New GP100 .357 6 shot vs. 7 shot

[Squatch]

I have been looking to purchase a GP100 for home defense and hiking for the wife, she really likes the feel of the GP100 so that's the direction I'm going to go. My question is this, is the 7 shot as stoutly built as the 6 shot? Did they change the cylinder material or just eat into the margin on the overall strength of the cylinder? It's not that I intend to run super hot loads, I just would like the same level of overall strength and durability. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Matthew

[Encore64]

My guess is the seven shot is stronger. Plenty of steel between the chambers and more on the outside due to lock notch alignment.

For defense, that extra shot might just be handy.

[wildcatter]

I'm sure it will handel any 357 loads that were loaded to max saami spec's for the 357, and last a liftime. But I want the 6 shot just because I know very hot 180 grains would be the diet I put mine on, but thats going in knowing I'm gonna hot rod it. So when you know your going to be taken her over the top her whole life, I think any degree of over built is a plus.

If I wanted 2 legged self defense, the 7 shot be a plus worthy of having and I would be willing to feed her saami spec loads for that, and never look back.

[needsmostuff]

Ummmm, I'm too dumb for a seven shot. My inner child counts six bangs and dumps the cylinder.
I seem to be learning curve challenged.

[JM]

Mar 14, 2018 10:57:23 GMT -5 needsmostuff said:

Ummmm, I'm too dumb for a seven shot. My inner child counts six bangs and dumps the cylinder.
I seem to be learning curve challenged.

Yep. Its embarrassing sometimes with a traditional SAA type revolver, or a J-Frame.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Click. Crap!

[jfs]

Mar 7, 2018 13:49:13 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

My guess is the seven shot is stronger. Plenty of steel between the chambers and more on the outside due to lock notch alignment.

For defense, that extra shot might just be handy.

I purchased a 7 shot S&W 686 with 5" barrel and as encore64 says above the lock notch is between chambers, including the flutes.... She is safe to shoot any factory ammo.... Know its not a GP-100 but would assume the cylinders would be built just about the same because of 7 shots....