Why is the price so drastically different in these revolvers?

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100/models.html

Either you're shopping at the wrong store, or as the others have said, you're looking at a dealer exclusive. And incidentally, Russ in NOVA, the 3" SS GP100 is $30 less than the 6" and 4.2" SS GP100s, at least in MSRP.

But the 3" SS is only $20 more than the blued 6", at least in Ruger's MSRP listings. Try shopping elsewhere if you want a stainless 3".

Stainless steel is always more expensive than blued alloy steel and barrel length is not a factor in the retail price the way Ruger does it. Additionally the 3" model you are looking at may be the "Wiley Clapp" distributor exclusive that has a fiber optic front site and more streamlined grip with wood inlays. Believe this gun is optimized to be about as CCW as a Ruger GP100 can be. You are also probably paying a few bucks for the Wiley Clapp name.

Stainless steel requires addition of chromium to the steel and there are no working mines for chromium ores in N. America. The main source for it are all from places that are not exactly friendly to us such as Russia, India, Turkey, and South Africa. That tends to make anything that uses it more expensive than those that do not such as the non-stainless steel Ruger.

It has nothing to do with the finish. One is made with CM steel. The other is made with stainless steel. Stainless steel has more chrome and nickel which is expensive. Stainless steel does not machine near as easy as CM steel so it takes longer to make and finish stainless steel parts.

Your shopping at the wrong place unless it's the Wiley Clapp edition like was mentioned.http://www.armslist.com/posts/2338544/st-louis-mis... http://www.impactguns.com/ruger-gp100-6-round-357-... http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Ite...

right, stainless is more expensive and harder to machine. requires more expensive tools etc. the actual metal is different, its not just a paint job.