Ruger GP-100, comparing to S&W

PeteC · Jan 31, 2021

I am wondering what other people in this forum think of it. From doing a little reading, it is often compared to the S&W Model 686.

I have come into possession of a Ruger GP-100,.357 6", Santoprene grips with rosewood inserts, 1990 vintage (according to s/n). It was part of a package deal with a gun I had been looking for locally for some time, and not the main motivation for the purchase (seller offered a 10% discount off an already reasonable price if I took both guns, and I can easily sell it for what I put into it).

I don't have an opinion either way, and usually it takes me some investment in time, ammo, and research before I make up my mind. Any opinions, comments, or snide remarks appreciated, and likely to save me time and $$.

Most of my limited knowledge stops around the mid-1980's, so this is a bit out of my comfort zone.

Edited to add a pic:

Loyaljeeper · Jan 31, 2021

In my opinion, a Ruger is worth buying if you can’t afford the equivalent S&W or Smith never made it. My 3” GP100 10mm is an absolute embarrassment. They cut the cylinder window crooked. It shoots fine but it is an eyesore.

Drm50 · Jan 31, 2021

Apples and oranges.

bigwheelzip · Jan 31, 2021

The guy next to me at the range was shooting a new GP100 Match Champion, and asked how I liked the 4" 686 Plus I was shooting, then suggested we swap for a cylinder of shooting.
Afterward, we both agreed we liked the 686 better. Hardly much experience to base an opinion on though.

UncleEd · Jan 31, 2021

The GP-100 is not as refined as the Smith
686 although you can find rough examples
of the Smith that make the Ruger look
positively great.

I've shot enough of both guns io know that
the triggers on each are good but Smith
edges out the Ruger. However, Rugers are
easy to work on and that trigger can be
made much better.

Usually Rugers have sharper edges; feel
the flutes on a Ruger and then on a 686
and you'll know what I mean. Often it's
the same throughout the guns. Smith
takes more time to finish its guns.

I'm a Smith revolver guy but I don't look
down on the Rugers as they've proven
themselves to me.

And Ruger has a customer service that
is unparalleled in the business; Smith a
little less so.

Of course, some on this forum won't look
at a new Smith because the guns aren't
up to the standards of the old guns or so
they think. I won't argue their point even
though I don't believe they are correct.

schutz5 · Jan 31, 2021

For me,when I was deciding between the 6 inch Ruger and Smith classic 586,I preferred the Smith rear sights.
Almost bought the 586 classic but the yoke to frame fit had a gap. Two years later I found a 586 no dash perfection!

Sevens · Jan 31, 2021

Ruger used to poke fun at S&W in print advertising because the Ruger frame is beefier and the S&W is very thin in comparison. Smith & Wesson fans realize straight away the the Ruger frame is investment cast and the S&W is forged steel, so the Ruger *HAS* to be thicker to give you similar strength.

Which revolver is better? Well, it likely depends on what you want and also, likely depends a whole lot on who you ask.

I own both and I'm quite familiar with both. I believe that as durability goes, it would be hard to make a distinction for better. However, the GP-100 is far less likely to go out of time where the S&W has a bit of a weakness. And as for which has the better double action and single action trigger, Smith & Wesson is going to win here.

When it comes to service and support, both have an excellent reputation.

When it comes to which brand makes better guns currently, it is my belief that Ruger is not as good as they once were and that S&W is getting worse by the minute. Smith & Wesson has a whole new QC department, the end buyer. The first owner of a S&W is now tasked with all QC checks.

Between a 686 and a GP-100 both made in 1990, I want the S&W all day long and it isn't close. If we are talking about a revolver made in the last 10 years or so, I would rather have the Ruger but I would definitely interview both.

If we are talking about going and buying something made currently, I wouldn't take the S&W at substantially less money. And if someone gave me the S&W, I'd spend the next week figuring out what is wrong with it and I probably wouldn't sleep well until I found it.

Golphin · Jan 31, 2021

I don't own and have not shot a S&W 686 but I do own other S&W revolvers including a N frame 357. The GP100 I have is a good revolver and I enjoy shooting it. It is built to hold up to hot loads. I would always favor a S&W. I would think the S&W would be a good bit more money than a GP100 though.

upcountry · Jan 31, 2021

I have a bunch of S&W revolvers (including a 586), but when I wanted a revolver for IDPA about 20 years ago, I went with a 4" GP100. I liked the weight--helped with recoil control. The sights for me were comparable, the trigger was a little heavier but the whole trigger group just drops out. Wollf spring kit was a breeze, a little polishing, and it's superb. Took about 1/2 hour, no gunsmith. I've done the triggers on 2 SP101's and a Security Six.
I like Smiths, but the GP100 is my IDPA gun.

dmthomp32 · Jan 31, 2021

I've never owned a Ruger DA revolver. I've had mixed experiences in my ownership of Rugers, but I'll say that most folks who have them seem pleased. I shoot my neighbor's security six really well and would buy it from him should he ever announce it's sale. For now though I'll stick with my colts and Smith's.

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pistolpete10 · Jan 31, 2021

Ruger handguns are a little crude compared to S&W. The Rugers are quite serviceable tho.

gunsnrovers · Jan 31, 2021

The GP100 isn't my cup of tea, but a Speed Six and/or Security Six were nice handling revolvers and I wish I hadn't let a few slip through my fingers.

Univibe · Jan 31, 2021

Funny thing.

I went to a gun show several years ago, fully intending to buy a GP100. I handled both it and the 686, and went home with the 686, which cost about $125 more.

About a year later, I went again, intending to buy a Redhawk in .44 magnum. Again, i went home with a 629.

The Smiths just seemed more refined.

Magnum629 · Jan 31, 2021

In my humble opinion they are both fine revolvers and I have and previously owned both. In the late 80's I had a nickel Smith model 29 .44 and a blued Ruger GP100 357. Sold them both off out of stupidity. After decades of no gun ownership I purchased a 2014 stainless 3 inch GP100. And this past December purchased a Smith model 629 .44 6 inch. So history has repeated itself. Ruger makes a beefier revolver, but the trigger pull is not that "silky smooth" like the Smith. I am happy to have both these guns back into my ownership. The GP100 is my preference for a home defense piece. And way back when in the late 80's you could shoot 38 wad cutters all day without breaking the bank. My how times have changed. Pricing too! GP100 was $299 back in the 80's and my model 29 was around $450. I should have kept them, but hindsight is 20/20.

stansdds · Feb 1, 2021

The GP-100, and I have experience with one, is no S&W. It is not as refined as, might not look quite as nice as, is slightly bigger than, and slightly heavier than (or at least it feels like it) than a comparable S&W Model 586/686. What it lacks in refinement it makes up for in terms of durability. The Ruger cylinder locks on a rear cylinder pin, like S&W, but the forward lock is in the yoke, not on the ejector rod. The ejector rod in the Ruger will never unscrew itself and tie up the action. Speaking of actions, the Ruger action can be completely removed through the bottom of the frame, no side plate. They are two very different beasts and I do not regret buying a GP-100.

jeffrefrig · Feb 1, 2021

I have a 6" GP100, but it's in .327FM, and a S&W 629-6, 6" in .44 Mag, so I can only attest to these. As far as the GP100, its weight is almost identical to the N frame, so shooting the .327 is no comparison to the beating I get from the 44 on the palm of my hand. Trigger smoothness goes to S&W, as even with lighter springs in the Ruger, there is a definite click when the cylinder stop engages in double action, just before the bang. When the Ruger was new (picked it up 12/31/2019) I bought the Wolf spring kits (In March of '20 I bought a new 5" Bisley GP) and had a heck of a time getting both apart, and I cut the heck out of my fingers on the innards of the stainless 6". But, I can't say yet which gun is better, other than the S&W seems better made, with a little love, than the Ruger, but I've had no problems with the Ruger after the initial removal of the trigger assembly. The other Ruger, although was very nice-looking, went back to Ruger twice (8-day turnarounds both times). They gave me $550 for it toward trade for the S&W .44, so I feel we both did Okay. The S&Ws are more $$$ for a reason, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Ruger, either. Not sure about the .357s on either.

gnystrom · Feb 1, 2021

It really is as another said, apples to oranges.

The GP series will likely not hold the value of a S&W but they are rock solid and make great woods carrying guns.
The Ruger SP101 fills the gap between a J frame and the L frame making it a good alternative for a Husband/Wife gun.
The Single action Rugers are wonderful.

glenncal1 · Feb 1, 2021

I have three GP100's 2 .327s and the .22. It is pretty easy to clean up the Ruger triggers but they are never going to be Model 27 smooth. This one came with the best stock trigger out of the bunch, maybe because it was a Lipsey's special edition.

Sevens · Feb 1, 2021

stansdds said:
The Ruger cylinder locks on a rear cylinder pin, like S&W, but the forward lock is in the yoke, not on the ejector rod. The ejector rod in the Ruger will never unscrew itself and tie up the action.

In a world of tit for tat, I will give the ejector rod cannot unscrew to the Ruger (a solid point), but I’m going to point out that removing the S&W cylinder to remove grime and filth that causes any revolver cylinder to drag (and transfer resistance to the action) is easy and fast, while removing a GP-100 cylinder from the yoke is a horrendous experience that requires three hands.

In comparing these two items, I’ll again choose the S&W.

GypsmJim · Feb 1, 2021

As a young man with a brand spanking new pistol permit I went to buy a blue .357 revolver. I wanted a 19, but the $85 Security Six came home with me because at $115/week salary it was more affordable.

Now, as an old codger I Do have a 19, and a 14 and a 17 and a 25 and a 27..... You get the idea. I also still have the Security Six.

I DO have a GP100 and a 686 so I can offer a comparison. The Smith has a perfect trigger and the gun overall is smoother and more refined. Its certainly prettier and has a better fit and finish. The GP100 feels sturdier and the trigger isn't as good. Nevertheless, I got used to the trigger and can shoot it almost as accurately as the 686.

I truly love my Smiths and won't ever trade them. However, if the zombie apocalypse ever occurs and I have to leave the house in a hurry, the SS and the GP are the 2 I will take along.

Ruger GP-100, comparing to S&W

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