686 snubbie vs. GP100 3"...

[shawn mccarver]

My opinion about the features of the Wiley Clapp Ruger revolver have not changed since that other post. The sight is dovetailed into the top strap and that does cause a very substantial portion of the top strap to be removed. Unsafe, probably not, but I still cannot discern the purpose, other than it "looks cool" to someone?

Since the purpose of the Novak sight is to allow a smooth surface on the leading edge of the sight in order to avoid abrasions of the hand during fast or violent manipulation of the slide of an auto pistol, an operation which is not needed on a revolver, I just can't see the purpose of the extra machining, the cost of the sight, etc. The sight PICTURE itself does not depend upon the sloping front or leading edge of that rear sight, so I just don't see the point.

As to the GP100, it is a fine revolver just the way it comes from the factory. I would much prefer one, however, with a light lug and four inch barrel for the same reason that I prefer the 686 Plus Mountain Gun.

If anyone else likes the looks, that is fine, and that is why all sorts of stuff sells, because not everyone is strictly utilitarian as I tend to be.

Oh well....

 

[CWH44300]

I think the GP series guns are great. I'm not much for 38's but a friend has a few and I've shot and enjoyed them a bunch. There is a photo floating around the ruger forum of a WC that came apart... at the dovetail. I didn't pay much attention to it, so I don't have any particulars. They do look like a cool revolver though, and I'm sure they are rugged enough or ruger wouldn't market them.

 

[MikeyB]

Yep, I saw the pictures and read the story, he bought some no-name reloads and most likely got a double charge. The top of the cylinder blew off which broke the top strap at the dovetail.

Oh yes, I own a WC GP-100 and love it.

 

[Macinaw]

The more I look at it; I think that there is a good amount of material removed from the top strap.

I only plan on using it for a range gun for fun. And maybe personal defense at home with 38 special.

 

[texmex]

Look at a 51 Navy or a Merwin & Hulbert. Is a top strap really necessary? The S&W 640 Pro Series also has the rear sight dovetailed into the top strap. Most of the strain on the top strap is tension so it doesn't have to be all that strong. I would imagine you would have to have enough pressure to blow the cylinder before the top strap would let go. These revolvers were most likely proof tested during development. Having sights that can actually be seen is a pretty good idea.

 

[KLYDE]

I wouldn't worry about it. The cylinder will have to grenade before the top strap comes into play. At that point the gun is probably toast anyway.

 

[AZretired]

That rear sight kinda ruins the clean lines. Why are they necessary on a defensive revolver?

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[VictorLouis]

Couple things, all. Imagine how ungainly tall that front blade would have to be if the rear was NOT dovetailed? Imagine how much easier it can stand-up to jostling .357 recoil BY being DT'd, with the allen screw locking it in place. Besides which, a poster above is correct. The cylinder is going to go before the topstrap.

I like the WC and wouldn't pas up a good deal on one.

 

[MikeyB]

My guess the Novaks was picked as being more rugged than the target sights and still having some adjustability.

 

[riverrat38]

"The S&W 640 Pro Series also has the rear sight dovetailed into the top strap."

I just checked my M640 Pro, and the dovetail is cut further back in the frame behind the top strap. It is a smaller cut and does not look to weaken the top strap any.

Best,
Rick

 

[steelslaver]

The strain on the top strap during firing is longitudinal unless the cylinder lets go. Kind of a mute point once the cylinder has ruptured, but once the thin portion of the cylinder fails it gives the top strap a full blast of directed explosive force, which it was not designed to handle in conjunction with some obvious high end to end forces it was designed to handle. The strain on the top strap is shared by the bottom of the frame and on a Ruger there is no side plate cuts in it. While not as strong as an untouched frame, I would bet that the skinny part of the cylinder wall fails well before that portion of the top strap reaches its failure point.

I had a some Rugers before I became a hard core Smith guy and they are all very strong, well designed. One of my brother had a Ruger Redhawk in 44 mag. that was loaded during a house fire. The top 3 rounds cooked off and as far as anyone could tell the gun still functioned fine after being hot enough to char the stocks and having 2 rounds fire off and partially strike the frame. Powder was probably a little degraded and the lead hot enough to be real soft, but still.

 

[Cal44]

If you plan to shoot double action I recommend dry firing the Ruger if it is allowed because Rugers have very heavy trigger pull but it can be lightened. If you only shoot single action ( I don't) then it's a tie. .

I have a 4" GP100 blue which I purchase a few months ago.

The DA trigger is lighter than any Smith I've seen recently. I have a recently acquired new M629 and a new M625 and both have good triggers -- but heavier than my new GP100.

I like all three.

You can't go wrong with either, IMO.

The comments that the triggers on Rugers aren't as good as Smiths may be old information from a few years ago.

The two I bought new recently (the GP100 and a LCR-357) as right up there in DA trigger action compared to Smiths.

Dave

 

[wproct]

I have both a GP100 and a 686, and have great respect for both revolvers. I'll just cut to the chase. Of the two revolvers you mentioned, I would go with the 686 because I'm definitely a stainless steel handgun kind of guy. Now, if we can open the selection up to other revolvers, it becomes more complicated for me. Anyway, both would be good revolvers.

 

[BigBill]

For a revolver to shoot, hammer on, without the worry of hurting it or wearing it out the ruger is the way to go. It also handles all my reloads hot or hotter it eats anything I send down the pipe and wants more.

The Smith and Wesson won't take the punishment the rugers will but the s&w is more collectable than a shooter.

I'm a ruger guy first and new to S&W revolvers. I shoot my guns. All my guns. If the guns can't take it there history. I have no Colts in my herd anymore. If the S&W can handle standard loads there keepers. My rugers will eat what the S&W can't.

 

[jpeschken]

I see a lot of comments from people disliking the lock on S&W revolvers. I have a little 637 with one. It's pointless for me. They key stays in the drawer. I tried it once, and it worked. What's the problem with the lock?

 

[M.Cunningham]

I see a lot of comments from people disliking the lock on S&W revolvers. I have a little 637 with one. It's pointless for me. They key stays in the drawer. I tried it once, and it worked. What's the problem with the lock?

Exactly, some people that have the lock really don't mind it, but they like to complain because other people do. Anyway, I love my 3" 686 and carry it often. I just don't like the looks of the Ruger.

 

[BigBill]

I see a lot of comments from people disliking the lock on S&W revolvers. I have a little 637 with one. It's pointless for me. They key stays in the drawer. I tried it once, and it worked. What's the problem with the lock?

I have no clue what's wrong with the loc too. I just saved 50% of the total list price of four brand new s&w n frames with the loc. If they discontinue the loc collectors will be beaten feet to buy them.
The loc is ok with me. Bring them on for 1/2 the cost of list. I know I'll pay the list for the calibers I'm missing. Bill

Back in the mid 70's what turned me off with s&w revolvers was the m29 being black marketed by the gun salesmans when they came in the LGS. I've seen them hit was high as $750 but the average was around $500 for the dirty Harry m29. It took me from '75 till 2013 to get over it. Plus I wanted a s&w 22 revolver and I found a k22. I never held a s&w revolver till the k22. I wanted a revolver in 38 special and I purchased the s&w k38 combat masterpiece and the s&w k38 target masterpiece. After seeing how awesome these actions are and wanting a revolver in 41 mag s&w m57 was the one I wanted. I purchased the m57 and a week later I got the s&w m58 too. The hole doesn't matter I own a s&w that's all that matters. I have the gun I waited years to get in 41mag.