.357 Magnum revolvers
- Thread starter foxbat
- Start date
In over 30 years, both platforms have seen significant use and abuse and seem to hold up equally well. Get which one you like the most but don't base it on a perceived strength advantage in favour of the Ruger. There have been isolated issues with both platforms but if anything, I've seen more issues with GPs (premature forcing cone wear). Again, anecdotal but points to the fact that even if the Ruger's cast one piece frame is stronger than the Smith's forged frame with cover plate, that is probably not the limiting factor.
I'd get this Ruger based on looks alone.
I'd get this Ruger based on looks alone.
Only get the brushed stainless/satin finish if you want to worry about affecting the finish every time you clean it. I had a 627 in brushed, was the only thing I hate about it. Had powder marks on it I was too scared to scrub hard enough to get off.
You can use a green scotch brite pad to return a brushed look if you worked some spots to a shine by accident. I've done it a few times on mine and a friends that had quite a few scratches. It worked great!
I tried that, and it removed the original finish and there was no going back.
I wanted a .357 six shot revolver with a shorter barrel for PPC Service Pistol matches. I was using Semis and am older, and chasing brass around the range is loosing it's appeal fast. I approached this with an open mind. The three most common were S&W, Ruger and Alpha Proj. I was fortunate to handle all three, and ruled out Alpha Proj very quickly; fit and finish was not as good; and the trigger was not even close to being in the same league. It did feel nice in the hand.
As others have written, there was very little difference in the triggers on either the S & W or the Ruger GP. Both the ones I handled had the rubber grips, and both felt good in the hand. I had no preference, and my hunt to find a good used one of either was on. I lucked out, and found a new in the box Ruger GP100, blued in 4.2 barrel, that had been used as a dealer's counter sample, and had never been fired (unless Ruger proofs them at the factory). It had the slight drag mark on the cylinder and that was it. I lucked out and got it for $600+Shipping. No regrets!! After 1000+ rounds of light .38 special, the double action trigger is like silk; the single action remains crisp and clean.
I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed a S & W just as much, but like Ganderite above says, it is more robust (no side plates that weaken the frame, more secure lock-up of the cylinder, and IMO, more ergonomic cylinder release. Not only is it easy to change the front sight, but they are relatively easy to completely strip fro cleaning:
There is no question that the S & W is a great design; there is no question in my mind that the Ruger GP100 is a superior design.
How does it shoot? I'm a pretty good shot with my 1911, my Jericho .40 and my Nork NZ85; I shoot better groups with the revolver double action than I can with any of those other three. The recoil is different, without the slide slamming back and forth; maybe that is it? Who knows, I know I like it and it's a keeper.
I did find some interference with the factory supplied rubber grip and my Safariland speed loaders. I was able to reduce top left side of the grip a bit with a small scotch-brite pad in a die grinder, but it still not great. I was able to get a set of older grips that were new take offs with the rosewood panels; much more room! Those grips move my grip higher on the revolver, and I believe that will further reduce felt recoil. I'm waiting for my range to reopen so I can try out the speed loaders and new grips in "real world" conditions.
hatman1793
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You ordered the 4.2” S&W 686. A very good choice, ruger’s GP100 is also very good. I think I might have taken a serious look at Colt’s new King Cobra.
Meroh: PPC has a Service class that allows 4” & 4.2” revolvers.
Meroh: PPC has a Service class that allows 4” & 4.2” revolvers.
Great commentary. One very small point that might not have been mentioned is that the newer S&W revolvers have a little hole on the left side near the cylinder release that allows you to lock the gun. My preference would be to buy a model that pre-dates this "improvement".
I've been hit of miss on 686s, and now that MC is out, I'm not sure how warranty will work. That said, I've always loved Ruger Revolvers. My 6inch was a favorite. If you're looking to throw out a hefty diet of full house 357, the GP100 would also be my choice.
That said, if you're willing to go a little longer, I would highly suggest that you track down a pre-lock Model 27 or Model 28.
And if all else fails, buy a 4 5/8 inch stainless Blackhawk
That said, if you're willing to go a little longer, I would highly suggest that you track down a pre-lock Model 27 or Model 28.
And if all else fails, buy a 4 5/8 inch stainless Blackhawk
I prefer the flat main spring of the S&W K L and N frames over the coil springs of the Rugers.
