686-4 or GP-100

[wildenout]

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.

 

[03Fatboy]

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?

 

[guskody]

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.

 

[KevinCH]

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!

 

[Redlegvzv]

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.

 

[Woodsman1]

I agree with JeepinSoldier

 

[soar3r]

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

 

[Northwoods Trader]

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.

 

[stantheman86]

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.