In your opinion, which is better? S&W M686, or Ruger GP100?

Question

I'm in the market for a .357 Magnum, and I've decided that either one would suit my purposes well, but I can't decide between the two. If anyone owns one or both, I would like to hear your opinion.

Answer 1

I have had both, not at the same time, and can't say a bad thing about either one. It comes down to which one feels better and S&W does have a better service reputation.

Read this post......a lot of knowledgeable answers to your very question....

Answer 2

I own a S&W 686 4" and a Taurus 608 6 1/2", And I can say that they are both great wheel guns, Both are very accurate,smooth, and feel good in the hand.......I shot my friends Ruger GP100 and it was accurate but it seemed to be out of ballance,and it was only a 6 1/2 ", .........4 the money you may want to check out the Taurus 608......It has an 8 round cylender, full under lug barrel, and ported.......I like mine, I've gotten 3 deer with it so far, furthest shot was 52 yards.....here's the site if you want to check it out ....www.taurususa.com.........I can say that it is every bit as good as a Smith & Wesson , Colt, or a Ruger........Just at a working mans price.........

Answer 3

You just can't go wrong with either guns.

I've owned and carried a 4" M-686 for 20 years. I seriously doubt I'll ever get rid of it.

Both have advantages. The GP-100 is easy to take down for cleaning or repair, and accuracy is good. I've not known of many GP's that needed repair. On the down side, it does have a cast frame, and as comfortable as that rubber insert in the grips might be, it is still rubber and can cause problems for concealed carry.

(Now bear in mind, all the good things I have to say about the M-686 refers to one of the old models with a hammer mounted firing pin, and none of these stupid locks.)

In my opinion, a 4" M-686 has better balance than the 4" GP-100. Accuracy, with mine anyway, is outstanding. The revolver will do one inch or less with several loads if the shooter is up to it. With over 30,000 rounds fired, I've never had a malfunction, and there is no sign of excessive wear. The M-686 has a forged frame, and I prefer the shape of the barrel underlug, but that is mere ascetics.

Were I in the market for a 4" service revolver, I'd try to find an old model M-686 on the used gun market. If unable to find one, I'd get a GP-100 and expect it to perform flawlessly. (I can live with the frame mounted firingpin, but I won't abide that damnable lock!)

Of course the perfect solution would be to obey Taffin's Dictum: Buy them both!

Either revolver will give you decades of outstanding service. My best advise is to buy the one that feels best in your hand.

Doc

Answer 4

GP100 all the way, a friend of mine has the S&W and it was a gift from his father.
He wont sell the S&W because it was a gift from his father but he just last year went out and bought a GP100 because of it’s performance.
I would say both are good guns but I would only place the Colt over the Ruger in all areas of aesthetics.
I’ve owned several S&W, Rugers and Colts and have sold off all S&W in favor of Colt and Ruger.
I’ve only sold 2 Rugers, only because some one offered me way too much money to pass up.
I turned around and bought new Rugers of the same style but opted for the 357 magnum in the new Blackhawk over the 44 Magnum Super Blackhawk that I sold in the first place.
On the other one I just bought the same weapon but with bull barrel and still had money left over from both sell to play with.




D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 5

a choice between s&w and a ruger is a no brainer. i would take the smith in a revolver over any brand.it is different with a semi auto,you first have to count on dependability.smith's are just a greta revolver.the 686 is a very nice revolver

Answer 6

I have shot a Gp 100 and liked the feel of it.although I never have shot or handled the S&W.My personal favorite is the Ruger Blackhawk,but thats just me.

Answer 7

My opinion? The S & W 686.

H