GP100 or 686...

[spencer60]

There ya go.^^^
Id go with the Ruger as well.
Handle both, there is a distinct difference in feel.

Well... I was wrong about the K-frame thing. I agree though that both need to be handled, and shot if possible though.

Hand fitment with revolvers more difficult that with semi's. While I love the wood stocks that come on most vintage Smiths, they position my second-knuckle in a way that makes the back of the trigger guard smash into it every time. The spacing on the GP-100 is more generous, and I've never had an issue with those with any grips I've tried.

The good news is that it's easy (if not cheap) to get a wide variety of grips for the Smiths, so you can almost always find a nice-looking set that works for you. The GP's have a much more limited selection available.

There's a variety of articles out there on how to 'fit' a revolver to your hand, but the way I was taught was to start with your finger in the correct position on the trigger (usually the first crease after the tip) and then wrap your hand back around the stocks in a comfortable firing grip. Hold your arm out straight and if the fit is good, it will be on the same line as your forearm. If you are bending your wrist off that line, the stocks are too small or too large.

 

[camramrod87]

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

I have several 686s (old and new)...I have had some timing issues with a few early ones but Ive yet to have a issue with any of the new ones...I don't care for the lock, but I have yet to figure out why so many people think the older ones are so much better...

 

[Simonsays]

Simonsays, I will try and answer your question. The early models of the M581/M586/M681/M686 had a cylinder binding issue that was deemed to caused by the hammer nose on certain ammo, not all ammo, but S&W deemed it necessary to have a recall on the M581/M581-1/M586/M586-1/M681/M681-1/M686/M686-1. When those models were sent in to S&W to have the recall work done, the "M" was stamped in the yoke area above the model number stamp. It is important to note that the recall is for no dash and -1 models only. By the -2 model, the recall work was incorporated into standard production.

So, yes there are no dash and -1 models without the "M" stamp. I have two that fall under the recall and have not sent mine in, and don't plan on sending them in. Not all models have the stamp, as I explained above. If you would like to see the recall notice, shoot me a PM and I will send it to you. By the way, S&W is still honoring this recall.

Thank You JWC
Simon