Have an itch I need to scratch...357Mag

[MG-70]

I'm thinking about acquiring a .357Mag., and can't decide which. Most of my revolvers are stainless S&Ws, but not too long ago I sold a half-lugged 3", stainless, GP100 that I really liked, except for the fact that it didn't have adjustable sights; even if I didn't really need them. As you all know, these things are seldom about needs, anyway; not the sights, nor the gun.

Right now, I'm torn between the Ruger GP100 Match Champion (which is an unfortunate name) and a 3" 686. The Ruger isn't a 3", but it has some nice sights, nicer trigger (I've dry-fired one in a local shop), and I happen to like the looks. I'd probably store the nice wooden grips and slip-on some rubber Hogues. Duty would be range gun and woods gun for when I go camping, etc. Price for both seem to be around $675-$700.

So, what do you guys think? I know you're all mature enough to discuss the pros, and not just the cons, of other makes.

I'm not finding many deals on used 4" GP100s or 686s, either. Most people are asking $600 and up, so for that cash, I'll pay the extra $60-$80 and get a new gun.

The cheapest I've found the 686 was Bud's at about $690 (for those who don't know, their prices fluctuate like Amazon's). Anyone know if I can get it cheaper, elsewhere?

I'd especially like to hear from those who have shot them both.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ashlander]

I have both a 3" GP100 and a 3" 686-6 Plus. Both are among my favorites. One of the reasons I really like the GP100 is that it doesn't have adjustable sights (it's a 3" combat gun!). I put the old style wood insert grips on it (fits my smallish hands well). But since you got rid of yours the 3" 686 Plus is a great replacement. I shoot mine with the Hogue rubber monogrips. If you can find one south of $700, it would be a deal.

 

[Granite Stater]

If I could only own one handgun it would be a 357 magnum, from the woods to self defense it's capable of handling just about everything. My opinion, go with a 686 you won't be disappointed. I've seen 3inch 6 shot and 2.5 7rd 686s available lately.

 

[MG-70]

Ok, maybe if the one I sold had driftable sights like the WC GP100, I would've kept it, but it's gone, and I'm liking the MC more than the WC and the regular 3" fixed sight GP100.

I've actually looked for a 6-shot 3" 686 and didn't find it; don't believe they're currently made. I'm not willing to pay the premium the older CS-marked models command, so it'd have to be one of the new ones.

Thanks for your replies

 

[andyo5]

I have a 6" 686 and a 6" GP100. The GP has a replaceable front sight. The 686 does too, but with more effort and expense required. The 686 has a much better trigger. I shoot the 686 better offhand. On bags, they are equal.

 

[bigwheelzip]

If I could only own one handgun it would be a 357 magnum, from the woods to self defense it's capable of handling just about everything. My opinion, go with a 686 you won't be disappointed. I've seen 3inch 6 shot and 2.5 7rd 686s available lately.

Ditto...3" 686 Plus

 

[toad67]

Right now most 3" guns are bringing a premium. Keep an eye out for a S&W model 66. Basically the same as a 686, but w/o the full under lug. I've bought quite a few nice 4" 66's off of gb lately for really good prices.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

Ruger is good...no doubt. I am biased for a 686. The one we have is a rockstar from 1994 6". It's the last one they will ever get...if they get any at all.

 

[snowman.45]

The L Frame 686 is a bit beefier that the K frame 66. The whole purpose for the introduction of the 686 was because the 66 did not hold up well to a lot of .357 magnum, particularly 125 gr. Those of us who carried the 66 for duty use at the time were happy to the see the 686, although it wasn't all that long before they were replaced with semi-autos in many departments.

 

[toad67]

The L Frame 686 is a bit beefier that the K frame 66. The whole purpose for the introduction of the 686 was because the 66 did not hold up well to a lot of .357 magnum, particularly 125 gr. Those of us who carried the 66 for duty use at the time were happy to the see the 686, although it wasn't all that long before they were replaced with semi-autos in many departments.

Great point Dave! I was thinking in terms of the OP's use for the revolver.

 

[MG-70]

Keep it coming guys!

Looking for an L frame or Ruger's medium frame in .357Mag. Have owned a 66 and own a few K and a couple of J frames in .38spl, but looking something beefier for the .357Mag., and in stainless. If there was evidence that either GP100 or 686 was stronger than the other, I'd take the stronger one, even sacrificing a bit of the trigger feel.

Can anyone confirm that the current 3" 686s are only available with the 7-shot cylinders?

Thanks again

 

[rwsmith]

Nicer trigger.....

I don't doubt that a GP 100 can have a nice trigger but normally the 686 trigger is smooth as silk on DA and not quite like breaking a glass rod on SA, but close. If a 686 doesn't have a great trigger, it has the potential for one.

 

[scooter123]

There is one aspect about the S&W medium and large frame revolvers that provides a distinct advantage for the DA trigger weight and feel. That is that it uses an old fashioned Leaf type mainspring. So, what's the big deal about a Leaf Spring? The big deal is that this type of spring doesn't require any secondary guide and can operate free of friction between the spring and guide. With a coil mainspring the spring has to be supported by either a strut or a cavity. The problem with this scheme is that in order to minimize the friction between the support and spring both parts need to be fully polished AND treated with some type of friction reducing plating. Bottomline is simple, if you want a really great feeling trigger you won't top the S&W revolver.

Naturally, my vote is for the 686. I'll also note that after acquiring a 2 1/2 inch model 19-3 that I've become a huge fan of shorter barreled revolvers. So, I'd go with the 3 inch version or even a 2 1/2 inch version. However, I do have to say that a full underlug won't ever produce a revolver nearly as pretty as my 19-3 with it's tastefully sculpted barrel.

 

[GTBL]

I bought a 3" 686 a couple of years ago. Absolutely love this gun! The 3" fits in a car console, a computer bag, nightstand much easier than larger barrel guns. It looks amazing with Wood grips but do prefer shooting it with Hogue Bantam grips. IMO you cannot go wrong with a 3" 686.

 

[bananaman]

On a gun show whim recently, I bought a 13-2. It was so nice, and the price was RIGHT. I do not shoot magnum loads that often. It went to the range with some .38 hand loads. Talk about a tack driver! Of course, my 586, 4" or 686-3, 6" are no slouch either. Let us know how you do on your quest! Bob

 

[DD357]

For a range/woods gun I'd get a 4" 686 or 27/28.

 

[diyj98]

For a woods/range gun, I'd probably go with a 4" barrel as well. Sometimes we get all giddy over 3" guns, but I find 4" is about perfect for general non concealed carry and shooting. The GP's I owned were all good guns, but I find the 686 just a bit more refined.

 

[BAM-BAM]

How much "range time" do you spend shooting with full bore .357s?

Practice (which we should do)...... or target/bulleye?

Target/bullyeye...... for me is .38s and a 6 inch barrel...K or L frame.

For camping/woods bumming .. for me it's all about weight and convenience ...... I carry a 3" 66 (cus I've had one since 1988 but a 4"is almost as good) cus it's going to be on my hip.......up to 16 hours a day....... and may be shot...... but probably not.

Admitting I only owned one Ruger .357 and that was decades ago.....it seemed bulky compared to a 686 let alone a 66..... so again for an "I always want it there gun"...... Smith 66.

All that said ..... as I posted not long ago........ Open carry SHTF or TEOTWAWKI........ my 4" custom (action job and round butt) 686-nuttin is the first revolver I'd grab.

Two other thoughts FWTW....... two great Cabin/camping utility guns are a Winchester Trapper or a Ruger 77/357...... both are .357 magnum .....and boosting the .357 to near 30-30 performance... and great companion pieces to a 357 Revolver.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am hopelessly biased toward S&W 357 revolvers. The 686+ and M&P R8 are on my "need" list. They are all fun.

 

[HarrishMasher]

This is the S&W Forum...so get a 3" 686.

If you want the Ruger, post this on the Ruger forum and you got it.