357 Magnum Dilemma

[Skylerbone]

I would keep the Smith. BTW, the Ruger isn't really beefier, its the investment casting that makes it seem that way. It has to be thicker to equal the strength of forged steel. (or so I'm told)

I have shot both and like both but there is just something about the S&W that I like better.

Actually grew up with that claim as well. It was as false then as it is today.

 

[borrowedtime69]

If it were me I would give the Smith and keep the gp 100 & get the trigger done. That Ruger will keep going with +P+ ammo all day long, built like a tank! I miss mine. But they're over my budget for the revolver and stocking up on .357. Just in my humble opinion. I mean no disrespect to the Smith though!

 

[Targa]

Between the two as described the S&W gets my vote without hesitation. Now if they were both current models you can change that to the Ruger.

 

[ThomasT]

I would keep both guns and give him $800 and let him pick the gun HE wants. Take him to several gun stores and let him look and feel different guns. And see what they cost. Knowing and seeing what you spent on him may make him appreciate what he was given a little more.

 

[hemiram]

I would keep the S&W. I don't currently have a 686, but I greatly preferred my old one over any Ruger guns I had.

 

[xphunter]

I would keep the S&W

 

[roval]

i would say the smith but i don't get it.

you say it has a good trigger( which i am sure it does- it is a smith and wesson) and yet you never shot it. what is the advantage of a good trigger in something you never shoot. if you dry fired it enough then it will have a turn line anyway. so why not enjoy it and shoot it. if you are not going to shoot it give it to your son but don't feel bad if he shoots more than 100 rds through it the first range session.

 

[SDGlock23]

Definitely keep the S&W, especially since it doesn't have the "Hillary hole" and give your son the Ruger. I happen to like the GP100 better but in this case I'd keep the S&W.

 

[Anchorite]

I have both. If I had to pick, I’d keep the Smith. FWIW.

 

[tallpaul]

keepboth! but shoot them and take him with you! Buy him another- and then give him them upon your death

 

[Meeks36]

If he’s under 30 the Ruger. 30+ the smith. I know how I treated my pistols “growing” up. I take immaculate care of mine now. Just turned 39. But as always you know him better then we do. If still undecided flip a coin.

 

[joneb]

My wife and I went shooting two 38 spl short barreled revolvers, one was S&W mod 36 w/a 1 7/8" and the other was a Taurus mod 85 w/a 2" barrel rated for +p. We shot at paper targets from 5-7and 10 yrds. After shooting both I asked her which one she liked best, she now has my Taurus 85
To be honest I would be happy with either one, knowing my loved one is comfortable with their gun is comforting to me

 

[Cornhusker77]

Keep both and give him a Cabela's gift certificate.

 

[chicharrones]

I have a new, (yes new) S&W 686. (No Dash) 4in bought in 1984.
Also have a like new Ruger GP100 SS 4in (less than 250 rd ) bought new 1998
Going to give my son one for Christmas. I'm just not sure what one I want to keep. I'm leaning towards the S&W. Only reason is I want to go and shoot it. I love the feel and look of both. The GP is a bit beefer, but can't compare in the smoothness of the hammer pull and trigger pull.
The S&W feels a tad better holding it.
If you had t keep one. What'd t be?

Sounds like the S&W is the one for you to keep. Your son ought to be plenty happy with the GP100.

 

[bannockburn]

Had a GP100 and a S&W Model 686-no dash and could only keep one as the other one was being sold to pay for school.

Kept the S&W and sold the Ruger. Easiest decision I ever made as the Model 686 was so much better in terms of it's fit and finish, handling and balance, and how great that trigger was right out of the box!

 

[I6turbo]

The Smith is the way, way more desirable gun for me to own, handle, and shoot. I don't know if that means I'd give my son the Smith, or if it means I'd sell the Ruger and buy another no-dash Smith, THEN choose which Smith to give him.

 

[I6turbo]

Had a GP100 and a S&W Model 686-no dash and could only keep one as the other one was being sold to pay for school.

Kept the S&W and sold the Ruger. Easiest decision I ever made as the Model 686 was so much better in terms of it's fit and finish, handling and balance, and how great that trigger was right out of the box!
View attachment 1036445

Buddy, you need to get that gun out and shoot it some. It looks like it's been kept wrapped in swaddling clothes for about 40 years.

 

[I6turbo]

Keep the Smith, I like it better than my Python
View attachment 1035170

That does not surprise me. I've never owned a Python, but a few friends/shooting buddies/acquaintances have, and I've had the opportunity to get familiar with them. I would not trade my no-dash 686 for one.

 

[bannockburn]

I6turbo

Buddy, you need to get that gun out and shoot it some. It looks like it's been kept wrapped in swaddling cloths for about 40 years.

Don't let it's shiny appearance fool you (thank you Mother's Mag Polish), it has been used some over the years. But you're right, I must admit that most of my range time nowadays is with those new-fangled self-loading pistols. I really should make an effort to get back to my wheelgun heritage.

 

[ms6852]

I6turbo


Don't let it's shiny appearance fool you (thank you Mother's Mag Polish), it has been used some over the years. But you're right, I must admit that most of my range time nowadays is with those new-fangled self-loading pistols. I really should make an effort to get back to my wheelgun heritage.
View attachment 1036720

I carried a 1911 for 40 years and every time I would go to the range I would take my 686 no dash and python and shoot them. Just loved shooting the S&W so much that I decided to retire my 1911 and carry the 686+ with 3" barrel, it is a marriage made in heaven.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Personally, I’d keep the Smith. Will it to him after, but for now the Ruger will serve him well.

 

[Rodfac]

give him $800 and let him pick the gun HE wants. Take him to several gun stores and let him look and feel different guns. And see what they cost. Knowing and seeing what you spent on him may make him appreciate what he was given a little more.

This is darned good advice from Thomas T. Few adults, let alone young folks truly appreciate the cost and care of a self owned firearm. Rod

 

[Thomasss]

Go trade the GP for another Smith. Problem solved.

 

[Dibbs]

Keep the Smith

The S&W, on resale value, alone. The GP100 is a nice gun, he'll be glad to have it.

 

[WisBorn]

Which one does your son like?
Give him that one.
Are you going to live forever?
Wouldn't the joy of handing down a gift that means a great deal to you have more value than it sitting in a safe?

Giving the love of firearms to someone I care about is worth more than the guns are!