Let's compare apples to apples... a full-shrouded 4" six shot GP100, KGP141, weighs 40 oz. The full-lugged 4" 6-shot 686, SKU #164222, weighs 39.7 oz. Keep in mind that the Ruger is cast SS; the S&W is hammer-forged and heat treated. The Ruger has a solid frame with an easily removed trigger group. Further dissassembly requires a ziploc baggie. The sideplate seems stout enough on S&W's - the frame material is inherently stronger. Besides, they use the same construction for N-frame .44 Magnums and X-frame .500 Magnums. The S&W construction is decidedly more costly, MSRP $829 vs the Ruger's $729 MSRP.

Of course, all of this info - and I only have one 686 - actually, a 7-shot 686P. Why? I like partial lugs - my 5" 686P is a partially lugged 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' - an oddball in the 686 world. I prefer partial lugs - like the old 66 series K-frame .357 Magnums or the 627 Pro N-frame 8-shooter. If the GP100 floats your boat, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. If the short shroud models were available again, I would look them over, too. It will take a lot, however, to pry my 4" 627 Pro from my hands... unless I need a snubby - my 2 5/8" PC627 UDR will suffice there. Something nice about a x8 .357 Magnum...

Stainz