S&W vs Ruger revolvers

[rwt1405]

While I only own 7 Ruger revolvers, vs about 5 x's that number of S&W revolvers, I keep reading how folks are comparing S&W to the Ruger GP.

IMHO you are comparing to the wrong Ruger revolvers, as the "Security Six" series are/were the finest Ruger revolvers ever made, again IMHO!

 

[cowboy4evr]

I own 2 rugers . Why I'm keeping them I don't know as they never get used . I bought them " cheap " I guess is the best reason I have . I have a NMBH in 41 mag , 4 5/8" that somebody spent a lot of money on . Changed out the alu grip frame for steel , bomar rear sight , red ramp front sight , action job and it still has a real nice blued finish . The other is an OM Vaquero in 45Colt ( built on the 44 mag frame ) , again got it very cheap and still in the box , LNIB .
My Smiths get used exclusively . I just like a Smith better . I think " better " is a very subjective statement . Better means " what " ? Better finish , better handling , better action , better accuracy , better fit in the hand -- What ? All of that is totally dependent on each individuals desires , abilities and comfort level .

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I broke a Redhawk and a Gp100 (kgp-100 stainless).

The argument that they're built like a tank isn't true.

I sold the replacements Ruger sent me and still have the letters they sent saying they were going to be destroyed as the frames (both) were no good!

Now I know the argument that Rugers WILL take hotter loads as I started to handload with them. My Redhawk would handle loads my 629's wouldn't. But what's the point there. " the light that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long!" As anything mechanical has a breaking point. Both my Rugers force cones were shattered pretty badly. ...

I have several examples of fine smith Revolvers and all are holding up very well.

Another argument. One said ease of take down not requiring tools? Has anybody tried to do a trigger job on a Ruger? The Gp100 has 2 springs. Hammer and trigger. To get to remove WHOLE trigger assembly ! To get it out is a PITA!

The Redhawks use one spring and one spring only. It controls the hammer and triggger! You have to take out the assembly, flip that deal upside down and there's a hook? Nuh-uh! No way!

On a Smith: remove sideplate. Remove sear spring. Use small screwdriver lift trigger spring out carefully; put finger so spring doesn't fly across room! Done!

So it was alot easier to do a trigger on a smith than a Ruger. They're easier to work with. I think the metal is thinner; but harder where it needs to be. Great warranty! No brainer for me.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

 

[steamloco76]

My choices after owning and shooting far too many of both brands.
Smith and Wesson for double action revolvers. Ruger for single action revolvers. Ruger for the Mark series .22's. Smith and Wesson for 1911's/TDA and striker fired pistols.

 

[CajunBass]

The only Ruger I like better than a comparable Smith & Wesson is the LCR. For some reason I've never cared for J-frame S&W's, but the LCR felt right to me from the start.

 

[sodacan]

FIFY! LOL!

You are much more diplomatic.

 

[spad124]

I own and have owned several of each, both S&W's and Ruger's are fine guns, S&W's are sort of like a race horse, Ruger's like a draft horse. Ever notice all the heavy hand loads for .44 magnums that have a foot note, that says, for Ruger,Dan Wesson's and Contenders only?

Having horses for almost 30 years, a 6" 686-1 for about the same time, and a 4" GP100 for two years, I'd say the 686 is like an Arabian/Quarter horse cross and the GP is like a Morgan Horse. I'd also say my K frames are more like a purebred Arabian horse and my N frames are more like a good hunter trained Thoroughbred. I'd say a Redhawk is like a Percheron and a Blackhawk reminds me of a Quarter Horse.

Different horses for different courses.

 

[spad124]

double post

 

[df06]

Rugers are very strong but that's the only advantage to them in my view. I own quite a few smiths and zero rugers, though I have owned some and sold them.

 

[Warren Sear]

Ruger double action revolvers were designed by a turncoat who stabbed U. S. shooters in the back. LOL

FIFY! LOL!

 

[at_liberty]

It finally hit me. Smith & Wesson revolvers are like the North American P-51 Mustang.

Ruger revolvers are like the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.

Well, there is the old S&W and the current S&W. Hard to compare something you swear you wouldn't own.

 

[NYlakesider]

I have a few S&W revolvers, (see signature)

Have a couple Colts also, and to keep this on topic now have 2 Rugers. I did own for a couple years in the late 70s a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44Magum. In 1972 I bought a early model Security Six 4'' 357. Gun has fired a lot of shots many of them full power .357 and thousands of all power levels of .38. Gun is just as tight today as the day I bought it. I did do a trigger job on it late 70s. Had no spring kits back then but I took my time and all came out well.

My other Ruger is a LCR .38 that accompanies me most any time I stay local.

I have said for many years about Ruger products dollar for dollar that Ruger is a very good investment.

 

[jnichols2]

I really enjoy reading S&W vs Ruger revolvers discussions, but I don't always contribute much.

I have three of each. S&W 686 wins in the .357 class and J-Frame for carry. Redhawk wins in big boomers. However; the differences are incredibly small. They are very competetive with each other, and both have so much to offer.

 

[C J]

the "Security Six" series are/were the finest Ruger revolvers ever made, again IMHO!

I know they were single action, rimfire revolvers but the Single Six and it's variants are extremely nice guns. They are solidly built and accurate. Every one I've ever shot made me want to own one. I have never bought one though. I guess I'm a semi-auto guy at heart. I've tried to get a MkII away from my friend for over 10 years now but he just won't part with it. Dang the bad luck. I guess I could find another one but getting one that shoots as good as the one my friend owns is not easy to do. It may be the most accurate handgun of any kind I've ever shot. My Sig P220 is pretty good and so is my 629. But that MkII is something special.

 

[Lostaro]

I carry a SW 442 most of the time....a great firearm.

Have to admit my 3"GP100 is about as fine a carry piece as I've owned. I carry it whenever I can....unfortunately it's a bit on the hefty side for ankle carry which is usually what I have to resort to.

 

[smoothshooter]

My main complaint with Ruger revolvers and some centerfire automatics is that they leave too many sharp corners and extra metal where it contributes nothing toward strength.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

The only Ruger I like better than a comparable Smith & Wesson is the LCR. For some reason I've never cared for J-frame S&W's, but the LCR felt right to me from the start.

I quite agree. The LCR is a superior gun to most (all?) j-frames. Best DA trigger I have ever shot (and that includes Pythons, Diamondbacks and smiths). Otherwise, give me a Smith! As others have said, the Security Six is a fine handgun, as well. Still prefer a good 686 though.

 

[Arm]

I own a dozen or so Smiths, a couple Rugers. I use the Ruger GP 100 chambered in 357 to test my new loads, GP 100 is a tank. After that I move on to my N frames for serious shooting.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

It's not the plane that makes the difference in most fights. It's the pilot.

I spent years in the Air Force fixing planes. Some pilots had fewer write-ups than others in the same aircraft. I spent years as a licensed aircraft mechanic. Some pilots had fewer write-ups than others in the same aircraft.

I also worked the streets and taught shooting and deadly force. Some people I would not pass despite pressure to do so.

It is the man or woman behind the sights that makes the gun work. Period. I do not care what you are carrying or shooting. It is you!

 

[rwsmith]

The quality of both are good...

I'm S&W all the way. I love the silky triggers and the crisp SA and the looks and the way it shoots and all that..

But Gabby Gabreski loved his Thunderbolt and thought it was great for the job they were doing. The P-51 was a long range fighter escort that could do ground attack well and the P-47 was a ground attack plane that could fight well in the air.

Same way, about 35 years ago I met a guy at the range that had been the captain of some military shooting team. He had a Ruger that he said was the best pistol he ever owned. (He could shoot it too)