Smith or Ruger?

Gillis2

Gillis2

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Hi all,

I want to buy a 357 magnum wheel gun and so far I am hesitating between the S and W 686 and the Ruger GP 100.
People say the Smith is nicer ( better trigger and finish) but that the Ruger is more solid ( built like a tank).
I intend to be shooting mainly .357 mags in it so it has to be able to withstand the heat.
What is your say?

Thanks for your input.

Gilbert
 
Get the S&W M&P R8

I just got one and the trigger is SWEET, and deadly accurate to boot! (3-4in groups @ 25m, off hand, standing). And it holds eight rounds:)
You'll love it!
 
Buy the one you like the feel of best. Either one will last you a lifetime if you look after it. Yes you are correct the smith is finished a little nicer and has a nicer trigger but the Ruger is a good gun as well.

Graydog
 
graydog said:
Buy the one you like the feel of best. Either one will last you a lifetime if you look after it. Yes you are correct the smith is finished a little nicer and has a nicer trigger but the Ruger is a good gun as well.

Graydog
Click to expand...

Cannot agree more, Smiths are more widely regarded for quality and such but a ruger is nothing to scoff at.. So get whatever feels better in your hand and enjoy the heck out of it.
 
Everyone is biased

I'm a Smith guy so that's my vote

Go hold each one and make your decision, I held each side by side and left the Ruger behind. You've got to shoot it so you've got to like how it feels and points.
 
Strength shouldn't be a criterium for comparison between these 2 guns. I haven't seen anything to indicate that the gp100 is stronger than the 686. The 686 was made to be strong enough to handle a steady diet of 357. It is the S&W K frame that has a lighter build and better suited for 38 special with occasional 357.

Get the one that feels or looks better. Can go wrong with either.
 
I have a GP100 from the late 80's. Finish on it is spectacular. Had a little inexpensive trigger work done on it and the SA is outstanding, DA is good. I have not shot a S&W so cannot comment but I have lots of other pistols and revolvers and the SA on the GP100 is as good as my finely tuned Kimber.

Good luck with your choice. I am sure you will be happy no matter what you get! Have fun :)
 
I LOVE my 6" Ruger GP100 in .357 mag. Shes a shooter and I would buy another in a heart beat, currently looking for a 4.2" stainless GP100.

I've handled a few S&Ws though and they feel great, I would not hesitate to own either.
 
Everyone says to go and hold before you choose to make sure it 'fits'.

Does anyone know which the best store in GTA is to actually go and hold these revolvers?

Sorry for the hijack
 
xerki said:
Everyone says to go and hold before you choose to make sure it 'fits'.
Does anyone know which the best store in GTA is to actually go and hold these revolvers?
Sorry for the hijack
Click to expand...
If possible, the better route is to link up with folks at your range that have one, and actually shoot it. Folks are usually only too proud to let you take her for a whirl around the dance floor. Bring a box of ammo and offer to leave some with the owner. Keep in mind though, that every trigger on every gun is going to be different. And the one you try in the store or at the range may be quite different from the one you eventually own yourself, even of the same model. However, it does speak to the potential. Sorry I can't address your question directly, I'm in BC.
 
when i picked up mine i went with the Ruger because i didnt wanna invest 900-1000 into a wheel gun.
perfectly happy with my GP100.

now that i have had it for a couple years im thinking about maybe picking up a S&W now that i know i like the platform.
or..... going right past and going for the R8.
my dad picked one of those up and im gonna try it here next month, so if i fall in love i may just jump past the 900-100 and go straight for the top shelf!
 
I have a S&W 686 and also a Ruger Super Redhawk (44mag). The finish on the S&W is just that little bit better, although I prefer the Ruger grips. Either way, both good, cna't really go wrong.
 
I have the 4.2 GP100 blued and a 629 (.44 rem mag). The Smith's triggers are a wee bit better, and they are finished nicer, but the Ruger isn't that far behind ($400 behind).

$ for $ you'll be happy with the Ruger, and don't concern yourself with the grips/stocks. Both guns have tonne's of after market support and you'll no doubt be changing the stocks in any event!?

If the gun doesn't feel right, change the stocks until it does. I use and would recommend the Hogue wood stocks. Wheel guns aren't like auto's in this regard, sometimes an auto doesn't fit and there's only so much one can do about it. Revolvers, change the stock and it's like a whole new gun (in the hand).
 
The Smiths have a trigger that's a bit nicer but are a few hundred more. If you get a shim kit from Triggershims.com, for the trigger and hammer($20 del.)...and the Wolff spring kit from Brownells($15 del.)...and install them with a bit of polishing of the moving parts, your Ruger GP100 will function at least as smoothly as the S&W for a lot less money. If you've got a Dom Perignon budget, then get the S&W and do that work on it, or have a gunsmith do it, and you'll have an exceptionally smooth revolver. Your budget, your choice...
 
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