S&W or Ruger

Muleshoe,

I've read posts about the model 66 wherein people have stated that subjecting the weapon to continual "full house" .357 loads leads to internal problems; that the M66 is not "beefy" enough to handle these loads, in fact that it wasn't so designed; and that the M686, S&W's response to these criticisms, is much beefier. I'll bet you could run a search on this site or on deja.com to read about that stuff.

It's not an issue for me, though. My SP is the family workhorse, and bears the brunt of the duty. When I switch to the M66 , which is configured similarly, with a 2.25" bbl and wearing rubber grips, it pleasurable and easy to shoot. I use, mainly, 125 g cartridges, and though they aren't the really hot loads that bring a wistful sparkle to an old-timer's eye, they sure feel powerful to me. But I've never had any problems with either revolver, and that's after ~1,000 rds. per year.

My conclusion (YMMV): The M66 is strong enough for my occasional use, is fun to shoot and easy enough to control. If it was enough weapon for the FBI, it's enough for me.

Regards,
--
Brian

[This message has been edited by brionic (edited May 04, 2000).]
 
muleshoe,
You don't say what brand your .44Mag is. The best .02 worth I can give is to go with the same brand. Years ago I made the choice to go S&W instead of Colt in .357 because Colt didn't offer a .44Mag, and S&W did. I reasoned that in a high stress situation I didn't want to be fumbling with the cylinder latch, pushing instead of pulling, or vice versa. It's the little things that getcha. Both (Ruger and Smith)are good guns, but different in feel.
 
Okay guys one more question. We're looking strongly at a 4" 686. Next decision, 6 or 7 shot. It stands to reason that the cylinder walls on a 7 shot would be thinner. Should this be a concern? Thanks for all the responses so far.

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bullet placement is gun control
 
The Ruger is easier to take apart once you learn.

The Ruger will not have a smooth trigger pull, it may nver have as the two used different mainsprings. Coil verses a flat leaf spring.

Rugers are stronger, the notches on the Ruger cylinder are offset, such that they are not right over the cylinder. Less chance of blowing a cylinder wall. This will not be a likely problem with any revolver.

Ruger cylinder is secured in two places, less likely to get lose and cause barrel cylinder misalinment.

I have 700 rds though mine and had two misfires so far. I changed to a heavier spring and it took care of it.

You can get wolff springs to lighten the pull. you can also polish trigger surfaces with a dremel tool and help the pull.

The RUger is plenty accurate for me, i can get 1.5 groups and 30 ft. Fine for self defense.

Ruger also sells a replacement front site. Its red and also easy to replace.

I say go with the Ruger, I like mine because its easy to work on, I like to refine the trigger and having no sideplate to take off is nice.

KY imports sells the Ruger Gp for 319. You can get your dealer to order one plus $20 it might be cheaper.
1800 718 3643 EST 9-6pm

the 686 K frame is a misprint.

The 7 shot should give you no problems, in the 7 shot , the cylinder notches and offset, so the cylinder is stonger in this area.

For me the 686 + was 439 and the ruger was 369. that decided it for me. Happy I bought the Ruger.
 
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