.357 recommendation for beginner: S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100?

.357 recommendation for beginner: S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100?

  • S&W 686

    Votes: 122 35.8%

  • Ruger GP-100

    Votes: 201 58.9%

  • Other

    Votes: 18 5.3%
  • Total voters
    341
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TrailWolf

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Jul 30, 2009
Messages
197
Location
AZ
Hey guys, first post here as I am brand new to handguns, looking for advice and heard this is the place to be!

Well about 6 months ago I didn't think I'd own a firearm - then I bought two shotguns: a Remington 870 (home defense) and Beretta 391 Urika 2 (trap).

Two months ago I didnt think I would ever own a handgun - now I have applied for a permit and am now deciding between two classic revolvers in .357: the Smith & Wesson 686 or Ruger GP-100.

All my research points to these as being not only superb beginner handguns, but excellent all arounders for targets, woods carry, hunting small game and even home defense (though Mr. 870 would be my first choice).

I've heard that the Ruger is tougher but the S&W is more "polished" and accurate? Hummer vs. Porsche...? I've also heard that a lot of S&W users do not like the newer hammer lock feature - is this really something to be concerned with? What is it exactly... couldn't find specifics?

I plan on firing both to feel them out and see which I prefer in that regard, but, I was just wondering:

price aside, if there are any points that really put one above the other?

Should I just go with whatever feels better in my hand and shoots better for me?

I'm pretty sure this is like a debate between Remington 870 vs. Mossberg 500 or Chevy vs. Ford but please keep the comments constructive and meaningful... Apologies in advance if this is a touchy subject ;)

Not interested in hearing that I should really go for a Glock instead - I want to start with a revolver and like the simplicity and timelessness - I'm sure the Glocks will follow in due time.

I've just spent 10 minutes searching for similar threads but with no luck - if this has already been discussed to death, please point me in that direction!

Thank you very much for your help - appreciate it!
 
Welcome to The High Road....

You will find lovers of both here, and they are both well built guns.... I have a 686 and I find it to be a great gun (pre-lock).... I have had it for probably 15 years and not one issue (aside from breaking a rear sight blade when dropped once)... the gun is a well oiled machine....

Not exactly sure on the new locks, but I don't think there is much to worry about with them.... at least on my new Taurus it's not an issue....

I went with the .357 686 as my first handgun (although no where near the first I shot).... but I might have been better served with a .22 semi auto or revolver.... esspecialy with ammo prices the way they are now.... so Im gonna tag "other"
 
TrailWolf, welcome! I was in your boat a few months ago and am new to revolvers myself. Hopefully I can help out.

Yes you are correct on your stereotypes, chevy vs. porche, chevy vs. ford, whatever. I originally was going to buy a 686 6" and backed out of it--canceled the order two days later--when I discovered that S&W was putting locks on their guns. There are lots of lock debates here that you can research. Look for "Internal Locking System", or ILS. Personally I don't care for Smiths with the locks in principle, but who knows, I may end up with one since living in CA prevents you from buying older Smiths because they are not on the safe gun list (actually you can buy a gun not on the safe list, but it has to be grandfathered in I believe, and you can't buy it from a shop, it has to be a private party transfer).

Long story short, I ended up getting a GP because they were much cheaper (by about $200), and my uncle who is a long time shooter recommended Ruger (he ownes over six of them). That was enough for me. I purchased the 6" and didn't look back. I'm very satisfied with my purchase and am looking forward to years of shooting this gun.

I have shot a 686 although it quite some time ago. Some day I'd like to add one to my inventory. I don't think you can go wrong with either. IMO it will come down to your budget, availability, and your stance on the ILS. Then you'll start thinking about barrel length and custom grips! Oh does it ever end....
 
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I don't think you can go wrong either way -- except for the new lock nonsense. You'll save money with the Ruger.
 
Welcome in, Wolf.

You'll note that I'm sneaking up on four years membership here.

During that time, I've lost count of the number of threads devoted to Ruger v Smith.

Prediction: Your poll will get roughly equal numbers. I just evened it at 2 to 2 with my vote for Smith.

Having said that, I've come to the conclusion that there is no clear relevant difference between them. Both are fine guns. I just happen to like Smith's better in DA revolvers for one simple fact: they feel better to me, as in fit my hand better, balance better. For you, it may be different.

For the record, I have nothing against Rugers. I'm planning to buy a Ruger Super Redhawk or Super Blackhawk next.

Recommendation: try both. Pay attention to how they feel in your hand, and buy the one that feels and shoots best for you.

If this was a Mossberg v Remington thread, or a Marlin v Winchester thread, I might lean one way.

But here? Naw. No real difference, IMO.

Nem
 
I have owned both S&W and Ruger in various .357 configurations. The answer is simple. Go down and see which one feels and balances best in YOUR hand. Either one is only a tool, buy the one you can use most capably.

blindhari
 
686 was my first. Full lug, extra round capacity, better name :uhoh:

For a "first" gun that little bit of extra weight will keep you calm while you finish the seventh round. As far as the locks go- don't use it if you don't want. At one point I thought I'd just carry around an empty 686 and a speed loader... Long story short, I've seen the light. The reason you have a gun is because you'll need it in a split second-

I digress...
The hogue sw grips will feel better, the extra round will be sweeter, and the service you'll get when you DON'T need to service your gun will be better.
 
They are both great guns, I suggest shooting them both.
I own a gp it just felt better in my hand and looked stronger but not as defined.
It was also a bit cheaper, (so i bought more ammo that day).
Smiths are great too , i own a couple, just not the 686 .
You can't loose with either gun.
 
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Should I just go with whatever feels better in my hand and shoots better for me?
Click to expand...

Yes, they're both fine guns.

Keep in mind also that they come in many configurations, 4", 6", full/half length ejection rod cover, various grips etc etc.
 
If price is not an issue, then go with the one that has the better trigger to you. And dont automatically assume that the S&W will have a better trigger because that is not always the case. Ruger is doing some great things lately with thier triggers.
 
Go for the GP-100. I shot a new GP-100 about a year ago... the trigger was worlds better than my Service Six, but not quite like my Model 19 with target hammer and trigger. The GP-100 trigger was definitely better than the new Smiths I've handled recently.

I won't shoot heavy loads with my K-frame Model 19... too many people have had theirs go out of time. Most times the Model 19 is used for .38 Special plinkers.

For woods carry and CCW I have a SP-101. For HD, range practice, and general carry I have a XD-40.
 
My personal preference is the 686. S&W revolvers are a thing of beauty, a work of art if you will. They have character, grace and charm.

Ruger revolvers are like hammers. Not real pretty but they do a darn good job at what they were designed for.

S&W's also do a darned good job, but they are much easier on the eyes.

FWIW
 
S&W 686 with Ahrends grips is a real favorite.

But I do all my initial load testing in Rugers.:D

The GP100 has come up in my estimation. The new ones feel pretty good. I prefer Smiths.

Handle both, and get the one you like best. They are both good revolvers. A hundred bucks will be forgotten soon; how much you like the gun you got will never be.
 
I would go for a GP100. Simple, tough and reliable. You can shoot a lifetime of full-house 357 loads through it and never have a single problem. I honestly don't think the S&W could handle that much abuse.
 
The 686 is fine for serious use as a magnum, but not abuse. It's not a K-frame; it's built on the L-frame that was developed specifically for .357 Magnum. Note that S&W doesn't make K-frame .357s any more, which upsets S&W fanatics, but is for good reasons.

Like I said, I test my loads in Rugers (single actions -- the GP100 has a crane, too).

That said, if I don't LIKE a gun, I don't want it.

Handle them both.

Also, a .357 isn't a .44. If you want a .44, get one, don't just put dangerous loads in a .357.:)
 
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When I first saw this last night, I thought, "Oh, here we go again." :rolleyes:

But this is is evolving into an interesting thread after all.

Even though I'm not in the market for a GP-100 - when/if I upgrade/replace my 65,
it'll be to a 686 (but I am planning to add (as I said above) a Ruger SBH or SRH, this will be informative.

I just hope we can stay civil. :uhoh:

Oh, wait: it's not a 9mm v .45 ACP thread, so we're ok. :D
 
Trail wolf,

welcome to thr. lots of good folks and information here. i personally favor the GP 100. honestly, either are an outstanding choice.
 
I have both and enjoy both. However the hand spring of my 686 recently broke making me a little weary of the new MIM parts. S&W send a new one and it was easy to fix, but I have never had a Ruger internal part break.
 
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