S&W 686 or Ruger GP100?

[Scuba2do]

Needed to add photos of my daughter's Wiley Clapp GP 100 and my 6 inch version.

 

[wproct]

This is a very good thread. It has about covered all the pluses and minuses of both models. For me, I have owned over a half dozen of each, and all I have left is 2 GP100's. One is a 5 inch model and the other is a 3 inch model with adjustable sights. I love my Smith & Wesson revolvers, but when it comes to these particular revolvers, I've settled on the GP100 as my favorite.

 

[da gimp]

around here, there are very few, if any, stocking dealers that carry after market grips, speed loaders & holsters for the various Ruger revolvers..........

while every dealer carries several types of grips, holsters & probably speed loaders too.........for the S&W & a even some for the Colt Python & Agents/Cobras. This sure makes a difference........ because most dealers will let you try a set of their grips on your gun before you buy, if they are already in stock........ but 100% of non stocked/special order goods must be paid for in advance......... on grips and holsters ,that can & will get derned expensive, very quickly.

 

[one eye joe]

My 686-6 is really nice after hundreds of dollars worth of work, but for a brand new, current production gun, done over again, I would rather have the GP100. I can't actually make a direct comparison, because my GP100 is 5", and the 686 is 4". Looks like I may get a Match Champion, since they can't (won't) rebarrel my Police Service Six. As soon as I can get them to give me the price up front, before letting them scrap my gun, I will decide.

I REALLY CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT "HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK" HAD TO BE DONE TO YOUR 686-6 TO MAKE IT "REALLY NICE". WAS IT A BASKET CASE ? ? ? I HAVE HANDLED MANY 686s IN MY YEARS OF SHOOTING--INCLUDING 3 OF MY OWN, ALL PURCHASED USED. NONE OF THEM REQUIRED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK. THE 686 IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, AND UNLESS YOU USE IT AS A SLEDGE HAMMER, OR A CROW BAR, IT WILL STAND UP TO MANY GENERATIONS ON NORMAL USE, W/O NEEDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF WORK…...

 

[Canuck44]

around here, there are very few, if any, stocking dealers that carry after market grips, speed loaders & holsters for the various Ruger revolvers..........

while every dealer carries several types of grips, holsters & probably speed loaders too.........for the S&W & a even some for the Colt Python & Agents/Cobras. This sure makes a difference........ because most dealers will let you try a set of their grips on your gun before you buy, if they are already in stock........ but 100% of non stocked/special order goods must be paid for in advance......... on grips and holsters ,that can & will get derned expensive, very quickly.

Speedloaders and holsters for the 686 are the same ones used for the Ruger GP-100. Your dealers are missing out of a lot if business if they don't stock Ruger stuff.

Take Care

Bob

 

[ADP3]

I have owned several specimens of both so I'll throw my 2 cents. The pre-lock S&W's had a lot going for them. All forged parts, slick actions, good balance, dependability and decent sights. The current production guns have some extraneous parts (lock) that, while they don't necessarily take away from reliability, could. The GP100 has many cast parts, including the frame, and now has a MIM trigger (and maybe other internal parts). It balances about the same as the 686, has similar sights, is as dependable, has an action that can be slicked up and rarely goes out of time. The cylinder lock up is more solid on the Ruger and it is far more easily disassembled than the S&W. While not either model, my shooting buddy has a 40 year old Ruger Security Six with 40,000 plus full-house .357 rounds through it. It has never had an issue or a part replaced. The GP 100 is an improvement on this gun. If I was buying for collecting a S&W 586/686 wins hands down. If I'm buying a shooter I have to go with the Ruger GP100. My favorite over both is a S&W Model 27.

Best Regards,
ADP3

The Model 27 still trumps both in my book.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[J LeeACP]

No IL 686 over the Ruger. I have a 586 and GP100 4". Would gladly trade the GP for the 686 you are pondering.

I like the GP but love the pre IL 586/686 models.

 

[keithherrington]

I've had a couple 686's in the past, but ended up getting rid of them. I currently have 3 different GP-100's. I, for one, much prefer the GP over the 686. I like the looks better and I'm more comfortable with the idea of feeding them the steady diet of hot handloads that I use. The 'push-in' cylinder release is more natural for me to use quickly for speed reloads than the 'slide-forward' style that Smith uses.

The triggers aren't as bad as most would have you believe and they are quite easy to make better if you so choose - with very easy to change springs and a little polishing with a buffing wheel on a dremel. I own several other S&W revolvers, including a couple Performance Center guns, and I'm here to say that I'd put the triggers in my GP's up against any of my Smith triggers.

As a shooters gun, one of the biggest reasons I like the GP's over Smiths is I really like how the Rugers are timed, where the cylinder rotates and locks well before the finish of a double-action trigger stroke - allowing for very easy, and quick, manipulation of fine trigger control for accurate shots. All of my Smiths are timed so that the cylinder locks much later in the cycle, making it (for me) more difficult to get fine control of the DA trigger stroke.

Really you cant go wrong with either one. But the truth is that as far as quality and workmanship of new specimens of either brand - there isn't a hill of beans worth of difference. I think most folks who would really try to convince you otherwise are doing so more out of brand loyalty rather than a legitimate unbiased opinion.

**sorry for the low quality cell phone pic**

I'm a die hard S&W wheelgun fan and have been my entire life, but I had the opportunity to buy a new in box Wiley Clapp GP100 (the middle gun above) and was uber impressed with every aspect of it to include accuracy. If I were looking for one gun that would be my pick. Great carry gun and also perfectly suited to IDPA. What's not to like?
Keith

 

[sailor723]

I'm a new member here and i have to say how impressed i am with the level of this discussion and the civility shown here. On some other sites this would have degenerated into insults and fan-boy ranting long ago.

 

[willb1961]

YES! Not one OR, but one AND...meaning both! lol

 

[ghostdog1108]

I REALLY CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT "HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK" HAD TO BE DONE TO YOUR 686-6 TO MAKE IT "REALLY NICE". WAS IT A BASKET CASE ? ? ? I HAVE HANDLED MANY 686s IN MY YEARS OF SHOOTING--INCLUDING 3 OF MY OWN, ALL PURCHASED USED. NONE OF THEM REQUIRED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK. THE 686 IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, AND UNLESS YOU USE IT AS A SLEDGE HAMMER, OR A CROW BAR, IT WILL STAND UP TO MANY GENERATIONS ON NORMAL USE, W/O NEEDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF WORK…...

My sentiments exactly...,

 

[ChicagoZman]

I like them both very much but think that they are just a little too much in size and weight for a .357, preferring the discontinued Security Six.

 

[RudyN]

I just brought my GP100 home today. I will post pictures of it on a new thread when I dig out the camera. I am tempted to get a 686 when I get the money, just to compare them.

Sent from the Telegraph Office

 

[LDThornton]

I also have owned both. The Ruger GP100 would sometimes jam up tight if the trigger wasn't allowed to return to it's forward position between shots when used in DA. My S&W's always work perfectly. Bottom line, I would not trust my life to a Ruger GP100.

 

[fdw]

There's a review and video of the Match Champion here for those interested. My LGS had it for $699 but I traded for it. As I mentioned in a previous post, I would not part ways with it. And please, I'm not bashing Smiths as I have a number and am a big fan of them.

Is the Ruger GP100 Match Champion better than a Smith & Wesson? (VIDEO)

edit: Ruger is making it with an adjustable rear site now.

 

[one eye joe]

I also have owned both. The Ruger GP100 would sometimes jam up tight if the trigger wasn't allowed to return to it's forward position between shots when used in DA. My S&W's always work perfectly. Bottom line, I would not trust my life to a Ruger GP100.

I HAD THAT SAME PROBLEM WITH A SECURITY SIX, MANY YEARS AGO. I SOLD IT OFF. AT THE TIME, I ONLY OWNED PYTHONS AND DIAMONDBACKS, AND JUDGED THEM TOO NICE TO BANG AROUND CANOE FISHING IN THE STATE OF MAINE. I PURCHASED THE RUGER FOR THAT PURPOSE…………..

 

[one eye joe]

There's a review and video of the Match Champion here for those interested. My LGS had it for $699 but I traded for it. As I mentioned in a previous post, I would not part ways with it. And please, I'm not bashing Smiths as I have a number and am a big fan of them.

Is the Ruger GP100 Match Champion better than a Smith & Wesson? (VIDEO)

edit: Ruger is making it with an adjustable rear site now.

THAT'S AN IMPRESSIVE REVOLVER. I LIKE THE FACT THAT EXTRA CARE WAS TAKEN IN POLISHING ALL THE INTERNAL BEARING SURFACES. ADMITTEDLY IN THE WORDS OF THE NARRATOR, THE 686 TRIGGER IS STILL NICER…….

 

[at_liberty]

I'm a new member here and i have to say how impressed i am with the level of this discussion and the civility shown here. On some other sites this would have degenerated into insults and fan-boy ranting long ago.

We do well but could still benefit greatly by segregating discussion of the current production and ownership era, a divisive subset of the current forum section.

 

[Stainz]

I started with Rugers - owning nearly one, or more, of everything from .22LR to .454 Casull, SA & DA alike. My wife gifted me a 625MG in .45 Colt 9/02 and the conversion started. My only remaining Ruger is an Old Army C&B bp revolver. I buy new and every Ruger I've bought needed TLC to function - my .45 Redhawk was back at Ruger for a month. Only one S&W had to go home - my 351PD needed a better made extractor star. It was back in a lot less time, too.

Looking at Davidson's, their current sale price for a 4" GP-100 is $594 - the 4" 686 is $710 - that's a $116 real difference, not the $300+ some have suggested. Both weigh 40 oz. The S&W is hammer-forged and heat-treated - the Ruger is cast steel. My choice is clear... but what would you expect from an S&W forum??

I only have one 686 family member - a half lugged 5" 686P 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' from '04. I have several 627's (X8!), however.

Stainz

 

[dipperdave]

Both are excellent revolvers that will provide a lifetime of use by you and continue to work well for those that come after you. Don't let the nit-pickers and infinite detail guys sway you one way or the other. Their arguments are almost useless in real world use.

I favor Smith & Wesson double action revolvers. Best triggers of any brand I have ever felt, and that is across the board for their frame sizes, with the possible exception of the J frames which I don't use.

The Ruger is built like a tank but it's trigger is not a good as the 686 and it is plain butt ugly. Okay, that last is a personal opinion but one you hear often about Ruger double action revolvers.

Either is good choice for actual use but I would, and have, voted with my dollars for the 686.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[oneminute]

I started working in 1992 with a midnight black 686. I traded it off when we transitioned to SIGs. I wish now I had kept that piece but for purely sentimental reasons.

I have one GP100 that I have owned for almost 19 years and another WC GP100 that I got for Christmas in 2013.

Get whichever one you find the most pleasing. The 686 and GP100 are both great revolvers that will give you a lifetime of service and can be passed on for another generation to enjoy.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[Feel Lucky Punk?]

I've had 2 GP100s, a 6" and 4", both excellent guns. They are put together tight, and as others say, built like a tank. The only issue with the GP100 were the rough areas around the hammer and trigger, which I polished out to a smooth finish. I recently bought a 686-6. There is space between the barrel and frame which, for me, is really annoying. The finish was also spotty in places, especially where the barrel met the frame. I called Smith and sent it back, they are supposed to fix all issues. I looked at two other Smiths I recently purchased, a model 29 Classic and a 329PD. The 329 is put together well with everything a tight fit, the 29 has an even larger gap between frame and barrel, it is also heading back to have that fixed. Can't comment on shooting the 686, I've only put a few rounds through it, but the GP100 is a great shooting gun. I would have at least one of each.

 

[BigBill]

For ccw and a shooter that will eat any stout load you put in it the ruger is unmatched gp100 wise for its strength and size. The only better revolver was the ruger RedHawks in 357 magnum. I have hammered my ruger revolvers in the past some beyond belief. I had guys leaving the range when I shot my 44's & 357's. The strongest revolver out there.

To smooth out the trigger put some moly on the sear.

 

[BigBill]

I REALLY CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT "HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK" HAD TO BE DONE TO YOUR 686-6 TO MAKE IT "REALLY NICE". WAS IT A BASKET CASE ? ? ? I HAVE HANDLED MANY 686s IN MY YEARS OF SHOOTING--INCLUDING 3 OF MY OWN, ALL PURCHASED USED. NONE OF THEM REQUIRED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK. THE 686 IS BUILT LIKE A TANK, AND UNLESS YOU USE IT AS A SLEDGE HAMMER, OR A CROW BAR, IT WILL STAND UP TO MANY GENERATIONS ON NORMAL USE, W/O NEEDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OF WORK…...

Shooting stout magnum loads all the time can ruin a revolver that's not really built to be hammered. My ruger shows no signs of wear yet from being hammered.

 

[bananaman]

I bought a GP100 early last year. A clean blued 4". In my book after shooting it, the Ruger just did not measure up. It went up for sale in under 2 weeks. I enjoy my 586, & 686 more. Deep down inside S&W's are my thing to date barring none. Bob

 

[Mark6005]

Well this thread is a few days old but anyway...picked up my new 686 4 inch yesterday. Disappointed in the trigger and the hammer pull. Used to smooth smith triggers. In front of me I have that revolver and my stainless gp100 4 inch. The smith maybe a little nicer to the eye. Comparable weight, the trigger actually is better on the gp. I hate that clanging noise when I dry fire the 686. Something new to me. Anyway they are home to stay I don't often get rid of guns. A nice pair and I hope the smith trigger loosens up

 

[shawn mccarver]

The difference between the S&W 686 and the GP100 is illustrated in this "period ad."

 

[mg357]

I have some limited shooting experience with both of these revolvers.

I thought the 686 was better but that is just my humble and modest 2 cents.

 

[BobR1]

At our local Sportsman's Club we have shot Defensive Pistol for years. We had a chance to pick up some steel a few years back, and have been adding to it ever since. We now alternate month to month. One Month Defensive Pistol shooting Silhouette targets and the next month a steel match. We added ICORE to out handgun match schedule a couple years ago on the Sunday following the regular handgun match on Saturday.

When we added ICORE several of our Defensive Pistol shooters purchased a revolver to shoot in our ICORE (Revolver Only) Match. My brother had previously bought a Willy Clapp 3" GP100. We had the Old Master Ron Power (Power Custom) do a little work on it. He ended up doing his complete Power Custom Combat treatment to it. It is one slick GP100.
After handeling my brothers Willy Clapp GP100, several of our Defensive Pistol shooters bought the Willy Clapp GP100 to shoot in the ICORE Match. One also bought 2 of the Match Champions.
I am sure we have a higher percentage of GP100's shooting handgun matchs at our range than is normal. We run over 50% Ruger GP100's.

Why ?? Our local gun shop has been able to get new Ruger Revolvers regularly. When he gets a new S&W revolver in, it will be a J frame, and normally an airweight.
All of our S&W shooters have owned their revolvers for several years. All of our Ruger Revolver shooters are the guys buying new guns.

I have a 686-1 and a 686-5 both Power Custom Combats.
I have the 3 Inch Adjustable Sight GP100 discribed several posts above, and 2 of the SP101's for our Club BUG Division. Owning both Tuned up S&W & Ruger Revolvers I believe you can get a little better trigger on a S&W K or L frame when both are worked on my a Good Revolver Smith, but not by much. It is no trick at all to get a nicer trigger on a GP100 than a factory 686. Infact I it is a **** shoot. I have picked up new GP100's with a great trigger, and 686's that left lots to be desired. Or this could go the other way. You have Monday and Friday production on both brands.

The Rugers do have some good points to keep in mind:
Quick Change Front Sight (Standard on all Adjustable Sight GP100's) Standard only on the SSR version of a 686.
The cylinder is NOT retained by a screw that can shoot loose on a GP100.
The Ejector Rod cannot come unscrewed and lock up a Ruger.
No fragile side plate to remove to do a good cleaning.
No Strain Screw to shoot loose either.

I am primarily a S&W man, but I do own A GP100, 2 of the SP101's and a 480 Super RedHawk. Non of them are on my to sell list. Infact I am looking for a Snub SP101 in 22 LR as my next revolver.

To me the quality of Ruger Revolvers has been improving the last few years. I have not heard this said as much about S&W revolvers. I have only had issues with 2 revolvers over the years, and I have owned a bunch of them over the last 45 years. Years ago (33 probably) I had a 66 that would lock up shooting 357 Magnums, and a 3" Model 24 that had an action issue probably 20 years ago.
That is not very many problems out of a big pile of revolvers.
I have had a trigger job done on about every revolver I own, and plan to keep. I expect to work on every one to get the trigger where I am happy with it.

Bob

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
When I carried a revolver for serious, I got the best I could find.
A 357 Python
When the replacement cost went sky high, I got an S&W m-25 in 45Colt
If I was doing it today, A revolver to beat up at work, I would pick a Ruger.
There is just more there [ Dad calls the Gp100 "A Hammer"]
and that is what is needed for a knockaround gun.
For you, consider what you will do with it [ targets,hunting,HD,CCW]
What loads you will use[Bunny fart-Bear thumpers]
Where you will carry it[field,range,truck,CCW]
And then get the one you LIKE and that FITS.
Ps And if your of that mind - think of who gets it after you-
either should go that long.