got it down to 686 or gp100!?

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drvector

New member
Ok Guys (maybe Ladies too), I'm sure you’re all tired of discussing this topic by now, but I looking to get a 357 and I’ve narrowed my decision down to either the S&W 686 or the Ruger gp100 (what else is there). My intention was to get one or the other (my wife won’t let me have both) in a 6-inch version since I’m only interested in target shooting and potentially hunting, and it’s my understanding that the longer the barrel, the more accurately one can group shots. I’ve handled both the 4 inch Ruger and S&W and both fit like a glove (maybe the Ruger felt a little better). Trigger pulls on both seemed comparable, but then I’m new to big bore revolvers, so I can’t say for sure. When handling the 6 inch 686, the feel was ok, but nowhere near as nice as either the 4 inch guns. The 6 inch seemed significantly heavier.

I guess the question is, how great a factor is the length of the barrel when it comes to accuracy? Can you provide some feedback and thoughts on the Ruger versus the S&W. The S&W 686 sure was pretty to look at.
 
A longer barrel is not any more accurate than a short barrel by virtue of it's length. But a longer sighting radius helps you to shoot more accurately.

Personally, I would go with the 4" if the gun is to be general purpose... I find my 6" 686 just way too long for anything but precision target shooting. Of course if you primary intent is distance bullseye shooting, the 6" is a good choice... they just feel too cumbersome and unwieldy for general use (in my personal opinion).

THe 686 or the GP-100 will serve you equally well... just pick whichever one feels better in your hand and looks cuter in your eyes... you won't make a wrong choice either way.
 
Since the trigger pulls seemed the same to you ( I think trigger pull is WAY overrated around here... :D ) I'd take the Ruger.

IF someone offered you one of two cars, different, but seemingly the same, except he said, "THIS one is stronger, will last longer, and is overengineered to stay that way..."

Which one would you choose?
 
I've never shot the Ruger, but I have to say how much I love my 4" 686. It's just a great gun and you'll not regret the purcase. That is one sweet, sweet hunk of stainless steel. It'll eat .357 rounds all day like they were candy. On a bench, I usually get about 3" groups of 7 from 35'. Lots of people can do better, but that'll suffice for me. I've probably put about 5000 rounds through it in the year I've had mine with no problems.
 
IF someone offered you one of two cars, different, but seemingly the same, except he said, "THIS one is stronger, will last longer, and is overengineered to stay that way..."

Which one would you choose?
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You just summed it up perfectly.

Can't really go wrong with either, though as previously mentioned, the Ruger wheelguns are built like tanks and will take a lot more of a beating. For a .38 though.. can't beat a good Mod. 15 S&W :D
 
The added barrel length will give you a bit more velocity. I've seen at least one commentary that claimed that the velocity increase provided by an increase in bbl length from 4" to 6" in a .357 is definitely worth it in a non-carry gun.

Accuracy is not a function of barrel length. However, the longer the sight radius (distance between the front and rear sight) the less small sight alignment errors will affect your point of impact. If you're going to scope this pistol then that is not a factor since scopes don't depend on sight radius.

Get what you like best. Both guns are quality products and should provide a lifetime of service with proper care. There are those who claim the 686 is a bit more refined and has a better trigger, and I don't know that I would disagree in general. The consensus seems to be that the GP100 is sturdier--I tend to agree and I will add that I have run across a GP100 now and then with a surprisingly nice trigger.

The only real practical difference between the two revolvers is that the GP100 is much easier to take apart.

You'll probably have a little easier time finding a 6" 686 than you will a 6" GP100.
 
If the Ruger feels better then that's your gun. Can't go wrong with either one. The GP100 is built like a tank, but nobody's worn out a 686 either.
 
The 686 and the GP-100 are quite comparable from a strength standpoint. In fact the 686 may be stronger owing to the fact that the cylinder is thicker and the gun ismade of forged steel vs. the Ruger's cast construction. Whatever differences there may be on this side or that really doesn't amount to anything significant from a "choice" standpoint. Pretty much a wash between the two in that regard.

As far as working on the gun is concerned, I've got several GP-100's and a couple of dozen S&W's and I would much prefer to work on the S&W... they are so simple to tear down and work on it's not even funny. I could almost teach my dog to do it. ;-)=

When it comes to doing an action job, I much prefer working on Smiths than on Rugers. But either gun is quite suitable, quite accurate, and strong enough for most people's use.

If you really want a revolver that will stand up to heavy, heavy .357 loads, then you want a S&W 27 or 28. Those models really have the beef and the steel is all forged. Actions sublime. With forcing cones likely to last into 2100! S&W N-frame .357's are the quintissential heavy-duty .357 revolvers. It's a real joy to shoot one of these gems, but for general use (especially for carry), they are really overkill from a size, weight, and strength standpoint. The GP-100's and L-frame Smiths are more practical. My favorite .357's are the 4" 586's... here are five flavors of 586, differing in grips:

586L_2403.jpg


586_R3061.jpg


586_LB1552.jpg


M586right_0700.jpg


586-5_L1586.jpg


Of course, when it really comes down to it, most shooters won't even begin to shoot a revolver enough to even begin to wear it out, no matter who the maker or model... so I wouldn't even think about which is stronger - they are relatively equally up to the task. (The reason there are so many like-new older revolvers on the used market is because most people really don't shoot very much, if at all. They mean to and think they will, but the average gun owner really doesn't shoot much. - Then there are the few, the rest of us who shoot almost every day!)

Pick the one that feels best in your hand, looks the best to you, and will hold it's value and re-sale appeal the most (if that's important to you). I like both both my GP's and Smiths, but I give the nod to the Smiths for beauty, elegance, quality, action, finish, marketability, brand recognition, and likelihood to appreciate the most over time. A fine quality used S&W can be sold in a heartbeat. (But who wants to sell!!!) ;)
 
A fine quality used S&W can be sold in a heartbeat. (But who wants to sell!!!)
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More and more every day I find myself drifting into that territory... :(
More and more every day I find myself thankful I bought Smith and Wessons..
 
I would get them both :p It's hard to make up your mind I have both and like the Ruger better.But then there is always the model 66 Smith and is my personnel favorite, almost the same as the 686 but hasn't got the full lug barrel
 
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I'm surprised that you found the triggers on the Ruger and S&W to be comparable, my experience is that the Smith triggers are invariably better. Someone commented that trigger pull is overrated, but I disagree and believe that a trigger can make or break an otherwise great gun.

I also don't care for the PC crap that Ruger feels compelled to stamp on their guns. Read the owners manual? While not a bad idea, give me a break, put it on the box but don't stamp it permanently into the metal of my nice new gun!!

Barrel length....I think that a 6" is ideal for a 357 that is going to be used for virtually any purpose other than concealed carry. And if CCW is the usage, you probably wouldn't go with either one of the two choices you mention in any barrel length, there are better guns out there for that usage. For field use, hunting, target shooting or even a home-defense gun, the 6" will be a better choice. Not only does it render higher velocities, the biggest virtue is the added sight-radius.

I've got to confess that I'm very partial to Smiths. But by the same token, if you like the 'feel' of the Ruger better and consider the triggers to be equal, you should probably go that way.
 
If price is not an over whelming concern, I would go with the Smith. I have found that triggers (pull) are smoother on the DA Smiths from the factory. I never have found that much difference in ease of shooting between a 4 or 6" barrel in terms of hitting what I'm aiming at. If you are going to do much hunting with the gun, buy a larger caliber. If precision shooting is your game, then go with an auto. Some states do not allow hunting with autos. Resale a concern, go with a Smith. If one feels or points better for you, go with that choice.
 
no contest

the ruger is cast with springs...it's a decent item..and priced right..BUT, if you want a handgun that will make you proud...get the smith...with some tuning by a competent pistolsmith you will be eversohappy with your choice.
 
I really can't pick between the two. Both are great.
Now if you throw a model 27 into the fray, I'd pick that over either the 686 or GP-100.

But I have a real lust issue with N-Frames.
 
Colt King Cobra,too

Drvector,

S&W 586 or Ruger GP100? One cannot MAKE a bad choice between those two! I've got both in the 4-inch barrel and they're rugged, reliable and accurate. The S&W is perhaps a tad more accurate, FWIW.
Did you say your new .357 might be used for hunting? Have you considered a 6-inch barreled Colt King Cobra .357? Colt barrels are considered even more accurate than S&W according to some Louisiana hunters I know. Just a suggestion. Colt stopped making them several years ago, but they're out there-and thier value seems to keep going up.Good luck!

Respectfully,
Larry C.
 
IF someone offered you one of two cars, different, but seemingly the same, except he said, "THIS one is stronger, will last longer, and is overengineered to stay that way..."
Click to expand...

There is a BIG difference between "seemingly" being the same and actually being the same. Even with the subjective comments made afterward.
 
I like both pistols so don't get me wrong, but aside from being six shot DA revolvers in the same caliber, they are more different then alike. :)
 
I have both the Ruger GP100 6" and 2 S&W 686 (6" and 8").

The S&W shoots real nice and I love the trigger, but the Ruger handle recoil a lot better. The GP100 is heavier to hold off hand than the 686.

I can shoot equally well with either revo.
 
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