New GP100 or Model 66 or Model 686?

[Stroker468]

Why choose?

Both the 66 and 686 are absolutely delightful to shoot.

I am not personally familiar with the Ruger,but have read nothing but good things about them.

 

[wproct]

For your intended use I'd get the 66 all day long and twice on Saturday. But I'd shop around for one of the dash 2,3 or 4rs.

This is my thoughts exactly! I am a huge GP100 fan, but for the criteria that you have given, the model 66 would be my choice, and the older model specified above would be my preference.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Mod 66 would be my choice.

 

[Invictus357]

As an owner of the GP100 and 686, all of them are great guns.

Plan to buy them all.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I'll vote for the 66-8 also.

It's a good compromise in size & handles recoil real well.

Shoots pretty good too.

.

.

 

[stansdds]

2-3 inch barrel requirement says carry gun, so weight and cylinder diameter are considerations. A current production S&W Model 66 Combat Magnum has a 2 3/4" barrel and would fit those requirements. The GP-100 and Model 586/686 have larger frames and cylinders, plus heavier barrels, giving them more weight when carrying.

 

[fxdrider]

686 Plus = 1 extra round.

Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

 

[Zak316]

Picked up a Ruger SP100 .357 3" a few weeks ago as my latest CCW.So far very comfortable.Taking it to the range this weekend for the first time

 

[SW Gun Guy]

As with all choices in this world, you have to best analyze how you intend to use it. All the above are better experts than me, but I would throw in to think about just going to a 38 special. Much lighter to carry, much less recoil for practice, and tons of factory ammo designed for self defense loads in 38 that I would give it some thought. Keep us posted.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

OP:the parameters you gave us makes it easy to answer.Cc carry and not shooting very hot loads;model 66.
You'll get to answer your needs with a gun(K frame)that fits most hands,has a smooth action and looks good.And while a 2 1/2'' K frame is not as easy to conceal as a J frame,it is better than any other you're considering.
And the 66 looks like it means business so seriously...but my opinion might be biased a bit about that!

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

A 3" 60 is a different animal than the 642 and great for carry, dont exclude it just yet.
Also, not to muddy the waters even more but have you checked out the new King Cobra and the SP101?
Do you have a specific price range?

I had/have the Gp , the python, and the 66 all in 4" flavor. I shoot them all.
GP100- pros. Built like a tank. Eats nuclear loads.
Cons. heavy and a heavy trigger.
Python- pros-accurate as hell. smooth trigger.
Cons: so smooth its hard to stage. And feels sterile/ disconnected.

66- pros smooth, stageable trigger. Least imposing.
Cons- honestly. None. I do not find mine fragile and do not fear shooting 357 one bit. But i have never tried to blow it up either.

 

[MaygerMtMan]

A 3" 60 is a different animal than the 642 and great for carry, dont exclude it just yet.
Also, not to muddy the waters even more but have you checked out the new King Cobra and the SP101?
Do you have a specific price range?

I had/have the Gp , the python, and the 66 all in 4" flavor. I shoot them all.
GP100- pros. Built like a tank. Eats nuclear loads.
Cons. heavy and a heavy trigger.
Python- pros-accurate as hell. smooth trigger.
Cons: so smooth its hard to stage. And feels sterile/ disconnected.

66- pros smooth, stageable trigger. Least imposing.
Cons- honestly. None. I do not find mine fragile and do not fear shooting 357 one bit. But i have never tried to blow it up either.

Much appreciated, I will check out the King Cobra and the SP101. Price matters but is not the primary driving factor.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Any Updates MaygerMtMan???

 

[Fredo Batali]

+ 1 on the Kimber K6s. I love mine! The double action trigger is interesting... Old school, I have a Ruger "Speed Six" that I carry quite often too. Took a number of years to find one after I let my first one get away. I also have a 3" M686 I carry as well, depends on what I'm wearing and where I'm going.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Scott_HM1000X]

I have a GP100 (4") 686 (4") and a Python (6"). I like all three of them, but the nod goes to the 686 overall. The ergonomics of the 686 just seems to be the best for me. For concealed carry, the 686 may not be the best option, I wouldn't know.

 

[LCC]

Much appreciated, I will check out the King Cobra and the SP101. Price matters but is not the primary driving factor.

My trail gun is a Ruger SP101 3" carried in a 5BHL. Very shootable with magnums, +P fun to shoot. Some surface polishing and a Wolff 10# spring turned an ok trigger into a very aceptable one.

 

[Murdock]

Concealed carry, use mostly non-magnum loads, stainess steel? 66 all the way. For heavier loads, the black rubber is helpful. The wood looks better, and is OK with lighter loads.

 

[bearman49709]

I've owned all three. With concealed carry the 66 wins, for target shooting and hunting 686 is better, the gp100 only if you want to shoot Ruger only loads and I just go up in caliber if I need more than a 180 gr .357 mag.

 

[Jogden2]

I've had a few Rugers pass through my safe. But my Smiths never seem to leave.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Loyaljeeper]

I have five revolvers made in the last five years and my Ruger GP-100 is the worst fit and finish of all of them. My Colt Cobra is the best. My Ruger is so bad I keep meaning to get in contact with Ruger to see if they can do anything to improve it or give me credit towards a new one. I can't believe their quality control allowed it to ship. My two newer Smiths have very minor fit and finish issues that takes a little time to recognize.