3" gp vs 3" 686+

[crawdaddy]

Went to the Gun shop today. I was looking for a 3" Gp100, didn't find it but...I did take a look at the following:
1- 4" GP100 blued used
2- 3" SP101 new
3- LCR new
4- 3" 686+ new
I didn't walk out with anything mostly because I liked them all to much to just buy one. plus I only had $500 cash just for a used 3" GP.
My Questions are is there an after market grip for the gp similar to the stock grip on the 686? It was rubber but it was relatively compact and had a good feel to it. I tried to tell a difference but i couldn't tell is the 686 frame bigger than the GP? if so I'm guessing not by much. I really had my mind set on the 3" GP but now I can't get the 686+ out of my head. If anybody has any information on these topics I would appreciate your replies. Thanks

 

[harmon rabb]

i have some good news for you. you can't go wrong with any of your choices, although keep in mind that the LCR is not a 357.

 

[wnycollector]

You might want to check out this 2.75" blue Speed Six. http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=131826085

Even with Shipping and transfer you are ~$100 below your $500 budget. The speed six is considered by many to be the best .357 CCW around. I carry a 2.75" Security Six when out in the woods.

 

[crawdaddy]

The LCR maybe an option way in the future, but for now I really want the 3" GP100, I'm just wondering if I could make it feel like the 686+. Originally I was between the GP and the SP both 3", and I'll probably get an sp one day but for now I want a semi small easy to shoot 6 shot revolver, so grips are my immediate concern, although some other modifications will also be in order.

 

[harmon rabb]

You can get new grips. I have hogue grips in my GP100 that are awesome.

 

[snorko]

I own and like all of the guns on your list except for the LCR which I have handled but not shot. If you plan on carrying this I would rank them as 686+, then 3" GP and last 3" SP101. The SP101 in 3" is a great gun but is big for a 5 shot revolver. The GP is great and built like a tank but a little heavy. The 7 shot 686 is really smooth and just fits my hand.

 

[crawdaddy]

nother question... do all grips that fit the sp101 fit the GP100? I thought I heard they did

 

[MortalWombat]

No, the SP101 and GP100 have different sized grip frames, and their grips are not interchangeable. But if you have a fixed sight GP100 with the original Ruger grips, the grip insert on the fixed sight GP100 is the same size as the grip insert for the SP101.

 

[indiandave]

I have a 4" model 686 that I really like. Guess you know what I would recommend.

 

[bangkok]

I had a 6" 686+ that I sold a few years back, I could just slap myself! What a great wheelgun.

 

[Dogbite]

Yeah, as others have said, they are both excellent. The Smith is a wee bit "smoother" and the GP100 a wee bit stronger. I have had slicked up versions of both, and stupidly sold the GP. Everyone that shot it wanted it, and finally I caved-not wise. I use the 6" powerport pre lock 686 as my night stand gun.

 

[crawdaddy]

I guess what i want and what i need to start looking for is a Security Six with 2 3/4" barrel? I like the adjustable sights and i've heard the trigger is much better. are there any major differences between the GP and SS?

 

[wnycollector]

Crawdaddy, follow the link in my previous post. The speed six in the auction is a round butt and fixed sight revolver. Very nice combo for a CCW. My security six is square butt and adjustable sights. I carry it LOTS, never had a problem with the adjustable sights snagging. The difference in OAL between round and square is 1/4"...not a big deal IMOO.

The major differences between GP and Sixes are:
-GP beefier frame
-Sixes have a full frame, while GP's have the "stub" frame.
-The biggest difference is $$$ I see 4" SS sixes in my neck of the woods in the $265-300 range. I picked up my SS snub six for $275. GP100's are going for at least $400.

 

[Walkalong]

I really like my 2 1/2" 686, great gun. It has combat grips on it.

 

[Fishman777]

My choice...

I think that the GP100 and SP101 are the best designs, but this is a tough call.

The single six doesn't have a triple locking cylinder, so I wouldn't put it in the same category.

If it were me, this is what I'd do...

3" GP100 with custom grip. The stock GP100s have the same grip as the 4" and the 6" models. I would get the GP100 and get a smaller grip made for it.

If having at least six shots was important, I'd go for either the .327 SP101 or a 686+.

If not, the SP101 in 3" in .357 magnum.

 

[MrBill120]

Walkalong - Is you 2 1/2" 686 a 6 shot or a 7 shot?
I'm kinda sorta interested in that gun...just not sure if I want a 6 or 7 shot. (I kinda like the traditional 6 shot...)

 

[Walkalong]

6 shot, no lock, no mim, available reasonable if you are patient.

This is what I have, although mine is not quite as nice and I gave right around $400 for it. I choose the cheaper of two guns I was looking at. I wish now I had bought the nicer one. I really like it.

 

[L-Frame]

My personal favorite handgun ever is a GP-100 3" with the old style compact rubber/wood insert grips.