GP100 vs 686

Smith makes nice revolvers
Ruger makes nice revolvers

A friend just bought a 6" GP100 a couple months ago and I had a chance to run a couple cylinders full thru it.
It seems like a very nice piece to me.

I personally tend to like S&W DA revolvers.
I'm not going to bash the Ruger's, they are nice too

I suggest shooting both of them before you buy and then buy the one you prefer.
 
I keep this handy for threads like these:


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.
 
bmcgilvray said:
I have never heard this before. Could you help with attribution?
Click to expand...

H.P. White Labs did the tests. The max SAAMI pressure for the 44 Magnum at the time was listed as 40,000 CUP.

The Ruger Super Blackhawk was destroyed in a "controlled test" at 80,000 CUP. The S&W Model 29 also blew at 80,000 CUP. So those two were equal in strength. The Ruger Blackhawk, on the other hand, was only 80% as strong as the S&W and the Super Blackhawk.
 
As to durability, if you have time and money to wear out a 686, you should be able to buy 2 or 3.

In a word, Trigger.

I love Rugers for the most part, but not their DA revolvers.
 
I just recently got my first revolver 627 pro. Before I purchased it I shot a bunch of revolvers from Taurus, security six, S&W, and a couple of others I don't recall. The Smith did not hurt my hand when I shot it as compared to the others. It just felt good, thus my decision. YMMV
 
shawn mccarver said:
H.P. White Labs did the tests. The max SAAMI pressure for the 44 Magnum at the time was listed as 40,000 CUP.

The Ruger Super Blackhawk was destroyed in a "controlled test" at 80,000 CUP. The S&W Model 29 also blew at 80,000 CUP. So those two were equal in strength. The Ruger Blackhawk, on the other hand, was only 80% as strong as the S&W and the Super Blackhawk.[/QUOTe

The ruger redhawk is said to be stronger than the super Blackhawk. I still won't abuse my new m29-10 nor any s&w I own. I'm older and wiser now the really hot loads isn't my thing.
Click to expand...
 
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jtcarm said:
As to durability, if you have time and money to wear out a 686, you should be able to buy 2 or 3.

In a word, Trigger.

I love Rugers for the most part, but not their DA revolvers.
Click to expand...

The trigger on my recently acquired GP100 is as good as that on my S&W.

It's a little different in that you can tell just before the hammer is released because the pull gets slightly harder. So, in DA, you can shoot it kind of like SA.

Below is a picture of one of these ugly Rugers along with my 642:

attachment.php
 
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I have both. The Ruger needed a bit more work to make it a great shooter, but now it is. In some ways I like it better than the 686. I think it just might be the best revolver Ruger makes.
 
My first S&W was a model 53. Since that time I have owned a number of Smiths including a 686 no dash with a six inch barrel. I own only one Ruger, an SP 101 in 327 magnum. Both Smith and Ruger shoot smoothly and more accurately than I do. I like my Smiths but will not turn my nose up at a Ruger. Buy what you can afford and plan to shoot, don't obsess over what you will be able to sell it for someday cause hopefully that day will never come and you will pass down a favorite shooter that will have more value to the recipient than any dollar amount because it was yours.
 
You asked why you should you pay more for a 686 than a GP100? I think the members here have given pleanty of good opinions in favor of both the 686 and the GP100. I will not add to the debate. Rather, if cost is really a significant factor for you; I would ask if you have considered a Ruger Security Six? It is fairly easy to find nice condition Ruger Security Sixes for very reasonable prices, especially at gun shows.

Good luck.
 
Now its time for my .02...

1st, I love threads like this.
2nd, this is my opinion and no, I don't have the express written consent of MLB or the NFL...

The Ruger is a great revolver.
The Smith is an excellent revolver.

There are some ways the Ruger is just as good as the Smith.
There are some ways the Smith is better than the Ruger.
There are no ways the Ruger is better than the Smith.

That made sense in my head hope it came out in my message.

If you want a great gun that won't embarrass you...get the Ruger.
If you want the best, get a 686 plus and I dare you to prove me wrong.

Now decide and let us know.
 
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I was just thinking about this very thing this morning while laying in bed. I never owned a Ruger revolver until the 90s because I just didn't care for their looks. However, I now own several security sixes that I looked over 30+ years ago as well as some GP's and Redhawks. I really like them but my analogy goes something like this. A Ruger is that slightly chubby somewhat homely girl that's plenty smart and works like a mule. The S&W on the other hand is smart and works hard too but is the prom queen. I said those very words to my wife while in bed and she said to me, am I a Ruger or a S&W? All joking aside, one of the best 357 magnums ever imo is a pre-lock 686. I liked them well enough to accumulate a few but with that said, if it came down to a new model 686 and a GP100, the Ruger is coming home with me.
 
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I have a 3" Wiley Clapp GP100. I love the looks, feel & balance. The double action trigger is ,,,, well ,, OK.

The DA triggers on my J's, K's, L's, & N frames just seem smoother / better to me. And next on my wish list is a 4", 586.

Both Ruger and S&W make good revolvers and I think personal preference as to which one to get. Sort of the Ford vs Chevy thing. But, I've been a S&W guy for many many years. ;)
 
Cal44 said:
The trigger on my recently acquired GP100 is as good as that on my S&W.

It's a little different in that you can tell just before the hammer is released because the pull gets slightly harder. So, in DA, you can shoot it kind of like SA.

Below is a picture of one of these ugly Rugers along with my 642:

attachment.php
Click to expand...

If you're comparing the Ruger to a J-frame, that's apples-to-oranges. The J-frames have coil main springs. The OP is asking about the 686, which has a leaf main spring.

What you describe on the GP100 trigger is stacking, and that's exactly why I prefer S&Ws for DA shooting.

My advice to the OP is find a range that rents guns and try them both.
 
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