S&W 386 vs. Ruger GP100

[sid]

Been thinking about adding a wheel gun to my collection for some time. I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with the S&W 386 (.357)night guard. I believe it is relatively new.

Other than the extra round (7) and that the gp100 can be had in various bbl lengths. How does it compare to the Ruger GP100? I guess they are about the same size and S&W are known to have nice triggers.

I may be asking you to compare two different types of apples as opposed to an apple and an orange. However i am interested in your opinion of the S&W.

This gun would be pretty much a dedicated HD gun. I have handled the Gp100 but not the 386.

Would the S&W be worth the extra dough?

Sid

[Ronin]

Every Night Guard I've looked at has had a horrible double action trigger. Probably one of the worst I've ever felt on a revolver this side of my dad's old High Standard .22 revolver. And it wasn't just one or two, I've gotten a chance to fondle every model save for the 310.

I will admit that I am partial to my GP100. It's a tank and it shoots like a laser. The trigger is perfect, but that's from decades of shooting it.

Now the S&W 325 Thunder Ranch on the other hand is a thing of beauty. The 325TR has one of the best triggers I've ever felt from a production revolver. Plus it has a rail, so for HD, you have place to mount a light or laser. I had the opportunity to buy one used for $700 a couple of years ago and I passed on it to buy a Springfield 1911. I love my 1911, but I wish had the cash at the time to buy both.

[mrnyman]

You'd be better served by the ruger, for nearly twice the price of a GP the NG is not worth it.

If the Ruger trigger bothers you , get a gunsmith to clean it up for you, or just shoot a couple hundred rounds through it to clean it up your self.

I'm not bashing Smiths , i have a couple and is looking to get a 3 inch 60, but the NG series is way overrated.

nyman

[donm]

The GP100 is a tough gun, though not as elegant. The trigger leaves something to be desired (mine has only a few hundred rounds through it), but I plan to work on the trigger -- there's some good info on the Ruger forum.

[Prof. Chaos]

i currently own a 686P 6" ... not quite what youre looking for but i love it. very smooth, well balanced. i believe the performance center 686 has a smoother pull but the regular one is still nice.

[sid]

Thanks for the info. it looks like the s&w isn't worth the extra $$. Maybe the hype is in the name of the gun. I should have figured as much.

Thanks for you opinions,
Sid

[sid]

i currently own a 686P 6" ... not quite what youre looking for but i love it. very smooth, well balanced. i believe the performance center 686 has a smoother pull but the regular one is still nice.

This may be a better comparison huh

Sid

ETA I just stumbled on this page: http://forum.pafoa.org/pistols-41/11...s-w-686-a.html

[Ultramagnus]

find a smith 586 or 686, that 386 is going to be hell to shoot being that its so much lighter. if it is a house gun then i see no reason to spend all the extra for something that is made for easier carry. get a steel gun.

[Steve_NEPhila]

Look around for a used 386 (non-nightguard) on the usual websites. I turned a 3 inch 386 Mountain Lite into my idea of the ideal every day carry revolver at much less then a night guard would cost. My 386 weighs about 20 ounces, has the seven shot titanium cylinder, a front xs standard dot tritium sight, cylinder and slide extreme duty rear sight, chamfered charge holes, bobbed hammer, slicked up action and is always stoked with .38 special +P. Here is how she looks...

second down from top:


Shop around well and long enough (with patience) and you will find exactly what you are looking for.

[das]

Im partial to the Rugers. They make a tough revolver. Have you looked at the Ruger SP101?