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  #1  
Old 01-11-2015, 10:22 PM
Miles2014 Miles2014 is offline
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Default S&W 686 or Ruger GP100?

OK,

Need some knowing advice here...I'm going to get one of these, but am tring to figure out which one. I know this is a S&W forum, so not totally unbiased, but is the extra $200-300 more for the 686 worth it? I shot the GP 100 today and really liked it. Never shot the S&W. Could current and/or previous owners let me know what you think?

Thanks for the help!
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:30 PM
9mmsubgun-m11 9mmsubgun-m11 is offline
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Currently own a couple 686's and not 1 bad thing to say about either. Would have zero interest in a Ruger.
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  #3  
Old 01-11-2015, 10:36 PM
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Just went through the same thing...Both are great guns,the Smith just has more "class" to me.MUCH better trigger,better grip angle for me,and is forged.I still may get a GP if I come across a good deal on one.
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:37 PM
Jamesatrange Jamesatrange is offline
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I have both and both are good guns. I've always liked the trigger pulls on smith and wesson more. So I favor Smith as I like to shoot revolvers double action. I do like how Ruger cylinders lock in the front of the crane to the frame for added strength. So I say buy both when you can and have your own comparison fun. Enjoy!
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:46 PM
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Very poor resale value on the Ruger.
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:48 PM
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I prefer the 686 over the GP100. I preferred the trigger on the 686. Although not important, I think the 686 has better aesthetics than the GP100.

But go to a Ruger forum and you'll likely read the same comment above, but with the terms "686" and "GP100" swapped.

You won't go wrong with either.
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Old 01-11-2015, 11:04 PM
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I've had a couple 686's in the past, but ended up getting rid of them. I currently have 3 different GP-100's. I, for one, much prefer the GP over the 686. I like the looks better and I'm more comfortable with the idea of feeding them the steady diet of hot handloads that I use. The 'push-in' cylinder release is more natural for me to use quickly for speed reloads than the 'slide-forward' style that Smith uses.

The triggers aren't as bad as most would have you believe and they are quite easy to make better if you so choose - with very easy to change springs and a little polishing with a buffing wheel on a dremel. I own several other S&W revolvers, including a couple Performance Center guns, and I'm here to say that I'd put the triggers in my GP's up against any of my Smith triggers.

As a shooters gun, one of the biggest reasons I like the GP's over Smiths is I really like how the Rugers are timed, where the cylinder rotates and locks well before the finish of a double-action trigger stroke - allowing for very easy, and quick, manipulation of fine trigger control for accurate shots. All of my Smiths are timed so that the cylinder locks much later in the cycle, making it (for me) more difficult to get fine control of the DA trigger stroke.

Really you cant go wrong with either one. But the truth is that as far as quality and workmanship of new specimens of either brand - there isn't a hill of beans worth of difference. I think most folks who would really try to convince you otherwise are doing so more out of brand loyalty rather than a legitimate unbiased opinion.

**sorry for the low quality cell phone pic**

Last edited by nebmike; 01-12-2015 at 12:31 AM.
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Old 01-11-2015, 11:23 PM
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Both are well built. Both are good shooters.

The 686 is sexy. /thread

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  #9  
Old 01-11-2015, 11:37 PM
Irn-Bru Irn-Bru is offline
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If a choice between a new 686 or new GP, I'd buy the Ruger. If it was between an older pre lock 686 and GP I'd take the 686.
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Old 01-11-2015, 11:49 PM
grumpy7159 grumpy7159 is offline
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The money I saved on the GP100 went to a custom shop to "improve" the firearm. I found the angle of the grip felt more natural to me than the S&W. Three of my Smiths are PCs and I love them dearly but I am still hundreds of dollars richer with the Ruger. I am still looking for good deals on Smiths but if I was just starting out I would get the Ruger.
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Old 01-11-2015, 11:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miles2014 View Post
OK,

Need some knowing advice here...I'm going to get one of these, but am tring to figure out which one. I know this is a S&W forum, so not totally unbiased, but is the extra $200-300 more for the 686 worth it? I shot the GP 100 today and really liked it. Never shot the S&W. Could current and/or previous owners let me know what you think?

Thanks for the help!
I have shot Rugers, S&W's and Colts. They are all fine revolvers. I have never cared for the way the Colts handle in DA, it is simply awkward to use. I've not been able to find any good reason to explain why the Colt DA is so designed. Even the Pythons I had were no better in DA. Perhaps with some attention the DA might be improved, but given the cost of a Colt, one has to wonder whysuch further attention would be needed. In SA, they have been fine, as good as S&W's.

I have shot a number of Rugers. They are fine pistols. They are heavier that comparable revolvers chambered for the .357 revolver. This helps with recoil, etc. The triggers are not so hot in SA. In DA, the triggers are heavy but usually smooth. One can usually stage the trigger in DA which helps in placing shots. It is possible to improve the trigger pull on a Ruger. By the time you've spent the money and time fiddling around with them, one begins to understand why the Ruger is usually less expensive for initial purchase. After fiddling, the Ruger will be a nice revolver. Aesthetically there is not much one can do about it. And when it comes to owning and enjoying a firearm, especially a handgun, it is understandable that one would want to have a handgun that combines elegance in design with excellence in manufacturer.

I have shot a lot of S&W revolvers, mostly in .38/.357 caliber. The L-frame series is about the best revolver ever made anywhere anytime by anyone. It is heavy enough with sufficient weight out front to moderate recoil using heavy magnum loads. The grips are comfortable for just about anyone. As well a plethora of aftermarket grips are available that will suit just about every taste and need. The S&W DA trigger pull is just about universally smooth. The SA trigger pull is sort that other manufacturers wish they could produce. It is worth noting that when one is at a match the overwhelming majority of revolvers used will be S&W's. That is some indication of what one may expect for the long term from a S&W revolver in heavy usage. JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:06 AM
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Better resale value for the S&W and a slightly better DA trigger pull. Ruger has a better lock up, ejector rod cannot turn and tie up the gun, thumb latch cannot fall off. Accuracy I'm told should be a toss up. I do not currently own one but do have Security Six's that I like. For my money I would have to go for the S&W, my trigger finger seems to prefer S&W's for DA work.
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  #13  
Old 01-12-2015, 12:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nebmike View Post
I've had a couple 686's in the past, but ended up getting rid of them. I currently have 3 different GP-100's. I, for one, much prefer the GP over the 686. I like the looks better and I'm more comfortable with the idea of feeding them the steady diet of hot handloads that I use. The 'push-in' cylinder release is more natural for me to use quickly for speed reloads than the 'slide-forward' style that Smith uses.

The triggers aren't as bad as most would have you believe and they are quite easy to make better if you so choose - with very easy to change springs and a little polishing with a buffing wheel on a dremel. I own several other S&W revolvers, including a couple Performance Center guns, and I'm here to say that I'd put the triggers in my GP's up against any of my Smith triggers.

As a shooters gun, one of the biggest reasons I like the GP's over Smiths is I really like how the Rugers are timed, where the cylinder rotates and locks well before the finish of a double-action trigger stroke - allowing for very easy, and quick, manipulation of fine trigger control for accurate shots. All of my Smiths are timed so that the cylinder locks much later in the cycle, making it (for me) more difficult to get fine control of the DA trigger stroke.

Really you cant go wrong with either one. But the truth is that as far as quality and workmanship of new specimens of either brand - there isn't a hill of beans worth of difference. I think most folks who would really try to convince you otherwise are doing so more out of brand loyalty rather than a legitimate unbiased opinion.

I have to agree with this. I've had Smith's in the past and they were great guns, but I have a GP100 now and the trigger on mine is fantastic, fit and finish are great. I couldn't be happier. You can't go wrong with either, but for the money the GP100 is much the better deal.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:51 AM
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I have both and like them both
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:52 AM
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I have both a 3" 686-6 Plus and a 3" GP100. The advantage to the 686P is the extra round and extra weight (I suppose that can cut both ways). The advantage of the GP100 is that the double-action trigger pull seems to break at a slightly better depth in the pull than my 686. This is, of course, purely subjective. They are both very accurate, but on good days the 686 is a hair more accurate.

Price was an issue with me too. I bought the GP100 new and only bought the 686P a couple years later when I found a used one at a fair price.
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Old 01-12-2015, 01:05 AM
hoc9sw hoc9sw is offline
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Not answering the question, but a comment on customer service. The Ruger CS for revolvers had been outstanding (until they told me they had no more parts for my 1985 Security Six). Their semi-auto service is less than commendable (different location & staff).

At the same time Smith has treated me well in all cases.

So if it is a comparison of Ruger vs. Smith revolvers, I see no issue at the CS level.
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Old 01-12-2015, 02:40 AM
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I do favor the S&W "smoothness" but, the GP-100 is a "tank". Both have their place in my opinion.
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Old 01-12-2015, 02:44 AM
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I have a 686-1 and a 686-5 Both are Power Custom Combat revolvers. They are pure perfection, and way past a factory trigger.

I also have a late model Adjustable Sight, 3 Inch GP100. It has also had a trigger job, with a Full Shim Set that I did myself. While not as good as my Power Custom 686's, the GP100's trigger is much better than a factory 686, to include the 686SSR.

I would prefer a 686-1 thru 686-5 over a GP100 of similar configuration, if priced the same.

All of the Adjustable Sight GP100's have a Quick Change Front Sight. You push in a plunger, and change the sight. You can get a Quick Change sight on Performance Center ONLY S&W's. If you are lucky the S&W will have a pinned front sight. One of my 686's is pinned, and the other one is not.

Another consideration is the Cylinder Release. My brother is Left Handed. He has both S&W's and Rugers. If Ruger would make something to replace his 617, and 625 that he liked, he would buy it, and sell his Smith & Wessons.

Another thing is the way the cylinder is retained. I have had the front side plate screw shoot lose, and turn my cylinder lose. Won't happen on a Ruger. Ever had the Ejector Rod shoot lose on a S&W and lock up the Cylinder? Won't happen on a GP100 either.

I own several Smith & Wesson Revolvers. I also own a 2.25 Inch SP101, a 3 Inch SP101, the 3 Inch GP100, a 480 Super RedHawk, and an LCR22. I have no plan to get rid of any of them. Infact I am planning on adding a Snub SP101 in 22LR when I find one I like at a reasonable price.

Bottom Line is the 686 is a very nice revolver. The GP100 is not bad either.

Bob
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Old 01-12-2015, 03:57 AM
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I looked at both and just felt like the GP 100 Match Champion was a better value. Not interested in resale cause I'll never sell it.
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Old 01-12-2015, 07:00 AM
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Both the GP100 and 686 are quality revolvers, each with their strengths and weaknesses.

The lockup on Ruger is a great design.
The cylinder release on Ruger is a great design.

The drawback to Ruger, IMO, is the "tang" grip frame. The aftermarket options for grips is rather limited for the GP100, due to this awkward grip frame design.

The 686 is much more refined, in finish and overall QC (in my experience) and everybody and their cousin from Taiwan makes grips for the 686.

Can't go wrong with either, unless you get one built on a Friday afternoon, in which case......both companies will square you away with call tags and good service.
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Old 01-12-2015, 07:44 AM
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I HAVE OWNED THE RUGER--WHICH I PURCHASED AS A KNOCK AROUND WOODS GUN, AND LATER SOLD. IT'S A VERY GOOD GUN, RUGGED AND RELIABLE. IMHO, IT LACKS THE PLEASING LINES OF THE S&W, THE TRIGGER PULL, THE EASILY OPERATED CYLINDER RELEASE, ETC. THE 686 IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, W/O LOOKING LIKE A TANK. IT WILL HANDLE A STEADY DIET OF ANY .357 MAG LOADS THAT ARE WITHIN SAAMI SPECS. IF YOU LOAD TO HIGHER PRESSURES THAN THAT, IMHO YOU ARE LOOKING FOR TROUBLE---BUT IT'S YOUR GUN TO BLOW UP, AND YES, YOU CAN BLOW UP A RUGER. I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST THE 686. ITS ONE OF THE FINEST S&W REVOLVERS EVER BUILT, AND THE BEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER CURRENTLY PRODUCED IN THE WORLD……....
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Old 01-12-2015, 07:55 AM
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Do you want a strong, ugly gun or a strong, beautiful gun? Buy an early model 686 and you'll never look back.
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Old 01-12-2015, 08:21 AM
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Here's a different perspective. Being a lefty 90% of my s&w revolvers fail the lock up test in DA. I know if I shoot at faster speeds inertia locks it up, but maybe I'm anal about it. I just like them to lock up no matter what speed. I have fixed a great many of them by installing slightly oversized (wider stock, not true oversized), or shimming the trigger on the side plate side. Newer guns have been taken care of by s&w for me and I've sent in quite a few. They have installed new extractor stars on all of those. But I get tired of fiddling with them. I noticed that the rugers I have/had don't seem to have this problem. At least the ones I had my hands on. I don't like the aesthetics as much as s&w, but I've been buying more of them now since I figured that out.

Of course I wouldn't turn down a nice 686 that timed quicker either. But if it came to brand new guns, I'd pick the ruger because aesthetically speaking, new smiths have some "features" that don't look so good to me.
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Old 01-12-2015, 08:32 AM
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I had a beautiful 686 No Dash 4". Sold it to buy something else and I do miss it. I've owned a GP100 and it was great. Sold that too. I now have a Police Service Six and I love it. Size of a K frame with the strength of an L.

If I was looking for either revolver, I would get a used 686 or a used GP. I just can't get past the lock and black MIM parts on new S&W revolvers, and the new GP's come with those hideous Hogue rubber grips, so replacing them is gonna cost another 100 bucks or so. So in the end, whichever used 686 or GP was in better shape would get the nod. I am sure the used Ruger would be cheaper, too.
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:03 AM
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I'm just not a fan of Ruger DA revolvers, if you need a hammer grab a GP100. But I have seen some hammers have better lines then a GP100. Sorry if I offended any hammer owners.
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:44 AM
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Quote:
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Do you want a strong, ugly gun or a strong, beautiful gun? Buy an early model 686 and you'll never look back.
YOU ARE ON THE MONEY, soda can ! ! !
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:58 AM
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I'll add another vote for the GP100, especially in Match Champion flavor. The new Match Champion was my first ever revolver, and within two hours of buying it (including transportation time to/from the LGS), I was hitting 10" steel plates from 45 yards in DA. The trigger is nice in DA mode, though IMO not quite as light/crisp in SA as several Smiths I've shot. The bit of extra heft in the GP100 soaks up recoil really well. I just got an email from Ruger that there's an even newer model Match Champion with adjustable rear sights.

I now have a new model 66 Combat as well as a 640-3 J-Frame, so I'm a Smith fan, but the Match Champion is a sweet Ruger that I look forward to shooting the snot out of for many, many years to come.
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Old 01-12-2015, 10:00 AM
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I've owned both. If you buy a GP100 you will be happy.................... as long as you never shoot a 686!
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Old 01-12-2015, 10:54 AM
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I've owned both and sold both. I've recently picked up a 686-1, six-inch and I'm not looking back. Get the 686

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Old 01-12-2015, 10:57 AM
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Default My 686 is nigh perfect.....

If you like the Ruger, there's nothing wrong with them at all. A friend recommended a Taurus as a cost saving measure but that was too big of a sacrifice. I wouldn't have been content with anything other than a 686, but I could have bought the Ruger if necessary. As it was, it was worth holding out for the 686. The trigger is fantastic. I've told people that I don't want a trigger job because it might mess it up.
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Old 01-12-2015, 11:36 AM
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I say you can't go wrong either way. The Rugers are well made and the S&W's are well made. Don't let the naysayers steer you away from the newer 686's if you choose a 686. I have a newer 686 I bought slightly used and it is as accurate as my bull barrel PPC revolver. There is nothing wrong with MIM internals. My trigger pull was very smooth out of the box. I did switch to Wolff springs and I was able to get the 686 trigger pull lighter than any of my other S&W's. The Rugers can have a nice DA trigger pull with some work. Would say try a 686 before you make the choice. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:26 PM
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You should try both. When my wife was interested in a GP100 we found a gun range that had one to rent and tried it and a 686 side-by-side. She hated the GP100 trigger. I thought the 686 trigger was better but the GP100 trigger was OK, but my hands are a lot stronger than hers. I also preferred the way the 686 felt in my hand.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipdog View Post
Very poor resale value on the Ruger.
Which is why you shop for used ones. I like the comment about the Smith being "classier" with a better trigger, and would point out that the Ruger probably shines a noodge more in durability. Either one would be a good deal, so long as they had the right "fit" for your hand and your wallet.

I own both flavors, and am satisfied with both.

If I could only have one, I'd give the edge, very slightly, to the Smith.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:53 PM
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Morning Miles

That is tough call without knowing exactly what you want in a gun.

I have a few Ruger GP100's (all in.357) a couple of 6" & a 4" .

I also have a number of 686's same 4" & 6" variations.

My older 686 has a slightly better fit & finish than my older
GP100.

Just the opposite on my newer GP 100's vs 686.

My newer GP 100 has about the same quality as they always had
(not great but acceptable) but my last 2 686's have terrible fit &
finish with nasty double action triggers from the factory.

All had pretty bad double action trigger pulls as bought but
with a little work they are fine now (took more work on the last 686 I have).

Once all the problems were sorted out (every 686 I have bought
since 2009 has had to back to Smith for one reason or another
with one going back 3 times).

All my latest Ruger GP 100's have been repairable at home.

On the triggers -- not much difference on the single action
side (a little work & both Ruger & Smith are fine & in the
2-1/2 to 3 lb range.

The double action side is different. The 686's I have, have
smooth double action pulls after a lot of work & massaging.
Not much stacking so the trigger takes a non stop pull-through
start to finish.

My GP 100's are just the opposite & have a little stacking
just before let off so the GP 100's have easy to stage trigger
pulls in double action. You can still pull though them non stop
but very easy to stage.

From looks alone I like the 686 better (excluding all the
noticeable defects). The GP 100 is more industrial looking
& bulkier looking.

The thing I can say is both S&W & Ruger have great customer
service (from my experience on my latest Smith's you are
probably going to need it).

Also, from my experience I will NEVER buy another Smith
bead-blasted finish. You just can't repair it or touch it up
when it gets holster marks or shinny spots from shooting
with gloves on. At least the brushed stainless is easily
repairable to look decent with very little work.
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Old 01-12-2015, 01:19 PM
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Default Used 686

Thanks, all

Saw a used S&W 686-1 .357M 4 inch barrel, M-stamped, with Hogue grips and original grips prelock used. Waht do you think somethink like that is worth. Looks to be in decent condition but haven't handled it. Not sure what would be an "appropriate" offer for it.

Thanks!
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Old 01-12-2015, 03:25 PM
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Default This is a good reason for me.....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zipdog View Post
Very poor resale value on the Ruger.
This is a good reason for me to buy one. I've got Smiths. I'm flat *** broke and if I need another gun or a beater I can pick up a Ruger. I don't buy guns for resale. It takes all kinds.

Besides, unlike others, Rugers are still rugged, durable guns.
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Old 01-12-2015, 03:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miles2014 View Post
Thanks, all

Saw a used S&W 686-1 .357M 4 inch barrel, M-stamped, with Hogue grips and original grips prelock used. Waht do you think somethink like that is worth. Looks to be in decent condition but haven't handled it. Not sure what would be an "appropriate" offer for it.

Thanks!
Seems like most models in nice shape sell for about the price of a new gun or a little more.
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  #38  
Old 01-12-2015, 05:25 PM
Irn-Bru Irn-Bru is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miles2014 View Post
Thanks, all

Saw a used S&W 686-1 .357M 4 inch barrel, M-stamped, with Hogue grips and original grips prelock used. Waht do you think somethink like that is worth. Looks to be in decent condition but haven't handled it. Not sure what would be an "appropriate" offer for it.

Thanks!
I'd say $600 is a fair price, no more than $700.
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  #39  
Old 01-12-2015, 06:09 PM
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I bought a GP100 just a few months ago. I wanted a good 357 for carry in the woods. The IL killed the 686 for me. I have a 686 that I do take to the range but I could not get past the lock for a carry gun.
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Old 01-12-2015, 07:01 PM
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I have owned both. I ended up giving the Ruger to my son when I purchased the 686. I like the lines on the Smith, better and I like being able to adjust the trigger myself. On the other hand, the Ruger is built like a tank, not that the Smith is weak, it's just that the GP100 was always a very robust gun. I don't recall one shooting any better than the other, so your call.

Good luck.
s.
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  #41  
Old 01-12-2015, 07:26 PM
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I'd say handle both as much as possible. Find out which one feels better to you, and what feels more natural for opening the cylinder.

The Ruger weighs 36oz ( 3" ) , 40oz ( 4" ) or 45oz ( 6" ) .

The Smith weighs 37oz ( 3" ) , 39oz ( 4" ) or 45oz ( 6" ).

The weights for the Smith and Wesson guns are for 686 plus models.The standard models are a bit heavier ( 1-2 oz ).

That would also be a consideration. You can get a 686 in a standard model with 6 round capacity or the 686 PLUS model which holds 7 rounds for a little bit more. The Ruger is a straight 6 shot cylinder.
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  #42  
Old 01-12-2015, 09:31 PM
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I say close your eyes, have someone put one in your hand and which ever fells the best go for it!! I have both and like both and as already stated they both have there good and not so good pros and cons. I also think that what type loads you plan on using would make a big difference, on your choice! Good luck on your choice, either way you can't go wrong.
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  #43  
Old 01-12-2015, 09:42 PM
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I wouldn't wait too long OP on a nice used one,they sell QUICK!!!
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:53 PM
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I had this same problem and the best answer to your question is to get both. Get one, then when you get a chance, pick up the other one. Both are solid guns made right here in America.
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Old 01-12-2015, 10:21 PM
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Local pittsburgh dealer had a 4" 686 on the shelf for $575 the other day. I didn't look closely but it seems in good condition. If the 645 hadn't been $500 I might have looked...
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  #46  
Old 01-12-2015, 10:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upstaterebel View Post
Definitely buy the Ruger.

No internal lock.

Gun will shoot high pressure rounds that S&W will not.

Customer service superior.

Second Amendment manufacturer that did not bow to Clinton.

Accurate guns that are over-engineered and made in USA.
Ruger may not have internal locks on their revolvers but they do on some of their other guns I own 2 Rugers with internal locks. Also Bill Ruger was for a 15 round magazine limit for civilians. He would not allow 20 mini 14 mags to be sold to the public. It wasn't until he died that Ruger started selling 20 round mags for the mini 14 again. Plus how can you imply S&W isn't a pro 2nd Amendment company they sell firearms to the public. A lock doesn't make a company anti 2nd amendment.

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  #47  
Old 01-12-2015, 10:57 PM
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Better look into Bill Rugers words/actions of the era as well...Doesn't really matter as neither company is the same as they were back then.
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Old 01-12-2015, 11:13 PM
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There was a write-up on the Ruger (albeit the Match Champion version) in the latest edition of the American Rifleman that was very complimentary. I had an interest in getting a GP 100, and the new model seemed to address the trigger which was the main sticking point for me.

I had an opportunity to handle a Match Champion recently, and it seems to me that there is still some work to be done on smoothing out the trigger. In defence of the Ruger, it was a new gun and the trigger may smooth out in time, but I still think I prefer the Smith. YMMV.
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Old 01-13-2015, 01:30 AM
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And there you have it. The choice should be crystal clear now that everyone has weighed in.
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Old 01-13-2015, 04:46 AM
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It would be interesting to read the responses if the same question was posed on a Ruger web site.

I had some Rugers long ago and although good guns once I started buying S&W the Rugers went away and I have never looked back. I did handle a 480 Ruger in a pawn shop the other day but then the S&W 460 I had handled came to mind and I will be getting that instead.

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