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  #1  
Old 01-14-2013, 07:38 PM
spartan59 spartan59 is offline
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Default GP100 vs. 66 No Dash

All,

I purchased a 4 inch Model 66 .357 about 6 weeks ago. It is a great shooter and great overall. About 2 weeks ago I purchased a Ruger GP100 4 inch and I must say it is a very nice .357 as well.

The GP100 is very solidly built like a tank. Also, there's no concerns with running a steady diet of .357 through it. Point of the thread is to get opinions as to the pro s and con s of each of these respective pistols. Again, I realize this is a S & W forum but looking for objective opinions.

Thank You
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Old 01-14-2013, 08:30 PM
41RF 41RF is offline
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I agree with you that the Ruger is more suitable for extensive use with hot loads. I've had both, and prefer the weight and balance of the 66, mine also had a much smoother action at first. A good going over by a fine local gunsmith made the GP-100 the smoother of the two, while still totally reliable. Both are full size holster guns, so to me the weight and bulk of the Ruger are not a bother. I have a K-38 for targets anyway, so I let the 66 go. Both are fine guns, you made good choices! Best, Larrty
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Old 01-14-2013, 08:36 PM
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I also own a 66, but think the Ruger should be compared to a 686, I think the match up is more equal.
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Old 01-14-2013, 09:54 PM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
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Owning both is the correct answer.

The 66 is the perfect compromise. The GP is a perfect heavy hauler.
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Old 01-14-2013, 10:00 PM
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My GP100 had (before it fell in the lake) a terrible trigger. Gritty, heavy, with stacking/hitches throughout the pull. I don't shoot much full power .357, so a good trigger is much more important to me.
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Old 01-14-2013, 10:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johngalt View Post
My GP100 had (before it fell in the lake) a terrible trigger. Gritty, heavy, with stacking/hitches throughout the pull. I don't shoot much full power .357, so a good trigger is much more important to me.
the trigger got better after it fell in the lake? maybe it was just dirty
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Old 01-15-2013, 12:01 AM
spartan59 spartan59 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labworm View Post
I also own a 66, but think the Ruger should be compared to a 686, I think the match up is more equal.
labworm you make a very good point. I actually went to my LGS
to pick up a 686 . The folks at the LGS told me to check out the GP100 as well. I liked the feel and heft of the Ruger much better than the 686. It was also nearly $200 less.

the 686 does not have the same feel of my 66. Glad I opted for the Ruger !
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Old 01-15-2013, 12:06 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by labworm View Post
I also own a 66, but think the Ruger should be compared to a 686, I think the match up is more equal.
This. M66 vs GP100 is kinda apples & oranges.
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Old 01-15-2013, 12:13 AM
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A 66 4" and its little 2.5 " brother hand around this part of the woods. Can't beat them. Ruger is carrying a little more steel. 66 gets my vote.
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Old 01-15-2013, 12:17 AM
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66 for carrying, and shooting moderate loads. GP100 for those times when you want to belch fire and brimstone!
And just saying this: S&W model 28=Best of both worlds! Dale
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Old 01-15-2013, 12:30 AM
hd28cw hd28cw is offline
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Just like everybody else that has responded, I have both of these revolvers. In my opinion the ruger is absolutely an unstoppable tank, where it lacks is fit and overall finish.....The 66 however is silky smooth and better metal finish, but is better suited for a good diet of 38 special instead of .357 magnum.
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Old 01-15-2013, 06:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hd28cw View Post
Just like everybody else that has responded, I have both of these revolvers. In my opinion the ruger is absolutely an unstoppable tank, where it lacks is fit and overall finish.....The 66 however is silky smooth and better metal finish, but is better suited for a good diet of 38 special instead of .357 magnum.
Actually, my GP-100 is very well fitted and finished. Like all guns, they vary from one to another. Very smooth, even, action, too, once it wore-in, which didn't take too long. I just put a couple of drops of Break-Free down in front of the hammer, cycled the action to distribute the lube, and began using the gun. Some dry-firing helped, but I think live ammo wears-in a gun faster.

I can honestly say that my M-66-3 is no smoother, but it's good, too. When I wore a gun for work, I usually favored the S&W because it is lighter to wear all day or night. But if I practiced much with .357 ammo, the Ruger got the bulk of that duty.

The M-66 conceals better, of course. For many, that is a prime factor.
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Old 01-15-2013, 09:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kamloops67 View Post
the trigger got better after it fell in the lake? maybe it was just dirty
Alas, I will never know!
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  #14  
Old 01-15-2013, 12:09 PM
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I carry my 66 to protect myself and my family. I carry my GP100 to hammer wire fence staples in the pasture. I used to use the 100 for a small boat anchor, but sold the boat. Both great tools!
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  #15  
Old 01-16-2013, 03:55 PM
spartan59 spartan59 is offline
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Gents

can you suggest a hip holster that fits the GP100 ? The Gallo for my 66 is too narrow.

Thank You
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