I like them both. I actually purchased a Ruger GP-100 4" Stainless. I think it is terrific and wouldn't sleep another night if something happened to it until I replaced it. I would like to have a 8 3/8" 686, but I will not buy a new one for political reasons. Haven't been able to locate a used one at a reasonable price. If I could only have one, I would get the Ruger. It will do anything you could ask of a .357 and keep doing it for you, and your kids, and your grandkids. It is revolutionary in the fact that you can take it completely down for cleaning. That feature is huge for anyone that uses their revolver hunting or in the field where it is exposed to severe weather. I personally don't buy into the idea that S&W actions and trigger are nessessarily better than Rugers (yes I own a number of S&W revolvers). If you don't like your trigger or action you can easily get it slicked up.