Hi all,
I'm torn between these two revolvers: both new at LGS.
S&W 686 and Ruger GP100, both short barrels 2.5 (SS) and 3" (blue). Price diff. is about $100, so that's not an issue at all.
Seven shots on Smith' and six on the Ruger is not a deal breaker for me. My buddy had a 686' pre-lock years ago and I handle it with pleasure. No live experience with GP' yet, but at LGS' it feels very solid with the Hogue grips.

Folks, please chime in and advised, I'd really want to score one of these this w/e....

And I anyone has pics for these two side by side for comparison, I'd appreciate so much.

Thanks all in advance.

__________________
All the best,
Omil

Tough choice. My choice would be the 686+.

Not a tough choice for me...686...but I like the older ones a little better. I have a -3 2 1/2" that has a fantastic stock trigger.

Now I like Rugers...good solid guns. You would be well armed if you went with the GP100...and they are both American made!

What is the 3" blue you are referring to?

Agreed, tough choice. I would be happy with either, though I would disable the lock on the Smith. One thing I learned recently about the Ruger, you have a much smaller selection of aftermarket grips to choose from because of the unusual nature of some of Ruger's grip frames as illustrated by this photo:

http://www.realguns.com/images/checkemptpulgrip.jpg

It is neither good nor bad, just something to consider in your selection.

At my local gun shop I held a 2.5 inch Smith 686, 7 shot, with internal lock, and it was a magnificent revolver, hate the lock, but as mentioned, I'd just disable it and buy a plug for it, or maybe just leave it as is but disable.

Ruger currently has a "Wiley Clapp" 3 inch blued GP100, I may choose that over the Smith, though I am most certainly a Smith fan more so than a Ruger fan.

http://www.tombstonetactical.com/ima...53-1-large.jpg

Actually, now that I see the image of the GP100, if I had to choose, I'd choose a Smith 686 with 2.5 or 3 inch barrel (sorry about the tiny pics, when I copied the link they pics were very large, not sure why they come up small when you click on the link):

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...m/IMG_3320.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...s/IMG_4229.jpg

Seeing another member's comment reminded me of one important factor, the Smith has a much nicer trigger, and that's worth a lot in my book. Get the Smith!

Thanks for your reply. 3" blue is the GP100 from a private seller on Calguns, off-rooster. In Ca. only 4" and 6" GP made the list.

__________________
All the best,
Omil

I have both 686 Plus and Ruger GP100 3" models. Get the Smith. Better trigger. Adjustable sights, And 7 shots. I will say that the GP100 I bought used was 1/2 the price of the 686 used. The 3" GP100 sights have to be adjusted with a file, by filing down the front sight. Shoots way low the way it is.

I had a four-inch GP100 for a short while before a financial emergency forced me to sell it. Fine gun, built like a bank vault. I can't imagine ever wearing one out.

The trigger was quite good, but not equal to a Smith trigger in my opinion. I didn't have any work done on it while I had it.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.

Here is a link where the same question that was asked recently on the forum.
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://...m4EAvWsp-_FZjA

I have a GP 100 with a 4" and never had a problem with it, but I prefer pre lock S&W's.

If I had to choose between the two, assuming both are new production, I would chose the 686 for EDC as it is a bit lighter. If I wanted something just to take to the range and not worry about damaging it or breaking the bank. I would probably go with the GP100.

Just my .02

Thanks for your reply & link.

__________________
All the best,
Omil

Both are great revolvers. The Ruger is probably a tic more rugged but not much but Rugers tend to have slightly looser chamber specs than S&W so if you reload brass life will be slightly less with a Ruger. The design of the Ruger trigger doesn't allow it to be lightened as much a Smith if you choose to do any trigger work. If you plan to shoot double action I recommend dry firing the Ruger if it is allowed because Rugers have very heavy trigger pull but it can be lightened. If you only shoot single action ( I don't) then it's a tie. I own Ruger and S&W revolvers and I like both. You said one was blue. For me because I sweat so bad I would have to choose stainless or have it Cerakoted because I would destroy a blued gun in a week if I carried it. Last the 7 shot limits your speedloader choices. The HKS ones are not reviewed very well for the 7 shot but work great for the 6 shot. Safariland makes great speedloaders but not for the 7 shot. 5 Star makes awesome 7 shot aluminum speedloaders but they are about $25 each. I have a 7 shot 686 on layaway so I have been researching speedloaders. The choice I made is I am going to have mine cut for moonclips. A friend had his done and it is awesome.

Always choose the Smith.

For how good of a revolver the GP100's are I'd still choose smith. I can tell you with the right gunsmith, one being Greg at Lauer Weaponry in Chippewa Falls, WI. With a good trigger job the GP100 is gold. I had the 6" with a trigger job and it was smoother than any Smith I have owned. A bit too light though. Dangerously light. But that was more the GSmith and not the GP100.

Both are great revolvers. Tough call if you are not a Smith fanatic.

The 7-shots may limit speedloader choices but the ones available are the best in the world. I see you mentioned them. Worth every penny.

The aluminum L7s work in both 686 and GP100.

If you are buying new I would definitely go with a Wiley Capp Ruger GP-100 and I prefer SS. The sights are very nice on these.

If you just have to have a 686, they I would go with a pre-internal lock model. My favorite is the 686-4 which has many improvements, but does not have the lock or the MIM parts. These take some time to find and for my money other than a little better trigger they have noting on the Wiley Capp Ruger GP-100.

I had a couple of the 4 inch 686-4 models and I let my brother talk me out of one of them. In three inch I have the Wiley Capp GP-100 and it is nice, but does have a heavy trigger. I need to change the springs and do a little polishing on it, but I just have not gotten around to it yet.

You're all choosing wrong. What you want is a 2.75" Speed Six, with bobbed hammer, tritium front sight, and other general cool stuff.



Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

I've liked the GP100 since they first were announced. It strikes me as a good, rugged, reliable sidearm. However, I have stayed with my 686-1 because of the trigger and lockwork. Of the GP100s I've handled and dry fired, the 686 has a much smoother and lighter DA trigger. The GP100s I've handled and my 686-1 have stock triggers. I haven't run across a GP100 with as nice a trigger as my Smith--still might buy a GP100 someday, but I'm keeping my 686.

I've had both. Currently, I have a 4" GP100 and a 3" 681PC. If I were looking for greatest durability, the GP100 would definitely be my choice. For aesthetics, I'll take the S&W. Accuracy is about equal, and a Ruger, nowadays, has a very nice trigger, so that is another toss-up in my opinion.

__________________
Dave Frost

Just my two cents here but since you are looking for a 2 1/2" revolver that usually means a "self defense / CCW" is desired. If in fact you intend that purpose for your gun, I would think about getting a smaller framed gun like a M60, M66, M65, etc. A 686 is a bulky & heavy package to tote - just saying. If you intent on doing lots of target shooting with it, a 4 - 6 inch tube might be a better choice.

I have a 686-4P in a 4" barrel and a GP100 in 3" barrel. I would love to get a 3" 686P. However, the 3" GP100 is a solid gun. I am not as accurate with it as I am with the 686 (which of course makes sense due to the longer barrel). So, either will do. I consider the GP100 my most rugged gun and I normally wear it when I am out and about in the woods. I would not mind getting a scratch on it, but I would cry if my 686 got messed up. Hope you get one you like - best wishes, B

Don't have and never shot a GP100 but the 686+ 3" is my first handgun purchase and still my favorite.

I own a 686-4 2 1/2" and a 686-3 4". If it was me, I wouldn't even be considerin' that GP-whatever-it-is.

For me not a question---686 I would not have looked at GP-100 if it was half the price. I do not like the way it feels. Both are good solid guns and either would provide a lifetime of service with minimal care. Now if it was a speed six 2.75" it would not still be there for you to look at!!!. Your good both ways. Be Safe,

__________________
I BACK OUR BLUE

I know the 5 stars are awesome just pricey. I saw the 8 shot ones at a match a lady was using with her R8. I am still going to buy a couple of 5 star speedloaders for my 7 shot but I an still having it cut for moonclips because I will be using mine for competition.

"You're all choosing wrong. What you want is a 2.75" Speed Six, with bobbed hammer, tritium front sight, and other general cool stuff."

"Just my two cents here but since you are looking for a 2 1/2" revolver that usually means a "self defense / CCW" is desired. If in fact you intend that purpose for your gun, I would think about getting a smaller framed gun like a M60, M66, M65, etc."

No disrespect intended, but finding anything modern off the "not unsafe roster", or having a CCW permit in CA, is a challenge.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This throws poo in the game.

I don't know where all the inferior GP100 DA triggers are coming from. I can tell you where they're not going - to me. My Wiley Clapp model has a fine DA trigger. I handled a standard 3" GP100 in my LGS last week and the DA was even better on this one. Of course, I only shoot MOPP (Minute-of-Pie-Plate) at 3 to 7 yards, full power mags, double taps. Perhaps in a more target use, the 686 would be better. My 686 SSR is also a great MOPP gun.

Now let me stick my neck way, way out: my Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan has a magnificent DA trigger that is better than the Clapp. I call 'em like I sees 'em. By the way, I'm still a J-hound.

To the OP: buy both guns, try to get a stainless GP100 so it matches the 686.

I'm probably the odd man out, but I like fixed sight guns (my only L-Frame is a 681), and I love the GP100s with 3-inch barrels. In fact, I own two of them.

If you get one with a good trigger, or have some trigger work done on one, they are superb.

Here's one of my GPs. It has had a trigger job and wears aftermarket stocks.

Thanks for your helpful info. I'd be very happy with both, but that's not an option.

__________________
All the best,
Omil

I also prefer fixed sight guns. While the 686 is a fine weapon, I think the GP100 is hands down more rugged. And while it is unlikely that the average shooter will wear out a 686, I think the Ruger is a much better choice in a "SHTF-No-Access-to-gunsmithing-services" scenario. I would choose the GP100

My vote goes to "none of the above." Wait for a 3 inch S&W.

As between the two, I prefer the 3 inch, thus would pick the Ruger.

Someone mentioned a "Wiley Clapp" GP100. I cannot possibly imagine how a Novak sight on a revolver, which requires cutting away a substantial part of the top strap, is a good idea. But, it had to have something different, otherwise the "Wiley" model would be the same as the one already in the catalog, and that's no fun.

Better the "Wiley" model be a 4 inch with a light lug (I hate the term "half-lug"). And no hacked-up top strap.

Agree with Shawn above. I never understood the logic of shortening the ejector stroke on a defensive revolver for 1/2" shorter barrel. Don't own anything shorter than 3" and probably won't given my age and stubbornness (smile).

And if you can't find a 3" 686 or if you want fixed sights, you can always have a good smith build one for you.



Or find one of the out of production PC guns on the used market, like this 681.



Good luck in your search and with your final decision.

Dave

__________________
RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Im a SP101 fan. Not crazy about the GP. Has nothing to do with the gun, just me. So I say 686

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

That's a no-brainer: In the medium-frame DA world, S&W wins every time with me.

I've never owned any small frames of either brand but I probably wouldn't care as much since both use coil mainsprings.

I like the ergonomics of the GP, but until Ruger starts making them with a leaf mainspring that doesn't stack like a coil, S&W will get my vote every time. The extra round is also a plus, and speed loaders are a non-issue, there is no shortage of them for the 686+.

There's a reason ICORE is dominated by S&Ws.

My two cents, I'd go with the GP due to the barrel. A 7-shot 2.5" doesn't sound overly practical. Though the extra round and stainless finish would be more appealing to me. An IL would be less appealing, if it has one.

The GP100 is a fine gun. It doesn't really inspire desire to look at, at least not for me. But it's a great piece. Mine's a great shooter, they are smooth to use with a good trigger, and they are incredibly simple to take apart.

I would counsel for the Smith, I went Sp101 over the Gp, and personally I think the GP is...well, ugly.

__________________
Still just a kid at heart

Those have to be the nicest looking grips I've ever seen on a GP100. Usually they look awful.

__________________
Sure you did

I would go with the Wiley. I obtained an old style grip for the pg 100 3" and replaced the larger one that the Wiley came with. It looks as good as it shoots, and has broken in nicely.

HiCap

__________________
HiCap

I like my Rugers but if it were a 686-4 or earlier, the 686 is what I would buy. For current production, GP100 all the way. With that said, if future resale is a consideration, the 686 will most likely fetch a better return down the road.

I have a Lou Horton 2.5" 686 and a Wiley Clapp GP 100. While the 686 wins in the looks department the GP feels much more rugged and willing to take a beating.

The Smith has a lock, that alone would be a deal breaker. The Ruger is rugged, accurate, does not have a lock and is probably less expensive. In this case I would take the Ruger. I have owned both.

I have a 686 3" Talo with a power custom s&w trigger kit. Pull is right at 3.5 on single action. Talk about smooth as silk is an under statement.

I have a 3" Wiley Clapp GP100. Love the looks, the feel, and it is built like a tank.
But, NO where near the double action trigger pull of my S&W's.
( I almost Never use single action on a revolvers )

A 3" 686 would be the one on my list.
As far as the lock, I don't care for it. But, I have several with the lock and never
have had a problem.

I have Smith's and I have Rugers. 3 GP100's, a 4" .327 Mag, a 4" .357 Mag and 6" .357 Mag. They are all tough tanks. My Smith's are great also. As you can see I like both so I got both. Get the one you can afford now. If you're still not sure which one. Blindfold yourself and hold them, play with it, dry fire it, feel the weight, then pickthe one that feels right. You're not going to go wrond with either. Then later buy the other one. Remember this is a sickness you can't have just one......you'll see

Glad to hear that the GP100s have better triggers these days. As I stated, I've always liked the GPs, but of the ones I've handled, which were admittedly earlier production models, I thought S&Ws had smoother triggers and actions. Might have to expand the revolver collection a bit.

I would take a 3" GP-100 over a 686 with a lock any day. The lock is a deal breaker for me. If I was looking for a concealed carry piece I would rather have an older K-frame in 357 just because they are significantly lighter than either the 686 or the GP.

Well I'll add my 2 cents. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. The Ruger GP100 is a fine handgun. I had a four inch GP100 and it was more accurate than I am and really isn't that the whole point of owning a handgun? I did end up selling it to buy a three inch 686-8. I went back and forth about selling the Ruger but since I have a SP101 it made the decision a little easier.

If it's just the standard 3" GP100, go with the 686. But if it's the Wiley Clapp GP100, I'd suggest it over the 686, as it has much better trigger out of the box. Not sure what Ruger did with them, maybe polish up the internals, but the Wiley Clapp is top of the line.

__________________
Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I own a stainless GP100 5"bbl, and a 686-4 4"bbl revolver, and honestly I love one as much as the other. Both are excellent handguns. Of the two revolvers that you are looking at, for me, I like stainless, so the 686 would have the edge. I prefer the older no internal lock Smiths, 686-4 or lower dash models. Either way, you will have an excellent classic revolver. You simply can't go wrong.

If I were buying new guns for a self defense or some kind of security guard duty I'd buy the GP-100 just because it has no internal lock.

In fact, I have a new GP-100 4" blue target sight model on the way.

I also have an older 686 no lock.

For a range gun, or hunting, I wouldn't care about the lock as I can always just unlock it in the unlikely event it comes on spontaneously.

For a used -- not IL gun -- I'd buy the 686 Smith myself -- its a great gun, reliable, and fits my hand perfectly.

Ether one would be good I have the 686+ 3 in and have no problems with the IL. Now as for the Triggers the Smith is better than the Ruger I have two Super Redhawks that have the same trigger as the GP100. They are good just not as good as the Smith. But a spring change does make them better.

I own a 4" 686+ and a 6" GP100.

I had a trigger job done on the GP100 (heck, it only cost around $60) and the GP100's trigger is now absolutely fantastic. I am more accurate with the GP100 than with any other revolver.

The 686+ is a great revolver and once the trigger gets some use it smooths out very nicely.

The 686+ has a slightly better SA trigger than the Ruger IMHO.

Bottom line is that you will not go wrong with either handgun and I seem to like best whichever one I am shooting at the moment.

The Ruger has one very nice feature: you can swap out the front sights in about 20 seconds. No staking; it is user removable.

I disagree that the GP100 is ugly. I think that it is a beautiful handgun, as is the Smith.

__________________
Army veteran, NRA Life Member