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

[MIL-DOT]

I'm voting GP100. I have a stainless 6" full lug, that has a tighter lock-up than any other I've handled in stores. The trigger is outstanding, and has been specifically complimented by everyone that's fired it, so I must have lucked into a honey. ( I have a set of Hogue Pau Ferro wood grips on the way as we speak.)
That being said, I've been slobbering over a 4" 686 for decades,now, and have been recently considering trading into one.
As stated already, you can't go wrong with either,get the one that "speaks to you" the most, and after that,the choice should be made by your financial situation. If money's tight, it's a no-brainer, get the Ruger, and be happy.

 

[Goblin]

A Ruger Security Six was my first handgun...loved it!!!

 

[Nicky Santoro]

OP,
Either will be a fine choice. Pick whichever fits your hand the best. You'll shoot it better and enjoy it more.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Congratulations on escaping from NYC, I did the same 7 years ago!!!

An added plus is that my wife really loves shooting the 686, and does quite well with it.

In that case your M686 sounds like the perfect nightstand gun for your wife. I would load it with .38 Special ammo instead of .357 Magnum ammo. You really don't want to touch off a magnum round in an enclosed dark room and flash-bang yourself. I suggest the FIB Load.

Again, congratulations on all counts...

 

[wlewisiii]

Of those two? 686 easily. Against the best .357 for a beginner? Then it get's much more interesting.

 

[harrygunner]

Congrats. Nice choice in handguns.

I had read your initial post and on seeing an Arizona location, I assumed the "permit" was for concealed carry.

Nuts to NYC, glad you moved to the U.S. of A.

 

[GLOOB]

I have one of each. If push came to shove, I'd probably vote 686, just because the SA trigger is incredible.

 

[2zulu1]

Glad to know you made it to freedom. Of the 200 participants at the International Revolver Championship, 199 shot Smiths and 1a Ruger.

 

[ClemY]

Choice of a 686 or a GP100 is really a matter of personal preference. I have examples of both and they are great guns, but I actually prefer the 627PC. I have large hands and like N frame guns.

 

[pearsonm]

Sorry for the stupid newbie question but with the GP are you supposed to be able to reach the cylinder release latch with your right thumb (assuming you’re right handed) while in a firing position? I’m asking because I’ve got medium-sized hands with unusually short thumbs. I tried on a GP this evening and couldn’t reach the latch without adjusting my grip which made me wonder if that particular gun is too big for me. The shop I was at didn’t have a 686 or SP101 for comparison.

Reloading is obviously a two-handed procedure so maybe this isn't critical. I can also see where you may want the latch to be clear of your thumb while firing so that the latch doesn't accidentally get bumped and release the cylinder.

I apologize if I'm not posting in the right thread but I'm also new and am considering these two guns.

 

[Lucky Derby]

You won't be opening the cylinder with your hand in the firing position. You need to adjust your grip anyway as you grab the front of the frame with your left hand and let go with the right to reload. Not a big deal.

 

[BigN]

Since you're a new owner/shooter of handguns, why not go with the least expensive of the two? Both are great guns as I own a GP-100 and have shot many 686's. If you go with the Ruger and for some reason you turn out to be "not a handgun guy," you'll be out less bucks. You could always sell it for sure. I think you'd be happy with either one though, should you choose to go that way. Neither Ruger nor S&W are even close to starting at the bottom of the rung.

 

[pearsonm]

Thanks Lucky Derby, that makes sense. My hands are so oddly proportioned that on the autoloader side I’ve ruled out anything with a safety/de-cocker mounted on the slide. I’m going to be renting some handguns soon and have narrowed things down to .38 revolvers (GP, SP and 636) and 9mm autos (XD and FNP). I’d already have a Glock but I’m having a hard time buying into the Safe Action Pistol design.

 

[outdoorsguy29]

Recommendation for beginner:S&W 686 or Ruger GP-100

Personally I think it depends on your finances and how much your willing to spend. If cost is no problem then either one will do. I've had no experience with the Ruger but I use to own a S&W 586 which is the blue version. I had no problems with it other than the grip being a little big width wise. If your talking about home defense then the barrel should be no longer than 4in. if you are looking for a carry gun then a snub nose 2 1/2 -3 in barrel is the ticket. There are many companies making snub nose so like I said before it just depends on how much your willing to spend. Personally I'd go for the Taurus 617. It's a 7-shot .357 plus you have the option of with hammer or w/o hammer making it a double action only.
As for ammo the four in barrel should be able to balance the recoil especially if the barrel is comped like the Taurus 608 ( which is what I have) which is an 8-shot .357 with any brand and grain. With snub nose I would go either with .38 ammo or 110 grain .357.

 

[RalphS]

This poll is 2 1/2 years old. How many times do we get to vote?

 

[TreeDoc]

New gun, ruger GP. Older used gun, Smith all the way

 

[doc2rn]

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

Wiser words have never been spoken. Make the gun what it is a tool, an extension of your arm. Make the platform you choose to be the best for you and you wont go wrong. For me it is the S&W mod 10 3" bull barrel. Even though I own a Colt diamondback and python, I would carry and go to the S&W because it shoots where I want it to without even having to think about it. Remember to get good grips that help it fit your hand, and good leather so that it always goes with you and you wont go wrong.

 

[skidder]

An older 686 against the GP100 would give me pause. Choosing between two new ones, the GP100 hands down.