Pick your favorite. S&W vs Ruger

[Pondoro]

S&W wins trigger contest. Ruger wins cost and easier to work on. None of my double action Rugers or modern Smiths have ever malfunctioned. One 1920 Smith has had a few quirks.

So "easier to work on" is more hypothetical, but I have changed the springs on a Ruger.

 

[Gripgrabber]

I like them both, I have a SS 2 3/4 speed and security six, a 13&65 in 4", if I to chose only one it would be the security six, it's like a good looking tank! Interesting topic.

 

[Grayfox]

I have a soft spot for the old Ruger Six series revolvers. For me it would be a tough call.

( Flip coin )

Heads, S&W wins.

 

[gman51]

I carry Ruger LCR357 and like it all around. It's light 17oz and the best trigger of any revolver except my python.
I have a Ruger GP100 Match Champion and I just bought a S&W 627-5 pro. The Ruger is IMO much nicer to look at and the trigger is very good also. The 627 is only 3 oz heavier and the blasted finish isn't as nice looking. If it was polished stainless it would be just as good looking as the Ruger. The trigger is pretty much par with the Ruger. The 627 has adjustable rear sight and I do shoot it much better than the Ruger MC. The 8 round 627 is really nice also. IMO the S&W takes it due to the better accuracy I have with it.
IMO Ruger and S&W are in the top notches of gun makers.

 

[DAinTX]

They are both very solid, very dependable handguns. I think the Smith is a bit more refined, the Ruger perhaps a bit more rugged. But either is a great choice and either will outlast your lifetime given proper care. Personally, I'd choose the S&W, but the Ruger would serve you well also. Comes down to personal taste and which one looks/feels best to you.

 

[ruger 22]

Favorite S&W's are mod 17, 36, 649 and 686. Favorite Rugers are Mark 1 and Super Blackhawk. These are the guns I shoot often. Other than the Mod 27 in 3.5" I just can't warm up to the N frames.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

A conundrum to be sure. I have my share of both.

Concealed.

Basically, I carry a M642 S&W and I am thinking of moving up to a 2? K frame. Sometimes I carry a 6906. I don't have a Ruger that I am interested in carrying concealed because my S&Ws conceal better.

Hiking.

It doesn't matter. Any .357 Magnum with a 4" barrel works for me and if I want to hide it then I go to a .357 with a short barrel. I have both brands for that purpose.

Home defense.

I have both brands loaded and ready to rock in my house so it doesn't really matter. +P or .38 Special - no .357s in the house.

Just all around.

I could literally carry either my Ruger Security Six 2.5" or my S&W 696+ 2.5" and be totally comfortable with either.

3" model 65 .357 Magnum.

A fine gun; good choice for you.

2 3/4" Speed Six .357 Magnum.

A fine gun; good choice for you.

As noted, either of those work for me.


My prime choice for the house is my 2.5" 686+ but my 2.5" Security Six is also available all the time. Both are similarly loaded; no magnum loads.

 

[kbm6893]

I hate double action only revolvers other than pocket j frames, so the 65 in the pic would lose to the Six.

I've owned a 3" 65 and I do miss it, but the Ruger 6 series revolvers were built from the ground up to shoot .357, unlike the k frame .357's, so I'd feel better shooting magnums out of the Six.

As for the trigger, yes the Smiths are better. But not so much better that I can't hit the target with my Service Six.

I believe the Six series are everything the K frame magnums should have been.

 

[amd6547]

I own a Model 15-3, and love it, and I have also owned a 686 and a Model 19 snub.
Great revolvers all.
However, I bought a GP 100 3" last year, and I love everything about it. The trigger, both in DA and SA is fantastic. In fact, I like the GP'S trigger better than my well worn in Model 15.

 

[getoff]

i love my 65. that said, i did pick up a 3" gp100 Wiley Clapp last year. the gp100 has a cool factor that my 65 doesn't. i guess its a little higher speed, lower drag... shoots like a dream too. the 65 still rides in my work bag with a couple of safariland comp 3's the gp100 rides in my safe.

 

[CH4]

Model 65...

 

[44wheelman]

The Ruger...I will be alot less upset if someone steals it off my bike, it gets rusty in the rain, or drop it on the highway at speed, than if I had my 65 on me.

Other than that, Rugers are about as ergonomic as a brick... but tough as one too.

 

[BigBill]

Ruger WINS PEROID

THE STRONGEST
EASY TO WORK ON
NO SCREWS ON THE SIX and Redhawk series

Cons

No 100+++ year old history

S&W

Has the evolution and the history of revolvers. S&W taught colt the thru bore cylinders. S&W has been around since the 1800's.

Cons,

Should of offered the 1911 sooner.

I like all guns but don't push it I'm still a Ruger guy. You forgot to mention the best 357 revolver today. It's the colt Python.

 

[silentflyer]

I like the Ruger SA's and .22 Mark 1,2,3 etc., for DA I prefer S&W's and Dan Wesson's...

 

[roaddog28]

After much consideration, I would choose the Ruger Speed Six over the S&W 65. In the long run the speed six will be easier for me if I am camping in the woods.
I collect both S&W and Ruger. Durability goes to Ruger.

 

[wbraswell]

I'm a Smith guy, Model 65 3". Nothing else is close.
I remember when Ruger was a brand of plain, tough, reliable firearms at great prices. I guess I don't see that anymore, in a lot of their lines. The plain Mk. autos and 10/22s still fill that, but a lot of them don't. Never have liked the looks of their DA revolvers.

 

[bronco45]

The 65 for me as the grip options are greater for the Smith! The Smith sits better in the hand for me with just a hit of barrel heaviness that translates into a steady hold. Don't like full house magnums in K frame size weapons and I use the Buffalo Bore 125grain mid level 357 load in my 66 2.5".

Revolvers need the mating of grip to hand to perform properly and Smith has the edge in this area. I can shoot a Ruger nearly as well as a Smith but the learning curve is longer on the Ruger.

 

[DD357]

The Python? Terrible double action trigger (single action is nice though) and not all that durable; had 3 of them over the years. Have none now and don't want another. Rugers are very durable but haven't found one yet with a double action trigger as good as a good Smith; although I hear the Wiley Clap's are an improvement in that area. The double action trigger on anything except a larger hunting revolver is the most important feature of one to me. (assuming it won't break!)

 

[Ranger514]

Although I've never owned either model, from appearance and construction, I'd take the Ruger. It's a work horse that was designed to withstand a steady diet of .357 magnum, and a trigger is something that can be modified. I already own a 66 and 686+, but I'd enjoy owning either of the two listed above...it's just that the Ruger Speed Six would be a good addition that I could use out in the field.

 

[Lt JL]

The M-65, unless I'm goig to beat somebody to death, then I'll pick the Ruger.