i have a sw 357 686 is a ruger better?

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

In my opinion, Rugers do not come close to Smith & Wesson. Personally, I prefer the older, more traditional blued steele S&Ws. I believe the Smith & Wesson product line gives the shooter more variety in firearms, their application and chamberings. Rugers do not feel right in my hand. I also have a problem with safety warnings engraved in the gun. I also do not like Bill Ruger's politics, so I won't buy a Ruger. My Smith & Wessons meet virtually all of my handgun needs.

Answer 2

They are both very good. Some people like the Ruger better, others like S&W better. Still others prefer Colt.

I own and shoot: A S&W Model 28 .357 Magnum. It is bull strong (built on the .44 Magnum frame), accurate and heavy (so it absorbs a lot of the recoil). Interestingly enough, on these earlier models, S&W recessed the cylinders so that none of the cartridge is exposed to the elements and so that if in the most unlikely event that the shell should rupture the shooter's hand is out of harm's way! It shows good attention to detail, something I appreciate.

I love the finish on both of my Colt Pythons, a Royal Blue six-incher and a matte stainless four-incher. Both are accurate and though they recoil a bit more than my Model 28, both are quite managable. My fourth .357 Mag. is a stainless Security Six Ruger with a 2 n 3/4th. inch barrel. It is also very strong, and accurate and recoils slightly more than my 4" python. (Truthfully, the difference may be in that the Python has soft 'rubber' (or neoprene) presentation Colt grips and my Ruger has Pecan wood grips.) My son has commented about this Ruger that it has that "Don't 'mess-with-me' look about it."

Both Colts have a nicer 'out-of-the-box' trigger pull, but both the S&W and the Ruger are more than adquate in this department. I expect that the most heavy-duty of my four .357s is the Model 28 Smith followed by the Security Six Ruger. The Ruger may be the 'best' field gun because it is stainless. All my .357s (including my Glock Model 31 .357 Sig) have adjustable rear sights (the Glock has night sights) but I digress. Back to your question, tough choice but I think your Smith has a slight edge due to the stainless steel composition, adjustable rear sights and argonomics of the grip design. Of course, all the same features are available in the Ruger. You've already got the Smith. Be happy. You could have done worse.

H

Answer 3

This is such an opinion thing. Both work well and both have their fans, so mostly it's about what you like rather than any particular technical issue.

I have a 6" GP100. Why? I bought the Ruger for several reasons, the standard grip is perfect for me, the standard grips on the S&W feel small and narrow to me. I was looking for a pistol to practice double action revolver, I find the single action trigger on the S&W better, but I find the double action pull on the Ruger much better.

It was pointed out to me that the top strap on the Ruger is much thicker, but I don't think it makes a significant difference.

I have shot both but I bought the Ruger, but that's just the right choice for me. If you prefer your 686 then for you the S&W is the better gun. Nobody is going to find a significant technical difference between the two.

How about a Korth? I used to shoot one of those that was left to my first club. $5k for a tiny improvement in single action? The Ruger and S&W are much better value.

Answer 4

If you're happy with the S&W, it shouldn't matter. I have a Remington 870, is the Mossberg 500 better? To each his/her own. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.
I have a 686 I bought in 1984, 8-3/8" barrel, I put a Hogue monogrip on it, and had it drilled and tapped for a scope. I've taken it out deer hunting several times and still shoot it occasionally. I wouldn't sell it to get a Ruger, or any other revolver for that matter. I think it's a fine gun and don't have any plans on ever getting rid of it.

Answer 5

If it's any help, I read an article in GunTests magazine a few months ago comparing the S&W, Ruger, and Taurus .357s. They ran them through rigorous tests and the Ruger was the clear winner. It should be noted that GunTests is completly unbiased as they don't accept advertising.

Answer 6

I like my 686 better than the ruger, but that's just me! It's all about personal preference and the use of the weapon in well trained hands.

Answer 7

Both the 686 and the GP-100 are great revolvers

Answer 8

I have a Ruger GP-100, I would put it up against any other .357

Answer 9

My 686 shoots better than my gp100

Answer 10

definitely