Best value .357 poll + unrelated question

I voted GP100 "(+)"..... Unless the + means the 7 shot version, in which case I just don't know.

But ignoring the questionable nature of the 7 shot version of the GP100, I will now elaborate on my choice.

I've owned maybe 6 GP100s, and currently have 2. I've owned 2 686s (7 shots both), and currently own only 1. I've also inspected a number of such revolvers prior to purchasing, looking for the best examples I can find locally. All of these guns were made this century, with the quality (or lack there of) typically seen in that couple decades. Which is to say, no great attention paid to fit and finish. Older guns may be of better quality, but my experience is with what you can buy new today. And it's a crap shoot, unless you know what to look for.

Having said, I think the GP100 is a better design overall and likely to suffer less wear from usage, particularly with hotter loads. The 686 has nicer factory sights, a shorter DA trigger pull, is more attractive (to me anyway), and is a more refined firearm in general. However, there are more screws to loosen up over time, more delicate teeth on the star/ratchet, and a smaller and more delicate hand/pawl. I've also noticed on every model I've recently inspected that the cylinder only barely locks before the hammer falls with a double action trigger pull. This is a timing issue waiting to happen in my opinion. Conversely, the GP100 locks up well in advance of the hammer fall, and is generally built to withstand more heavy usage. It's trigger though, despite being easy to smooth out (they can be tuned nicely), will never have as short of a stroke as the 686, and the lock time is slightly longer on the GP.

As far as other options, there is likely something superior to them both. But I don't have any experience with Colts, or Dan Wessons.

Voted 686. I think it's plenty strong enough for caliber. Haven't really seen a shot out 686.

For me the Smith can put round on top of round. I've owned several gp 100s, and they shot groups. Maybe it's hand shape but I shoot the smiths so much better.

With Ruger raising the price of their guns, they'll likely be inside of a hundred dollar difference buying new. The better accuracy is worth it to me.

If we are talking current production revolvers, and what you get for the dollars spent, I'd now go with a Colt King Cobra Target (4" barrel).

Better fit and finish, much better trigger, a nice, ergonomically sized package typically demonstrating superior accuracy.

Light, but with the full underlug, manages recoil well. I'd give the 686 the edge on quality of sights (they're very good), but I will no longer buy S&W's with the pimple on the side, it may be trivial, but it simply annoys me on principle (and, allegedly more MIM parts than the Colt). My last 686 was a 5" +model, half-lugged stocking dealers' special that came with Ahrends finger groove coco bolo grips, looked great (except for that pesky left sideplate) but was only an average shooter, and for whatever reasons, I never really warmed to it.

On proven durability, the Rugers have that going for them, but my GP-100 was a decidedly heavy, clunky piece that my hand never adapted to, and was cursed with a crappy trigger.. Yes, the Colt's MSRP is higher than the S&W and Ruger. But you get what you pay for.

And Season 1 of Happy Days was the only watchable season (it got stupid long before Fonzie jumped the shark), and replacing "Rock Around the Clock" was a huge mistake.

1. The original Happy Days song

I chose the GP100, but I have the 6 round version and I only have 1. I own several Smith & Wessons, though not a 686…yet!
I bought the GP100 on the advice of some folks I respect and I must say I am very happy I did. It’s accurate and reliable and once I got used to the DA trigger I absolutely enjoy shooting it.
The GP100 was less money to purchase. It’s utilitarian appearance and basic black rubber grip isn’t sexy but it makes up for it with the way it shoots. I really like mine.

Decades long user of S&W revolvers
in double action. Buy my loyalty has
faded quite a bit, especially with the
latest products.

Ruger GP100 remains a solid choice and
what faults it has can be corrected fairly
easily. Excellent value.

And this brings me to the Colt Python 2020
and the new Colt King Cobras----NOT the
older model Pythons or Cobras.

Old Dog, head up! I now believe you've been
right all along regarding the Python 2020 and
the King Cobras. While the Python 2020 is
certainly more expensive than comparable
Smiths or the Ruger GP100, value isn't always
just in the price. Pure quality matters too.

So I'll say it again, Old Dog, you've been right
all along.

I voted 686. With revo prices up, there seems to be less of a difference. When you could get a gp for 550, I would have voted differently.

But I do not think you would go wrong with either.

I have a 4” 686+ 7-shot and a 4” GP 100 6-shot .357.

The GP has a tank-like feel, but Ill admit the trigger feel on the 6-shot GP isn’t close to the feel of the L-Frame S&W. Both are accurate in my fair-to-middlin’ hands. Of the two, the GP .357 would be sold before the 686+ goes.

YMMV

Stay safe.

I tell ya what sounds better than any version of Happy Days music. Firing a cylinder full of .357 magnum on target as quick as you can. That's a rhythm I can listen to over and over.

Value is purely subjective. For me, the value in a .357Magnum is it's ability to lead a running target and balance in my palm while walking. The 6-1/2" Ruger Blackhawk fills those bills perfectly. Next to the Blackhawk I'd put the EMF/Great Western (Pietta) 5-1/2" "Standard Californian." I have a stainless model that's been modified quite a bit but was really a nice gun right out of the box.

A great value for the money.

A six shot S&W 586 or 686 gets my vote. I like the way they look and shoot.

But, you can't fault the robustness of the GP-100. They just look frumpy to me. (I do have a 44 Special and 327 Fed Mag GP100 but no 357 Mag GP100)

My idea of value is bang for the buck. With that, my vote would have to go towards one of Taurus’s mid size frame offerings.

IMHO, the "best value" 357 is an Uberti ElPatron Grizzly Paw with 5.5" barrel.
Having looked at a few, their quality seems to be more consistent than run of the mill Uberti, action is smooth, the grip is very comfortable, sights more pronounced, 5.5" barrel provides a good ballistic balance.

A few years ago you when you could find a Dan Wesson Model 15-2 for $500 I would've chosen "other". Now they're priced as high as a GP100 or 686 which I feel are a equal value for the money depending on which trigger you prefer. After owning three GP100s before shooting Smiths & DWs I'm finding it easier to stay on target with the shorter trigger pulls. I like variety and enjoy them all.

For me, GP-100:

Why?

1. Costs less then a Smith and Wesson.

2. It’s trigger pull can be improved by an average user through a shim kit and Wolf springs.

3. No side plate which means less screws to back out on their own / check.

4. The grip can be made from very small to very large with a variety of aftermarket options.

5. There are more versions of the GP100 available than there are S&W so one can likely find a variant they like.

6. No internal lock to possibly go wrong.

7. Outstanding warranty support.

-Stan

stonebuster said:

A few years ago you when you could find a Dan Wesson Model 15-2 for $500 I would've chosen "other". Now they're priced as high as a GP100 or 686 which I feel are a equal value for the money depending on which trigger you prefer. After owning three GP100s before shooting Smiths & DWs I'm finding it easier to stay on target with the shorter trigger pulls. I like variety and enjoy them all.

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With two 15-2 frames and five barrel/shrouds at home, I certainly think the DW’s are the most versatile mid-frame .357’s.

Being out of production hurts, though.

Stay safe.

Voted for the GP100 but it could easily be the Ruger Security-Six. I have both, with 6 inch barrels. They balance great for me, the triggers are smooth if not very light, and they both are equally darn accurate. A reasonably priced used copy of either Ruger, if you can find one, is a tremendous value. I shoot mostly 38 specials these days but like the idea that my guns could handle atomic level 357 loads if needed. (So as not to complicate matters, I won't mention the moral superiority of the 357 magnum Blackhawk.)

Jeff

The best value for me is the no-dash 586 or 686. (I could probably live with a "low-dash" model but I'd just hunt down a no-dash since they're pretty easy to find.) I buy guns for my satisfaction and those two are the most satisfying revolvers I've ever had in my hands, so even if I could save some money with something else, it wouldn't be a good value. Specifically to your listed choices, the Rugers don't do the trick for me.

I forgot to mention earlier that I dearly love my S&W revolvers. Up until I bought that GP100 I had never owned a Ruger DA. I have owned a few of their SA revolvers.
The OP mentioned “Best Value”. In my opinion a good shooting reliable gun that costs at least $200 less than a possibly “better” shooting reliable gun equates to “best value”.
Also, I have very limited experience with Colt’s and even less with Taurus and none with other makers, so my opinion is actually biased, I guess you could say.
Have a great day.

I have different variations of both and like them both. They both have pros and cons...

The S&W M-66 no-dash I bought 15 years ago for $265.

Really? Hands down, best “value” is an EAA at 300 bucks.

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Ru4real said:

Really? Hands down, best “value” is an EAA at 300 bucks.

View attachment 1083142

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You have one? How do you like it?

My vote would be other, although the poll doesn't mention new or old.
686-4 and before, all the way.