Ruger GP100 2 1/2" vs. S&W 686 Plus 3"

Dump1567

Dump1567

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Today I had to make that choice. A local shop had a 2018 Ruger GP100 7 shot with 2 1/2" barrel. And a new production S&W 686 plus (7 shot) with 3 inch barrel. This was the model with unfluted cylinder and wood grips.

Both were in excellent+ condition with box and paperwork. The Ruger was listed at $731 and the S&W around $50 more.

Just looking at the retail prices, the S&W was probably the better deal. But I choose the Ruger. Not that the S&W wasn't a nice gun, but I already have a 4 inch 686. And I'm not really a fan of unfluted cylinders and the frame lock.



What would you have picked?








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Here's what I passed on.
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Probably the GP-100, just because I don't have one. I do have a 686+ with a 6" tube.

I looked again at the prices. I probably would have walked away.
 
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Had a 686+ 3" and a Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp 3". I still have the Smith. The Ruger is owned by another forum member now. Both great guns, I just liked the Smith better.
 
I like Ruger revolvers and have a few nice ones. I love S&W revolvers and have some really nice specimens, but I still don't have one with the hole in the side, and I'm not likely to start now. I'd have made the same choice you did.
 
Same here. Fortunately, I have a 686-4 plus. If I didn't and desired a 7 shot, I'd be on a mission to find a -4 plus.
 

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I would have chosen the Ruger also. I appreciate the technology of S&W revolvers. 8 shot .357s, Scandium frame, titanium cylinder, rails, tensioned barrels, L frame big bores, etc. I think they do a great job at that and make a decent revolver. But at the end of the day, I honestly feel that Ruger makes a better revolver that stays tighter, better in time, is stronger, with comparable accuracy. I don't like the actions quite as well, and the ergonomics are a reasonable argument, but I truly believe they're more solid. I love my various five screws, 4 screw, and there is no gun I own that sees more use than my high zoot 327, but I really don't think any revolver guy should be without a GP-100 in some shape, size, or configuration.
 
I’d have gone with the Ruger. I have two 3” GP-100’s, carried one for several years. The GP-100 is a great workhorse revolver. I’ve thought about getting one of the 2.5” models, but I haven’t come across any recently.
 
Great choice, and that 2.5" is flat out sexy with a Badger boot grip.
 
I'da made the same choice, and sorta did, LOL. I've had one 7-shot before, and somehow the rhythm just seemed 'off' to me, vs. a six-shooter. I didn't feel anything different when I found that same nice Ruger as you. Just haven't wrung it out yet. :D
 
Ruger, for sure. I’ve had two, now just one GP100s that I bought new. No issues except a minimal stock malfunction on the Lipsey. I recently bought a new ( last year or so) model 27-9 that had a couple serious issues that were repaired. All is good. I would choose the GP100.
Either way, good luck.
 
I had to show a picture

I took the rubber off my GP100; it was ugly and definitely not necessary at all. A .32 Caliber on steroids out of a 3 1/2 pound chunk of stainless is a breeze. I never tried anything starting in a 4 from a GP. Nice gun, IMO.
 

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The OP, Dump1567, made an excellent choice.
It is Model 1774 in the GP100 line.

For those who prefer fixed sights, Ruger also
offers Model 1763, which features a "gold"
bead front.

In the 686 line, I think S&W should also offer
the option of fixed sights.
 
Certainly nothing wrong with Ruger's GP-100. I have an older one with a 6 inch barrel. Very accurate, shoots well, and the factory rubber stock fits my hands nicely.
 
As much as I like my L frame, I would have chosen the GP100.

Although I have always liked the GP100s, and have fired a number of them, I don't own one. The reason is that I have three Six series, one 2 3/4" bbl stainless for carry, and two built up for PPC competition (very long ago).

One of things I really like about the six series is their strength and durability. The GP100 would be even more of the same, which I do not need, so for that reason alone I have never bought one.

I think unfluted cylinders are useless. The more the rotating mass of the cylinder can be reduced (without compromising strength), the less likelihood of peening of the locking notches from fast DA use.
 
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RetCapt said:
I think unfluted cylinders are useless. The more the rotating mass of the cylinder can be reduced (without compromising strength), the less likelihood of peening of the locking notches from fast DA use.
Click to expand...
I agree. Non-fluted cylinders do add weight, which can be a benefit with a heavy recoiling caliber, and likely easier to clean, but other than that, I don't find them appealing.
 
Love my Smiths but have never read anything stating anything other than the GP100’s being the best built ultimate workhorse 357. You can’t go wrong and yes much better than anything with a hole in it. Agree with above- everyone should have at least one!
 
Fun thread for me I just bought my first Ruger, a GP100 4", pretty much on a whim.

Posted about it a coupla weeks ago. Have yet to shoot it. Waiting for a new set of, I hope, better fitting grips to show up. It's reassuring to see so many members sing the GP100's praises.
 
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