.357 Magnum - Ruger Or S&W?

[conchmariner]

My next purchase will most likely be a .357 Magnum with 4 inch barrel. The 627 with 8 round capacity is nice, but I'm wondering whether I should go with a GP100 instead. Rugers are less expensive, but seem to built really well. Any thoughts?

 

[conchmariner]

My next purchase will most likely be a .357 Magnum with 4 inch barrel. The 627 with 8 round capacity is nice, but I'm wondering whether I should go with a GP100 instead. Rugers are less expensive, but seem to built really well. Any thoughts?

 

[john traveler]

Once upon a time in the 1970s, I lusted for a six inch M19 but could not find one. Instead of doing the sensible thing and keep looking, I settled for and bought a new Ruger stainless Security Six. I kept and shot that thing for a few years, and while it performed satisfactorily, I was never really happy with it. The visible casting marks on the frame, the clunky action, and the heft of the SS just never felt right. I finally located the M19 I wanted, traded off the SS, and never looked back.

 

[diamonback68]

You're talking the difference between a Cadillac and heavy duty pick-up. Go with the Smith.

 

[shootmeselfinfoot]

I don't think you'll find any gp100 stainless 4" at this time unless you want to pay a pretty penny. In that case, you may as well get the 686.

 

[eggfarmer]

I grabbed a GP 100 last week at Riverview Sales.
Their Internet price was $469, they raised it
$100 or more over the weekend. I had logged in to buy the Taurus M66 at $397 but saw the price on the GP and decided to go for it. Also saw GP new go for about $480 on Gunbroker this weekend.
So they are around and at ok prices, about $200 under the S&W. If I did not go for the Ruger, I would probably get the Taurus 66. You get a good looking gun and extra shot. I am not
anti S&W, My CCW is a 642, and it is GREAT!.

 

[NFrameFred]

S&W

 

[USAF385]

S&W! 4 inch S&W .357s are great.

 

[wheelgun1958]

Scroll to the top of this page!

 

[epj]

I faced that same quandry a year or so ago and bought the Smith (686+). The Ruger is a pretty good gun. The trigger on the Smith is better. Both will respond to a trigger job, and when done the Smith will still be better. I have since purchased a used GP100 3" and done trigger jobs on both, so I am not just speculating. The one thing the Ruger has going for it is the interchangeable front sight. This is a sore point on my 686, so the Ruger definately gets the nod in this regard. The bore axis on the Ruger is higher, and that is a negative to me. The 686 cost about $150 more than the Ruger, but worth it to me. The 7 shot cylinder is not an option with the Ruger, and it is a pretty desireable option in my opinion.

 

[Tom C]

This is always a sore spot for me. I have a 4" GP100, a 686SSR and a 627PC. All are very good guns, but my personal preference is for the 627PC. Part of it is the 5" barrel, part is the N frame grip. Part is the extra weight. (39.2 oz, 40.6 oz and 46.2 oz. respectively). While all have very good double action triggers, the 627PC has one of the best I have ever tried. Love to shoot it double action. I also have a 617-5 with a 5" barrel that weighs 46.8 oz and makes a great understudy gun for the 627 when I feel like being cheap, which is much of the time.

 

[Revolver King]

You didn't think you would get a group of S&W owners to tell you to buy a Ruger did you. The 686 and 627 are two of the best 357s made. GO S&W

 

[Frizzman]

Iguess that asking that question on this forum is rhetorical? I have a Security Six that I bought back in 1977 and it has been an excellent revolver. I still have it. The Ruger's modular system is superior in terms of durability and ease of maintenance. The solid frtame of the Ruger is stronger. I do not like the GP100 nearly as well as the Security Six. That said, the Ruger doesn't come with the dumb lock built into the works!

 

[johngoboom]

Used Smith Vs. New Ruger...I'd go with the Smith.

New Smith Vs. New Ruger...I'd go with the Ruger.

That stupid lock hole is a deal breaker for me.

 

[kbm6893]

I just might be buying a 4" GP100 very soon. I have a S&W 66, and I want something a bit stouter to handle the occasional full house .357. Nothing wrong with a Ruger. I had a .38 SP101 once.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

Guess which one that I picked.

 

[buckeyeshooter]

S&W N frame all the way! Its not even a close decision.

 

[jeep]

As for buying new I would hold off on the ILS new 686 and Gp100. And buy a pre-lock 686 as a first pick,but if I could not get a pre-lock I would get the GP-100 till I found the holy grail no-lock 686-no dash to dash 4. My self I like the dash 3 it has no mim parts ,but all forged indards. I think the dash 4 does to. The new 686 ils are $600 plus and near $700ish. The Gp-100,s near $500. If you look you can get a good used 686 for the same price range. And have a real fine smooth wheelgun.

 

[Range Rat]

I went through this decision process a while back and bought the 686+. Fit and finish is superior to the Ruger so if you like that, buy the S&W. If it doesn't really matter to you, the Ruger would work fine. Either are great guns.

 

[GF]

Don't choose. I didn't.

Not 4 inch bbls but...