COULDN'T RESIST

**glassman** · July 15th, 2007, 08:54 PM

Went to French Creek the other day to look at a Ruger GP-100. I was impressed with it but the counter guy put a 686 next to it and, for me, there was no comparison. The 686 fit my hand better and had a much better trigger out of the box. I've heard the GP-100 sweetens up with use but the 686 was the one for me.
That being said, I left without buying because I wanted to see if I could get a better price elsewhere.
I went to the range today intending to shoot my CZ75 and to check out the prices on the 686. In the 'used gun' case sat a S&W model 19-4 in blue with a 6" barrel. Not a scratch on it other than the turn marks, the finish was in great shape and it locked up tight as a drum. The price was $400 and I bought it on the spot.
So, instead of shooting the CZ, I spent the afternoon shooting the Smith. It shot as well, if not better than the python I used to have. Pics to follow.

**Bearhands** · July 16th, 2007, 07:08 AM

"The 686 fit my hand better"....... was it a bigger grip? smaller? I'm asking because I'm in the market for a GP100 also

**glassman** · July 16th, 2007, 06:09 PM

The Ruger felt bigger and boxier in my hand while the rubber grips of the 686 and L frame fit the contour of my hand perfectly. I had every intention of buying the 686 and I probably will down the road but theirs something about a classic blued revolver that I really like.

**Bearhands** · July 16th, 2007, 06:41 PM

the GP's come in "blue" also... my biggest concern is the grip fit, I need and want the smallest grips. I understand that the adjustable sighted Rugers can be fitted w/ the grips from the fixed sighted models. I guess I just like the "beefiness" look and feel of the GP.

**chalmitch** · July 16th, 2007, 08:59 PM

Glassman,
Just remember that the M19 is a "K" frame. It is not intended for a steady diet of *P ammo or full house .357s. It is a great gun. I bought one for each of my two sons.

Best regards,
chalmitch

**glassman** · July 17th, 2007, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by Bearhands

the GP's come in "blue" also... my biggest concern is the grip fit, I need and want the smallest grips. I understand that the adjustable sighted Rugers can be fitted w/ the grips from the fixed sighted models. I guess I just like the "beefiness" look and feel of the GP.

Do what I did..compare them both side by side. Both are fine guns and either will serve you well. Good luck with your choice.

"Just remember that the M19 is a "K" frame. It is not intended for a steady diet of *P ammo or full house .357s."

From what I"ve read, there seems to be some discussion about that. This is a range gun for me and will only be fed .38's. It's certainly more comfortable to shoot and won't beat me or the gun up over an afternoon at the range.

**greener** · July 18th, 2007, 11:23 PM

Sounds like a good buy. It's hard to go wrong with an S&W revolver. I have an 80+ year-old M&P .38 special. My wife loves the grip, it shoots well and has an excellent trigger. The only problem is that the nickel plating looks a bit ratty after 8 decades.

I bought a GP100 in January. Great shooter and very nice trigger. Been thinking about a Wolf spring kit, but haven't seen the pressing need yet. You will wear out shooting hot .38's and .357 long before the GP100 gets tired, it's built like a tank.