686-4 or GP-100

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csdmann

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Hey guys, I am looking for input and opinions. There is a 2 1/2" 686-4 in the case at my LGS. I originally wanted a 4" barrel. But the 686-4 being a pre-lock is making me sway a bit. I am considering a GP-100 in a 4". I am a little concerned on the short 2 1/2" barrel. How is the accuracy compared to a 4" and are .357mags out of the 2 1/2" barrel any fun? I like the heavy frame on a GP-100. I will be mainly shooting .38spl+P out of it at the range with just a couple of cylinders of .357mags when I am at the range. Thanks for any input.
 
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There is very little difference in accuracy between the two, regardless of barrel length. If you're considering carrying I'd go w/the Smith, but I'd go w/the Smith anyway. Better trigger and better value down the road. Others may vote for the Ruger and it is a fine weapon, I just prefer the S&W.
 
The 686-4 is considered by many to be the most desirable of the 686s due to engineering upgrades and not having MIM parts and being pre internal lock. So regardless of barrel length the -4 will most likely increase in value over time. Also, I consider finding the 686 in a 2.5 inch barrel a plus. I never see them for sale around here.

I don't have any experience with the GP100 but I do have a six inch Security Six, the GP100s immediate predecessor. I was at the range with it just yesterday and noted how much better the triggers on my 686 and 681 are to the Security Six. Especially the 681. I like my Ruger and wouldn't sell it but if I was forced to choose I'd keep my Smiths and let the Ruger go.

So, unless condition is a significant factor between the two, I'd choose the 686.
 
Short barrel at the range.

I think it's harder to shoot a short barrel but some peopl seem to have gotten really good with them (see hitchcok45 on Youtube) IMHO starting in close and getting the right load for POA. Refine from there.
 
I own both Smith's and Ruger's. Howevver I have 1 smith and 3 GP100's. A 4" .327 Mag, a 4" .357 Mag and a 6" .357 Mag. My smith has a great trigger and so do my Ruger's, now that Ihad them worked a bit. They're both great makers. You won't go wrong buying either. You're down to how do they feel and look etc. If you got the $$$ buy both, then shoot'em that'll tell which one to keep. BUT, I'd bet you'd keep both. I would!!!
 
I just got back and did hold and play with both. The Smith trigger of course is Very Nice! The Ruger is nice and heavy. The Smith fit and finish is noticeably better. I am again just arguing with myself on the short barrel length.
 
I have the 686+ in a 3 inch and love it for CCW also have a 6 inch model have Rugers in 44 magnum and love them can't go wrong with ether gun just depends what your going to mainly do with it. If CCW go with Smith. If range and fun or home defense go with the Ruger.
 
686, unless you absolutely need a 4".

The short barrel does not affect accuracy.
It does present additional challenges to the shooter.
The shorter sight radius doesn't reveal alignment errors as well, and recoil will be a bit heavier due to reduced muzzle weight.
All things equal, the only way a shorter barrel has a negative impact on accuracy is if the twist rate is on the slow side. The shorter barrel may not stabilize extra-long bullets as well. I've never heard if this in a .38/.357 revolver.
 
I own a 686-4 in 2.5 in bbl, and a GP100 in 5 in bbl. If I were in your shoes, and the 686-4 was reasonably priced and in very nice condition, I would be buying it. It's the best version of the 686 revolvers IMO, and you can always pick up a GP100 4 in bbl revolver later. That short barreled Smith will just continue to gain in resale value.
 
Both are good revolvers. Given that choice, I'd get the 686 first and save up for the GP100 later. They aren't making 686-4s any more and the GP100 is still in production, so that would be the deciding factor for me.
 
Ok guys. I called and have the 686-4 put aside for me. I am going to go do my paper work tomorrow. It is in Great condition! I really like the fit and finish on the S&W. There is a big difference in the trigger feel and just in the fit of the cylinder etc. The Ruger looks and feels a little rough. I have never owned anything smaller than a 4" so this will be a new feel for me. I am looking forward to it. Thank you to all who gave input. I really appreciate all the information that all gave. Once I make it through the wonderful CA 10 day wait time I will post a couple of pic here.
 
How about waiting for the gun you really want! Hold off till you find a 4" 686.

As knowledgeable as most here are, I, as usual, completely disagree with the buy everything and buy it now crowd on this board.
 
Personally I was just as accurate with my 2.5' as I was with my father in laws 4'. But that is just a matter of practice (I reference Jerry Miculek). I also would tell you to get the 2.5' because it is going away, and the GP isn't as smooth or as pretty.
 
Glad to hear a decision was made. It would be even better if it is a 7-shot?

I wonder what the response would be if this question were to be asked on a Ruger forum, if there is or were one?
 
if you are satisfied with the purchase price, you made a great choice in the 2.5" 686.

hopefully you'll be able to pick up a 4" Ruger or 686 down the road if you still want one.

You will have more opportunities to buy either of those down the road, than you will the 2.5" barrel.

congratulations.
 
From you post I guess you will be buying the 686 today! A pre-lock 2-1/2" 686 is one of my bucket list guns; I have both the 4" & 6" models & need the shorter barrel model to round out my collection. So, if it were me, I would go for the S&W.

But, as mentioned I already have both a 4" & 6" .357 revolver. From a range gun standpoint, I'd go with the 4" Ruger. It will be a lot more pleasant to shoot after 50 or 100 rounds downrange.

Whatever you come home with - enjoy your purchase!
 
Unless this was going to be a carry gun I would have voted for the Ruger 4". 2 1/2 inches is harder to shoot accurately than 4" due to the sight radius. Sure, a ton of practice can overcome much of this factor, but surely we can all agree on this as a general rule.

I have a number of S&Ws and a number of Rugers. Both companies make great guns and the OP had two nice choices to make. I do not get it about fit and finish -- the newer Ruger GP100s are beautifully finished. This is one gun that Ruger really got right and does well.

On the other hand the 686 is a fine revolver. I have one (4") and really like it.

Anyway, the OP went with the 686 and that is never a bad choice.
 
Another vote for 686 here. I have both a 686 and a gp100 each in different barrel lengths but as far as trigger goes the smith definitely takes it. If you plan on getting a trigger job done later down the road it'll probably be a moot point. I've herd gp100's can be easily user serviceable to have great triggers with a little bit of stoning and spring changes but I tend not to mess with my triggers so I tend to favor the s&w not to mention I personally think it looks a lot better. And as others have said resale on smith will be better
 
I'm glad to hear you went with the 686-4. Both the 686 & GP100 are fine revolvers, but as others have stated, the triggers are much smoother on 686s. I'm a fan of the serious heft of the GP100 for magnum loads.
 
image2000.jpg


This is my 64-7 and my 4" GP100.
I love the ISMI springs in the GP100, and the 64-7 has been slicked up.
Both shoot pretty much the same, the GP100 will last 10x longer.
 
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