S&W vs. Ruger

I have a Ruger 4.2" and a 686 5" and prefer the Smith, hands down. All the controls are smoother, handles better and is better looking.
 
ruger has 4.2" and 6"
S&W has 5" (apparently) and 6"

so, i guess in that sense, ruger is smaller (shorter), but it might be fatter. unless you're using a molded plastic holster, they should be relatively interchangeable.
 
Issues would be width, frame height and frame length. How close the dimensions are would determine holster interchangability. This is, of course, assuming equal barrel lengths.

I am also curious how close they would be to my S&W M15. The 686 is an Lframe which I believe was developed from the K to handle .357mag. What I don't know is if they simply used the same dimensions as the Kframe and simply improved the metal or if S&W actually beefed up the gun physically to handle the magnum cartridge.

And if they did add metal to the frame - how much? If only a little then K and L frames could use the same holsters: if a lot then that option is out.

John
 
Well I tried a few shots and dry fired a GP100 yesterday. Not bad at all!

Very decent trigger and it was box stock.

I am really curious about the issues I heard about milling the cylinder for moonclips. After all they machined the cylinder already otherwise the bullets wouldn't go in :) How hard could it really be?

John
 
John in B.C. said:
Issues would be width, frame height and frame length. How close the dimensions are would determine holster interchangability. This is, of course, assuming equal barrel lengths.

I am also curious how close they would be to my S&W M15. The 686 is an Lframe which I believe was developed from the K to handle .357mag. What I don't know is if they simply used the same dimensions as the Kframe and simply improved the metal or if S&W actually beefed up the gun physically to handle the magnum cartridge.

And if they did add metal to the frame - how much? If only a little then K and L frames could use the same holsters: if a lot then that option is out.

John
Click to expand...

K frame cylinder and frame is definitely smaller than L. You cannot use K frame speed loaders with an L frame gun. Holsters for a L frame will of course take a K frame but the gun may slip around a bit depending on the style of holster.

I have a piece of crap Fobus holster for an L frame which I cannot get an L frame into, but fits my K frame quite nicely.
 
Refresh my memory - why do you need moon clips? You're looking at something other than 38/357?
 
tobin said:
K frame cylinder and frame is definitely smaller than L. You cannot use K frame speed loaders with an L frame gun. Holsters for a L frame will of course take a K frame but the gun may slip around a bit depending on the style of holster.

I have a piece of crap Fobus holster for an L frame which I cannot get an L frame into, but fits my K frame quite nicely.
Click to expand...

According to the research I have been doing the L frame guns are Kframes with heavier/bigger cylinders to handle .357mag.

Is this true? I don't but that is what I am reading.

I was looking at some holster manufacturer's websites and the were listing their holsters as fitting Ruger GP100/Kframe/Lframe all in the same holster.

All very confusing :)

John

John
 
John in B.C. said:
Moonclips will allow me to use for IPSC revolver and be competitive as far as reload speed goes.

And, if the mood strikes, I could load major and shoot IDPA ESR with it.

John
Click to expand...

not sure i understand. what other caliber would you shove into a 357 that would use moonclips? or are you saying that you can put the clips on 38/357?

as far as making major, you should be able to do that with magnums or some +P loads (or handloads).

i never looked too much at IPSC, but i guess it's kinda cool if you can do a mod for IPSC that still lets you play in IDPA. for machining, would you maybe need to go for the (cheaper) blued model? would likely be harder to keep clean and rust-free but maybe the machining tradeoff is worth it...
 
Yes you moonclip the .38/.357's. Quicker reloads.

Moonclips are allowed for ESR in IDPA and are pretty much a 'gotta have' in IPSC RD.

I am aware of the loads requirements for minor/major. With a .357 revolver it is possible to shoot both major and minor for both IPSC and IDPA.

A little snappy in major but I have seen one fellow in the area shoot major with his 686 and the load was not too bad at all.

All things to consider.

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom