I have owned numerous GP100 and 686 revolvers. To me, the 686 revolvers are more consistent, where GP100 revolvers will vary more from one particular revolver to another, particularly so in recent production. Once broken in, I prefer the double action pull on the GP100, it is easier to stage the trigger. In single action mode, they are just different, the Smith will be very crisp and the Rugers will be quite smooth. I currently own just the GP100, and I have done some spring changes to it.