S&W 686 vs Ruger GP100 vs ?

Scotty454

Scotty454

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I'm taking the restricted CFSC at the end of the month, and I'm getting a little excited about it my first purchase... I fully realize that I'll be lucky to get my license by summer next year, but I'm thinking about it anyways, haha.

I know I want to buy a 1911 of some sort, but I'm really liking the idea of a revolver also. I like stainless, and as much as I would love to go out and get a .44 mag cannon, I figure a .357 (That I can also shoot .38 special out of) would be a little better suited to a first revolver. I know I should buy a .22LR first to get the feel for shooting pistols. I'll probably do this at some point, but that's not what I'm after here. I've shot quite a few 9mm, .45ACP, AND .40S&W semis, and don't seem to have a big flinch issue (I went to a range with a CBSA buddy a little while ago and out-shot him, so I must not be THAT bad haha).

Just looking for opinions on the 686, GP100, and any other stainless .357 mag revolvers that I should look at. Not looking to spend a fortune, definitely want to keep it under a grand (I'll probably pick one up used from the EE here).

Thanks!
 
I have the 686 Canadian and I love it. I've shot the ruger as well. Both are fine guns that will serve you well. The smith just felt better and looked better to me. There will be equal people that say the same for the ruger. Best advice is to get out and shoot both. You are in Calgary, wild west shooting in the west ed mall has the ruger.. I shot it there. Best way to help you decide... And you don't have to have your rpal to go.
 
I was looking at both and I like the gp100 more. It's a bit more blocky feeling but I shoot them well. I played with several alpha proj revolvers in the store and actually preferred how they fit and felt in my hand.
 
In DA the Smith wins but other than that they're equal.

S&W QC varies from gun to gun so do a good inspection before you buy a S&W.
 
On average my 5 Rugers are superior to my 5 Smiths...

But that only one man opinion, your millage may vary... JP.
 
If you could get a SW 66, that might also be worth considering.

There's the current model available with 4.25" barrel, which appears to be constructed a little more ruggedly than the original 66.... which would probably limit you to a 6".
 
I compared both, but the Smith didn't point as well as the GP100 for me. That might not be true for you, as fit is a personal thing. I bought the GP100 stainless 6 inch and I haven't regretted it. A very beefy firearm, very accurate and well built.
 
k_h said:
If you could get a SW 66, that might also be worth considering.

There's the current model available with 4.25" barrel, which appears to be constructed a little more ruggedly than the original 66.... which would probably limit you to a 6".
Click to expand...

Agreed the new S&W 66-8 is very nice and from what I've seen has better QC than the newer 686's.

Its also smaller and lighter than both 686 and GP100.
 
Scotty454 said:
Just looking for opinions on the 686, GP100, and any other stainless .357 mag revolvers that I should look at. Not looking to spend a fortune, definitely want to keep it under a grand (I'll probably pick one up used from the EE here).

Thanks!
Click to expand...

with all due respect to the EE... shop very carefully. my understanding is that if the item's still in production, you can frequently buy for the same or less at a retailer than from the EE.

Fishing world in particularly frequently has good deals on handguns. Now if only they coincided with my available funds....
 
Dsiwy said:
Agreed the new S&W 66-8 is very nice and from what I've seen has better QC than the newer 686's.

Its also smaller and lighter than both 686 and GP100.
Click to expand...

That's interesting....

I went for the 686 4.25" rather than the 66-8.... and now rather regret it...
 
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k_h said:
That's interesting....

I went for the 686 4.25" rather than the 66-8.... and now rather regret it...
Click to expand...

The crown on the 66-8 is better than the 686 and they indexed the barrel better on the 66-8.

I think the two piece barrel is easier to install so less corners are cut by lazy S&W workers, or they fired the lazy/sub par craftsmen.
 
IMG_0227.jpgI got my 686 talo SS about a year and a half, ago.
It's a keeper for sure.
I stopped using 38'spl long ago.
I buffed it to a nice shiny look ... lol
 

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They are both great revolvers. I shot several S&W's and thought they were the best...then I shot the Ruger Security Six .357 I have now (The GP 100 is the model which replaced it). I'm sure you will hear that "smiths have better triggers" but that's not my experience. Try both, only you can deside what's right for you.
 
I have a 4.2" GP-100 amd a 105.14MM 686 No Dash. The Smith is the heavier of the 2. Trigger pull is a draw in both DA and SA. Right now I prefer the Ruger due to the grip. I may install a squared off grip on the Smith to bring the two guns closer to feel for each other. The Ruger has a better lock up system and a more robust trigger group. Both are tough as nails and will last anyone a lifetime of shooting.

Choose one or both and get to the range.

Take Care

Bob
 
Shop around as has been said here. GP100 at a local big box type store (Grouse River) was more expensive than the 686-8 I bought at my LGS.

I see Calgary Shooting Center has the 686 for $919 which is about $100 less than I paid.
https://store.theshootingcentre.com/collections/handguns/products/smith-wesson-model-686-revolver


I did not fire the Ruger but to me I liked the heft of the S&W a bit more (in my fat fingered hands).
My internal argument was 4.25 or 5 or 6 inch barrel....
I went 4.25 but the 5 is still temping to me (and it is hard to find). The 6 was too barrel heavy.

FWIW the S&W has the 'mostly hated but what can you do' internal key lock on it.
There is a guy in the US still making a replacement plug that fits in the hole from the inside if you pull the thing out of the gun.
I have a feeling the hype regarding failures of the lock is just that.
 
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I've got a few of each brand. For my money I prefer the S&W more just for the trigger. Otherwise either brand feels great in the hands and balances like a revolver should.

My preference for the S&W trigger is because I shoot my double/single action revolvers primarily in double action mode. Hardly ever #### the hammer for single action other than for classic bullseye shooting. And I like the S&W because it's just one long smooth pull with a "surprise" break along the way. On the other hand the Ruger in DA mode has a little "click" in the trigger movement just before the hammer break. To me it's just a little annoying. But for too many others I've seen them use it as a staging point to hold and re-sight before snapping off the shot. And in a lot of cases that can lead to flinches or snatching that pushes the gun out of place and produces big open groupings.

If you'll shoot a lot of single action mode then the SA pull on either is close enough to the same feel that it's a toss of a coin.

I also tend to find the S&W to be a touch sharper and streamlined looking. But again it's all in the eye of the beholder.
 
Thanks for all the replies! Although this didn't make my decision any easier, haha. I'll see if I can handle them both, and decide from there I s'pose.
 
Had to make same decision some time ago. Spent lots of time reading reviews and watching YouTube videos about both revolvers. Finally found store which has both GP100 and S&W686. I handled both for probably half an hour deciding which one to get. Finally got GP100 mosty because it can be disassembled without screwdriver. Those two guns felt quite similar to me, so I guess if I got 686 instead Iwould be equally happy. I know I'm not helping much, but whatever you decide it would be good choice : )
 
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