heavy and bulky, not ideal for lightweight backpacking, Limited capacity compared to semi-automatic pistols and Not optimized for concealed carry due to size.
- What are the key specs of the GP100 (.357 Magnum)?
- Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special · Capacity: 6 rounds · Frame Material: Stainless Steel / Alloy Steel · Action: Double-Action/Single-Action · Barrel Length: Often 3, 4.2, or 6 inches
- Who It's Really For?
- This revolver is for the outdoors enthusiast who prioritizes robust reliability and potent stopping power over minimal weight. It's an excellent choice for hikers, campers, and hunters who venture into areas where black bears, mountain lions, or aggressive feral hogs are present.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the GP100 (.357 Magnum)?
- Ruger builds the GP100 like a tank, using primarily stainless steel or alloy steel depending on the finish. The frame is a single, solid piece, contributing significantly to its strength and ability to absorb recoil from magnum loads.
Compare side by side
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