Opinions wanted: S&W vs Ruger

[Owly]

You know, I hate to admit this here, but I think in this deal my money would go towards the Rugers. The GP is an excellent range gun that will gobble up anything you load in it from .38 to hot .357 and the SP is perfect for carry. If the GP Match Champion ends up being offered for only a limited time, its value will only increase down the road. Plus you save youself $400 to put towards more guns. Its a win/win situation.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

If the Rugers are 30-40% cheaper than the Smiths then by ALL means buy the Rugers.






With the money you save in a time you will be able to buy your first Smith. Shoot the heck out of that. Then you will want to buy more Smiths and maybe sell the Rugers.

You can't go wrong this way.

 

[rwsmith]

Ruger makes strong revolvers......

Rugers are definitely strong revolvers, but I think the S&W L frames are plenty strong enough. If they were placed in front of me side by side, I'd pick the Smiths first. That said, Rugers are darn good guns, just a little different philosophy.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The SP101 in .22 LR is kinda a pig, IMO. To big and clunky for a .22. (Great in .357, though). The M63 is a thing of beauty. Light, smooth, svelte. The J-frame is ideal for the little .22 cartridge. If the M63 is one of the 4" -3 round butts, then I'd be on it faster than a duck on a June bug. IMV, that was the best M63 the guys & gals in Springfield ever put out.

The Match Champion is Ruger's attempt to match the fit, finish, and feel of the standard production S&W M686. Why get the "me-too-for-less" when you can get the real thing?

That all said, $1,450 seems a tad high for those two Smiths. Prices today are all over the place, but I routinely see those models selling in the high 5's and low 6's. I'd say your $200 high, unless there's more to the deal, like combat stocks, or rare/desirable variations.

 

[Gunhacker]

My first question is how special is a GP100 Match Champion version over the regular run of the mill GP100?

If it's a tuned version (think performance center type treatment), then in my opinion it warrants more consideration than what a box stock GP100 deserves, which what most of the responses are making a comparison to.

The 686 is a GREAT gun and I have both a 4" & 6", I'm curious how a tuned GP100 stacks up against a stock 686, not having any experience with a GP100 stock or otherwise.

I have a SP101 in .32 H&R Mag and when I was shopping, I actually liked the feel of the slightly larger SP100 frame over the S&W 631 the LGS also had in the case.

With some 500 rounds through it, it smoothed out nicely. Adding a Wolff spring kit made it very respectable.

The SP101's in .22 cal. are not that common.. at least here in CA.

As you can see... even though S&W's are my primary interest, I don't automatically lean towards them.

$1,450 for the 2 S&Ws... online, relying only the pics in the auction, with an inspection period not firmly in place for both guns? I dunno... and that seems a bit high.

$1,075 for the 2 Rugers... local or online too?

I buy my guns to shoot and if they rise in value over time, it's a bonus and not a primary consideration in my purchasing decision.

If it was me... the SP101 get the nod, then it becomes a real horse race between a tuned GP100 and stock 686.

 

[stantheman86]

My "field test" between these two NYPD service revolvers, a Ruger Service Six and a S&W 64-5 revealed to me that......."real world" rounds on target at combat range, both guns performed exactly the same. The Ruger has a heavier , stagier DA pull but will last longer than the Smith before it needs anything.

The Smith is slicker but doesn't really shoot any better than the Ruger.

Truth be told I'll never put enough rounds through either to loosen them up, so either one will serve just fine.

It comes down to personal preference, both S&W and Ruger have been trusted by both the US military, foreign militaries, countless domestic and foreign PD's, govt. agencies, security companies and civilians.

Some may not like the blocky industrial look and feel , and rougher more utilitarian fit and finish of the GP100, I happen to love it.

I own dozens of S&W revolvers, and dozens more Ruger Six and GP series revolvers.

I prefer fixed sight revolvers, I won't give up my older Model 60 or my SP101, my 581 or my fixed sight GP100's....I have room for them all

 

[Joe Kent]

This is the S&W Forum, first buy the Smiths and then the Rugers, both are good brands of guns. After carrying and using S&W's for 50 years, they are my favorites ,tho I do have a batch of Rugers, we just don't talk about it in polite company. You will truthfully not go bad with either choice.

 

[11e40]

having owned & used both. I would lean toward the s&w.

 

[M3Stuart]

I would also vote for the S&W's over the Rugers.

For starters; the prices you're paying for those Rugers are = to the prices about new. SP101's are regularly on bud's for $500ish. The Match Champion is around $700ish.

A nice 63 will run you $650ish and almost any 686 is at least that - though I've never paid that much.

Rugers are nice, don't get me wrong. But now that I think about it, I don't own anymore Ruger revolvers - having sold them all and bought similar used, pre-lock, S&Ws for about the same price.

 

[Blade37db]

Thanks to all who replied. You've given me a lot to consider.
A few more points to answer some questions that were asked.

1) Yes, the Rugers are at a LGS where I can see them before purchase. They are new.
2) I believe I would have a 2-3 day inspection period for the the S&Ws. They are used and I am going by pictures and descriptions. I too have some apprehension about buying sight unseen. I've never bought a gun like that.
3) There is something slightly "special" about 1 of the Smiths that would make it slightly more collectible (I believe).
4) The Match Champion is about a $120 more than a regular GP100. It comes with nicer grips, a fiber optic front sight, a little less weight and a slightly better trigger.
5) The SP101 .22 does hold 8 rounds vs 6 for the S&W and does have a fiber optic front sight.
6) I'm honestly split down the middle and that's why I asked the question. I already own a Model 65 3" (pre-lock) and a Model 38 (pre lock) and will never trade them. I have owned (and since traded some regretfully) a Model 66, 64 & 940 (3"). All were pre-lock.

 

[Clovishound]

I'm a fan of both Smith and Ruger. I tend to lean toward Smith for revolvers, but would not hesitate to buy a Ruger that fit my needs. It is a definite plus that the Rugers are easier on the wallet.

Sounds like the Smiths are not a cannot pass up deal. Why not pick up one of the Rugers and wait on a deal for the next purchase. After some quality time with the Ruger, you will have a better idea of whether you want another one or not.

 

[TruckGun]

If I could pick and choose, I'd get the 63 & the MC GP100.

 

[epj]

I have owned both models of both brands. Now only have the Smiths. One real difference in the Rugers is that the bore axis is noticeably higher. To me, that's not a good thing. The Ruger's action can be tuned fairly easily. Ruger installs springs that are way heavier than necessary for reliable performance. The S&W will still have a better action.

 

[wproct]

It's hard to state a definite opinion on the revolvers mentioned without actually inspecting the used Smith & Wesson revolvers for condition etc. However, as a general statement, yes I think that pre-lock Smith & Wesson revolvers in excellent condition are worth 30% or so more than Ruger revolvers simply because I think they will maintain their value over the years better than the Rugers.

However, having said that, I'm a huge Ruger fan, particularly the GP100. I own several of them and in no way will I concede that the Smith & Wesson is the better revolver. If one's main goal in handgun ownership is long term appreciation in value, Smith & Wesson will normally win. If the goal is function and maintenance free durability, Ruger will normally win. Of course, that's JMHO.

 

[at_liberty]

I have all four guns, sorta. My GP100 is not a MC, which didn't impress me. My SP101 is 357 in 3+". There is the 686-6 and the only 22 being a pair of 617s. All of them but one 617, bought used, required some level of gunsmithing, so it is not so easy for me to recommend something.

They are all good guns at this point, except the SP101 .357 has fallen idle, since it should be .38 Special only, and there are better alternatives (for me anyway). I have another in .327 Federal Magnum, which I adore as a 6 shot instead of the 5 shot 357. The 327 caliber is a great match for that SP101 3+" platform.

I shoot mostly single action, but the trigger job on the 686-6 make it unmistakably the champ for double action. It wasn't special out of the box.

With the investment in getting these guns optimized, I am not likely to part with any except maybe the SP101 357, displaced by a Smith model 60 Pro series. The SP101 has a trigger job and throats adjusted for lead bullets, so I am torn about parting with it.

To try to recommend something, I personally feel that a 686-6 is a better gun than a Ruger Match Champion. Mine has a plugged trigger lock, so the price can be more reasonable than a pre-lock. It's a good shooter.

It might come down to whether you need another 22.

In a GP100, I would recommend holding out for the standard model but in 5". It is a beautifully balanced gun at that length. If really into that "Match" business, then the 4" might be what you'd want.

 

[Blade37db]

I have all four guns, sorta. My GP100 is not a MC, which didn't impress me. My SP101 is 357 in 3+". There is the 686-6 and the only 22 being a pair of 617s. All of them but one 617, bought used, required some level of gunsmithing, so it is not so easy for me to recommend something.

They are all good guns at this point, except the SP101 .357 has fallen idle, since it should be .38 Special only, and there are better alternatives (for me anyway). I have another in .327 Federal Magnum, which I adore as a 6 shot instead of the 5 shot 357. The 327 caliber is a great match for that SP101 3+" platform.

I shoot mostly single action, but the trigger job on the 686-6 make it unmistakably the champ for double action. It wasn't special out of the box.

With the investment in getting these guns optimized, I am not likely to part with any except maybe the SP101 357, displaced by a Smith model 60 Pro series. The SP101 has a trigger job and throats adjusted for lead bullets, so I am torn about parting with it.

To try to recommend something, I personally feel that a 686-6 is a better gun than a Ruger Match Champion. Mine has a plugged trigger lock, so the price can be more reasonable than a pre-lock. It's a good shooter.

It might come down to whether you need another 22.

In a GP100, I would recommend holding out for the standard model but in 5". It is a beautifully balanced gun at that length. If really into that "Match" business, then the 4" might be what you'd want.

I'm only considering the SP101 in .22 with a 4 inch (4.2) barrel and 8 round capacity.
I find 4 or 5 inches to be the right balance for me in .357s. Not going to carry it, just for range and HD. Haven't seen many GPs in a 5 inch.

 

[Fackler Rebel]

If you can't lay your hands on the S&W's but you can on the Rugers, buy the Ruger's. I have owned both thru the years, got a nearly new Mini 14 and a 10-22 in the gun safe along with my K22 and my 325PD. All four great weapons, just depends on what you like. As for my little SP101 6 cylinder .22LR being a "pig" I strongly disagree. Built like a tank and I never shot any of my DA revolvers in anything but single action mode. So it is not as accurate as my K22 but plenty accurate for what it was built for. I love S&W's but I love Ruger too.

Reb

 

[VictorLouis]

Short answer. You buy the discontinued Smiths that are getting more scarce, over current Rugers ANY DAY, AND TWICE ON SUNDAY.

 

[Canuck44]

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.

The short answer is NO. 30 - 40 percent not on a bet.

I have both a Ruger GP - 100 and a 1988 manufactured 686 recently purchased. Both are 4.2" guns ( 105MM), The two revolvers are virtually identical in size and weight. The Smith might be a tad lighter. The Ruger has a triple lock up system and a more modern design of internals. Both have excellent triggers and while the sights are different if the Smith had a green FO on it I would say they are the same.

Fit and finish on the Rugers is VG and the equal of today's Smiths. The older Smiths including the one I have are much better than the Ruger. Notice I only mentioned finish - the fit is a draw.

If you are going to be firing 357 mag loads then I would go with the Ruger with the idea my Grandson might wear it out. The Smith will do all I could do to it in my life time.

At around the same price point I would go with the Smith because of the finish as much as anything. I would go with the Ruger if the gun was going to see heavy .357mag ammo as a steady diet.

For the 30% - 40% premium not a chance the Ruger us a much better buy.

I shoot a lot of IDPA and the Ruger is my main gun, the Smith is my back-up.

Take care

Bob

 

[at_liberty]

Short answer. You buy the discontinued Smiths that are getting more scarce, over current Rugers ANY DAY, AND TWICE ON SUNDAY.

That's a thread of its own right there. Are you going to shoot the gun or stash it in the back of a safe and hope it appreciates?