Long Time Shooter, First Time Revolver

Exactly what parts would one be filing? Is this beginer work because I have no idea what I'm doing. :eek:
 
It's beginer work only if you happen to have an old junk gun to practice on.

I learned the hard way and bought many parts for my mistakes :)

All kidding aside, you would be better off taking it to a smith and spend the bucks.
 
Which is most likely what I will do. But the Ruger trigger can be made to be as good or better than the SW one correct? I would like a lighter pull and have it butter smooth. If this can be done with a Ruger as I know it can be done with an SW, I might opt for the Ruger.
 
Second post on this to add info only becaues you twice talk about a general purpose revolver or all-around gun.

In your original post you say it will be for target shooting, home defense, and you "want to carry it via shoulder rig in the mountains for black bear and other pesky critters". You also say hunting would be a nice bonus.

For target shooting a 6" is better (though for general range use a 4" is nice too), for home defense either is fine, and for black bear you'd be much better off with a 6". For hunting (which I know is just nice, but not a real part of your criteria) a 6" is best as well. So, for your stated use you'd be best off with a 6", though a 4" is minimally acceptable.

Now, if you intend to include concealed carry in "all around gun" then you really should go with the 4". I'd also suggest going with a used (or new if you can still find one) K-frame as it is still quite strong but lighter and more compact than the larger L-frame (586, 686, 620, 519). The .357mag K-frames are the models 65, 66, 13 and 19.
 
Quote TBT: But the Ruger trigger can be made to be as good or better than the SW one correct?

No .....but you already knew that :)
 
Now, if you intend to include concealed carry in "all around gun" then you really should go with the 4". I'd also suggest going with a used (or new if you can still find one) K-frame as it is still quite strong but lighter and more compact than the larger L-frame (586, 686, 620, 519). The .357mag K-frames are the models 65, 66, 13 and 19.
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The one purpose that this gun will not fill is cor CCW. My Kimber fills that role plenty fine. I will open carry on my land when walking it. Other than that, I envision mostly range use to be honest. I know the 6" fills that bill better, but the 4" really feels "better" in my hand.
 
Thats a very good question. I'm not a hunter though. I've actually never hunted and doubt that I would with this. The whole hunting thing was more of a "bonus" by the outside chance that I might. I seriously doubt that I ever would though. That's a two day class that I would be taking with 12 year olds. :)
 
I believe that I've settled on a 4" barrel with full underlug. I think its the most practical. I might have misworded when I said "target use". By target I mean more defensive drills, not distance etc. I think a 4" barrel that feels better in my hand fits that bill best even if the 6" is a bit more accurate.

I'm leaning toward the 686 six shot but haven't ruled out the seven shot or going with the Ruger. It would be nice to hear a little from GP-100 users about their exp with these weapons.

Thanks to all who have replied so far.
 
Ruger owner checking in

I love my .357 gp100. great revolver. I have shot S&W and others but the ruger feels indestructable when I shoot it. I also have a p-95dc in 9mm, it is also a fine weapon. I would like a ruger alaskan in 454 next.
 
My wife has had a 4" GP100 for the better part of 20 years now. She shoots it a lot more than I do, but I am the one that maintains it (big surprise). There is absolutely nothing negative that I can say about it. My personal preference is for S&W, but the Ruger is one well built, durable, accurate weapon.
 
Why are you stuck on a full underlug? I personally don't care for them because I think they're kind of ugly. If you can find one, I think you might like a Ruger Security Six. My brother just bought a 2 3/4" version and absolutely loves it.
 
I'm stuck on it for two reasons. First, I LOVE the looks of them. Maybe its the old Python thing that gets me ... Second, I like that it will help reduce muzzle flip with the weighted down barrel.
 
I'm stuck on it for two reasons. First, I LOVE the looks of them. Maybe its the old Python thing that gets me ... Second, I like that it will help reduce muzzle flip with the weighted down barrel.
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I'll give you that nothing looks quite like a Python. I just don't think that anything but a Python or Manurhin MR73 looks good with a full underlug, it's that old S&W thing that gets me. Secondly, I've never found the muzzle flip of a .357 to be unmanageable in the first place.
 
Unmanageable? I should hope not. But weight always makes it better regardless of how manageable it was in the first place. This is just a general rule that I have come by in autos, as far as revolvers I'm assuming that it holds true as well.

As far as looks, I understand where you are coming from, totally. For me though, I really like the look of the 686. To each his own.

BTW, you mentioned recoil. Do you also own/shoot autos? In general does the muzzle flip and recoil of a 357 revolver seem more or less than that of a government 45 auto?
 
Quote "What is it about the Smith that you like more? The trigger?"

Partly the aesthetics, but yes, mostly the trigger. I find it easier to polish for a smoother DA pull. Also, as rebound is under the control of a separate spring from the hammer, I am less squeemish about lightening the trigger pull for those who want it lighter as it does not effect hammer fall.
 
Go with the 4" 686, you'll be happier with it relative to the trigger and so forth. There are other working parts as well and the Smiths are just a smoother revovler in general. Get a 6" later if you like shooting the 4". Gives you something to look forward to. Then you can think about a larger caliber Smith.

Remember, you do for the most part get what you pay for. Unless there is something particularily special about the Ruger to you. Some people love Rugers. I really like their Mark II/Mark III 22's and the single actions, and the 10/22 makes a good rifle to play with. The double actions are okay. They work. They are safe. They will last a lifetime. So will the Smith.
 
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