Ruger GP100 vs S&W 686

[docglock]

I am looking for a medium frame revolver, 4" barrel, 357 Mag, adjustable sites, accurate, smooth trigger, principally for range shooting at 25 yards but backup for trail, car. It appears that either the Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 might fit the bill. Any recommendations on one or the other?

 

[Ala Dan]

Hello- And A Big Ole' Hearty Welcome To THR

I suggest doing a search on the topic; as many, many
threads and post on this subject are housed here.

Quick summary, both are top of the line choices; and
will serve you well for many years to come. The S&W
686 will set you back slightly more cash; and some
686's will be found to have a better trigger. So, take
your pick?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Nick96]

Agree with Ala Dan. There have been several "comparison" posts about these two. In summary:

The S&W is prettier, typically has a better out of the box trigger and costs more than a Ruger.

The Ruger is not as pretty, the trigger is heavier (but can be smoothed), is cheaper than the S&W, has better factory grips and is considered to be somewhat more durable than the S&W.

Kind of a Ford Vs. Chevy thing. Whatever floats your boat.

 

[MikeJ]

Welcome docglock,

I own 4 S&W revolvers including a 4" nickel 586, same as 686 except it is carbon steel vs. stainless, and think it is a fantastic gun. I've also shot the GP100 and was VERY impressed. In fact, the GP100 is going to be my next gun purchase, either in the 3" or 4" version. As Ala Dan stated there is a tremendous amount of information and opinions to be found regarding these two guns on THR. As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I personally think that both are equally handsome in their own right. The only complaint I have with the 686 are the grips. The Hogue rubber grips don't feel right to me at all. I have a set of Pachmayr Gripper Professionals on my 586 and now it is perfect. I also have 3 sets of grips sitting in a box that I tried out before I found the right ones. I find the GP100 feels perfect right out of the box. I don't see how you could go wrong with either one. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Mike

 

[Rob96]

This comparison has been covered time and time again. Like usual, Ala Dan will suggest the 686 but say both are good revolvers. I will give my standard suggestion towards the Ruger 4" Stainless with adj. sites. From talking to other people that prefer S&W's, they don't like the new ones out. According to them, that good S&W trigger pull is gone. Yes the Ruger is more durable. Can think of two ammo companies that use them for load development. I did have a 686 that would reliably lock up when firing full house magnum loads. Never had a problem with my GP-100's.

 

[Arub]

I have both the Smith 686 and the Ruger KGP141 (both 4"). Like them both. Very small differences between them. Hard to say which trigger is better, both about equal. Like the adjustable sights on the Smith a little better (adjusts with a standard small screw driver while the Ruger requires a jewlers screw driver and the windage adjustment, direction of turn on the adjusting screw, on the Ruger is just the opposite of the Smith. I have the Ruger set up for .38spl and the Smith set up for .357 magnums for steel plate shoots. Both perform well and any differences are really not perceivable.

I seriously doubt if you will wear either out. They should both last you a life time.

 

[docglock]

Thanks for your input. The more I have thought about, the more I think this will be principally a "for fun" range gun. I am an accuracy freak. I am inclined to get the six inch 686 for the longer site radius. Does this make sense?

 

[JohnK]

A 6" barrel will make it easier to shoot accurately but won't gaurentee a more accurate gun. Any given GP100 or 686 could be more accurate than another, it's all in how the tolerances stacked up when it was being made. A 6" 686 would be a fine choice, as would a 6" GP100. I'd go and handle both, shoot both if possible and choose the one you LIKE best, there isn't a wrong choice between them.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the 686...if you don't like the trigger when you get it, the right smith can make it sweet!

 

[Ala Dan]

Another Continuation Post- Love 'Em 6" 686's

Seriously, I looked at both when shopping for a new
6" .357 magnum. The Ruger GP-100 didn't have a
spec of dust on it; so I knew it had just been brought
to the showcase! OTOH, the Smith 686
was covered in dust, lint, and the like; and I could
tell it had been on display for quite sometime.
At any rate, it looked like it was hunt'in a home; so
I made an offer (based on what the national average
going rate was then), and my dealer accepted it.
Final outcome was not great ($439.95 +tax, title,
and insurance* (HE_HE); but I was satisfied. It has
proven to be one of the most accurate revolver's
I have ever owned.

FootNote- Jokingly, cuz I bought the gun NIB locally!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[twoblink]

The great thing about this question is, regardless what you choose; you can't go wrong. No lemons in these two guns.