GP100 versus 686

[ssnyder87]

I'm looking at getting a .357 revolver and I've done some research on both and they both seem solid. I was just hoping some of you would chip in with your personal experiences.

[medsteele]

I don't own either, but like you I've done a good bit of research on both. From what I can tell, fit and finish are excellent on both. The Smith's trigger apparently slightly edges out the Ruger, but not enough that I would forsake buying a GP100 for a 686. They're both great, but if it only came down to a financial decision I'd buy the Ruger.

From what I've read though, the Taurus 65/66 is pretty good as well. I believe the 66 has adjustable sights while the 65 has fixed.

[FCRPhila]

I just bought a gp100. I kinda regret not getting the smith, but the ruger does fine. The weight of the gp makes shooting .38's feel like .22's, and the .357's were not painful to shoot, granted they weren't the hottest magnums out there. It was decently accurate for me, though I am markedly better with a smith or colt. That being said, I just need to practice more and possibly adjust the sights a bit. The smith definitely feels better and has a better trigger in my opinion, but the ruger is a working man's revolver. It will do the job you ask it to do, no more, no less. You can't go wrong with either. Both companies stand by their products and produce quality. The gp will probably stand up to magnums longer since it is overbuilt, but the smith is sexier. A thought to consider is that the smith offers a 686+, which denotes an extra round. Thats good for reasons like home defense or carry even if you like pain, but bad for things like competition since you'd be limited to 6 rounds. Also, did I mention the smith looks better?

[Chazman321]

I owned a GP100 6" and I loved that gun. Only reason I sold it was to buy a 1911... It was my daily carry gun, dead accurate. the sights aren't the best but they were easy to change, just push down a small button on the muzzle and they pop right off. Hi-Viz sights were only 35 bucks from Amazon.com... They're built like a tank...


-Chaz

[Adenn1]

I am a big Ruger fan (Security Sixes), but I love my S&W 686-1. It is darn accurate and the trigger is really nice.

[Shooter X]

Hands down the GP100 is my favorite gun to shoot.

I do not own a 686. I have handled them at gun shows and gun shops. I have read about them. Its a win/win situation. You can't go wrong with either one of these. The GP100 is significantly less expensive than the 686. The GP100 is a tank. I have abused that thing over the years (not recommended) and it just begs for more.

It's my side arm while hiking in bear country in the spring, loaded with doubletap 200gr hard cast. It's my training gun at the range when teaching the wife and kids how to shoot a revolver (loaded with .38 spc). It has been my home defense/nightstand drawer gun for years.

Congrats on whichever you choose

[priell3]

Being that I've owned my GP100 for 20 years, I'd have to recommend it.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Dm6c3m95s

[ssnyder87]

Thanks for all the input, exactly what I was hoping to hear. I feel like the most obvious solution is to just buy both...

[Shooter X]

Just look at those two pics. Good Lord.

One is pure sex....the other is pure Chuck Norris

God its good to be an American......

[keystoneman 85]

S&W 686 hands down, for the looks.

I've owned both, both never let me down, both were built like "tanks", equally accurate. So for me it came down to the looks. I sold my GP and now own two pre lock 686's.

Here's my latest: right out the box - still needs shined up a bit. (686 No Dash)