Stargater53
New member
One of the reasons I posted the photos of the three Ruger Security-Sixes was to illustrate that it all depends on the make and model of gun, too. I'd rather carry a Security-Six 6-inch on the trail or camping than a 4-inch GP-100 because the balance of a GP-100 is terrible when compared to the 4-inch Security-Six or the S&W 66 4-inch.
Even tho the GP-100 is a ccouple of ounces lighter than the 686 (because Ruger removed some steel from the grips and added it to the barrel), the 686's balance is better. But both feel like boat anchors compared to the earlier guns. And while the weight helps in steadying the muzzle, it's primary benefit is during the brief time the guns are being fired, not in the long periods the guns are being carried.
If one needed the gun for hunting or defense, I doubt the small increase in accuracy or the slight decrease in repeat shot time would make the haul worth it the hauling effort. I'd rather be able to get the gun from its holster and pick up the target quickly than to have to worry about excessive weight on the barrel.
So if this is going to be a range gun and done defense, a 6-inch 686 would be fine. But if it's going to be spent outdoors, I'll take a pristine Ruger Security-Six. Oh, and I just remembered, S&W has reintroduced it's 66, but with a somewhat reinforced frame and forcing come.
I'd give serious consideration to that one! Ruger, also, is introducing it's Match Champion, a lighter .357. I'd go with the Smith, though.
The S&W Combat Magnum was reviewed in a recent article in
Guns & Ammo's Handguns magazine.
.
Even tho the GP-100 is a ccouple of ounces lighter than the 686 (because Ruger removed some steel from the grips and added it to the barrel), the 686's balance is better. But both feel like boat anchors compared to the earlier guns. And while the weight helps in steadying the muzzle, it's primary benefit is during the brief time the guns are being fired, not in the long periods the guns are being carried.
If one needed the gun for hunting or defense, I doubt the small increase in accuracy or the slight decrease in repeat shot time would make the haul worth it the hauling effort. I'd rather be able to get the gun from its holster and pick up the target quickly than to have to worry about excessive weight on the barrel.
So if this is going to be a range gun and done defense, a 6-inch 686 would be fine. But if it's going to be spent outdoors, I'll take a pristine Ruger Security-Six. Oh, and I just remembered, S&W has reintroduced it's 66, but with a somewhat reinforced frame and forcing come.
I'd give serious consideration to that one! Ruger, also, is introducing it's Match Champion, a lighter .357. I'd go with the Smith, though.
The S&W Combat Magnum was reviewed in a recent article in
Guns & Ammo's Handguns magazine.
.
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