686 or GP-100?

686, GP-100, or other?

  • Total voters
    122
I checked the 686 just to balance things out a bit. I own both the 686 and a GP, both with four inch barrels. I have each set up for a different load for competitive shooting. I like them both equally and would be hard pressed to part with either.

About two years ago I decided to sell one to finance another project. As I couldn't decide which to part with, I put them both up for sale with the intention of selling whichever I got my asking price on first. The Smith sold almost immediately. About six months later I bought the same 686 I sold back for exactly the same price I sold it for (another club member had bought it). IMO, they are very close in quality, reliability and performance. Both excellent revolvers.
 
:D
Perhaps I'm dating myself, but this ad from a while back is a hint:

"Thick is good when it comes to burgers and shakes, but what does it have to do with revolvers?"

;)
 
Perhaps I'm dating myself, but this ad from a while back is a hint:

"Thick is good when it comes to burgers and shakes, but what does it have to do with revolvers?"
Click to expand...

Which might make sense if the two revolvers in question couldn't use each others' holsters and speedloaders without modification.:p
 
686 v/s GP100 v/s S&W 627 .357 magnum

My first post on this fun/informative site is a question: Other than the very high price of the S&W 627, how would it compare with the other two? Usage would mainly be for peace-of-mind camping in the Smokey Mountains and Alaska as protection against bears (my irrational fear, probably). I figure the eight rounds of +p would suffice with all but the super-big grizzley... plus fun loads of .38 special for recreation. My Ruger Redhawk .44 magnum is just too much for a several days trek. Your opinion?
Pete in North Carolina (Smokey Mtn. Nat. Pk.)[/FONT]
 
The 627 is just as strong and holds more rounds but it's noticably bigger. With the extra chambers, tapered barrel and no underlug it doesn't weigh any more though.

I wouldn't want to rely on +P 38 Specials for defense though, especially not in a gun that can easily handle the hottest magnums. How often have you ever heard of someone who needed a gun ever say "boy, I wish I'd had a less powerfull load"?
 
I made this choice with my wallet a few months ago. Dang my GP-100 is nice, love that target grey finish too. :D
 
Setting aside for the moment that I don't want a new S&W with the integral lock, and Papa Bill Ruger's dealings leading to the federal semiauto ban have left a bad taste in my mouth as far as buying from Ruger is concerned, I'll take an older 686 over a GP-100, though I have no real problem with the GP-100s. That said, I voted "other" because I'll take a Ruger Speed Six over either.
 
Boy, tough call. I sold my 4" GP100 last year to pick up a 686-3 with very nice Hogue checkered rosewood grips. Shooting it against my buddy's GP came up a draw- they both shoot fantastic.

Review of my present collection finds I have 5 S&Ws to 3 Rugers, and at least one of each brand usually goes to the range weekly.

The Ruger sure is easy to take apart for cleaning/ buffing/ changing (lightening) springs, and feels like it could handle heavy loads better/longer.

The Smith is a bit lighter, and carries marginally easier.
 
GP100, six inch short shroud. It was a hard decision between this and the 686, but the Ruger just felt better in my hand. No regrets.
 
WOW, Glad to be back. Anyways, I voted for other. What I really want is "BOTH". Maybe, you should have added another answer in your poll for a "BOTH" vote. For those of us who can't really decide on one or the other, but would rather have both. :D
 
Hard choice! I prefer the action and trigger reach of the S&W but am a fan of blued guns and fixed sights - which means Ruger. Through in a 581 (or even a 681) and the answer would probably change...

Coffee
 
Always a fan of the Security-Six, I can only believe the GP-100 must be an improvement on perfection.

The 686 gets the nod for superior product refinement, up to the point where they added the "stoopid" lock.

But in truth, nothing beats a classic 27-2, or earlier, N-frame for those fortunate enough to recognize and own the best.
 
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