looking for opinions on ruger gp100 vs sw 686

B

bangbang

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which is better--i have shot a sw and really liked it---

price: sw .357 new in 4.25" is 849 + tax

ruger gp 100 is: 600 plus tax

thank you
 
Does the GP100 have the 4.2 inch barrel?

If so, and you intend to eventually buy both, get the GP100 first. $600 is a great price for a GP100 4.2.

If the GP has the 6 inch barrel, get the 686. Great price for a 686 of any bbl length. BTW, first time I heard about this 4.25 686.
 
Is that 4.2 S&W a barrel cut-down? I don't see that as a normal Smith size. As far as the decision, that's the same one I'm pondering over now! Let us know which way you go.
 
The 686 has a 2.5, 3, 4, and 6 inch barrel in the US. They made a 5" 686 for the Cdn market. Thats the one I want. With the unfluted cylinder. Looks great imho. The Ruger is one tough gun. My club has one as a range gun in stainless, 4.2" barrel. Most are available in reg 6 shot or as a 'Plus' 7 shot.
 
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I'm really wondering how many is "too many" mags in the S&W that all these folks talk about. As a recreational gun, will I actually get it to the point where I'd worry?

Having played with the 586 for a few range sessions, I absolutely loved that trigger (in both modes, mind you) and I'm really leaning towards that one. I have a Ruger single six so that's the only Ruger revolver experience I'll get. And, I've not shot one shorter than the 6" though, but if I were to get the Ruger, it would be the 4.2".

Hmmm...... I dunno... All I know is I'm not shooting semi in the snow this year!
 
I have 586 and GP100, both with 6" barrels.

I like the 586 better because it fits my hand better and the trigger is easier to change with kits available.

I wouldn't doubt the Ruger can handle big loads better and a 4"+ barrel shows me that they want our Canadian business so we should support them.

My Son has big mitts and prefers the Ruger.
 
Either is a good gun, but I prefer S&Ws because they have an intrinsically smoother trigger, look better, and have good parts/warranty support. Either gun will stand up well to lots of full-power .357 ammo.

To its credit, Ruger offers the GP-100 with a 4.2" barrel, which isn't available from S&W.
 
I went with the Ruger GP 100 with the 4.2" barrel so I could play IDPA on both sides of the border. S&W does not make a 4.2" gun so either the gun you are looking at is 4" or it was made as a 4" and has been re-measured and re-classified as a restricted revolver. Ken Soucie told me he had found some "4"" guns that measured out over 105mm so it could happen.

My Ruger's build is very nice in stainless, rugged and from what I read will stand up better than the Simiths over time. We shall see.

Take Care

Bob
 
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