.357 Magnum revolvers

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foxbat

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Looking at purchasing either a Ruger GP100, or Smith and Wesson 686, in brushed stainless, with the 4.2” barrel.
Not being much of a revolver guy, is there anything to know here, or is it simple a matter of personal preference?
 
Both excellent choices. I’ve got the GP100 and a few Smiths and you can’t go wrong with either, so it comes down to personal preference. One thing I like about my Smiths is that I have a few 8 round models, and I know they have 7 rounders as well, not sure about new Rugers.
 
Don’t know if its changed, but generally it was Ruger=strength, Smith=excellent trigger, the standard for smith’s was always the model 27 or 19 in the lighter frame. You won’t go wrong with either
 
The older Smiths had better triggers than the Ruger. The newer ones, about the same.

I personally prefer the more elegant look of the Smiths. But, as above, it’s all personal preference. Handle both and decide. I like your choice of barrel length though!
 
Or you could go in style and buy a COLT. The new King Cobra Target is a very nice small frame 357mag offering. Smaller than the S&W model 19 or 66 even. If you want something larger you should consider buying a used COLT trooper Mk.iii, there has been some amazing deals on the EE as of late.

The good thing about Colts is they're always in demand and don't typically loose value unless they are damaged due to abuse.
 
I like the chunky look of the Ruger but own a 686 which is a very fun gun, so much so I bought a 617 to keep it company.
 
Buy the 686 first. You will probably need another 357 revolver, and that’s the time to get a Ruger. I prefer the older 686-3 or earlier models, and they are available often on the EE. Most of them in excellent condition. But IMO, the newer 686s with trigger lock should be fine too.

I have a 686-3 with silhouette sights and a red dot. My GP100 is an early 2008 with one of the last rubber with rosewood insert grips. Accuracy is similar. So far both have held up well to the very few full power 357s shot through them. I shoot double action all the time and I really have no preference with regard to trigger pulls.

Just my opinion, but I think the 686 is gorgeous and the GP100 is ugly.
 
I've been very happy with my Dan Wesson 15 8" I bought back in the 70's. Did a trigger job on my myself to improve the double action feel.
No problems. Produces many one holers. I can adjust the cylinder gap if needed.
 
I have a couple of each.

I used to prefer shooting the Smith. better trigger.

Then my Ruger got a trigger job and it is the equal of the Smith.

If I was to only have one, I would take the Ruger. More robust.
 
Gentlemen, many thanks for your thoughtful input.
I was able to handle both....a generous friend...and I have ordered a S/S S&W 686 4.2" barrel from Epp's.
Now the wait begins!
Cheers!
foxbat
 
Trigger is something you often hear used as a negative towards Ruger's but I think that comes from people who have a lot of trigger time on a Smith and Wesson who then don't like the different feel of the Ruger. Ruger's have a different feel, not better not worse just different and both guns can have nice triggers and are easy to learn.

The other often repeated thing between Ruger and S&W is strength.... probably not a big deal for most people but the Ruger's are a bit stronger

Looks...... well some like blondes some like brunettes, some like thin and some like meat on the bones..... I like them all, with a preference for natural hair color, no makeup and meat on the bones... :)

If I had to pick only one I'd go with a Ruger.
 
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