GP-100 or Smith 686

[hylander]

Could use some input on which to get:
Ruger GP-110 6" Stainless
Or
Smith 686 6", 6 shot not the 7 shot.

Pro's/Con's of both
Accuracy/Reliability
Will be shooting mostly cast for silhouette matches.

[Scharfschuetze]

Will be shooting mostly cast for silhouette matches.

Probably most of your shooting will be single action then? If so, I think that either one will work well for you. For any event requiring DA fire, I'd go with the S&W, but you can't argue with the Ruger for what you want to do with a revolver. My favorite 357 for long range shooting is a big and heavy 6" S&W Model 28 N Frame revolver. It's truly amazing what can be done with a revolver at ranges often thought to be in the realm of rifles.

I will suggest that whichever one you get, get a solid black partridge style front sight and a square notch rear sight for the utmost in precision on those little steel creatures. Fancy sights are nice for fast and fancy shooting at shorter ranges, but you'll want good square lines for good sight alignment and sight picture for long range shooting.

[Walkingwolf]

Both good guns, the Smith though will be more expensive, but there are more grip options. The Smith also is a seven shot now if you purchase the plus model.

[dragon813gt]

Do you want to run the risk of having to send it back to the factory because there is something wrong w/ it? If so then buy the Ruger. The last few I purchased all had to go back. The new 586 I bought on the other hand has run flawlessly and is one of the nicest revolvers I own. It's not even an option for me anymore. If S&W makes one I will buy it over a Ruger and gladly pay more money.

[CDRGlock]

I prefer The S&W action but there is a diehard group that prefers the prelock versions.

The S&W grips and workmanship are better.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Petrol & Powder]

If I didn't know better......I would think the OP is trying to start a debate.:razz:
GP-100 vs. L-Frame S&W - seems like I've seen that thread title somewhere before :p.

They're both fine revolvers. The argument about the Smith's having a better DA trigger always comes up but the Ruger can be made to equal a current production S&W (the old Smith & Wesson's are hard to beat). Of course the retort to that is the S&W may be better "Out of the Box".
The GP-100 may hold a slight advantage in terms of strength but it's not a significant difference. Sort of like saying a 100 pound anvil is stronger than a 99 pound anvil.

The truth is both guns were developed in the 1980's as dedicated .357 magnum platforms. The L-frame Smith's came out first (1980) and addressed the issue related to .357 magnum loads fired in K-frames. The fixed sighted 581 and 681 models were specifically aimed at the law enforcement market and were well received.
The Ruger GP-100 has its roots in the Service-Six/Security-Six/Speed-Six line and the GP-100 was introduced in 1985. The Ruger was also marketed to law enforcement in an effort to gain market share over S&W.
Both platforms proved to be very popular and while revolvers are no longer in widespread use by LE, the civilian market continues to embrace both the GP-100 and 686.
The fixed sighted Smith & Wesson models 581 and 681 are no longer in production but the 686 continues to be made.

Both guns are very strong and both guns are capable of outstanding accuracy.
The major talking points seem to be: initial price and out of the box DA trigger pull.

I can make a GP-100 trigger rival any current production S&W but it requires parts & time which negates the price advantage.

So, to answer the GP-100 vs. S&W 686 question - PICK THE ONE YOU LIKE !

[Electric88]

I'm biased, in that I've not held a Smith 686. However, I like my GP-100 very much (same exact model) and have not had to send it back to the factory. I've not had to send any of my Rugers back to the factory, and I own quite a few. Maybe I'm just lucky though.

The GP-100 is a tank, and just a hoot to shoot. I'd have no problems buying it again.

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I have owned both and still own a pre lock variant of the 686. The S&W is by far the smoother and more accurate gun. Both are very strong guns and neither will wear out with published 357 loads. If I were you, I would stock local gun stores and gunbroker for a nice used 6" pre lock model 686 or 586.

P.S. if interested in a nice S&W model 27 with an 8" barrel send me a PM.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rfd]

ruger fan here. no longer fond of any new stuff from S&W.

[jmort]

I think the 6 shot 686 is the better choice. So you are on the right track there. I am of the opinion that there is less that seperates the two than most think. I have a blue 6" GP100 and it is set to go out for an action job. I like the gun alot. To me it is more of a pick'em. I believe you will be happy either way.

[Petrol & Powder]

:popcorn:

[tazman]

I have owned and shot both. In my experience, S&W 686 is the better gun. I will admit, my 686 is a pre-lock version so that may influence things a bit.

[wv109323]

I assume that you will be scoping the pistol, as I prefer the S&W iron sights over Ruger,so that evens the playing field some. I think you will do work to both pistols to get them competitive. The Smith has a bigger aftermarket for options.
Really it comes down to personal preference. As far as accuracy that is a toss up. I don't think you can say one pistol is more accurate than the other. I would lean toward the Smith and would consider a used pistol over new. Good luck!

[Drm50]

I have owned Rugers and Smiths. Still have a bunch of them, mostly S&W. In new production
revolvers it would be personal preference. A pre lock S&W is a lot smoother action, better trigger
better fit & finish and to me better balanced. Actually I have only one L, 586. I don't like any
SS guns and most of my S&Ws are the older P&R models. Both S&W and Ruger have suffered
on quality compared to what they use to be. Revolvers are expensive to make compared to the
new generation autos. So they keep cutting on fit & finish to keep them at a profitable price.

[375supermag]

Hi...

I vote for the 686. If you can find one of the Silhouette Models with adjustable sights front and rear. They come a tad expensive on the used gun market, but are extremely accurate. I have had mine for years with thousands and thousands of rounds sent down range from book maximum 125gr loads to book maximum 180gr loads and just about everything in between. Never needed any work done to it...aim, squeeze, hit target.

Although I do not own one of my own, I do have some experience shooting a friend's GP100 in .357Magnum. It seems an accurate, well made revolver that should last basically forever. If I ever feel the need to buy another DA .357mag revolver, it would probably be at the top of my list since I already have the 686 as well as a couple of Colt Troopers.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

ruger fan here. no longer fond of any new stuff from S&W.
I have a GP-100 as well as a 686 ...and I have also owned a recently manufactured S&W mod 29, I wasn't pleased with it. While that is anecdotal, I wouldn't buy another one.

If you are buying a NEW pistol, I'd recommend the Ruger, as rfd implies.
If you can find a nice pre-lock S&W, that'd be my first choice.

[contender1]

I think Petro & Powder summed it up quite well.

[Gray Fox]

I'd second the idea of a 6" Model 28, pinned and recessed. They're still out there in good numbers and many of them just have holster wear and were seldom fired much more than for an annual police department qualification. GF

[OptimusPanda]

They're both great. So to me it comes down to looks. Since you mention a 6" barrel I say go with the gp100. It'll look better on the slightly bigger frame. If you were after a 4" I'd have to say the smith. Or maybe a gp100 match champion.

[hylander]

Thanks for the replies,
Won't be scoping the gun, open sights only for 50yd steel silhouettte targets the size of small chickens.
Do either have issues with the barrels being choked like the Ruger 44's and 45 colts ?

[Walkingwolf]

Thanks for the replies,
Won't be scoping the gun, open sights only for 50yd steel silhouettte targets the size of small chickens.
Do either have issues with the barrels being choked like the Ruger 44's and 45 colts ?



Has not been a problem with my GP's, but I never checked as mine are accurate, and they don't lead up the barrels. You will not get that with the new Smiths, as they are no longer a crush fit. I believe that S&W is now using a sleeve barrel similar to DW. If you are concerned with a choked barrel go with the Smith.

BTW both my N Frame Smiths have the Hillary Hole. I do not use the internal safety, but it has not affected my guns function at all. They are both smooth as silk, though I have never checked the trigger pull weight. I am not a TPW queen, if the gun goes boom when I pull the trigger it is good to go.

Most people talk of the old Smiths wonderful triggers(they were very smooth) compared to today. But the actual pull weight of older Smiths was 12 to 15 pounds. If a person wanted out of the box 8 pound they went with a Python. My Colt Police Positive has a extremely smooth 17 pound trigger, and it is a joy to shoot. Older guns, especially Colts were not designed for slow pulls, they were designed for quick deliberate pulls that a police officer would use in combat.

[gwpercle]

The GP100 is built like a tank , Ruger builds them to hold up , a little beefy but closing the action is like closing a bank vault door.

The S&W is sexier, slimmer , trimmer, svelte clean lines. Feels good in the hand , looks good to the eye.

Best advice is to actually hold , examine and if possible , shoot both ....then buy the one your gut tells you is the one!

Gary

[Silver Jack Hammer]

Lots of good information here.
The question is which one are you going to buy first.

[rugerdude]

Or you could go for the best of both worlds and get a Dan Wesson 715!;-)

[Floydster]

Just got a new 686 plus, it's nice, accurate, but I still like my Rugers just as much.
Smokeyloads

[Wasalmonslayer]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the ruger gp100 match Champion.
I had a chance to shoot the Match champ and the 686 side by side and needless to say I bought the Ruger.

The match champion is a butter smooth tank that will outlast most shooters.
Oh and I did not have to send mine back!!
I have shot well over 500 38 special loads and atleast 250 357 loads and it has just shot better and smoothed up even more!

[Lloyd Smale]

Id say if price wasn't a consideration or someone gave you your choice for free youd be about nuts to take the ruger. But then for some price is a consideration. I owned two gp100s back when they switched from the securtity sixs to the gps. I wasn't impressed. I though the older guns were fit better. most of the gp100s ive handled sounded like a baby rattle when you shook them. They are a stout inexpensive gun though. But make mine a smith.

[6bg6ga]

A few years back I pondered the 686 or the GP100. I bought the 686. When faced with a shoot off with a GP100 I smoked its butt. We used my hand loads in both guns and well my 686 was far more accurate. I will admit the Ruger was over $100 cheaper so it wasn't a cost factor for me. The trigger was far better in my 686 than several GP100's I was looking at the same time. Side by side the 686 is far better looking.

[Bigslug]

Big GP fan. Have a 1993 specimen that influenced my mother into picking up a new one last year - which is even better. All we did for "trigger work" was break the gun in with a little extra oil in the guts. The result is not quite a Python, but it leaves nothing to be desired. I like the "non-sideplate" frame format, and the front lockup on the cylinder A LOT.

I have nothing against the standard S&W mechanism, but as a charter member of DLLEF - Don't Let Lawyers Engineer Firearms - I will not own one of the Idiot Lock models as a matter of consumer protest.

[Petrol & Powder]

Smith & Wesson L-Frame vs. Ruger GP-100 = Ford vs. Chevy pickup truck

I've owned, shot and worked on both.

Both designs are strong. Both designs are accurate. Both designs have pros and cons.


PICK THE ONE YOU LIKE.

[jmort]

Lots of good information here.
The question is which one are you going to buy first.

There you go

[jimb16]

I'd buy the Ruger and use the extra money for reloading components! (Sorry....I really do like both. {I own both})

[Art in Colorado]

S&W 686 -3 or 686-4 are the best 357's that I have ever owened in my long life. I have a 686-3 that is spoken for after I am done. Would not own a new S&W ever again. I have tried and was sadly un-impressed. Just my opinion,

[gtrpickr]

ruger fan here. no longer fond of any new stuff from S&W.

I agree with that, but if I could get my hands on an older 686 I would take.

[hylander]

Thanks all,
Money is not an issue, but I am going with a Ruger.

[Teddy (punchie)]

ruger fan here. no longer fond of any new stuff from S&W.

I'm hearing the same something happened, S&W :cry: It was just a few weeks ago I was told they just don't make then as good as before ?? Just what I was told, Have to shop and do what your doing maybe model or type specific.

[Walkingwolf]

I'm hearing the same something happened, S&W :cry: It was just a few weeks ago I was told they just don't make then as good as before ?? Just what I was told, Have to shop and do what your doing maybe model or type specific.

I have two Smith N Frames that are relatively new, with the Hillary Hole. Outside the hole which is unneeded, I have been ecstatic with their purchase. Exceptional trigger, IMO better than the police revolvers I was issued. Though one would expect great triggers from the Performance Center, but that is only one of them, the other is one of the Classic models, I would almost guarantee the gun is better built than the original model 21.

I understand the dislike of the hole, I don't like it either, it takes away from the beauty of the firearm, but does not interfere with function. I own two GP's, and love one, the other just not as much. Not because it is a ruger or does not function, but for the same reason I don't care much for the 6 inch 686. It is just more weight than is necessary for a six inch 357. As soon as Smith does a 6 inch model 66 I am ordering one, until that time I keep my eye for a used one.

[6bg6ga]

Like I mentioned I own a newer 686-6 and while I don't like Hitleys hole it has absolutely no effect on the guns function. Like I mentioned the trigger is superior to any GP100 straight off the counter at your local gun shop. I absolutely will not pay the extra money just to purchase a 686 without the Hitlery hole.

[Forrest r]

Don't know if 1 brand is better than the other. I will say this:

Anyone that thinks the l-frames aren't up to the task or strong is just spitting into the wind. I bought a new 586-1 in 1987, put 275,000+ rounds down the tube of that revolver with loads ranging from mild to wild. Heck use to buy cases (32#/4 8# jugs) of ww820 from pat's reloading and burn it up in that 586. At the 100,000 round mark I sent it back to s&w to have the timing rebuilt. At the 200,000 round mark I sent it back to s&w to have the timing rebuilt. At the 275,000+ mark the same loads I used/shot for decades were getting 50ft/60ft less velocity. The bbl was giving up the ghost. I took the old bbl and cylinder off that 586 and put another bbl & cylinder on the frame that I picked up for $100. This time a 4" bbl, ended up selling it for $400 to help fund a new 686 with a 6" bbl. I just like the 6" bbl's
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t242/forrestr-photo/586receipt_zps69828c98.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/forrestr-photo/media/586receipt_zps69828c98.jpg.html)

These are not cherry/hand picked targets. They are the actual test targets from testing loads for the new 686. I wanted a load to shoot nra bullseye @ 50ft. Along with shooting shotgun shells @ 50ft. We setup shotgun shells on the bowling pin table and use the same rules that bowling pin shoots use. The only difference is we use shotgun shells instead of bowling pins and shoot @ 50ft instead of 25ft.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t242/forrestr-photo/keepers_zpsrmfa629l.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/forrestr-photo/media/keepers_zpsrmfa629l.jpg.html)

I have no problem buying from s&w, bought that 686 2 years ago and shoot it box stock. No new springs, mods, tweaking the strain screw, noting but pulling the trigger. I've only put 20,000 rounds down the tube so far. Quality range time is huge & if that 2 year old 686 didn't preform at high levels it would of been down the road in the 1st month.

I do know a little bit about custom revolvers and have a couple to compare that 686 to. This ppc revolvers sets the bar pretty high.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t242/forrestr-photo/e6829466-93ce-4750-bc18-fbb123a52c86_zpslfeojztg.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/forrestr-photo/media/e6829466-93ce-4750-bc18-fbb123a52c86_zpslfeojztg.jpg.html)

That 686 will give my dw's all they can handle. I sent the dw's out and had the trigger work done on them. Couple that with the custom 1-10 bbl's with heavy bbl shrouds and muzzle breaks on them, they flat out race!!!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t242/forrestr-photo/dwside_zpsa636a4b5.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/forrestr-photo/media/dwside_zpsa636a4b5.jpg.html)

What ever you do don't let your wallet make the decision for you, you'll regret it and always wonder what if.

[Walkingwolf]

Ruger, and Smith have sometimes problems. That is pretty much everything. I think where they cut corners is quality control/inspection. CNC machining is better than hand machining, human error and all what it is. When I was young, a couple centuries ago, cars were expected to get 100 thousand miles, there was much hand labor in a car. Today some cars built with computer controlled robots, and machines easily go over 100 thousand miles. Our 96 Nissan has 275,000, and still never needs oil added between changes, still gets 30mpg. Our 2008 Grand Prix has over 150,000 still running like it came off the show room floor.

It sucks that machines have put people out of work, but as far as quality I call BS when people make the claims they do. I also call BS on trigger pull of guns originally designed to be law enforcement sidearms before trigger pull queens started putting on uniforms. Funny nobody minded a 15# trigger pull as long as the gun went boom.

Besides the fact that the warranties of both Ruger, or Smith are golden. This was not the case 20/30 years ago, usually you were on your own after one year. Now if you do have a problem with your new gun, even if it is in your mind, they will try to rectify it.

My only complaint with Smith is models were dropped that many people would still buy. Same complaint for Ruger, they should have never dropped the Security Six, Smith probably thanks them for that since they still make K frame models. Another annoying gripe is the availability of custom grips for the GP, I would really like service grips for the wife with smaller hands. One of the reasons she likes my Colt Police Positive with the 17 # trigger.

There is a company that makes a grip that is closer to the target grip for the GP100, it is almost 200 dollars. That is about the difference between a GP, and a Smith, and they still are not service grips. IRC Altamont makes service grips for the L/K frame for less than 50 bucks. The model 10 classic comes with service grips. Somewhere down the line I probably will get a new model 10 with the hole. If not the 10, then the 64, and buy the Altmont grips.

[Mk42gunner]

Having owned various models and barrel lengths of both the S&W L (and N) frame and the Ruger GP-100, the one DA .357 I kept is a four inch GP-100. I think the first six inch one I had shot better, but it got sold a long time ago.

Best advice I can give for anyone is to try both and pick the one that suits you best.

Walkingwolf, Ruger makes a compact grip for the GP-100, it doesn't sound all that much smaller, but sometimes it doesn't take much to make a big difference. This is where I found it http://shopruger.com/Rubber-Grips-with-Rosewood-Inserts-Compact/productinfo/70084/

Robert

[Walkingwolf]

Having owned various models and barrel lengths of both the S&W L (and N) frame and the Ruger GP-100, the one DA .357 I kept is a four inch GP-100. I think the first six inch one I had shot better, but it got sold a long time ago.

Best advice I can give for anyone is to try both and pick the one that suits you best.

Walkingwolf, Ruger makes a compact grip for the GP-100, it doesn't sound all that much smaller, but sometimes it doesn't take much to make a big difference. This is where I found it http://shopruger.com/Rubber-Grips-with-Rosewood-Inserts-Compact/productinfo/70084/

Robert

Checked that out on somebodies gun, still to large for her small hands. Ruger needs to bring back the Sec Six, or offer some service grips. I keep watching the LGS for a 4 inch K frame for her. Even the 686 can be outfitted with the service grips. DW very smartly years ago sold service grips for their revolvers. I don't think they do anymore. I think that Ruger has forgotten that not all women want a LCP, or LCR.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

.s? :)

[Mk42gunner]

Checked that out on somebodies gun, still to large for her small hands. Ruger needs to bring back the Sec Six, or offer some service grips. I keep watching the LGS for a 4 inch K frame for her. Even the 686 can be outfitted with the service grips. DW very smartly years ago sold service grips for their revolvers. I don't think they do anymore. I think that Ruger has forgotten that not all women want a LCP, or LCR.
Okay, I haven't seen one in real life so I really had no idea if it was enough smaller or not. The description only made it sound a ¼" shorter which isn't much.

If I find anything else, I'll try to keep you in mind.

Robert

[Rodfac]

Well...forget the 6" and get a 4" tube, unless the new gun is to be a range toy only...the 4"er will hang from your belt a hellofa lot easier without digging up into your ribs every time you climb on your 4-wheeler, tractor, lawn mower or into the family jalopy, and will be equally accurate out to 50 yds. That said, get the Smith...better triggers, both SA and DA and .... it's a hellofa lot prettier! Rod PS: don't neglect the DA function on your new 4" Smith, you'll be surprised at the accuracy you'll achieve...and that'll make it a very useful defensive tool as well as a target or 'game' gun.

Too, forget about the cursed internal lock...in a week or two you'll be so impressed with the triggers and accuracy of your new Smith that you'll no longer notice it. My experience with S&W goes back to the early '60's....and I own and regularly shoot three of the new ones with the dreaded lock...and they're every bit as accurate as my earlier models. I'd prefer them without the lock, but it does not affect their reliability nor they're accuracy.

BTW, Altamont makes first rate grips that closely follow the original 'coke bottle' target grips on Smiths from the 40's, 50's and 60's...the current Smith "target" grips are way too big for the average hand. Here's a pic of my Smith M19 with a 4" bbl. and a set of Altamont's excellent stocks.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii64/Rodfac/Handguns/IMG_0097_zps6ltov8ge.jpg (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/Rodfac/media/Handguns/IMG_0097_zps6ltov8ge.jpg.html)

[Walkingwolf]

Nice looking gun, for myself I love my 4 inch GP, but it is half lug. Grips are just too big for the wife to shoot it, she is very petite. I just bought her Pavona, grip is much more a fit than the Glock I did have for her, plus she carries it condition 1, so trigger reach is not a problem. At some point I will order a new model 10 for her. But the six inch 66 would be for shoulder carry for myself, most likely though I will just live with the GP 6 inch tank. It is like a 56 chevy, heavy but it runs.

http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t575/Walking_wolf/P7240011_zps5lxwgv90.jpg

I love this gun, grips are fine for me. This is what I am going to eventually get her.

https://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/styles/product_main/public/firearms/images/150786_01_lg_0_0_0.jpg?itok=DVCYxihX

This is what she is carrying now.

http://www.galleryofguns.com//prod_images/999441.jpg

This was what she was carrying.

http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t575/Walking_wolf/Colt%20Police%20Positive%2032_20%20ser%2038383_zps rkndvsk9.jpg

[rewinder]

(Won't be scoping the gun, open sights only for 50yd steel silhouettte targets the size of small chickens.
Do either have issues with the barrels being choked like the Ruger 44's and 45 colts ?)
Which gun Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 357 bore has a barrel twist that would shoot WC boolits more accurate at 25-50 yds. Just asking as I'm also in the market for a New to me 6' wheel gun. Already have a 4" Ruger Security Six. Just haven't tried to stretch it legs with WC'S yet After doing some research both brands have a 18.5 twist. Ruger SP101 has a 16 twist. Randy