GP100 or 686...

[1jcwallace]

I am by no means a revolver guy but I got to wondering... Which one and why? The GP100 or the Smith 686? I had to sell my GP100 a few years back when I got in a bind and have missed it ever since. I was thinking about trying to like a revolver enough to buy one again and the only 2 that come to mind are the GP and 686. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[iron_maiden]

Get both.. dual wielding is the only way to roll

 

[CSA]

686-4 or lower. Trust me.

 

[mattmatt300]

In for more answers. I have been looking for a 2.5" revolver also. I'm leaning towards a 686 but is it worth the extra $?

 

[CSA]

In for more answers. I have been looking for a 2.5" revolver also. I'm leaning towards a 686 but is it worth the extra $?

The trigger is awesome on the Smith and very accurate. They are both great guns so buy both, shoot both, and keep your favorite.

 

[Gunsite Grad]

686-4 or lower. Trust me.

Why? I'm not a revolver guy either so I'm curious. Also, does "686-4" mean a 4" 686? Thanks

 

[CSA]

Why? I'm not a revolver guy either so I'm curious. Also, does "686-4" mean a 4" 686? Thanks

The -number is the variant. That means they used certain parts like no MIM parts on the earlier variants. My argument for the Smith is really my opinion they are both great guns but the Smiths fit me better.

 

[JWC]

Both are fine revolvers, I don't feel you could make an incorrect choice. Both have the full underlug, both are designed to shoot .357 rounds all day every day. In my opinion, the trigger on the Ruger is not as nice as the trigger on the S&W, the fit and finish is not as good on the Ruger as the S&W, and you have to factor in price as well. The S&W will, normally speaking, cost more than a like condition Ruger. The Ruger is a fine firearm. If money is an issue, you cannot go wrong with the Ruger. However, in my opinion (an obvious biased opinion), I would buy the S&W and pay a little more for it.

Here is a link to a review of the Ruger, and the author does mention the S&W in his review.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/05/don-gammill-jr/gun-review-ruger-gp-100-357-magnum/

 

[dial1911]

I've had two GP100s over the years but sold them after I got my 686 plus (that's the 7 shot model). The GP100s were both very good pistols- good enough trigger and certainly accurate enough. The S&W has a better double action trigger pull and probably a lighter/crisper single action pull. And the overall fit and finish are just slightly nicer.

For the money, you can't go wrong with a GP100. But for a few dollars more, the 686 is a nicer pistol. (Mine is a no dash 6" 686+ for reference)

 

[gaprider0]

686 2 1/2 inch is a great gun get a pre lock