Hi, I've been browsing these boards for a couple weeks but haven't really posted yet. Anyways, I just turned 21 and decided I probably want a .357. I've narrowed down my search to a S&W 686, Taurus Tracker 627 and Ruger GP100. I think I'll get a 4"-6" barrell. Looking around locally, I think I could get anyone of these for $400 or less. Could you please help a revolver newbie out and let me know your thoughts on these three guns. I'd like to throw the Coly Python in there too, but the price is a little steep. I did see a Colt King Cobra (I think thats what it was), so please tell me any thoughts about that one too. Thanks in advance.
.357 Comparison: 686, Tracker 627, GP100
- Thread starter Derka
- Start date
Both the Ruger and Taurus models are priced well below the $400 range. As usual, Smith & Wesson is always cutting new ground in revolver pricing. 
And unless you're willing to take a peek at some use S&W's, don't waste your time. Pricing for Pythons has topped the $1000 mark, so now you are shooting for the stars.
Of the two, Ruger or Taurus. I don't care for either. I would save an extra fifty dollars ($450) and get the Smith & Wesson. Wouldn't get snooty at buying a quality used gun if one crossed my way.
And unless you're willing to take a peek at some use S&W's, don't waste your time. Pricing for Pythons has topped the $1000 mark, so now you are shooting for the stars. Of the two, Ruger or Taurus. I don't care for either. I would save an extra fifty dollars ($450) and get the Smith & Wesson. Wouldn't get snooty at buying a quality used gun if one crossed my way.
I have a 686 , have to say one of the best put together firearms I have ever seen , but mine is a clark custom model setup for moon clips , but still accurate ,its a pre agreement gun , have a kgp161 (6"stainless) good gun for the money , I just sold my blued model of this gun for $320 , they are built like a tank, kind of look like one too.they are ruged and can take alot of abuse and mine was accurate also .don't have the taurus tracker have seen it at the shop it looks good the fit and finish is good , but i didn't like the rifling it looked a little too rough and shallow for my taste. but each to there own .
It is difficult to say what a gun is worth without seeing it first. Go to www.auctionarms.com and do some cruising around. Get a feel for what the market looks like around the country. You may even get lucky, find something you like and the seller in your area. Shopping around the net can also give you some knowledge when walking into a local store and negotiate yourself a good deal or know a good deal when you see it.
I had a S&W 581 and now have a GP 100
I found that as my eyes aged I could see the Ruger sights better. Having shot both the L frame and the GP, I prefer the GP. For me, it is more accurate and the grip is better. Both are fine guns and you couldn't go wrong with either. I have no experience with Taurus you mentioned.
By the way, I usually buy used. If you know what to look for (and look out for) it is the way to go.
Bob
I found that as my eyes aged I could see the Ruger sights better. Having shot both the L frame and the GP, I prefer the GP. For me, it is more accurate and the grip is better. Both are fine guns and you couldn't go wrong with either. I have no experience with Taurus you mentioned.
By the way, I usually buy used. If you know what to look for (and look out for) it is the way to go.
Bob
I have a Smith & Wesson 6" 686-5. Fit and finish are top
notch. S&W supposedly started "beefing up" these L-frame
686's with the -5 model's; in order to handle the "hottest"
.357 magnum load's? At any rate, I find that it is definitely
a good long range firearm; as I'm able to hit small object's
consistently at 100 yard's and beyond.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
notch. S&W supposedly started "beefing up" these L-frame
686's with the -5 model's; in order to handle the "hottest"
.357 magnum load's? At any rate, I find that it is definitely
a good long range firearm; as I'm able to hit small object's
consistently at 100 yard's and beyond.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
I have over time owned several of all five revolvers you mentioned except the Cobra of which I have owned only one. My latest handgun is a new 686+ and it is a fine gun. I would say go with the 686 or GP100. The Ruger will probably hold up longer with full house loads but the Smith is more refined with better trigger and accuracy. The Pythons are way over priced and will have to be kept timed but are the nicest to look at and have a "glass breaking" trigger feel. The Python blueing is unmatched! I have found them to be no more accurate than the 686. I like the 4in models best myself and any 6in model with full underlug is too muzzle heavy for my tastes. Oh I almost forgot the Taurus Tracker. Its the "sleeper" and the best dollar value of the bunch. Its kind of "middle of the road" in all cats but 100% reliable and the ribber grips are the "best of the bunch" for soaking up recoil. Sadly they are also the most ugly of the bunch. Enjoy your new revolver!
Brian Williams
New member
I also liked the Tracker better than the 686 when I was making my purchase.
KEN CHAVEZ
New member
My pick is the 686!
I shot the tracker and the S&W-686 side by side and I like the S&W-686 much better, so I went and bought a S&W-686+ a very smooooth trigger. I used to own a Ruger SP-101 and I thought it was a great gun, another very smooth trigger.
I shot the tracker and the S&W-686 side by side and I like the S&W-686 much better, so I went and bought a S&W-686+ a very smooooth trigger. I used to own a Ruger SP-101 and I thought it was a great gun, another very smooth trigger.
Taurus
Go with the Taurus. All companies make bad guns from time to time. Taurus is the only one who will fix it when it turn 1 and after.
I have both S&W, pre-agreement, pre-Clinton, henceforth know as the good old days, and Taurus. I like them both. The difference is that S&W has raised their prices beyond the value of their product and Taurus hasn't.
Go with the Taurus. All companies make bad guns from time to time. Taurus is the only one who will fix it when it turn 1 and after.
I have both S&W, pre-agreement, pre-Clinton, henceforth know as the good old days, and Taurus. I like them both. The difference is that S&W has raised their prices beyond the value of their product and Taurus hasn't.
.357
After my experiences with a Ruger Security Six and Speed Six, which seem nearly undestroyable, I own now a 4 inch GP 100.
The Trigger must be polished for Target work, but - with a smaller grip - i think it is nearly universal.
Maybe a 686 is also good, but after my bad experience with a stainless Combat Magnum i prefer a non S&W.
After my experiences with a Ruger Security Six and Speed Six, which seem nearly undestroyable, I own now a 4 inch GP 100.
The Trigger must be polished for Target work, but - with a smaller grip - i think it is nearly universal.
Maybe a 686 is also good, but after my bad experience with a stainless Combat Magnum i prefer a non S&W.
Confused, Derka?
Did any/all of this advice help? I think I know the position you are in--you want to buy a quality handgun for less than an arm or a leg, but you're not quite sure which one to pick, and you don't have unlimited funds to test several different makes/models. Let's face it, just like music CDs, guns are a gamble. Heck, even two different guns of the same model by any given manufacturer can perform like complete opposites.
I bought my 6" Python 15 years ago for about $450, and I thought that was sky-high. Even though it is a fantastic gun, I doubt I would pay what they are asking for them today. Probably the best thing you can do is buy from a quality maker AND one who will support you with service after the sale if you happen to get a lemon.
DAL
Did any/all of this advice help? I think I know the position you are in--you want to buy a quality handgun for less than an arm or a leg, but you're not quite sure which one to pick, and you don't have unlimited funds to test several different makes/models. Let's face it, just like music CDs, guns are a gamble. Heck, even two different guns of the same model by any given manufacturer can perform like complete opposites.
I bought my 6" Python 15 years ago for about $450, and I thought that was sky-high. Even though it is a fantastic gun, I doubt I would pay what they are asking for them today. Probably the best thing you can do is buy from a quality maker AND one who will support you with service after the sale if you happen to get a lemon.
DAL
hitnthexring
New member
I've owned almost every quality 357 out there. I would go for the Ruger GP-100 if you want Xtreme durability & ease of maintenance. The S&W 686+ gives you a 7-shot cylinder & is very accurate, but the ones with that STUPID lock have a very rough DA trigger. Ruger are known for taking thousands of full-charge magnums without any sign of wear & that's what I've experienced with mine in 357 & 44 magnum. The GP-100 also has an interchangeable front sight & a very smooth DA trigger & is the only revolver that can be disassembled & reassembled by the owner, not a gunsmith.
revolver
I had a 425 tracker in .41 mag. (Taurus)
Got rid of it.
The trigger was awful.
The fit and finish were bad.
And every now and then, the gun would "freak out" when I pulled the hammer back, and lock up tight. The hammer wouldn't drop. Until, that is, I opened the cylinder.
I got a 657 in .41 now, won't sell that gun, ever. (Smith)
If you need a double-action, get the smith.
If you buy a taurus, you'll need a gunsmith to work on the trigger.
Ruger's single actions are very good (I have had several), but I see you're looking for doubles.
Get a 686. (Or whatever smith that rocks your boat.)
***EDITED*** (Added stuff in Parenthesis.)
I had a 425 tracker in .41 mag. (Taurus)
Got rid of it.
The trigger was awful.
The fit and finish were bad.
And every now and then, the gun would "freak out" when I pulled the hammer back, and lock up tight. The hammer wouldn't drop. Until, that is, I opened the cylinder.
I got a 657 in .41 now, won't sell that gun, ever. (Smith)
If you need a double-action, get the smith.
If you buy a taurus, you'll need a gunsmith to work on the trigger.
Ruger's single actions are very good (I have had several), but I see you're looking for doubles.
Get a 686. (Or whatever smith that rocks your boat.)
***EDITED*** (Added stuff in Parenthesis.)
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