Gp100 vs. 686: accuracy only.

With a load that the individual gun likes the difference would be nill. The trick is finding the load combination that works in the individual weapon. I know both guns to be more accurate than most shooters I've ever seen given the right loading.

My vote was for neither but the Ruger still wins my heart every time.

Unless there's a factory flaw in either of those guns, they should both be accurate enough to do anything you need. It's going to come down to you finding out which fits you better and enables you to shoot it more accurately.

Once the bullet starts to move it's a wash. However, I really prefer the S&W trigger and that plays a major role in group size. $.02

both of my gp's are more accurate than I am. I think it mostly comes down to the shooter on these 2 peices.

Add one

Hello all,
Can I add in the Dan Wesson?
Mine have really good triggers and I can change the barrel length also

Well ... to be honest ... I've never owned a GP-100, just a few 686s ... however, a buddy has both a 4-inch and a 6-inch GP-100, both at least six or eight years old or so, that we've shot against my 686s (4, 5 and 6 inchers) ... they seem to compare favorably -- but we've not measured groups. We're serious shooters (well, my buddy is much more of a revolver guru than I am) and I can't say we've noted that either the Ruger or Smith is noticeably better than the other ... However, hands-down, the 686s have a better trigger pull. Guess it comes down to the ol' brand loyalty -- Ford or Chevy, eh?

Gee, and I almost went for "it's a draw."

heh heh! 2 to 1 so far...

I own a 686 and my father owns a GP100, either guns are top in my book. If I were to choose between them the 686 would edge it out simply due to what I feel is a smoother trigger which gives me a more consistent groping.

In my experience, I prefer the S&W's...specifically the 6 shot 686s

I have owned both, and scoped both. My 4" full lug GP was unreal for accuracy, right at an inch at 50 yards with a load it liked. The best 686 I have had was a 6" gun, it was nearly an inch and a half at 50 yards and less tolerant of different loadings.

The Smith was far more shootable, and the GP was sold. The 686 is gone now too, but it really is a wash as far as pracitcal accuracy goes. There are examples of both that really shine and really poor guns too. Luck of the draw has more to do with getting the more accurate of the two than brand name, but the Smith will be more shootable.

In my book it's a draw.

We can argue all day about looks, durability (in thirty plus years of shooting I've yet to wear out a Ruger or a S&W), feel, fit, finish, etc.

In the end, my experience has been either model is capable of shooting much better than I can.

Growler said:

I own a 686 and my father owns a GP100, either guns are top in my book. If I were to choose between them the 686 would edge it out simply due to what I feel is a smoother trigger which gives me a more consistent groping.

Click to expand...

In my younger days, I used to be quite consistent at groping. Now I'm over 60, I just really don't care. 686 is smoother than a GP, but, polish everything in sight and install a spring kit, you will be pleasantly surprised how good a GP double action can be. You can also use the Ruger for a hammer in a pinch.

Tshank,

Welcome to the forum! Hmmm, I am only 57... and still enjoy, and according to my wife I am still quite adept at, 'groping'.

The 6" GP-100 looks bulkier, but only weighs 2 oz more than the 6-shot 686 (46 vs 44 oz). Strength wise, they would be even - forged & heat treated S&W vs cast Ruger. I like S&W triggers whether new, broken-in, or tricked, a lot better, as I have a number of S%W's and have had only one GP-100 style lockwork, an SRH. I would opt for whichever one felt better.

My only 6" .357 Magnum is a 66, a great half lug easy pointing revolver, sporting Ahrends stocks and a HiViz front sight. Fun revolver. I do have a 5" half lug 686+, the 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' from '04, that is similarly attired - and another great piece. Both have only seen my admittedly wimpy reloads - 158gr plated RN @900 fps max. Great plinker/steel plate rounds.

Stainz

The GP100 trigger is easily cleaned up and, in fact, will clean itself up with time. The pull is easily tuned, too, by changing to a little lighter spring without negatively affecting reliability. Stock springs are overly stiff.

I cleaned up my Security Six to the point it rivaled my friends Python, which is probably the best out of the box trigger on any DA revolver ever made. A gunsmith can do it for minimal expense. The Smith's trigger is not so easily worked. Not sure how much can be done with it, but I'm sure a gunsmith could help it, too. Just that the GP100s is so easily cleaned up and lightened, I don't let trigger keep me from liking it. In fact, it's pretty decent stock out of the box, especially single action.

What I really like about the GP100 vs other DA .357s is its strength. It's design is so much stronger than a side plate revolver. Every part of the design is for strength. This is one STRONG service revolver.

I whole heartedly vote for the 686

Have both... too close to call but here's my 2 cents:

The 686, out of the box, has a much smoother action and trigger. I think most people are going to find it to be more accurate.

But inherently, if they were both set into some sort of rest, the accuracy should be too close to tell.

I'm with most of the others, there is no appreciable difference in accuracy between the two.

I'll add my 2 cents about the guns.

I own a 6" GP-100 and love it. I polished up the internals and installed a Wolff hammer spring (the weight one step down from factory). The trigger is smoother than a factory 686 and is lighter. BUT, there's no way to overcome the inherent geometry in a GP-100 trigger, it will always have a longer DA pull than the smith.
I'd love a 686, but considering the price and my low income I'm completely happy with my GP-100 and will never get rid of it.