Ruger or S&W
- Thread starter joej
- Start date
I believe that the answer to your dilemna is quite simple; which do YOU like better. I own a Smith 586 that I think is a great gun but I also think Rugers are fine guns as well. A friend of mine has a 4" GP100 that I have shot and I can find nothing wrong with it. They are both quality firearms they just each have their own feel and it really boils down to which you prefer. I know there are diehard Smith fans as well as Ruger fans, but as far as I'm concerned either one will serve you quite well.
Is there something specific about one gun or the other that you like or dislike?
Is there something specific about one gun or the other that you like or dislike?
depends on how much money you want to spend dollar value wise get the ruger , if you opt for the S&W get a preban one as for the quality seems to have fallen over the years , I have the GP-100 it is built like a tank and has been abused ( some moron dropped it on a gravel drive way 
and slammed the cylinder shut by swinging it closed ) and I shoot heavy reloads thru it still acurate and the dings I polished out with croucus cloth . I would not think my S&w 686 or 66 would take that type of abuse with out some problemsin accuracy ,function or finish .
and slammed the cylinder shut by swinging it closed ) and I shoot heavy reloads thru it still acurate and the dings I polished out with croucus cloth . I would not think my S&w 686 or 66 would take that type of abuse with out some problemsin accuracy ,function or finish .KEN CHAVEZ
New member
I agree with Mike, both Ruger and S&W make quality handguns. I would give the S&W 686Plus the edge over the Ruger GP-100, only becouse of the seven round capacity over the six round capacity.
As for the choice of which gun to buy? Just buy both of them!
As for the choice of which gun to buy? Just buy both of them!
I do like the blue'd smiths better than the ss ones.The ONLY downside to the Ruger is the coil springs, which are also a blessing. I do not like them because the double action trigger feels like it is stacking, but they are more durable. The Smith will have the better double action trigger of the two. If we took 10 of each out out of the box I think the Ruger would have a slight edge in accuracy and a little more of an edge in durability to heavy handloads and outright abuse. I do not think much of the newer Smith products, but the older ones are outstanding. You really can't go wrong with either, buy the one you like better.
629 shooter
New member
I have owned both a 686 and a Ruger GP100 at the same time. I usually took both guns to the range and was able to shoot the guns back to back and with the same loads. The Smith when firing in the single action mode was crisp and creep free. The GP100 had the typical Ruger creep.
Accuracy of both guns was outstanding. One would have to fire them from a Ransom Rest to tell the difference in absolute accuracy. Or mount a scope and shoot off a benchrest. The S&W will come drilled and tapped - if you buy one made at least in the early 90's on up (don't know the exact year). If you are always going to shoot open sights then this is a moot point.
Some of the Shooting Times issues I have collected over the years which include a scope test and Ransom Rest tests of 357's have the 686 as the most accurate 357 overall in 3 separate issues. Which does not mean that all 686's are more accurate than all GP100's. Gun Digest Book of Handgun Relaoding did an extensive test of many handguns through the Ransom rest and the best individual group fired by any hangun in the test was by a 4" GP100. Something like a .472" 12 shot group at 25 yards! I guess what I am saying is chances are good , very good you will be shooting an accurate revolver with either choice.
The GP100 grips always fit me well. I always liked the front sight better on the GP100. I always liked the rear sight adjustment better on the S&W - does not require two different size screwdrivers for windage and elevation and feels far more precise when you make adjustments.
Handle both and if possible try to fire a few shots through both if you get the chance. You will probably be satisfied with either choice.
Accuracy of both guns was outstanding. One would have to fire them from a Ransom Rest to tell the difference in absolute accuracy. Or mount a scope and shoot off a benchrest. The S&W will come drilled and tapped - if you buy one made at least in the early 90's on up (don't know the exact year). If you are always going to shoot open sights then this is a moot point.
Some of the Shooting Times issues I have collected over the years which include a scope test and Ransom Rest tests of 357's have the 686 as the most accurate 357 overall in 3 separate issues. Which does not mean that all 686's are more accurate than all GP100's. Gun Digest Book of Handgun Relaoding did an extensive test of many handguns through the Ransom rest and the best individual group fired by any hangun in the test was by a 4" GP100. Something like a .472" 12 shot group at 25 yards! I guess what I am saying is chances are good , very good you will be shooting an accurate revolver with either choice.
The GP100 grips always fit me well. I always liked the front sight better on the GP100. I always liked the rear sight adjustment better on the S&W - does not require two different size screwdrivers for windage and elevation and feels far more precise when you make adjustments.
Handle both and if possible try to fire a few shots through both if you get the chance. You will probably be satisfied with either choice.
I like Smiths better than Rugers because they are usually lighter and better balanced. But quality defects out of the factory? I just had to return a new 629 to Smith because the trigger was binding really bad. The problem was so obvious that I can't imagine how it was missed by their QC.