[shotgunmessenger96]

Hello everyone,

Iv'e got a taurus 66b6 357mag and this is the second in a year it locks up. The last time it cost me $40 to get it smithed. My plan is sell it and buy something better, either a ruger gp100 or some SSA clone. how is the gp100 preformance-wise? I prefer 357 mag. does anyone have any advice?
thank you.

[fourdollarbill]

The GP100 is a very well made tank and it has no issues that I know of. I have many brands but prefer the Ruger GP100 and the SP101. The GP100 is a lifetime gun, you will expire before it does.

[acmax95]

If you can, find a Security Six. The GP100's are nice but I prefer the Security Six. It will also probably be a little cheaper.

[Confederate]

As much as I like Rugers, my personal preferance would be a S&W 686. It's a bit more accurate and just a bit nicer.

The Security-Six was my favorite Ruger .357, but the new GP-100 doesn't really offer the same advantages. If you can get a GP-100 at a good price or if there's a big price or availability difference, either will be fine. The 686 is the best .357 made in my opinion.

The Ruger is strong and it can be field stripped easily. Neither of these advantages is as significant as they once were. The 686 is my favorite. If the Ruger were lighter and didn't have an underlug, then it would have been my top choice.

[Blue Brick]

+1 Ruger!!!!!


http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=2c2e6c35e503436bc255a91183309e11

[Blue Brick]

Go to the library and read "Ruger and his guns" before you buy anything.

[shotgunmessenger96]

Yeah a friend of mine has a security six he inherited and nothing ever went wrong with it. Its a good gun but its hard to find now that ruger discontiued them. What advantages does it have over the gp100?

[fourdollarbill]

didn't have an underlug, then it would have been my top choice.
I really like the underlug for the extra weight. For me it helps get back on target faster when shooting rapid fire by lowering the recoil and less movement.

[Fiv3r]

Gotta say i love the 4" 686 on my hip:D

[KINGMAX]

+ 1 for the S & W 686-1 w/ 4 inch barrel. If I could only keep one pistol in my small collection, it would be the S & W 686-1 w/ a 4 inch barrel. Hands down, it is one of the best that S&W has ever come out with. (JOMHO)

[Blue Brick]

Yeah a friend of mine has a security six he inherited and nothing ever went wrong with it. Its a good gun but its hard to find now that ruger discontiued them. What advantages does it have over the gp100?

Better balance and trigger. GP100’s have been made with a half lug. I like having a back strap, but the GP100 has more meat under the barrel.

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg210-e.htm

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg39-e.htm

[shotgunmessenger96]

I would be using the gun for hunting, plinking, and target shooting so I prefer the wieght and wouldn't mind a full lug. My taurus has a 6.5 inch barrel and a full lug and I used to hit plastic bottles out to 40 yards offhand. For a gp100 I think the 6 inch barrel with a full lug and the rubber grips with rosewood inserts would be a good setup. Can anyone tell me about how thick those grips are? My taurus has uncofortably small grips that are about 1"side to side and 2" front to back.

[padd54]

Have you looked at the M&P R8?

I have one and love it. Very accurate right out of the box. Also, having 8 rounds in the cylinder can come in handy while hunting.

[frankiestoys]

Buy the Ruger GP and have it for life.

[wnycollector]

If you can, find a Security Six. The GP100's are nice but I prefer the Security Six. It will also probably be a little cheaper.

+1 on this! I would take a Six over a GP100 any day of the week.

[Confederate]

I really like the underlug for the extra weight. For me it helps get back on target faster when shooting rapid fire by lowering the recoil and less movement.
I do too if I'm going to shoot at a range. If I'm going to carry the gun all day or take it out in the field, the extra weight can be tedious. Also, a lighter barrel is easier to line up on a moving target. With a 4-inch it's not so much of a problem, but on a 6-incher, no thank you. I'll take a 6-inch Security-Six any day. For years, the 6-inch Security-Six was one of the most desirable handguns to pack out in the country. It was light, strong, could be stripped in the field and targets could be rapidly acquired with the lighter barrel. For long distance shooting, people could use a bush, tree or fence post to steady the gun.

The heavy underlug barrels were made for shooting, but for those who carried guns day in and day out, weight is a consideration. No one ever complained about the Security-Six or the 6-inch S&W 66. I don't see many of the latter anymore.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh198/jriler/RugerSecurity-SixTrio_5.jpg

[roaddog28]

Very simple. Best new medium frame 357 on the market is the Ruger GP100. If your looking in the used market, then a Security/Service/Speed six, Smith and Wesson 586/686 pre-lock and a Smith and Wesson model 27/28. These are the best in my opinion for DA/SA revolvers. You did not specify SA/DA or just S/A. It you are considering S/A go Ruger new model Blackhawk 357. That be the strongest unless you have the budget for a Freedom Arms or a Ruger Redhawk 357.

There you have it. I did not mention Colts but I feel there more for collecting than shooting.

Good luck,
roaddog28

[shotgunmessenger96]

You did not specify SA/DA or just S/A.
- Either. I prefered DA, but if everyone said the gp100 was junk then I'd stick with the good old SA. I've never had or heard of a real bad problem with them. Everyone seems to like the ruger though so thats probably the one for me.

[rd2007]

I've shot a coworkers GP100 (4") and loved it and I own the 3" SP101 and love it. You can't go wrong with Ruger.

[shotgunmessenger96]

You can't go wrong with Ruger.- that's the truth I'm gonna start saying that. every ruger Iv'e ever owned has been great. I should've just got a ruger in the first place.:banghead:

[flrfh213]

i have a 2" Rossi 357 in stainless and run thousands of rounds thru it both 38 spl and 357 mag. the only problem i have ever had is the weight. other than that i love it, but it is the first 357 i have had.. i like it more than the s&w airweight 38 for what it's worth...

[atlanticfire]

My first, and my last. Did see any point after that. :cool:
http://www.jaybiddle.com/ruger1.jpg

[gunnutery]

GP100, the full underlug and easy cleaning did it for me. I liked it so much I bought an SP101 for carrying.

[KJS]

GP100, the full underlug and easy cleaning did it for me.

Don't all new 686 models have a full underlug just like new GP100s?

How is cleaning a GP100 easier than a 686? I bought a stainless steel GP100 with 6" barrel last year. Cleaning it's the same as cleaning a 40-year-old S&W I inherited, except the black filth doesn't stand out on the blued finish of that old gun.

What made the decision for me was price. A 686 cost $150 more even though I couldn't see any way in which S&W was any better than Ruger. I got the impression the price difference was largely for a famous name. Anybody knows Smith & Wesson is a gun maker. How many people not interested in the least by guns have any idea what Sturm, Ruger, and Co. make?

I know there is much debate on the 686 vs GP100 issue. The fact that the debate rages on for years tells me that there is no clearly better one. If one was clearly better the argument would have ended long ago with an obvious answer instead of differing opinions.

[gunnutery]

KJS, I guess to answer your questions, there were other factors that I hadn't remembered at the the time I posted (the things I posted were just things that stuck with me since I bought the GP 8 years ago). Price was a big one at the time, and if I remember right the S&W co. had recently caved in to the government which left a nasty taste in my mouth. Also looks. I really liked the look of GP100's over any S&W (especially S&W's full underlug look). Basically I'm just not a big fan of S&W. I also really don't see paying the prices they're asking for them either. JMO

[StrawHat]

If accuracy is a factor in your decision, get a S&W. I never saw a Ruger in the winners circles at a PPC meet.

[mhblaw]

Or, if you want to be the first kid on the block to have one, consider a USFA Shooting Master in 357 Mag. 7.5 inch barrel, and if you are familiar with USFA products, they are very well made and finished. I have a USFA SA in 38 WCF that is one of my most accurate revolvers and that with the basic sights of a SA revolver.

[Aktarus]

The Bull, has nothing to do with the GP100.
The RUGER GP 100 6 "is really resistant to all" loaded magnum and like all RUGER, can last for your entire life. I have a stainless model and it is fabulous.

[Niel4]

+1 on the Ruger....got my 4" GP100 about a month ago.....Love it.....

My 2 best guns (out of 10) are the Ruger and my CZ75B.

[roaddog28]

- Either. I prefered DA, but if everyone said the gp100 was junk then I'd stick with the good old SA. I've never had or heard of a real bad problem with them. Everyone seems to like the ruger though so thats probably the one for me.
Only reason I say S/A is a option is the Ruger Blackhawk is a great revolver that will take any kind of ammo you shoot. Even the GP100 although strong is not a strong as an Blackhawk. The Blackhawk is not the best choice for home defense but will work. Its just slower loading. I know of shooters that are faster with a Blackhawk shooting than any double action. Just a option.
roaddog28

[okespe04]

how is the gp100 preformance-wise?

Bar none.

[Aktarus]

you're right, in some cases the SA is faster than a DA ;) ;)

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fast+draw&search_type=&aq=f

[RJM]

I like the 686 more than the GP100, but I own a GP100. I don't think the Smith and Wessons are worth $150-200 more than a comparable GP100, but I do think they have a better out of the box trigger and a bit more attention to fit and finished is shown during production.

I do like my GP though, and after 300-400 rounds the trigger did become very good.

[Aktarus]

Just "polish" the backflow to improve the "snap" of the GP 100. After you've explode 600-800 shots, the shot becomes "perfect". Without "polish". ---- You may also "lighten the shot" of 500gr with no problems.

[Artiz]

There is not a single problem with GP100s. Some say they suck because top competitors don't shoot them, but they don't understand that these people are paid to use these guns and will, every time, shoot as well with any other comparable handgun as with the Smith.
Best bang for the buck= GP100.

[svtruth]

Try a Model-19, great trigger, ergonomics, and visually stunning.

[shotgunmessenger96]

Even the GP100 although strong is not a strong as an Blackhawk
True. The Ruger Blackhawk is consitered by everyone I know to be the strongest SA around They even make +p rounds marked "ruger only" for it. The Blackhawk .357 also comes with a spare cyllinder that will let you shoot 9mm luger rounds out of it. the .45 colt blackhawk's spare cyllinder shoots 45 autos.
It's the perfect SA but I want at least one DA. That taurus is the only Double action revolver I have. had.

[ronto]

If you want to show it off to your friends...Get a Colt.

If you want to sip on a cup of tea with one hand and shoot with the other...Get a Smith & Wesson.

If you own stock in UPS or FedEx...Get a Taurus or Rossi.

If you plan on going into hell and want to come back...Get a Ruger.

[atlanticfire]

shotgunmessenger96 let us know what you decide, and post pics!

[roaddog28]

True. The Ruger Blackhawk is consitered by everyone I know to be the strongest SA around They even make +p rounds marked "ruger only" for it. The Blackhawk .357 also comes with a spare cyllinder that will let you shoot 9mm luger rounds out of it. the .45 colt blackhawk's spare cyllinder shoots 45 autos.
It's the perfect SA but I want at least one DA. That taurus is the only Double action revolver I have. had.
I have or had every 357 mentioned in this post. If you want the single strongest revolver today then a New Model 357 Blackhawk. The 4 5/8 inch barrel is a excellent field revolver. This revolver is built on the 44 magnum frame. Now the SA/DA revolvers. Best buy today new is the Ruger GP100. As strong or stronger than a newer Smith 686 plus they are about $200.00 less money and you are not getting any lesser quality revolver. It your looking for used I suggest a prelock Smith 686, model 28 and a model 19/66. On the model 19/66 just limited the amount of 357s. Now for the best bang for your buck in a 357 revolver. Its the Ruger Security Six series revolver. Strong enough to shoot factory 357s all the time yet light enough to carry. This revolver is much stronger than the famed Smith 19/66. I know because I have two model 66s and one Ruger Service Six. By far the Ruger is more rugged and will hold up longer than the Smith. Price from $325.00 to $400.00 in my market which is California. Just a excellent buy.
Good luck with you revolver hunt and let us know which one you decided on.

roaddog28

[WVMountainBoy]

I'm actually wearing a Security Six as we speak so I'm going to have to give it the nod hehe. I was going to ask you in the know types if the grips from a Gp100 would fit a Security Six as I've been wanting to get some finger position grips for it.

[Stainz]

I started with Ruger revolvers. I've had SP-101, RH, and SRH models, as well as a bunch of SAs, from .22-.454. Everyone came new with some form of QC problem, with the .454 SRH being the best and the .45 RH and .32 SP-101 bringing up last place together. Over seven years back, I discovered new S&Ws - and now have all S&Ws and no Rugers. Fewer revolvers, but what I want and enjoy.

If you compare the 6-shot 686, SKU #164222 & MSRP $909, to the Ruger GP-100, KGP-141 & MSRP $701, you'll see they even have similar weights: 39.7 & 40 oz respectively. Of course, construction is different - hammer forged and heat-treated for S&W and cast SS for Ruger. I had the GP-100's lockwork in my SRH - and a down-sized version in the SP-101. While they are better than the old RH lockwork, the S&W is finer and capable of a far better trigger.

Something else to consider - if you like more rounds, S&W makes the 686+ and 620 with 7-shot cylinders. Also, the slightly larger N-frame 627s are 8-shooters - just not available from Ruger. The 627 Pro is a particularly fine .357 Magnum that comes with a great mix of 'extras' as standard - but it's MSRP is $1,059, making a great discount price, like my local pusher's of $769, more than the Ruger's MSRP. Of course, they aren't the same thing at all.

The best buy from S&W in a .357 Magnum is the 620, SKU #164401 & 36.9 oz - a 4" 686+ 7-shooter with a partially lugged barrel with an MSRP of $893. S&Ws come with a warranty that connects you to their Customer Service via an 800 number - and free overnite shipping. Ruger even makes you pay for the call. As I got older, I found my interests changed - and I enjoyed my S&Ws more. YMMV. Good luck and please keep us apprised.

Stainz

PS That 627 Pro is my favorite .357 Magnum.

[sonier]

686 is a good pistol, the GP-100 was made fo 357 magnum.
GP-100 is better deal than 686, and i like its design better, too me it looks a lot nicer than any S&W.

BUT the best pistol EVER made in 357 magnum,
COLT PYTHON i have one from my grandfather who carried it threw 3 tours in vietnam, that gun saw more hell than most. ive seen that gun shoot a bottlerocket out fo the sky, till this day i dont know how but it did. THIS gun has the SMOOTHEST trigger and the sweetest shooting. it will handle any load out there.

i have been searching for a good carry gun, i dont want to carry my python its a heirloom. the only pistol ive found that comes close to it is a ruger, all the ruger lines seem to be just as good in my opinion.
i guess im not S&W guy i pick one up, if you look at my face, its a face of disgust.
but hey thats cause i shoot a python ;)

[ky40601]

Sonier,

I love my Python as well. They're three other .357 Mag I have, Trooper Mark III, Lawman Mark III, and a Border Patrol (2nd Issue). Love my Colts.

Jackie

[herbie1]

I have both and here is how I would briefly compare them:

GP100

More rugged
Longer and often heavier trigger (you can smoothen it, but it will still be longer)
Handles heavier loads (i think), if that is your thing.
Uglier (in the eye of this beholder)
Cheaper up front, but you won't get as much when reselling it.
Better, modular design. (no sideplate, no bent extractor rod problems, etc.)
Ruger has no internal lock
Ruger has fewer options and configurations (i.e. no 7-shot, etc.)

686 (& varients)

More delicate
Better trigger pull
Prettier
Internal lock
More expensive, but has better re-sale
More options and configurations. (go to smith web site and look at all of Smith's revolvers, including Performance center. It is impressive)


I like Smith and Ruger equally. They are different. It is like comparing an F150 to a Mustang. Which is better? It depends.

BTW, the Smith 620 has a 2-piece barrel. Some say there is some controversy with them. I would not go with a 2-piece barrel because very few gunsmiths will have the specialized tools to work on them if you ever needed barrel work.

H.

[V1ROT8]

Ruger quality. I continue to be pleased.

[Mike J]

If you want to do something different than the Smith or Ruger you could always look around for an old Dan Wesson model 15.

[notbubba]

DO NOT listen to these people...GP100...686 no no no

Cowboy up!!

Get the SSA clone.

You know if swing those newfangled cylinders open a few times they could just fall off. :neener:

[warnerwh]

If you want accuracy in a well designed and built revolver get a Dan Wesson which were designed to be tough and very accurate out shooting other brands for years at silhouette competitions. Well they only won 90% of the tournaments. Go here: http://www.danwessonforum.com/ if you want to learn more of what some of us, probably mostly older guys, who believe the Dan Wessons are the best design in a revolver. They're unusual in that the barrel is under tension, hence the accuracy. The lockup is in the front where it does the most good. Btw Smith and Wesson custom guns use the lockup up front unlike their regular guns. You can only get them used now and there's not a million to choose from like a Ruger or Smith but being as they're not well known the prices for them are an excellent value.

[6_gunner]

I love the Ruger Security-Six. It's the best general-purpose revolver ever made, in my opinion.

Any Ruger will be a rugged, high quality piece of hardware; but I prefer the traditional grip frame on the Six series over the setup on the newer revolvers.