I'm going to say something potentially offensive

[robotoid]

I bought a new Ruger GP100 3" yesterday. The build and fit and finish quality is well above anything I've seen recently of new S&W revolvers. Not giving up my J frames, but my L frame may be on the block soon. My only complaint on the Ruger is the Hogue grip.

 

[SniperX]

I bought a new Ruger GP100 3" yesterday. The build and fit and finish quality is well above anything I've seen recently of new S&W revolvers.

I don't own any new S&Ws, but have to say the last GP100 I had was incredibly nice in the fit and finish department. Mine was a 4in or I would still have it if it were the three inch like yours.

 

[cbr600f3]

I bought a s&w 500 a few months back and i can honestly say the finish leaves something to be desired, it is pitted all throughout the barrel, not an appealing finish.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I bought a new Ruger GP100 3" yesterday. The build and fit and finish quality is well above anything I've seen recently of new S&W revolvers. Not giving up my J frames, but my L frame may be on the block soon. My only complaint on the Ruger is the Hogue grip.

The recent improvement in Ruger's line if revolver fit and finish is well documented here and all over the net. They are taking pains to do it right these days. That said, it had no where else to go but up. I purchased a NIB SP101 back around 2000 and it was the WORST fit gun I'd ever owned. (I actually cut myself on a rough edge on the extractor shroud on that one.)
Enjoy the new gun.

 

[Nframecollector]

I'm looking at a stainless security six with a 4 inch barrel at my LGS that is absolutely beautiful. Its sitting right next to a 19-4 I traded in there a few weeks ago too!

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I have a super blackhawk that i love, also a vaquero ss in 45lc, it is my opinion that all have good and bad models. Love my 29, love my rugers too.

 

[butchkent]

Ruger is certainly doing a great job now and Colt too. But IMHO, S&W is the long term best of the best. When they falter we should raise the roof. Nothing like customer accountability to keep them on the straight and narrow.

 

[fyimo]

Not trying to stir up a hornets nest here but this is why a lot of S&W owners like me like the older S&W revolvers. Ruger has stepped up there game as they always had strong well built revolvers but their fit, finish and triggers left a little to be desired. I guess if S&W watches this forum maybe they will get the message to step up their game on the new models.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I have a 2013 SBH in 44 magnum, I would say that it generally is a nice finish. Had to do trigger work on it and one ragged hole sights. Now its a keeper.

thewelshm

 

[Mike McLellan]

Never owned a Colt, but I have owned two Ruger Blackhawks back in the early 70s. I liked them, but they didn't quite fit my hand. The first time I picked up a S&W with factory, diamond, football target stocks, I was convinced. This is the gun for me. I refuse to bash Rugers, Colts, Taurus, or any other brand of revolver, but, with the right stocks on them, I love my Smith & Wessons.

 

[1911 45]

I bought a new Ruger GP100 3" yesterday. The build and fit and finish quality is well above anything I've seen recently of new S&W revolvers. Not giving up my J frames, but my L frame may be on the block soon. My only complaint on the Ruger is the Hogue grip.

I agree here's my new SP101 3".

 

[jughed440]

A relative has a SP101 and i know for a fact that they're built like tanks, but the gritty 20 lb pull trigger is HORRIBLE ...guess I'm used to the superb S&W trigger. Looks like they'll have to spend some money to have a gunsmith do a trigger job, or develope carpal tunnel symdrome from dry firing it a few million times to get it to smooth out

 

[Donn]

No offense taken here. My Ruger Redhawk 41mag is a fine piece. Had my classic Model 36 not come thru when it did, I'd have an SP101 with me right now. I'm partial to S&W revolvers, but not enough to turn my back on Rugers.

 

[adudeuknow]

I prefer S&W but every smith I own is performance center and have nothing really left to be desired. well, maybe some grips but just because I have big hands.

 

[BillBingham2]

It's a lot easier to get a good trigger job than to improve the fit and finish.

Ruger seems to be stepping things up a bit over the past year. They are adding a new plant somewhere here in the States. My read is they see opportunities in different markets than S&W does. I'm sad to say I think the gold age of S&W has passed. If I were to guess S&W sees the government market as where the money is (local, state, federal) and Ruger sees the general consumer at the high and medium end. I think they have sun-setted the last P recently, RAR seems to have taken off (using the same magazine as the 10/22), LCR has it all over the Bodyguard 38 (at least IMHO) and the SR22 eats everything you feed to it unlike the Walther in S&W clothing.

I would rate S&W as a neutral (hold but don't sell yet) on buy or sell, Ruger as a buy and hold.

B2

 

[Vaman49]

No offense taken either. I sold a 4 inch GP100 a few months ago and bought a 686-8. While both are great guns I can honestly say my 686 beats the fit and finish on the Ruger I had hands down. I have a SP101 and a Mod 60 Pro and even though the SP101 has sharp edges and a rougher finish, I'd let the 60 Pro go before I sell that Ruger.

 

[wproct]

I've owned 4 different GP100 revolvers over the years, and my current 5"bbl model was made in December 2010, and it by far has the nicest finish and best trigger action of any of them. I also own a 686-4 4"bbl revolver, and I wouldn't want to give up either revolver. I've just got to say that Ruger is really on a roll right now. They are aggressively introducing new models right & left.

 

[MikeyB]

My favorite GP. Gives my 2.5" 686 it's run for the money.

 

[StevieC]

I recently acquired a SP101 3" too and it has become my constant off-work companion. While the recoil with full bore .357 magnum loads is brutal, I like having the ability to carry magnum loads into coyote country when I get called in to work late at night!

 

[rwsmith]

People were saying......

People still said "American cars were the best" long after the competition had proved them wrong. I believe in calling a spade a spade. If you want to be the best you have to work to stay there.