686 or gp100

BCRider said:
It's simply an observation I've seen related specifically to the GP100 when used for competition use.
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Hasn't happened to me in competition but I suppose it could. Too, while I only use my 686 as back up to my GP-100 for IDPA Rev Division I suppose I could have a case slip under the ejector star on my Smith as well. I use Clays and find very little in the way of unburned powder but I am only concerned about making 105PF, which is a standard 38spl level load. Some powders produce more unburned powder than others. I am not sure you can draw any conclusions. I had four Glock 17's crap out one year at the WA State matches three years ago on a stage I was running all on the same day. Broken spring, broken extractor were two of the reasons for the failures. Sometimes things just don't work out as they should. Not sure I would suggest the Glock is not suitable for competition due to those four failures.

Take Care

Bob
 
Something not mentioned that I have seen on my Steel League nite is 2 Smith 686s having their ejector rods come loose and then not being able to open the cylinder. Never happen on a Ruger. The Ruger also comes completely apart without tools. Front sight changes are easier too. The whole Ruger design is stronger. The only thing the Smith has going better than the Ruger is the trigger. These new 686s now come with that ugly trigger lock too, unfortunately. Both great guns though.
 
I must admit this is a fantastic change on CGN....an open discussion without anyone getting their panties in a wad. Really appreciate the honest feedback on both pieces. Sounds like they are both solid and honestly will probably end up being a personal fit/feel decision. Hopefully I'll be able to at least handle both before deciding.....if I'm real lucky I'll find someone at the range with both that will let me try a couple rounds.
I won't be shooting an competitions, this will just be a range toy.....something a little different than the current pistols to play with.
 
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Lol cou:
 
Tough choice between those two. I've been in the same situation not long ago, trying to make a pick. I spent a lot of time on the Internet and in a store making my choice. Went with GP100 after all - it felt a little bit better in my hand. But difference was really minimal. No regrets so far, but probably I'd have no regrets if I bought 686 : )
 
Dsiwy said:
With these two guns being so close, it almost comes down to what one do you think is prettier :p
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Nailed it.


My personal preference are the S&W revolvers. Why? Because there's TONS of K/L frame guns out there and it's an easy transition from a .38/.357 686 to a .22lr 617 to a model 17 and others, not to mention all the customized S&W's out there that have been tricked out for PPC and whatnot. You won't find the same variety with the Rugers.
 
iamcanadianeh said:
Nailed it.


My personal preference are the S&W revolvers. Why? Because there's TONS of K/L frame guns out there and it's an easy transition from a .38/.357 686 to a .22lr 617 to a model 17 and others, not to mention all the customized S&W's out there that have been tricked out for PPC and whatnot. You won't find the same variety with the Rugers.
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You really find transitioning from one make of a revolver to another difficult? I bought my 686 but never thought it would help me transition to a PPC gun if I ever were to buy one. I think choosing the one you think is the prettiest would be more important. Just saying.

Bob
 
Canuck44 said:
You really find transitioning from one make of a revolver to another difficult? I bought my 686 but never thought it would help me transition to a PPC gun if I ever were to buy one. I think choosing the one you think is the prettiest would be more important. Just saying.

Bob
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Sounds like something a Ruger guy would say.
 
iamcanadianeh said:
Sounds like something a Ruger guy would say.
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Nope but a Smith guy might if he does any amount of shooting. (3 Rugers and 5 Smiths -makes me a Smith guy). 5k + rounds per year of 38spl over the last six or seven years gives me a basis for my opinion. Not saying it is correct or an absolute or even informed, just an opinion. Some may be genetically challenged in this area. I am not.

Bob
 
I have a S&W 17, 617, 2 X 19, 29, and a 36. I filled the L fame gap with a 4.2" blued GP100.

With a main spring change out, Ruger's GP100 has put the run on Smith's dominance in the L frame market.

I don't feel a need to acquire a 86 other than to complete my Smith collection.

M2CW

M
 
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Canuck44 said:
Nope but a Smith guy might if he does any amount of shooting. (3 Rugers and 5 Smiths -makes me a Smith guy). 5k + rounds per year of 38spl over the last six or seven years gives me a basis for my opinion. Not saying it is correct or an absolute or even informed, just an opinion. Some may be genetically challenged in this area. I am not.

Bob
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You win, I'm not interested in an internet argument.
 
swinginberrys said:
So....as per my previous thread asking for input regarding what pistol I should be looking at next (after my shadow line comes home) I think I've made up my mind. It was between the Smith and Wesson 686 and the Ruger gp100.keep in mind I still need to find a spot I can handle them before buying but I think I'm leaning towards the Ruger. Looks sharp, hear great things about Ruger and it sounds like they are built tough. I'm digging the 6" barrels on them.
Thoughts? Pro's and cons?
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I went through same process earlier this year. Ended up buying GP100 MC. Friend has a 686, shot them back to back. Even with the tweaked trigger the Ruger wasn't as smooth as the (20yo) Smith. Though I do like the stages the Ruger DA trigger has. Wood GP grip fits my hand better but didn't absorb recoil the way the rubber handled 686 did. I think you'd be happy either.

Shoot them both first if you can.
 
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