Ruger or Smith and Wesson?

[miatchguy]

I've asked around in other forums trying to see what a good .357 to buy is, I shopped around and I've found two that I can't decide between, a Ruger GP100 6" and an S&W 686 8". Could you all tell me which one you like and why? Maybe even let me know of another .357 one that you like.

[Erich]

If I wanted a long-tube .357, I'd be happy with either of those. The Smith would have a better trigger (or, at least, every stock 686 I've ever handled has had a better trigger than every GP I've ever handled). The Ruger might be slightly more robust.

Sorry, dude, you're going to have to make a command-level decision on this one.

[miatchguy]

Thanks man, I've been asking around for 2 or 3 days now, no one can convince me which one is better. I know this is the last thing you should go by when buying a gun but I'm gonna have to go with the one that looks better, I'm gonna have to go with the 686. Thanks alot, but in any case, as soon as I get some extra money I can also buy the Ruger.

[miatchguy]

BTW, your name is Eric H.; name's Eric H. too, Eric Houser; that's what I go by anyway, just thought it was funny.

[Poohgyrr]

I prefer Smith's, but Ruger's aren't bad. For general purpose, I also prefer a 4" to maybe 6" barrel. For hunting or target, that 8" might be better.

[E357]

The general feeling is that the Ruger is somewhat stronger and the Smith usually has a better trigger. What will be your primary use? That 8 inch tube is long and heavy.

Elliot

[10-Ring]

I like the S&W's because there is just so much fine tuning you can do w/ that trigger

[NEtracker]

I have the 686 4 inch.
The longer barrel version will most likely have just as nice a trigger out of the box.

[Jim March]

The balance of the GP100 6" with the short shroud is amazing. Stable, but fast-handling. If part of what you want for a "woods gun" is something that can clear leather and point quick for cougar, boar or black bear at bad breath range, the 6" Ruger short-shroud will handle a lot better than that 8" S&W.

Other issues: if it's a wilderness survival gun, the Ruger is tougher and can be field-stripped without tools if it gets dropped in gunk or something.

If I was taking one gun deep into the woods to "do everything", it wouldn't even be a question as to which was more likely to get me home in one piece.

[YodaVader]

I have owned both at the same time back in the late 80's. The 686 was a 6" and the GP100 was a 4" stainless version. The Smith definitely had the better single action trigger - crisp and creep free. I shot the same loads through both guns , did not have special super duty Ruger loads. If I needed more than what the 357 offered in power I could go up to 44 mag or 444 Marlin. Both were extremely accurate. Probably would take a Ransom Rest or mounting a scope and using a benchrest to see which was more accurate - and then only with certain loads. To fire a few groups with a load or two and then to declare one being more accurate would not be a real test of the revolvers true accuracy potential.

The Ruger takedown to me was a pain in the rear. For cleaning purposes on the Smith you remove one screw and the cylinder/yoke assembly slides out and then separates. The Ruger yoke/cylinder slides out and does not separate once you have it out.

I liked the Smith's rear sight better - had much more precise feeling adjustments. Plus you can use the same tool to adjust both windage and elevation , where with Ruger you have to use two different size screwdirvers. I liked the Ruger front sight better , black serrated ramp. The Smith bubble gum insert front sight was like some kind of hold over from the Dirty Harry days. The GP 100 grips fit me very well - probably one of the reasons I was able to shoot it nearly as well as the Smith despite the less than ideal single action trigger pull. I like the double actions of both guns although I fired the Smith far more than the Ruger in double action.

With that said today my only 357 revolver is a 686. Still would not mind having a GP100 to compliment the 686 like I did 15 years ago! Both good guns!

[Hkmp5sd]

You can use my method when I faced that choice. Get both!

However, I like the Ruger better.

[miatchguy]

That is a great quote man.

[Standing Wolf]

I'd save my pennies for a pre-agreement Smith & Wesson. I don't do business with companies that seek to subvert the Bill of Rights.

[miatchguy]

Ok, I haven't been into this stuff very long; I keep hearing about this agreement S&W made with the anti-gun people, could someone tell me what it is?

[Nick96]

Since the poll results are so close (slight edge to Ruger), both are about the same size & weight, Ruger's cost less and are considered to be somewhat more durable than the S&W - the logical choice would seem to be Ruger.

[4v50 Gary]

Ruger. Tougher design.

[Leaky Waders]

I chose a 686...mines 4" though and very accurate.

If I were choosing between those two models I would most likely choose the ruger due to the barrel length - all things being equal.

I own quite a few rugers (just none of their double action revolvers). I think they are both good guns.

Before you buy you may want to check Jim March's revolver check out link - it's awesome.

v/r,
LW

PS I posted a link to the agreement issue in your other post.

[Ala Dan]

but I voted for the Smith & Wesson 686 (six shot) model!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[denfoote]

I still dislike S&W for political reasons!!

[miatchguy]

Ok, but from now on when you vote, only vote on the quality of the gun, don't let anything the companies have done affect that.

[MrPhil]

My favorite is the S&W 686, 6 inch. Excellent trigger, single and double action.

Rant "ON"
As far as RKBA goes: What about Bill "no citizen needs more than a 10-round mag" Ruger? The difference is that S&W made front page headlines and Bill Ruger screwed us on the sly. You can't tell me Smith and Wesson is any more or less guilty of greed motivated politics than Ruger! ALL of the big gun companies are playing this game. FOLLOW THE MONEY!
Rant "OFF"

[MJRW]

I own a 4" GP-100 and a 4" 686. Frankly, I like that Ruger better.

[NEtracker]

Just got back from a lunch session with my 686 4".
It's such a pleasure to shoot, & balances so well...
Boy, it's hot out there! The barrel & cylinder were heating up from the sun, not the .357's! Now, problem is, I need to clean it tonight!

[miatchguy]

Then how about you vote on it for me man, thanks.

[Poohgyrr]

I just reread your original post, and if you find a good used N frame Smith, with a 3.5" to 5" barrel, I'd really suggest you look closely at it. If it is in good mechanical condition, just put good grips that fit your hand, and then take it shooting. These can be really sweet shooters and hard to beat.

The same can be said for the K & L frames as well, shortening the barrel to include the 3"ers.