.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
Status
Not open for further replies.
In post 5, I wrote:

Prediction: Your poll will get roughly equal numbers.
Click to expand...
So far, it's clear that I was wrong about that. SW has never been in the lead in this poll.

Currently, Ruger has 87 votes to 54 SW. (SW has only 62% the votes that Ruger does.)

Very interesting. :scrutiny:
 
No secret that I'm a huge fan of the 686. I've never felt a better factory trigger, and of course it's as reliable as the sun coming up.

However the Ruger isn't going to exactly break in half on you either, and if cost is a factor.....well, you know.

I'll just agree with most folks and say you can't really go wrong either way. Just make sure you shoot them both before you decide.
 
I voted GP-100.

I own both pre-lock S&W's and GP-100's. Both are reliable, durable and accurate. I simply prefer the feel of the GP-100.
 
Nematocyst said:
In post 5, I wrote:

So far, it's clear that I was wrong about that. SW has never been in the lead in this poll.

Currently, Ruger has 87 votes to 54 SW. (SW has only 62% the votes that Ruger does.)

Very interesting. :scrutiny:
Click to expand...

I think that the difference might lie in that it's a beginner asking what's suitable for him as a first handgun. The price difference alone probably is a major factor in the Ruger's lead.

That said, I first expected S&W to be ahead.
 
I have the GP-100. I fell in love with it when I rented it at the range. I think it is beautiful! I saved my money and bought it for a Christmas present to myself. It felt good/balanced in my small hands. However, I own a S&W (not a 686) and love it too! But I do prefer Ruger.
 
GP-100 was my 2nd handgun. I bought it as a beginner revolver, and liked it, but ended up selling it because I couldn't do anything with it. It was a plinker to me, since I tried carrying it once and it took my pants off. I had it in a backpack while hiking once and it was just too much even there.

Granted, things have changed, and if I was interested in a 38/357 revolver now, I would probably do the smith. However, cost is less of an issue for me now than it was then, and shooting the biggest damn gun/load i can find has less appeal as well.

It is worthy to note that these days unless you buy brand spanking new (and sometimes even when you do) and you come to dislike any gun you have, as long as you took as good care of it as you were supposed to, you can usually sell it for near what you bought it for. This was my logic when I bought my girlfriend her first handgun. She doesn't like it? Fine! We'll just 'trade it in'. No worries :)
 
that Ruger will never loosen up even with a lifetime of hi-power 158gr loads.
spend a little more and get the s/s.
I didn't vote the poll, what sort of a brain-twister is that you would crazy trying to choose the best of the 2.
 
I have a 4" 686-3 that is beautiful. I just bought a 4" GP100 in stainless just cause I always like them and I got it LNIB for $350. The S&W is a bit sexier, but the modular design of the Ruger is awesome. Dropping out the trigger group and dropping in a hammer is a huge plus.

I wouldn't buy any S&W with a lock. The 686 I have cost me $200 more than the Ruger is similar shape.
 
Come on guys, get over the “Ruger is built like a tank” line. The Ruger is so "heavy" because of the way it's made. The frame has to be thicker to achieve the same strength of the slightly smaller S&W frame. Ruger's Investment Casting process requires a physically larger frame than the forged Steel S&W frame. A S&W L frame is just as reliable as the Ruger. Like I said above, both are quality guns.
 
Can't go wrong with either but I put in for the Ruger simply based on its price point being far less than a 686. If I were buying for myself then it would be the 686 or even more likely an N frame 627.
 
UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

Well after 2+ years - I finally have my new to me 686+ 4" :)

I had been living in NYC for the past 8 years and the handgun permit was just not going to happen no matter how hard I tried even talking with lawyers and a judge - well, two weeks ago I moved to AZ with my wife (she got promoted and relocated for work), and I've finally been able to buy a handgun, or four :D

Did my research, shot the hell out of a bunch of different models, and finally was able to hunt down a like new S&W 686 Plus with NO INTERNAL LOCK! Hell yeah!!! Even sweeter was that I was able to get her for less than a new Ruger GP100. Picked her up from my FFL yesterday and put two boxes through - what a SWEEEEEEET and accurate gun. Will be a great brush gun.

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I have been a long time hunter and shooter - own multiple shotguns and hunting rifles that were not an issue to own in NYC (the NYC rifle/shotgun permit is rather easy to get - just expensive), but am just in heaven getting into handguns here in AZ... Also picked up Glock 26 that I have already put 2,000+ rounds through and have been carrying, a Glock 30 in OD and a S&W 642 to carry when its gets a bit hotter and for my wife. Have my CCW permit class tomorrow and I'm just really psyched.

Here are my handguns thus far - feel pretty content (but I think a 1911 is in my future) - S&W 686+, S&W 642, Glock Gen 4 G26 & Glock 30 in OD:
cde0c63a.gif

Thanks for all the help and replies!!!!!!!
-Harry
 
Last edited:
ArmedBear said:
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.
Click to expand...
+1 on this! I have two 686P 3-inch revolvers, one has the Ahrends boot grip and is one of my "while wearing a coat" carry guns. My advice is to not worry about the lock....it is a little "ugly" but the Smiths are definitely nice pieces. I also own Rugers, and they are the more "utilitarian" of the two brands...me, I prefer the Smith forgings to the Ruger investment castings. Nothing wrong with the Ruger investment castings whatsoever...just a personal preference thing.
 
TrailWolf said:
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!
Click to expand...
If you don't mind blued steel ole' Colt police-type .357s are nice for HD and range use. Considering prices of sainted Pythons these ole' cop-type guns are surprisingly affordable. Colt came before S&W I'm not going to even mention Buger.
 
I don't think you can make a wrong choice here.

I'd be proud to own either...

When I had to make the decision, I chose the Gp100.

Your 686 does look sweet though ;)
 
It's a -5, right? Internal firing pin, no lock, MIM lockwork? Mid/late 90's manufacture I believe. I have almost the same revolver but 6". It is fantastic, the trigger is phenomenal. I just picked up a 649-3, the shrouded hammer j-frame this weekend, the wife took it immediately, and it is almost just like the 686 but smaller, with regards to the trigger and calibre at least. I have a 340PD similar to your hammerless .38 there too, but it weighs even less. With mags, it kicks like a mule. I also have the mini glocks, but in 10mm and .40. So to say "nice collection" is kind of like tooting my own horn! Still, nice indeed. A 1911 is missing... Say we both get Ed Browns and keep the similarities going? Or is this where we part ways?

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again, I've shot five of seven 140gr. Hornady XTP handloads into a sillhouette at 300m on an Army range. Of course I had to fire a some rounds first to figure out where to aim, but still... The revolver is amazing and I feel those were some of the best ones to ever come out of their factory.

But alas, my 686+ is in need of a new cylinder and cylinder stop --it no longer locks up tight like it did. Too many full power loads over the years, you can see the wear on the cylinder in the stops. Doesn't always strike the primer dead on. Time to go back to its home to be repaired (and upgraded). But it took abuse that killed other revolvers, literally. All for just over $200 in '99!
 
Thank you very much guys!! I've had a lot of free time here before my new job starts next week so I've been trying to get to the gun club every day to shoot - its phenomenal seeing how my shooting has changed in just a few weeks of daily practice.

An added plus is that my wife really loves shooting the 686, and does quite well with it. Shes very afraid of the Glocks, but the perceived simplicity of the 686 really appeals to her. Also, the recoil of .38s out of this hunk of steel feels like youre shooting BBs :)

Thanks again!
-Harry
 
Strykervet said:
It's a -5, right? Internal firing pin, no lock, MIM lockwork? Mid/late 90's manufacture I believe. I have almost the same revolver but 6". It is fantastic, the trigger is phenomenal. I just picked up a 649-3, the shrouded hammer j-frame this weekend, the wife took it immediately, and it is almost just like the 686 but smaller, with regards to the trigger and calibre at least. I have a 340PD similar to your hammerless .38 there too, but it weighs even less. With mags, it kicks like a mule. I also have the mini glocks, but in 10mm and .40. So to say "nice collection" is kind of like tooting my own horn! Still, nice indeed. A 1911 is missing... Say we both get Ed Browns and keep the similarities going? Or is this where we part ways?

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again, I've shot five of seven 140gr. Hornady XTP handloads into a sillhouette at 300m on an Army range. Of course I had to fire a some rounds first to figure out where to aim, but still... The revolver is amazing and I feel those were some of the best ones to ever come out of their factory.

But alas, my 686+ is in need of a new cylinder and cylinder stop --it no longer locks up tight like it did. Too many full power loads over the years, you can see the wear on the cylinder in the stops. Doesn't always strike the primer dead on. Time to go back to its home to be repaired (and upgraded). But it took abuse that killed other revolvers, literally. All for just over $200 in '99!
Click to expand...
Yup its a -5. Really wanted to get a -4, but I know beggars cant be choosers and I was lucky to find a 7 shot -5 to begin with - I can't imagine the trigger being any sweeter anyway. I think a 640 or similar snubbie all steel revolver is next on my list - cant argue with the weight of my 642 for summer carry, but there is NO feeling like a solid hunk of steel - thinking the Ruger SP101 might do the trick.

How is S&W at replacing parts for their older guns? Is their customer service pretty good and reasonable? Do they offer a "spa treatment" where they give your gun a once over and polish it up?

Hahaha an Ed Brown sounds VERY VERY nice - I say lets go for it :D
 
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