686 snubbie vs. GP100 3"...

[Omil]

Hi all,
I'm torn between these two revolvers: both new at LGS.
S&W 686 and Ruger GP100, both short barrels 2.5 (SS) and 3" (blue). Price diff. is about $100, so that's not an issue at all.
Seven shots on Smith' and six on the Ruger is not a deal breaker for me. My buddy had a 686' pre-lock years ago and I handle it with pleasure. No live experience with GP' yet, but at LGS' it feels very solid with the Hogue grips.

Folks, please chime in and advised, I'd really want to score one of these this w/e....

And I anyone has pics for these two side by side for comparison, I'd appreciate so much.

Thanks all in advance.

 

[jdh]

Tough choice. My choice would be the 686+.

 

[lhump1961]

Not a tough choice for me...686...but I like the older ones a little better. I have a -3 2 1/2" that has a fantastic stock trigger.

Now I like Rugers...good solid guns. You would be well armed if you went with the GP100...and they are both American made!

What is the 3" blue you are referring to?

 

[Mister_Smith]

Agreed, tough choice. I would be happy with either, though I would disable the lock on the Smith. One thing I learned recently about the Ruger, you have a much smaller selection of aftermarket grips to choose from because of the unusual nature of some of Ruger's grip frames as illustrated by this photo:

http://www.realguns.com/images/checkemptpulgrip.jpg

It is neither good nor bad, just something to consider in your selection.

At my local gun shop I held a 2.5 inch Smith 686, 7 shot, with internal lock, and it was a magnificent revolver, hate the lock, but as mentioned, I'd just disable it and buy a plug for it, or maybe just leave it as is but disable.

Ruger currently has a "Wiley Clapp" 3 inch blued GP100, I may choose that over the Smith, though I am most certainly a Smith fan more so than a Ruger fan.

http://www.tombstonetactical.com/images/ruger/1753-1-large.jpg

Actually, now that I see the image of the GP100, if I had to choose, I'd choose a Smith 686 with 2.5 or 3 inch barrel (sorry about the tiny pics, when I copied the link they pics were very large, not sure why they come up small when you click on the link):

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_3320.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/t0kie/686 Plus/IMG_4229.jpg

Seeing another member's comment reminded me of one important factor, the Smith has a much nicer trigger, and that's worth a lot in my book. Get the Smith!

 

[Omil]

Not a tough choice for me...686...but I like the older ones a little better. I have a -3 2 1/2" that has a fantastic stock trigger.

Now I like Rugers...good solid guns. You would be well armed if you went with the GP100...and they are both American made!

What is the 3" blue you are referring to?

Thanks for your reply. 3" blue is the GP100 from a private seller on Calguns, off-rooster. In Ca. only 4" and 6" GP made the list.

 

[dentkimterry]

I have both 686 Plus and Ruger GP100 3" models. Get the Smith. Better trigger. Adjustable sights, And 7 shots. I will say that the GP100 I bought used was 1/2 the price of the 686 used. The 3" GP100 sights have to be adjusted with a file, by filing down the front sight. Shoots way low the way it is.

 

[shouldazagged]

I had a four-inch GP100 for a short while before a financial emergency forced me to sell it. Fine gun, built like a bank vault. I can't imagine ever wearing one out.

The trigger was quite good, but not equal to a Smith trigger in my opinion. I didn't have any work done on it while I had it.

 

[00Buck2]

Here is a link where the same question that was asked recently on the forum.
https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHzUGpdnSokOItgm4EAvWsp-_FZjA

I have a GP 100 with a 4" and never had a problem with it, but I prefer pre lock S&W's.

If I had to choose between the two, assuming both are new production, I would chose the 686 for EDC as it is a bit lighter. If I wanted something just to take to the range and not worry about damaging it or breaking the bank. I would probably go with the GP100.

Just my .02

 

[Omil]

Here is a link where the same question that was asked recently on the forum.
https://www.google.com/url?q=http:/...ds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHzUGpdnSokOItgm4EAvWsp-_FZjA

I have a GP 100 with a 4" and never had a problem with it, but I prefer pre lock S&W's.

If I had to choose between the two, assuming both are new production, I would chose the 686 for EDC as it is a bit lighter. If I wanted something just to take to the range and not worry about damaging it or breaking the bank. I would probably go with the GP100.

Just my .02

Thanks for your reply & link.

 

[S&W1006]

Both are great revolvers. The Ruger is probably a tic more rugged but not much but Rugers tend to have slightly looser chamber specs than S&W so if you reload brass life will be slightly less with a Ruger. The design of the Ruger trigger doesn't allow it to be lightened as much a Smith if you choose to do any trigger work. 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 own Ruger and S&W revolvers and I like both. You said one was blue. For me because I sweat so bad I would have to choose stainless or have it Cerakoted because I would destroy a blued gun in a week if I carried it. Last the 7 shot limits your speedloader choices. The HKS ones are not reviewed very well for the 7 shot but work great for the 6 shot. Safariland makes great speedloaders but not for the 7 shot. 5 Star makes awesome 7 shot aluminum speedloaders but they are about $25 each. I have a 7 shot 686 on layaway so I have been researching speedloaders. The choice I made is I am going to have mine cut for moonclips. A friend had his done and it is awesome.

 

[silvershot]

Always choose the Smith.

For how good of a revolver the GP100's are I'd still choose smith. I can tell you with the right gunsmith, one being Greg at Lauer Weaponry in Chippewa Falls, WI. With a good trigger job the GP100 is gold. I had the 6" with a trigger job and it was smoother than any Smith I have owned. A bit too light though. Dangerously light. But that was more the GSmith and not the GP100.

Both are great revolvers. Tough call if you are not a Smith fanatic.

 

[silvershot]

Both are great revolvers. The Ruger is probably a tic more rugged but not much but Rugers tend to have slightly looser chamber specs than S&W so if you reload brass life will be slightly less with a Ruger. The design of the Ruger trigger doesn't allow it to be lightened as much a Smith if you choose to do any trigger work. 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 own Ruger and S&W revolvers and I like both. You said one was blue. For me because I sweat so bad I would have to choose stainless or have it Cerakoted because I would destroy a blued gun in a week if I carried it. Last the 7 shot limits your speedloader choices. The HKS ones are not reviewed very well for the 7 shot but work great for the 6 shot. Safariland makes great speedloaders but not for the 7 shot. 5 Star makes awesome 7 shot aluminum speedloaders but they are about $25 each. I have a 7 shot 686 on layaway so I have been researching speedloaders. The choice I made is I am going to have mine cut for moonclips. A friend had his done and it is awesome.

The 7-shots may limit speedloader choices but the ones available are the best in the world. I see you mentioned them. Worth every penny.

The aluminum L7s work in both 686 and GP100.

 

[finesse_r]

If you are buying new I would definitely go with a Wiley Capp Ruger GP-100 and I prefer SS. The sights are very nice on these.

If you just have to have a 686, they I would go with a pre-internal lock model. My favorite is the 686-4 which has many improvements, but does not have the lock or the MIM parts. These take some time to find and for my money other than a little better trigger they have noting on the Wiley Capp Ruger GP-100.

I had a couple of the 4 inch 686-4 models and I let my brother talk me out of one of them. In three inch I have the Wiley Capp GP-100 and it is nice, but does have a heavy trigger. I need to change the springs and do a little polishing on it, but I just have not gotten around to it yet.

 

[waffles]

You're all choosing wrong. What you want is a 2.75" Speed Six, with bobbed hammer, tritium front sight, and other general cool stuff.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[spad124]

I've liked the GP100 since they first were announced. It strikes me as a good, rugged, reliable sidearm. However, I have stayed with my 686-1 because of the trigger and lockwork. Of the GP100s I've handled and dry fired, the 686 has a much smoother and lighter DA trigger. The GP100s I've handled and my 686-1 have stock triggers. I haven't run across a GP100 with as nice a trigger as my Smith--still might buy a GP100 someday, but I'm keeping my 686.

 

[snowman.45]

I've had both. Currently, I have a 4" GP100 and a 3" 681PC. If I were looking for greatest durability, the GP100 would definitely be my choice. For aesthetics, I'll take the S&W. Accuracy is about equal, and a Ruger, nowadays, has a very nice trigger, so that is another toss-up in my opinion.

 

[chief38]

Just my two cents here but since you are looking for a 2 1/2" revolver that usually means a "self defense / CCW" is desired. If in fact you intend that purpose for your gun, I would think about getting a smaller framed gun like a M60, M66, M65, etc. A 686 is a bulky & heavy package to tote - just saying. If you intent on doing lots of target shooting with it, a 4 - 6 inch tube might be a better choice.

 

[bassoneer]

I have a 686-4P in a 4" barrel and a GP100 in 3" barrel. I would love to get a 3" 686P. However, the 3" GP100 is a solid gun. I am not as accurate with it as I am with the 686 (which of course makes sense due to the longer barrel). So, either will do. I consider the GP100 my most rugged gun and I normally wear it when I am out and about in the woods. I would not mind getting a scratch on it, but I would cry if my 686 got messed up. Hope you get one you like - best wishes, B

 

[Enzo]

Don't have and never shot a GP100 but the 686+ 3" is my first handgun purchase and still my favorite.

 

[imakmst]

I own a 686-4 2 1/2" and a 686-3 4". If it was me, I wouldn't even be considerin' that GP-whatever-it-is.

 

[vipermd]

For me not a question---686 I would not have looked at GP-100 if it was half the price. I do not like the way it feels. Both are good solid guns and either would provide a lifetime of service with minimal care. Now if it was a speed six 2.75" it would not still be there for you to look at!!!. Your good both ways. Be Safe,

 

[S&W1006]

The 7-shots may limit speedloader choices but the ones available are the best in the world. I see you mentioned them. Worth every penny.

The aluminum L7s work in both 686 and GP100.

I know the 5 stars are awesome just pricey. I saw the 8 shot ones at a match a lady was using with her R8. I am still going to buy a couple of 5 star speedloaders for my 7 shot but I an still having it cut for moonclips because I will be using mine for competition.

 

[murphydog]

"You're all choosing wrong. What you want is a 2.75" Speed Six, with bobbed hammer, tritium front sight, and other general cool stuff."

"Just my two cents here but since you are looking for a 2 1/2" revolver that usually means a "self defense / CCW" is desired. If in fact you intend that purpose for your gun, I would think about getting a smaller framed gun like a M60, M66, M65, etc."

No disrespect intended, but finding anything modern off the "not unsafe roster", or having a CCW permit in CA, is a challenge.

 

[jdh]

Thanks for your reply. 3" blue is the GP100 from a private seller on Calguns, off-rooster. In Ca. only 4" and 6" GP made the list.

This throws poo in the game.

 

[kaaskop49]

I don't know where all the inferior GP100 DA triggers are coming from. I can tell you where they're not going - to me. My Wiley Clapp model has a fine DA trigger. I handled a standard 3" GP100 in my LGS last week and the DA was even better on this one. Of course, I only shoot MOPP (Minute-of-Pie-Plate) at 3 to 7 yards, full power mags, double taps. Perhaps in a more target use, the 686 would be better. My 686 SSR is also a great MOPP gun.

Now let me stick my neck way, way out: my Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan has a magnificent DA trigger that is better than the Clapp. I call 'em like I sees 'em. By the way, I'm still a J-hound.

To the OP: buy both guns, try to get a stainless GP100 so it matches the 686.

 

[lowercase]

I'm probably the odd man out, but I like fixed sight guns (my only L-Frame is a 681), and I love the GP100s with 3-inch barrels. In fact, I own two of them.

If you get one with a good trigger, or have some trigger work done on one, they are superb.

Here's one of my GPs. It has had a trigger job and wears aftermarket stocks.

 

[Omil]

I don't know where all the inferior GP100 DA triggers are coming from. I can tell you where they're not going - to me. My Wiley Clapp model has a fine DA trigger. I handled a standard 3" GP100 in my LGS last week and the DA was even better on this one. Of course, I only shoot MOPP (Minute-of-Pie-Plate) at 3 to 7 yards, full power mags, double taps. Perhaps in a more target use, the 686 would be better. My 686 SSR is also a great MOPP gun.

Now let me stick my neck way, way out: my Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan has a magnificent DA trigger that is better than the Clapp. I call 'em like I sees 'em. By the way, I'm still a J-hound.

To the OP: buy both guns, try to get a stainless GP100 so it matches the 686.

Thanks for your helpful info. I'd be very happy with both, but that's not an option.

 

[pvq]

I also prefer fixed sight guns. While the 686 is a fine weapon, I think the GP100 is hands down more rugged. And while it is unlikely that the average shooter will wear out a 686, I think the Ruger is a much better choice in a "SHTF-No-Access-to-gunsmithing-services" scenario. I would choose the GP100

 

[shawn mccarver]

My vote goes to "none of the above." Wait for a 3 inch S&W.

As between the two, I prefer the 3 inch, thus would pick the Ruger.

Someone mentioned a "Wiley Clapp" GP100. I cannot possibly imagine how a Novak sight on a revolver, which requires cutting away a substantial part of the top strap, is a good idea. But, it had to have something different, otherwise the "Wiley" model would be the same as the one already in the catalog, and that's no fun.

Better the "Wiley" model be a 4 inch with a light lug (I hate the term "half-lug"). And no hacked-up top strap.

 

[Dave T]

Agree with Shawn above. I never understood the logic of shortening the ejector stroke on a defensive revolver for 1/2" shorter barrel. Don't own anything shorter than 3" and probably won't given my age and stubbornness (smile).

And if you can't find a 3" 686 or if you want fixed sights, you can always have a good smith build one for you.



Or find one of the out of production PC guns on the used market, like this 681.



Good luck in your search and with your final decision.

Dave