Comparing S&W 686 to GP100 help

Troy1760

Troy1760

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Hey guys, ive read alot on the forms about these 2 revolvers and have since a kid always wanted one. But my local gun Smith only has the 4.2 S&W. I would like to know if anyone on here in the ottawa valley area/ ottawa knows of a shop i can travel too to physicaly compare the 2 side by side. I want to feel the trigger and the gun in hand before swiping the card or righting the cheque sorta speek.

What i want to buy is a 6" barrel satin finish revolver either Smith and wesson 686 6 shot or the same in ruger with the Gp100(357 mag /38 is a must). Im not in a rush, been researching for years but im never in the right place and time to see both these beauts side by side.

Thanks for any advice and direction to the store front/range group.
 
Smith is the better gun. Nicer trigger, nicer finish.

Ruger guys will be here shortly saying "rugers are beefier" but in reality, Smiths are forged, Rugers are cast.
 
I was in the same boat trying to decide between the 686 and GP100. I can safely say I will never ever regret waiting till I could find a new 6" 686. The GP100 is a great gun, but the Smith is head and shoulders above it (IMHO)

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Is there realy that much different in the Cast vs forge. What i have read is that ruger being bulkyer, they will handle magnum loads or any load better as they are slightly thicker in metal. I know the S&W is hands down a nicer gun in the fit and finish, but im sorta concerend on the grip and how the gun feels in hand. Alot of what i read is same to what you guys are saying, S&W, trigger finish, longevity, all better. But with Ruger, a little polish and the trigger done its a comparable gun and trigger.
 
Vladivar said:
I was in the same boat trying to decide between the 686 and GP100. I can safely say I will never ever regret waiting till I could find a new 6" 686. The GP100 is a great gun, but the Smith is head and shoulders above it (IMHO)

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That is exactly what i want my gun to look like when i get it. Man that is sweet. Im sure it feels as good as it looks. Congratz
 
I have the 4.2" 686, my friend has my old 6" 686 and our mutual friend has the ruger. All of us are happy, they all shoot well. We just stand around putting lead downrange and making fun of glocks.
 
I know that technically forging produces a stronger product vs. casting using the same material. But in practice, all it really means is that the 686 can have cleaner lines than the GP100. I've owned far more S&W revolvers (including four 686s over the years) than Rugers (only one) but something about the GP100 appeals to me a lot...not as refined for sure but it has a intangible quality that I like. The original wood-rubber grips (which are hard to find I take it) are by far the most comfortable grips I've ever had on a revolver. I posted a more detailed overview of the GP100 a few years ago in this thread here. Bottom line is that both are excellent revolvers...but excellent in different ways.
 
I love my GP100. Shoots well, I like the fact that it's easy to take apart and clean as well. Mine has a great trigger, even before adding a few trigger, and hammer dog shims myself. I would like a S&W down the road too.
 
Troy1760 said:
Is there realy that much different in the Cast vs forge. What i have read is that ruger being bulkyer, they will handle magnum loads or any load better as they are slightly thicker in metal. I know the S&W is hands down a nicer gun in the fit and finish, but im sorta concerend on the grip and how the gun feels in hand. Alot of what i read is same to what you guys are saying, S&W, trigger finish, longevity, all better. But with Ruger, a little polish and the trigger done its a comparable gun and trigger.
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I've had a GP with a trigger job. I sold it because my 586 stock has a better trigger. the GP was good .The Smith is excellent.
 
Bottom line is that these are very similar revolvers. Newer GP100 have much nicer trigger than in the past. They are also stronger than any 686 ever made. Ruger has simpler internals that are easier to access. S&W still has a better trigger and looks nicer, but not by much. What I'm experiencing with any GP100 is my trigger finger being pinched between the trigger and trigger guard. It's because the trigger has sharp edges that catch on skin and drive it all the way back. Not fun, but after stoning the edges of the trigger problem should disappear for most users. Never had a similar issue with any S&W. Check both before spending your money. You can't go wrong with either though.
 
Master-G said:
I know that technically forging produces a stronger product vs. casting using the same material. But in practice, all it really means is that the 686 can have cleaner lines than the GP100. I've owned far more S&W revolvers (including four 686s over the years) than Rugers (only one) but something about the GP100 appeals to me a lot...not as refined for sure but it has a intangible quality that I like. The original wood-rubber grips (which are hard to find I take it) are by far the most comfortable grips I've ever had on a revolver. I posted a more detailed overview of the GP100 a few years ago in this thread here. Bottom line is that both are excellent revolvers...but excellent in different ways.
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Browning Hi Power from the past (forged) is considered a weaker platform than his modern, cast counterpart. Properly done cast will do just fine with the firearms. Cast metals are used in MANY high stress areas in modern industry.
 
If you're worried about how the grip feels, that is easily changed. There are dozens of different grip styles available for both guns. Odds are you'll find one that fits like a glove.

Auggie D.
 
thanks alot for all the details, so glad this question didnt turn into a pissing match. I know i like the look and feel of the smith, but like some of you have said, feel them and youll know, and i know there are lots of accessories out there for either, so i guess grips wont be an issue.

I am wondering if anyone who has used both find a significant difference in the grip? what i mean is the grip on the ruger seems to have a more upright look as apposed to the smith which has a more slopped grip. It may just be the pics im looking at, but i know by looking at picks( again havent held a GP) that the ruger has a flat top of the grip, looks to be a more further back stance, if you kinda know what i mean. Is that just my eyes and pics, or is there a significant difference when holding them?
 
Somerset Bar said:
I have the 4.2" 686, my friend has my old 6" 686 and our mutual friend has the ruger. All of us are happy, they all shoot well. We just stand around putting lead downrange and making fun of glocks.
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They both have their place. The Smith is just an absolute pleasure to shoot.
 
I own both. I like the Ruger OE rubber grip more than the SW wooden grip - and I changed my Smith's round butt to a square butt because I prefer the old "coke bottle" look. The Ruger grip allows me to get a better dominant hand grip higher up than the Smith. They both shoot great; the Ruger trigger is "stagey" in DA whereas the Smith's isn't. The Smith's internal clockwork is far more complicated than the Ruger's. They will both outlive me, so the whole cast vs forged debate is a non starter. I wilderness carry the Ruger though (in the US) with Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum rounds - wouldn't do that with the Smith.

If you ever make it up to Montreal, shoot me a PM and I'll take you to CRAFM where I'm a member and you can shoot both of mine to compare them.
 
Melnibonean said:
I own both. I like the Ruger OE rubber grip more than the SW wooden grip - and I changed my Smith's round butt to a square butt because I prefer the old "coke bottle" look. The Ruger grip allows me to get a better dominant hand grip higher up than the Smith. They both shoot great; the Ruger trigger is "stagey" in DA whereas the Smith's isn't. The Smith's internal clockwork is far more complicated than the Ruger's. They will both outlive me, so the whole cast vs forged debate is a non starter. I wilderness carry the Ruger though (in the US) with Buffalo Bore .357 Magnum rounds - wouldn't do that with the Smith.

If you ever make it up to Montreal, shoot me a PM and I'll take you to CRAFM where I'm a member and you can shoot both of mine to compare them.
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Thanks for the info, sorta what i was looking for. I may very well take the trip, i have family south of the island and do on occasion head there. Is there ways to make the trigger on the ruger better in the DA side, or am i just fishing for a solid gun and a smooth trigger. I dont think ill regret either, just unlike some of you, i dont have the ability to curb both sides and buy both...lol, my wife loves me but i think that may push it...lol
 
I own both the Ruger and the Smith. I enjoy both. I find the Smith has a much nicer trigger feel in double or single action. It`s cleaner than the Ruger. The Ruger`s trigger I find to be grainy and not so crisp. After a little polishing it was better. As for the grips I like the Smith over the Ruger. I find the Ruger grip to small with the factory 3 finger groove rubber grip. I find I`m not as accurate with the Ruger for this reason but I have a hell of a lot of fun shooting it. My advice...... Break the bank and get both.
 
Troy1760 said:
I am wondering if anyone who has used both find a significant difference in the grip?
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I own both. The trouble with my opinion is that it is mine and may not apply to you at all. I like everything about the Ruger...except I can't get used to the grip. I've tried a number different grips on it with no success. The Smith fits like a glove. The SA on my Ruger is as good as on my Smith. The DA on my Smith is slightly better. I don't shoot magnums all day long with either gun so I am not worried about the relative strength of either. If I want to shoot magnums all day, I break out the Blackhawks. I should sell the Ruger, but even with the uncomfortable grip, I still like it a lot...and I say that even with a few really nice Smiths I can shoot whenever I want. So there you go. I wish you were nearby and you could try mine. Good luck in choosing. As long as you don't buy both, you will be thrilled with either. :)
 
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