S&W 686 vs Ruger GP100

[target]

No this is not a range report but rather my personal opinion on the "feel" of these two revolvers. I have always wanted either one or the other but was not sure which one.

They seem to be both well built and are weighted pretty much the same since they are both full underlug.

The 686 factory grip seems narrower than the Ruger and since it has finger grooves it appeals to me more. It also fits my hand better and I have fairly large hands.

The trigger pull and feel of both seem to be equal.

I have been told that the transfer bar on a few Rugers has gotten jammed under the firing pin, but I have not seen this.

The Ruger has the price advantage (±$100) but the S&W has the reputation.

Now if someone here could give me a solution to getting a 686 home to Manitoba from the US I would be very happy since they go for $499.00 new over the border.

 

[NAA]

Personally, I'd take the Smith. But I wouldn't feel disadvantaged by the Ruger either. Both are fine wheelguns...

Yeah, I know that doesn't help....

 

[Wess1911]

+2 for the Smith.

I really like the trigger.

 

[ajax]

i too have shot both, and do prefer the smith for comfort!!

 

[slicknick]

I absolutely love my GP-100, short lug under the bbl.

 

[shortandlong]

my smith has served me well

 

[Cocked&Locked]

None of the rugers i've ever held have locked up as tight as a smith. Nor have I found the trigger as nice in double action. That being said, I do like their revolvers and consider them a good gun. I need to pic one up to put in the safe with all the smiths.....

 

[Griffoneur]

I absolutely love my GP-100, short lug under the bbl.

I installed Wilson Combat springs on mine.
smooth as butter!

 

[ipscgraz]

I've never fired a Ruger revolver other than a super blackhawk but my 686 is truly a pleasure.

Mine came with wood grips and I replaced them with a Hogue monogrip...try it, and I bet you'll like it.

Out of the box trigger was good...I did the trigger one night and am very happy with single action break.

However, I do need an hour or two with a Ruger to give any kind of comparison.

 

[Strangeday]

I have two 686's.....yeah...take the Smith

 

[C Broad Arrow]

The quality is there in the S&W. Ruger is a good gun, but over a lifetime the price delta is worth it.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

The quality is there in the S&W. Ruger is a good gun, but over a lifetime the price delta is worth it.

 

[torontogunguy]

I have two 686's and one GP100 all in stainless of course; and I love them all. They are different guns. Regardless of what you buy you will like it. I would look for a good deal on a used 686 in good shape and same with GP100. Stainless just does not wear! One of our 686's is converted for double action only with bobbed hammer and red dot sight; it shoots the centre out of twoonies at 20M from a rest.