M686 or Ruger GP100?
- Thread starter m67skc
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Agreed on the Ruger triggers generally sucking compared to Smith. I was very surprised that my sons GP100 felt so good. My other son and I have SP101's and the triggers are nasty compared to the Smiths!
Bottom line... I like guns!! Revolvers especially! I'll take them all!!
(I even have a Taurus
.357 that I love!!)I'm completely unbiased; I own both revolvers and love them equally. I'm not a big fan of shooting .38Spls in .357 length chambers; these guns will take .357s all day. Buy both guns and keep them. Sad to sell off a great revolver.
357-RevolverGuy is correct about Ruger's 'Wiley Clapp' edition. It is a magnificent gun. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Hope this helps.
357-RevolverGuy is correct about Ruger's 'Wiley Clapp' edition. It is a magnificent gun. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Hope this helps.
Hillbilly77
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My SP101 trigger was also nasty out of the box. It seems like a lot of the internal parts are just thrown together with rough edges on them.
I replaced the springs with Wolff springs and smoothed out the rough egdes on a few contact surfaces in the action. It made a world of difference. It still isn't a Smith, but it's a very nice trigger now.
finesse_r
Member
I like and own both......
Last month I picked up a very nice Ruger GP-100 three inch in stainless steel for under $500.00. To get a similar S&W 686 will cost me $300 or probably more than that to pick up. So while I do prefer the S&W 686 (especially in a dash 3 or dash 4, but not in a post internal lock model), for the difference in price I am quite pleased with the GP-100. It is certainly as reliable and it is certainly as strong and durable. The only real advantage to the S&W is a better factory trigger pull, and the adjustable sights, which are not so important in a carry pistol to me. The GP can of course be purchased with or without adjustable sights, mine just does not have them.
I also prefer the Ruger Six series at current prices to the S&W 686. While I have a very nice four inch 686 that I have no plans in selling, at current values I am looking at the Security Six as a viable alternative to an additional 686 in any size. I recently picked up a 4 inch SS Security Six in excellent condition for $ 450 out the door. It had had a quality trigger job done on it and it is every bit as good as a stock 686 trigger. Again the gun is probably as strong as the 686, certainly as reliable and durable as the 686, and again at least $300 less expensive.
Don't misunderstand me. I think the 686 is one of the best revolvers S&W every made. However, like the 696 and the 625 (both of which I really like), the 686 is over priced due I suspect to the current political environment, and collectors.
If there were not such a large price difference I would be prefer the 686 to the GP-100, but not always to the Ruger Six series. I would trade my three inch GP-100 for a three inch 686 in similar condition in a heart beat. LOL But I don't think I will be offered any such trade. I would not trade my SS 2 ¾" Speed Six 9mm for any size Model 686.
I think the Ruger Six series revolvers (Speed, Security, & Service) are some of the most under valued revolvers ever made. Ruger's discontinuing of the Six series was as big a mistake as S&W discontinuing their third generation pistols or their move to put internal locks on their revolvers. I certainly prefer the Ruger Speed Six to the Ruger GP series and I prefer the Speed Six to the S&W Models 65 & 66, although I do have both the Speed Six 2 ¾" and the Model 65 in 3". However, I will sell the Model 65 long before I sell my Speed Six. The market is waking up to the value of the 2 ¾" Speed Six, especially in 9mm and prices are going up fairly quickly.
Right now if Ruger would step out and improve their triggers, add some new single/double action revolvers, such as .44 special and 45 ACP, and resume their 9mm, then Ruger could quickly take over the leadership in the revolver market. However, they have shown no such inclinations and appear content with their current level of the firearm market.
Since most quality gun smiths, and even some talented owners have been able to adjust the Ruger triggers to make them slick and very nice, I have to believe it is the fear of litigation that prevents Ruger from making that adjustment to their single/double action revolvers. Certainly their single action only line has some very nice triggers on them.
My carry guns vary from 3913, 4014, Model 64 3", or most recently a Model 696 to the Speed Six in 9mm or the GP-100 3' SS, and rarely a 2 ¾" Security Six in .357 mag. The 696 is fast becoming my favorite revolver to carry, and I can't believe how long it took me to discover this model. They are all good, reliable carry guns and my mood and clothes dictate which I carry.
Other than their .22LR Mark series, I do not care for Ruger pistols at all. I also don't care for the new Smith pistols at all, but do really like the discontinued S&W third generation pistols. Unfortunately the prices are going up on these as well.
Last month I picked up a very nice Ruger GP-100 three inch in stainless steel for under $500.00. To get a similar S&W 686 will cost me $300 or probably more than that to pick up. So while I do prefer the S&W 686 (especially in a dash 3 or dash 4, but not in a post internal lock model), for the difference in price I am quite pleased with the GP-100. It is certainly as reliable and it is certainly as strong and durable. The only real advantage to the S&W is a better factory trigger pull, and the adjustable sights, which are not so important in a carry pistol to me. The GP can of course be purchased with or without adjustable sights, mine just does not have them.
I also prefer the Ruger Six series at current prices to the S&W 686. While I have a very nice four inch 686 that I have no plans in selling, at current values I am looking at the Security Six as a viable alternative to an additional 686 in any size. I recently picked up a 4 inch SS Security Six in excellent condition for $ 450 out the door. It had had a quality trigger job done on it and it is every bit as good as a stock 686 trigger. Again the gun is probably as strong as the 686, certainly as reliable and durable as the 686, and again at least $300 less expensive.
Don't misunderstand me. I think the 686 is one of the best revolvers S&W every made. However, like the 696 and the 625 (both of which I really like), the 686 is over priced due I suspect to the current political environment, and collectors.
If there were not such a large price difference I would be prefer the 686 to the GP-100, but not always to the Ruger Six series. I would trade my three inch GP-100 for a three inch 686 in similar condition in a heart beat. LOL But I don't think I will be offered any such trade. I would not trade my SS 2 ¾" Speed Six 9mm for any size Model 686.
I think the Ruger Six series revolvers (Speed, Security, & Service) are some of the most under valued revolvers ever made. Ruger's discontinuing of the Six series was as big a mistake as S&W discontinuing their third generation pistols or their move to put internal locks on their revolvers. I certainly prefer the Ruger Speed Six to the Ruger GP series and I prefer the Speed Six to the S&W Models 65 & 66, although I do have both the Speed Six 2 ¾" and the Model 65 in 3". However, I will sell the Model 65 long before I sell my Speed Six. The market is waking up to the value of the 2 ¾" Speed Six, especially in 9mm and prices are going up fairly quickly.
Right now if Ruger would step out and improve their triggers, add some new single/double action revolvers, such as .44 special and 45 ACP, and resume their 9mm, then Ruger could quickly take over the leadership in the revolver market. However, they have shown no such inclinations and appear content with their current level of the firearm market.
Since most quality gun smiths, and even some talented owners have been able to adjust the Ruger triggers to make them slick and very nice, I have to believe it is the fear of litigation that prevents Ruger from making that adjustment to their single/double action revolvers. Certainly their single action only line has some very nice triggers on them.
My carry guns vary from 3913, 4014, Model 64 3", or most recently a Model 696 to the Speed Six in 9mm or the GP-100 3' SS, and rarely a 2 ¾" Security Six in .357 mag. The 696 is fast becoming my favorite revolver to carry, and I can't believe how long it took me to discover this model. They are all good, reliable carry guns and my mood and clothes dictate which I carry.
Other than their .22LR Mark series, I do not care for Ruger pistols at all. I also don't care for the new Smith pistols at all, but do really like the discontinued S&W third generation pistols. Unfortunately the prices are going up on these as well.
I've got both, a five inch GP and a 686-5 four inch seven shooter. Just picked up the Smith at the first of the year, so not too much trigger time with it.
Both are fine, the Ruger is a tank, and with the old wood insert grip setup, to me, recoils a lot less than the 686 with the same loads. For a brief time, I thought I wanted a 686+ Mountain Gun to go with my 657 MG. After shooting full throttle loads through the four incher I ended up with, no thanks. I don't want that gun to be any lighter than it is.
I doubt the Ruger will ever have the trigger the Smith does, but I shoot more accurately with a GP than most revolvers. Though technically 'wrong' according to a lot of folks, I can stage the double action on a Ruger and shoot very well with it. Sorry, but if the bullet goes where it is supposed to, it isn't wrong.
My 686 was bought used, and I initially gushed over the smooth trigger. Then I went to the range and found that was due to a strain screw that had been backed off, and reliable ignition was not there. Once I tightened the screw up, it's surefire, but the trigger is stout enough that it is nothing to brag about. Overall no better or worse than the GP, just a different feel.
I'm glad I have both.
Both are fine, the Ruger is a tank, and with the old wood insert grip setup, to me, recoils a lot less than the 686 with the same loads. For a brief time, I thought I wanted a 686+ Mountain Gun to go with my 657 MG. After shooting full throttle loads through the four incher I ended up with, no thanks. I don't want that gun to be any lighter than it is.
I doubt the Ruger will ever have the trigger the Smith does, but I shoot more accurately with a GP than most revolvers. Though technically 'wrong' according to a lot of folks, I can stage the double action on a Ruger and shoot very well with it. Sorry, but if the bullet goes where it is supposed to, it isn't wrong.
My 686 was bought used, and I initially gushed over the smooth trigger. Then I went to the range and found that was due to a strain screw that had been backed off, and reliable ignition was not there. Once I tightened the screw up, it's surefire, but the trigger is stout enough that it is nothing to brag about. Overall no better or worse than the GP, just a different feel.
I'm glad I have both.
Maximumbob54
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Guys, let's be honest here. I know this is a S&W forum and we all love and cherish our Smith's but today's revolvers are getting to be a **** shoot on if the trigger is good out of the box or not. My 629-6 6" came to me with a good but heavy trigger. My buddy buys one of the 629-6 3" Talo guns and the trigger on it was gritty and crazy heavy. I've bought a NIB unfired Ruger Security Six, GP100, and SP101. None of them came with awful triggers but they each smoothed out with some oil and some shooting. If you get a new S&W or Ruger with an undesirable trigger then any competent gun smith can correct a poor trigger. My only issue is the cost. Yes, the investment casting and minimal machining will keep the Ruger at less cost than the S&W. BUT... I just choke at the increased cost in stepping from a GP100 to a 686.
SurfGuitar
Member
I've owned both Ruger and S&W revolvers, and here's my take on all this....
My first Ruger GP-100 (6") had a gritty and heavy trigger, after swapping out the stock springs with a set of Wolf springs, and a lot of shooting, it did lighten up and smooth out. The 4" GP-100 I own now came out of the box with a very smooth trigger.
I've also owned a 6" 686, the trigger was very smooth, no creep or grit at all, the trigger pull on my second GP, and the 686 where about the same....
Both guns are well made, just made differently, in a perfect world where money is no object, I'd say get both, but if you can only choose one, then decide what it is you what the gun to do for you.
If you intend to shoot mostly target shoot with factory .38's, with occasionally running some Magnums for fun, then the 686 is a very good choice. If you're a reloader who likes to experiment with maximum loads, or you intend to shoot a steady diet of hot magnum loads....hands down get the Ruger GP-100, it can handle the punishment of hot loads better than the S&W.
Although this conversation doesn't involve the model 29, I feel it's worth mentioning that I had a 4" model 29 (.44 Magnum) that would shoot light .44 Spl's all day, but as soon as I ran .44 Magnums through it, the trigger mechanism would come apart. Now it could of just been that I had a lemon, and it's not a common problem, but I felt that gun just wasn't built for a steady diet of hot loads, and I traded it in for something else....
686 or GP-100....either way you'll end up with a good solid .357 Magnum that you'll get years of enjoyment from....
My first Ruger GP-100 (6") had a gritty and heavy trigger, after swapping out the stock springs with a set of Wolf springs, and a lot of shooting, it did lighten up and smooth out. The 4" GP-100 I own now came out of the box with a very smooth trigger.
I've also owned a 6" 686, the trigger was very smooth, no creep or grit at all, the trigger pull on my second GP, and the 686 where about the same....
Both guns are well made, just made differently, in a perfect world where money is no object, I'd say get both, but if you can only choose one, then decide what it is you what the gun to do for you.
If you intend to shoot mostly target shoot with factory .38's, with occasionally running some Magnums for fun, then the 686 is a very good choice. If you're a reloader who likes to experiment with maximum loads, or you intend to shoot a steady diet of hot magnum loads....hands down get the Ruger GP-100, it can handle the punishment of hot loads better than the S&W.
Although this conversation doesn't involve the model 29, I feel it's worth mentioning that I had a 4" model 29 (.44 Magnum) that would shoot light .44 Spl's all day, but as soon as I ran .44 Magnums through it, the trigger mechanism would come apart. Now it could of just been that I had a lemon, and it's not a common problem, but I felt that gun just wasn't built for a steady diet of hot loads, and I traded it in for something else....
686 or GP-100....either way you'll end up with a good solid .357 Magnum that you'll get years of enjoyment from....
Redlegvzv
Member
Our family has both a 686 and a Ruger GP100 as well as several other Ruger and S&W revolvers. I would not part with any of them.
I had a $65 trigger job done on the GP100 and it shoots like a dream. Like the 686 it is a beautiful gun that always elicits compliments at the range:
I had a $65 trigger job done on the GP100 and it shoots like a dream. Like the 686 it is a beautiful gun that always elicits compliments at the range:
I own a 686-3, and two GP100's. It to me would be a very hard call to choose between the two, but if I knew that I was going in harms way and not shooting paper I would choose the GP100. My opinion only and you know the old saying about opinions.
snowman.45
Member
I have both. the GP100 is very stout. Mine has a great trigger. However, the 686 is like a fine watch; great trigger, great feel to it. As was said above, if I had to choose one to go into a bad place with for an indeterminate time, I'd choose the GP100 for its strength, but not by much.
Will Carry
Member
The GP-100 is a poor man's 686. The 686 is more refined, smoother with a better trigger. The GP-100 is a little heavier and less expensive.
As far as I am concerned Smith And Wesson and Sturm Ruger are the only choices if you want a wheel gun.
As far as I am concerned Smith And Wesson and Sturm Ruger are the only choices if you want a wheel gun.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
This is the old Ford vs Chevy argument. if you ask me. I love them both. I am on the lookout for a nice used 4" GP100 and when I see one at a good price I'm gonna snag it. I got 686's a 681 a 66....but I want a GP100.
Redlegvzv
Member
I often see the comment that the S&W 686 is "more refined." I have no idea what that means. The GP100 has a user-changeable front sight (versus the staked 686 front sight) a finish that is just as nice, and a build that by all accounts is more robust.
Nothing against the 686 which is a beautiful firearm, but I agree that this is a Ford v. Chevy argument.
Nothing against the 686 which is a beautiful firearm, but I agree that this is a Ford v. Chevy argument.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I have a ruger police service six i purchased in 1976 and still have it. I lubed it with moly and its awesome. I still prefer the older 357mag rugers and i just purchased a few years back a ruger security-six in 357mag w/6" barrel in blue for $199 used but still new looking. Right now i have my eye on a ruger security six 357mag 6" barrel in stainless for around $375. If i purchased a S&W in 357mag it would be a model 27 or model 28 the heavier frames. I just like the S&W N frames. But for a lighter smaller 357mag the ruger is hard to beat and tough like a mack truck. Remember I'm still a S&W newbie.
I did the same comparison a few months ago. The only S&W I owned at the time was the Governor. I didn't own any Rugers. What sold me on the 686 was that I picked up a 20 yr old S&W 38 special and dry fired it. The trigger on that thing was as smooth as any of the brand new S&Ws I had handled, and maybe even smoother than the new Rugers.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
What pushed me towards the rugers in the beginning was the rugers having no screws to come loose. This was a time when the S&W model 19 in 357mag if you shot it alot with stout it got hammered apart the track record of thje model 19 isn't that great. I fed all my rugers magnum loads and they wanted more.
