Opinions wanted: S&W vs Ruger

[Blade37db]

I'm in an unusual situation and would like the opinions of S&W owners.

I have a chance to acquire 2 pre-lock S&Ws (686 & 63). Both are used but in great condition and come with original boxes, etc. This deal would be done online so initially "sight unseen" but would have an inspection period on at least one of them.
As I was about to pull the trigger on this, a great deal came my way on 2 new Rugers (GP100 Match Champion, SP101) in the same calibers as the 2 S&Ws. I've held and shot both models (via rentals) and like them.

I guess my question is, in your opinion, are used pre-lock S&Ws worth a 30-40% premium over new Rugers?

The guns would be shooters, not safe queens, although the S&Ws might see less use because, IMO, they have the potential to increase in value.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Peak53]

Buy the Smiths. While the 2 Rugers are good revolvers, the SW are even better with regard to fit, finish, and desirability. Since the two models you mention are pretty common and available, they could be shot regularly and, if well taken care, hold and maybe increase their value for decades to come.

BTW it's a SW forum ...

 

[Muss Muggins]

With this question, Smith wins easily. Other questions, maybe not . . .

 

[Lou_NC]

I have a chance to acquire 2 pre-lock S&Ws (686 & 63). Both are used but in great condition and come with original boxes, etc...................I guess my question is, in your opinion, are used pre-lock S&Ws worth a 30-40% premium over new Rugers?

Long story short..........YES, to me they are.

That said, before I put my cash down I would need to know the specific prices, the simple reason being that since my interests lie in guns to shoot, and not boxes. I don't pay a premium for boxes, brown paper, or screwdrivers. While that means I may pass on a pristine gun now and then, that's fine, I'm a patient man, and others always seem to come along.

Good luck,
Lou

 

[Blade37db]

Buy the Smiths. While the 2 Rugers are good revolvers, the SW are even better with regard to fit, finish, and desirability. Since the two models you mention are pretty common and available, they could be shot regularly and, if well taken care, hold and maybe increase their value for decades to come.

BTW it's a SW forum ...

That's why I asked the question here

 

[Erich]

It's so difficult to say, sight unseen. The old guns? Condition could matter.

My heart belongs to S&W . . . but I don't believe I've bought a new revolver from them since that '05 run of lockless 37-2s. Last time I bought a Ruger revolver new was . . . a couple weeks ago.

 

[Blade37db]

Long story short..........YES, to me they are.

That said, before I put my cash down I would need to know the specific prices, the simple reason being that since my interests lie in guns to shoot, and not boxes. I don't pay a premium for boxes, brown paper, or screwdrivers. While that means I may pass on a pristine gun now and then, that's fine, I'm a patient man, and others always seem to come along.

Good luck,
Lou

Thanks Lou.
About $1,450 for the 2 S&Ws and about $1,075 for the 2 Rugers.
The S&W cost includes shipping and transfers.

 

[Blade37db]

It's so difficult to say, sight unseen. The old guns? Condition could matter.

My heart belongs to S&W . . . but I don't believe I've bought a new revolver from them since that '05 run of lockless 37-2s. Last time I bought a Ruger revolver new was . . . a couple weeks ago.

The condition of the S&Ws based on pictures looks to be 95% or better and they are both pre-2005. Both pre-lock.

 

[kas9412]

This is an easy question to answer. While good guns, the clunky looks of Ruger revolvers turn me off. There is nothing sexier than a Smith revolver! Buy the Smiths (assuming the condition warrants the price)!

 

[Bob1943]

Have you tried posting the same question on the Ruger forums? Might be good to hear opinions from both sides.

 

[Magster]

Ruger makes good quality revolvers, no doubt about it. That being said, the S&W's, especially the older Smith's, are a step up in a smoother action, fit and finish.

 

[Blade37db]

Have you tried posting the same question on the Ruger forums? Might be good to hear opinions from both sides.

I thought about it but figured since the Rugers are cheaper that it would be easier for them to answer "Get the Rugers". May still do it.

 

[roundgunner]

My Rugers tend to sit around. They are second rate compared to S&W

 

[Invictus357]

I used to agonize choosing between a Smith or a Ruger.

I decided to buy both as I equally like them.

As for your dilemma, I would never buy "unseen".

They may be dogs with flame cutting so deep you could open a coke bottle with them.

I would ask for lots and lots of close up pictures before handing over the loot.

 

[Rick_A]

Functionally I'd call them equals. Rugers have looks only an engineer could love, while Smiths are a trimmer and more elegant design with a superior double action trigger. Comparable Rugers are quite a bit bulkier.

People that love hand loading monster loads love the Rugers. If you're not into such perversions all that extra bulk and mass isn't necessary.

 

[Chris642]

I'm in an unusual situation and would like the opinions of S&W owners.

I have a chance to acquire 2 pre-lock S&Ws (686 & 63). Both are used but in great condition and come with original boxes, etc. This deal would be done online so initially "sight unseen" but would have an inspection period on at least one of them.
As I was about to pull the trigger on this, a great deal came my way on 2 new Rugers (GP100 Match Champion, SP101) in the same calibers as the 2 S&Ws. I've held and shot both models (via rentals) and like them.

I guess my question is, in your opinion, are used pre-lock S&Ws worth a 30-40% premium over new Rugers?

The guns would be shooters, not safe queens, although the S&Ws might see less use because, IMO, they have the potential to increase in value.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

If you are asking those questions here, then it means that you really want the Smiths.

 

[RevolverDen]

Being the owner of a GP-100 Match Champion and a 686, I say get those two!


Added: Or get both S&W models and the Match Champion...

 

[fyimo]

I'm a S&W guy but I have also owned several Ruger pistols and rifles and they also make great guns so to me it boils down to which ones strikes your fancy and do you want because they will all be good shooting revolvers.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I have a chance to acquire 2 pre-lock S&Ws (686 & 63). Both are used but in great condition and come with original boxes, etc. This deal would be done online so initially "sight unseen" but would have an inspection period on at least one of them.
As I was about to pull the trigger on this, a great deal came my way on 2 new Rugers (GP100 Match Champion, SP101) in the same calibers as the 2 S&Ws. I've held and shot both models (via rentals) and like them.

I'd get the Smiths.
The Rugers are fine guns, but I tend to like S&W better.
I'm not convinced that one is any better than the other as far as quality & durability. I just like the S&W more as a personal preference.

I have owned a both a GP100 and an SP101.
The GP100 was sold to help fund my S&W model 586 project gun, and the SP101 was traded for an S&W model 19, so you can see where my loyalty lies.

You really won't go wrong either way.

 

[DR505]

For me, I like S&W for Double Action revolvers, and Ruger for Single Action revolvers. So I would opt for the S&W's in this deal.