Ruger GP100 or S&W 686

Now that years old debate starts again...
Personally, I own a 586. I like blued steel. People say the GP100 is built like a tank. On the other hand, people say the Smith 586/686 can withstand a steady diet of magnums. Me, I like the Smith better. It's a question of looks.
Gilbert
 
I'm sure if you do a search you'll find a lot of info as this has been asked before. My 2 cents, I've owned both in 6" versions and both are very excellent revolvers but I liked the 686 better, I found after a few hundred rounds the smith had the better trigger and slightly more accurate.
 
Smith looks better IMO. Better trigger and more elegant looking.
Ruger is a workhorse. It will run forever but not as good looking IMO.
Comes down to personal choice and price.
Both are great guns.

PS: If you are gravitating to the S&W, find a pre-lock (older) version. The QC was better then.
 
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They're pretty much equal, S&W has a smoother less stagey DA trigger. S&W does have some QC problems and I would inspect your gun before buying.

Price- Equal
Accuracy- Equal
Durability-Equal
Looks-I like the Smith
QC as of lately- Ruger
SA trigger- Too close to call
DA trigger-Smith
Ease to replace sights- Ruger

It really comes down to what one do you like the look of lol
 
when i got the itch to get a 357 wheel gun i was in the same predicament.
i ended up going with the Ruger as back then it was a couple hundred bucks less than the Smiths.
now with current prices they are pretty much the same price.

still, i really like my Ruger, wouldn't change it even if i could.
but i have seen some super nice bluing on some Smiths.... and the price was higher accordingly.

if your ever gonna want to resale your pistol the Smith is probably better for that.
 
i was in the same boots few years as my wifed wanted a new toy: her choice was the gp 100 6 inches blued ... mine will be the 4.2 stainless but we cant ccw lol
 
One thing people fail to mention about the Ruger is how easy it comes completely apart compared to the Smith. The Ruger is built stronger and locks up tighter but the Smith has a much nicer trigger which is important for accuracy.
 
I think there was a write up in Calibremag, the CSSA's publication. The article doesn't seem to be online.

My recollection is that it was pretty well a wash in terms of accuracy and most other parameters.

I'd be driven by what feels better in my hand. Maybe folks where you shoot have them and would let you try them out? Would let you try them out BEFORE you make a financial commitment.
 
It really comes down to feel.

The gp100 is beefier than the smith. Apart of that, they are both great wheel guns.

I've owned both. Sold the gp100 and kept the smith because it fit better in my hands.
 
I would suggest if you have a chance try them both out. I got a GP 100 about eight years ago as my first centerfire handgun. By the way I love it. Couple years ago I traded a friend of mine for a month is 686 for my GP 100 just to try them out. At the end of the month we both said I hate the trigger. So with that regardless of what anybody says in my opinion and my friends they are equal guns. I guess it all depends on what you can find a better deal on. Either way I don't think you will be let down. Just so you know my GP 100 has a set of wolf springs.

Some people say the smith is better looking but i like the ruger better it all depends on how much trigger time you have with it.
 
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Out of the box, the S&W has a better trigger IMHO. With the crazy sale prices on the 686 these days, I ended up grabbing one. Then I saw Tenda has the 686 Plus for $749! Damn it!
 
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