I was at the gun store today and was going to buy a 3 inch Ruger SP 101, but then saw a S&W 686 (used) in the case. It looked nice, in very nice shape, and was the same price as the new SP101. Which way should I go? Is a used 686 at the same price as a new SP101 a good deal? Help me out. THanks.
686-4 or SP-101?
- Thread starter TX1911fan
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Kurac
Member
I would take the 686-4
I will not buy another Ruger until S&W stops production
You also have to look at re-sale value, in this department S&W wins hands down.
I will not buy another Ruger until S&W stops production
You also have to look at re-sale value, in this department S&W wins hands down.
.45 Cal
Member
I've fired them both and personally prefer the SP101, which is what I own. I love the gun and will never sell it, so resale wasn't really a factor. Got a great deal on Gunsamerca, anyway. But I'm sure you can't go wrong with the Smith, so it's really about personal preference. If you haven't fired both, head down to the range.
RON in PA
Member
Your comparing apple and oranges. A full sized 6 shot Smith that weighs almost twice the SP101 with its smaller frame and 5 shots. What are you going to use the gun for? For concealed carry I'd advise the Ruger, but for a range gun and home defense the Smith. If you go for the Smith maybe the seller will haggle a bit.
I have both and both guns are excellent.
I have both and both guns are excellent.
I have a J-frame for concealed carry, so this is for the range and HD. I wanted to get a feel for the comparison, and it sounds like, all things considered, the Smith is a better gun, so it if is in good shape, for the same money, that would be the way to go.
By the way, I am looking at the 3 inch Ruger and the 4 inch Smith.
By the way, I am looking at the 3 inch Ruger and the 4 inch Smith.
Smith may have slightly better fit and finish, but the Ruger's lockwork makes it more likely to continue working if it's dropped out a second story window or something. Also much easier to detail strip. I'd say that the SP-101 probably ties the 686 in durability. It mostly would depend on what you like best. Forget about perceived "quality." Both are top-notch guns that will serve you and your descendents well if taken care of.
Well, if we're talking about a range/HD gun, then I would take a 4" 686 over a 3" SP-101 without hesitation. The Ruger is a terrific carry gun, but an L-frame S&W generally will work better at the range.TX1911fan said:
In my experience, the the K-, L-. and N-frame S&W revolvers I have handled have had better triggers and been more accurate than their Ruger counterparts. On top of that, you're comparing a relatively compact Ruger to a medium frame S&W. For a range/HD gun, it's no contest.
.45 Cal
Member
RON in PA, I was assuming the Smith model number given was the 5-shot small frame type, equivalent to the Ruger. Sorry for the confusion.
TX1911fan, I liked the SP101 because for a snubbie I find it far more accurate than I'd anticipated, even moreso than the Smith. The Ruger just fits better in my hand, feels like a natural extension of my grip.
TX1911fan, I liked the SP101 because for a snubbie I find it far more accurate than I'd anticipated, even moreso than the Smith. The Ruger just fits better in my hand, feels like a natural extension of my grip.
I'll take a ruger please.Apples and oranges. The SP 101 is a small framed 5 shot revolver, only really suitable for CCW and home defense. The 686 is a medium framed revolver suited for home defense and target shooting. If CCW is important, get the SP 101. If target shooting is important, get a GP 100 (so you don't have to deal with the S&W lock).
cslinger
Member
Really cannot go wrong with either but like the above says, kind of apples to oranges. Personally I think the 686 makes the better all around revolver where the SP101 is more specialized.
Chris
Chris
Yes $350 is a good price if its in very good to excellent shape. The first model 686 to have the internal lock is the -6. Last hammer mounted firing pin was the -4, and the -5 has no lock, and the transfer bar. Again, if the use of the gun will be range and home defense, the Smith wins out in this case. The SP101 would have the advantage over the Smith if the purpose was concealed carry. They really are revolvers for two different purposes.
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