Ruger GP100 or S&W 686 ???

I'm a huge S&W fanboy myself (wouldn't consider buying anything else) but I wouldn't go as far as to say the difference in price between a Smith and a Ruger means there's a proportional difference in quality. Ruger makes a quality revolver.
 
S&W all the way: better triggers and a more refined appearance.

If cost is an issue, there are lots of used 686s around for reasonable prices.

Personally, I like the older non-lugged barrel contours, like on the Models 19, 27, and 28. Too bad you don't see many L-Frames so configured.

That said, the Ruger is a good, solid gun; they just aren't as elegant as a S&W.
 
Smith revolver triggers are as good as it gets, I'm a huge Smith fan when it comes to revolvers ( I've owned at least 2 of every Frame size except the X Frame). That said if the difference is big enough to affect the amount of shooting you do, go with what lets you shoot the most.
 
I love my 686.

I held the Ruger and just didn't like it. Didn't like how it squared off at the end by the grip. Felt funny compared to the sleek contours of the 686 IMO.
 
GP-100 vs 686

GSoD said:
I love my 686.

I held the Ruger and just didn't like it. Didn't like how it squared off at the end by the grip. Felt funny compared to the sleek contours of the 686 IMO.
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I felt the opposite , the Ruger really felt great and I love the stock grips, both are great guns. The Ruger is a great all around gun that won't disappoint you, but if you plan on doing any competition, the Smith is the way to go. As an old PPC shooter the S&W action makes a difference in competitive shooter. My preference goes is the Ruger
 
Levi Garrett said:
Good choices:cool:
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+1 ..... on 'good choices'.

Personally, of the two I'd go with the S&W 686.

Love my S&W 586 with patridge sites & MD Charlton 'tune'.

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NAA.
 
I have tried both and like the S&W stock trigger more than the Ruger one. Both are fine and solid revolver and look very good with a Hogue or Patchmayr rubber grip IMO. Both will give you many, many years of quality service.

My 586:cool:

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i like my 686 alot bought it due to the fact i was told the cylinder is easy to remove so it makes it easier for cleaning (soaking) to get the nasty burn rings off. on the other hand if someone has a good tip for cleaning either one better. i would take it and i am sure the original poster would appreciate it as well.
 
Levi Garrett said:
Good choices:cool:
I would go Ruger, spend the extra on Ammo:D When you master the Ruger, sell or trade up.:nest:
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It would cost less to just get the S&W in the first place. You can also get a used one for about the same price as a new GP-100.

Personally, I don't see why purchase price is such a big deal; this should be a one-time cost. Ammo costs are where you should be economising: .38 and .357 are fairly inexpensive to reload for with cast bullets.

I, too am a fan of MD Charlton's action work. They did a nice action job on my K-38. I just wish I could find some of the recommended Federal primers so I could get reliable ignition in double action with the strain screw set where it was when I got it back from them.

A gunsmith can do an action job on a Ruger, but it probably won't be as good as what you can get out of a S&W.
 
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