Ruger Security-Six v. GP-100

[Confederate]

Well, I don't think Bill Ruger had much to do with the GP-100, but his people did, and they primarily followed the 686 overall look.

I don't aim to make people with GP-100s not like their guns, but rather, say that the SS was the better gun in many respects, especially field use. It, too, had offset cylinder notches, but the unique lockup of the GP-100 never really translated into anything substantial, either in accuracy or durability.

Some gun hacks even went so far as to warn SS users not to shoot too many magnum rounds because they assumed the SSs were as suscepible as S&W K-frames to rapid wear.

It's one reason I never read such magazines to this day. I still have my lamp out looking for an honest one.

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[gwnorth]

Neither does the GP-100 compete well with the 686, which to me is a more desireable gun.

Not saying that you are necessarily wrong, but I'd have to see some actual sales figures to believe that one. Every store I've ever been in that has a 686 sitting on a shelf also has GP100's, and I see and know a lot more folks with GP100's in their safes then 686's. Given that the weight difference is only an ounce or two, and otherwise the dimensions of the two models are near identical, I don't see a strong one-sided distinction between the two.

Personally, as much as I might like a 686, it is simply not worth the extra cash over a GP100 - it is simply not that much more refined a gun, or that much better a gun to justify S&W's pricing.

 

[md7]

+1 gwnorth,

a few years ago, i had the money saved to buy NIB either a SW 686, or a GP100. after research, reading, handling, and firing i came to the conclusion that both guns were well made, backed by solid companys, and should offer lifelong service. price was not the deciding for me. the ruger won out on its own merits. i like that it can be disassembled easily, has no locks, does not have side plate screws, and that it has a reputation for being able to adequatley handle hot loads on routine basis. i wanted a consitant, reliable, workhorse of a revolver, and feel that i obtained it in the GP100. not to say the 686 couldn't provide this. just that ruger seems to excell here.

if i had to make the decision again, i would. if they were priced the same, i would also still go with the GP100. not knocking the 686, i just have really grown to like and enjoy my GP.

 

[jad0110]

I prefer the Six series to the newer GPs. To me, the GP (like my 686) are noticeably more muzzle heavy compared to equivalent barrel length Sixes. Its a personal preference thing, I've just grown to prefer guns that balance closer to wrist with less weight hanging out closer to the front sight blade.

 

[oldgoat46]

The GP 100 is the most foolproof, sturdy fail safe handgun you can buy. I carry one with me just about every day in the back country.