Like many revolver manufacturers, Ruger is famous for on-again off-again production on many revolver models based on customer demand, distributor orders and exclusives. Occasionally some of these unique models slip away forever. Just when consumers think a model is gone for good, we occasionally get lucky and it is back again. 

That’s what happened with the very unique seven-round model 1774 snub-nosed Ruger GP100 chambered in .357 magnum. It danced between a catalog model and distributor exclusive before being dropped from the catalog, but it's back thanks to a very strong revolver market.

Ruger continues the six-rounder GP100s as the primary models and has even made a fixed-sight six-round snub-nosed version that sold well. In 2017, they released the very unique snubby revolver that uses the overbuilt GP100 frame to stuff a seventh round in the same size cylinder. With that noted, the re-released 2025 includes tweaks for smoother loading and extraction, and a noticeably more stageable trigger when shooting double action.

According to Ruger, the model was built as an ultimate trail and backcountry defense gun option when a .44 Magnum Super Redhawk Alaskan is just a bit much. The 2.5-inch-barreled .357 Magnum format is more comfortable and easier to shoot while providing broad versatility with capacity. It was a joy to test at first release. Uniquely, this is also one of the few snub-nosed revolvers with fully adjustable sights paired with impressive full-size revolver accuracy and extra capacity. Even in modern times where 17- to 20-round pistols are common, this is a fun, powerful, accurate and practical revolver that offers something unique and different in the market.

Stable Sellers 

Everybody loves a comeback story and that is certainly the case with niche revolvers like the Ruger GP100 snubby. It is no secret that the firearms market has retracted -35% (based on ATF NICs data) since the 2020 peak. Revolvers, however, are not contracting like the rest of the firearms sales. Based on ATF & NSSF adjusted data, revolvers sales are only contracting around -3% vs up to -29% downturn for pistols, rifles, shotguns, and misc firearms. Dealers should consider adding revolvers back into an otherwise heavy pistol inventory to boost sales.

The stability of revolver sales is reportedly due to net new shooters entering the market for defense-oriented firearms who are seeking the simplicity of a short, pocketable revolver. Several retailers noted that snub-nosed revolvers are good sellers with first-time or older buyers just wanting a simple gun that is small, compact and simple to operate. Even those who aren’t gun people know how a revolver works — simplicity sells but so does nostalgia.

Nostalgia and uniqueness both play a role in the revolver’s staying power with Millennials and Gen Z. Revolvers feel like the antidote to a world full of identical, plastic, tech-forward pistols. Revolvers have that analog, mechanical charm with steel, wood, clicks, and timing with infallible reliability. The revolver vibe taps straight into the same nostalgia wave. Revolvers also deliver higher resell values than pistols, and manufacturers have leaned in with refreshed classics and special editions. Ruger leaned into that trend with the very unique model 1774 as GP100 demand surged again.

And snub-nosed revolvers consistently outsell longer-barreled models with not only a style hook and simplicity but pocketable carryability that fills both “trail gun” and CCW defensive roles. Sales split between classic all-steel and lightweight models. The beefy all-stainless GP100 with a short 2.5-inch barrel fits into that mold of vintage style with unique oversized high-capacity design and serious defensive credibility. It’s also a gun that can be shot a lot without fatigue despite the short barrel. The GP100 models have a history of proven accuracy with a heft that feels like it was built to not just survive this century, but the next several.

Size and Weight

When it comes to defense and trail survival, carryability, reliability and accurate power are more important than saving ounces. What I liked immediately during testing was the compact length, which makes it easy to carry with the right holster. It can also be dropped into a larger coat pocket if needed — it's not light, but doable. 

The snubby version of the GP100 is about the same length as your standard compact 9mm pistol and just a few ounces heavier when loaded. It is simply far more comfortable to carry and faster to draw than 4-inch and larger revolvers. Speed counts when a big rattler is coiled up next to you or a territorial coyote is eye-balling you. The 36-ounce heft of this snubby conveys that confidence immediately, but without requiring a shoulder holster or chest rig like longer-barreled guns. A simple IWB or OWB holster allows comfortable concealed carry all day.

As short as this revolver is, it lacks nothing in the accuracy department and matched my 4-inch GP100 accuracy at 15 yards. For precision shots, the fully adjustable and upgradable sights are a vast improvement over standard fixed revolver sights. Testing delivered very consistent 1- to 1.5-inch 15-yard groups and easy hits on 100-yard silhouettes. Off sandbags, I was able to print many 2-inch groups at 25 yards with Hornady Critical Defense 135-grain rounds. Like my previous GP100 models, the revolver was not particularly picky with a variety of rounds from Winchester, Hornady, Federal, CCI, Balzer, Fiocchi and Liberty Ammo. Switching to .38 Special rounds did move the zero a bit lower, but accuracy was still very good for defensive and trail needs. 

Beyond the stability of a hefty revolver with a hand-filling grip, the adjustable sights and crisp 3.7-pound single-action trigger allowed shot-after-shot consistently. The 8.7-pound double-action trigger was very stagable and does feel worlds better than my older generation GP100s. With brief intermissions for a quick cleaning, I comfortably rolled through about 400 rounds of .357 magnum and .38 special in a single afternoon of testing. This was one of the easiest-shooting snubnosed revolvers I have ever used.

The weight of steel vs lightweight alloy or polymers does deliver a significantly more comfortable range gun. This stability and recoil-eating weight is what customers will love about the GP100 snubby. It really does shoot like a longer-barreled revolver with great stability and accuracy far beyond what would be expected from off-hand shots with a magnum snub-nosed revolver. For perspective, a S&W K-Frame 4.25-inch .357 Magnum is only an ounce heavier. Though I appreciate lightweight revolvers, a beefy 36-ounce snubby is a better trail gun that can shoot faster and more accurately than something lighter with fixed sights.

Practical Protection 

 The continual advancement of projectiles and ammunition have carried forward to the .357 Magnum, which remains one of the most effective defensive rounds even in shorter-format revolvers. Add in the versatility to also shoot more forgiving lighter recoil .38 special and specialty rounds such as snake shot and you have a gun that is far more adaptable than semiauto pistols. 

As someone who owns acres of hilly, canyoned Oklahoma terrain covered with all manner of slithering, two- and four-legged beasts, always having a trail gun is a must. Whether it’s a half-rabid coyote, aggressive skunk or the ever present rattlers and copperheads, there is regular need for a versatile sidearm. Versatility, power and capacity is where the GP100 shines. It’s accurate enough for small-game hunts and head shots on snakes with .357 Magnum rounds, but for dispatching snakes, No. 4 CCI snake shot is less stress inducing. 

The accuracy, capacity and versatility are worth the extra ounces on the trail and no amount of snow or rain is going to impact the stainless construction. Though the GP100 snubby in this configuration is not new, it is more refined for the 2025/2026 season and also proof that revolvers are still a strong seller. 

The barrel size and heft of the gun make it something unique that will stand out in a case of black semi-autos. The exceptional accuracy allows hitting versus just shooting at things which can be the difference between a de-skunk bath, rabies, or anti-venum shot or just an enjoyable day on the trail. Slim and lightweight small-capacity options are nice, but I’ll take the heft and capacity of this unique snubby when it comes time to hit the trail.