M686 or Ruger GP100?
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Capt Crunch
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I think it's really a choice in the amenities of the particular revolver. The trigger, the grip, the cylinder release. Personally I don't care for the Ruger cylinder release. But then again, if I found one at a good price....it'd be gone. 
I currently own both a 686-4 4"bbl and a GP100 5"bbl revolver. I love both of them and honestly don't think I could choose between the two if I had to let go of one. I know if I did, I would immediately be second guessing myself and would be out shopping to replace the one I let go.
The GP100 is one handsome rugged revolver. It's frame is squared and simple on the topstrap and throughout. It is so well engineered without a frame sideplate and with a trigger assembly that is removable as a group. It is very easy for the owner with modest mechanical abilities to change springs and smooth out. I bought mine new and the trigger action was very light and smooth right out of the box. I did put in lighter trigger return and hammer springs, but it really wouldn't have been necessary.
The 686 frame is more sculptured and rounded and therefore has a more graceful feeling to it. To me the action also has more of a precision feeling to it. It's a simple design that has been tried and proven for decades. Either revolver should serve a shooter for a lifetime provided that they are given reasonable care. I just feel very lucky to be living in a time that I can own and enjoy both of them.
The GP100 is one handsome rugged revolver. It's frame is squared and simple on the topstrap and throughout. It is so well engineered without a frame sideplate and with a trigger assembly that is removable as a group. It is very easy for the owner with modest mechanical abilities to change springs and smooth out. I bought mine new and the trigger action was very light and smooth right out of the box. I did put in lighter trigger return and hammer springs, but it really wouldn't have been necessary.
The 686 frame is more sculptured and rounded and therefore has a more graceful feeling to it. To me the action also has more of a precision feeling to it. It's a simple design that has been tried and proven for decades. Either revolver should serve a shooter for a lifetime provided that they are given reasonable care. I just feel very lucky to be living in a time that I can own and enjoy both of them.
I own them both but I thought that was a requirement. Like posted above, if its a newer 686, post -4, I'll take the ruger. With that said, the smith is just simply a more refined pistol and every one I've owned has had a much nicer action than a ruger. The ruger action isn't that bad and over time will smooth out nicely and like a smith, are very accurate guns. Buy them both.
Maximumbob54
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Couple of GP100 pics.
Why no 686 pics yet???
Why no 686 pics yet???
I have 4 pre lock 686's including a 686-4+. I also now own two GP100's.
If it were not for the 2001 to present day S&W revolvers, I would never have discovered how nice the Ruger revolvers are.
So if you must have new, current production, go with the Ruger GP100. More gun for your money with everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't.
If used is an option, get a nice pre lock 686. Fine looking, good shooting, well made revolver that holds its resale value. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
If it were not for the 2001 to present day S&W revolvers, I would never have discovered how nice the Ruger revolvers are.
So if you must have new, current production, go with the Ruger GP100. More gun for your money with everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't.
If used is an option, get a nice pre lock 686. Fine looking, good shooting, well made revolver that holds its resale value. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
