I am in the market for a heavy frame 357. Right now, I have an S & W MP340 J-frame as a concealed carry weapon, and a Ruger Redhawk 44 magnum as my home protection handgun. I feel that the Redhawk is too much gun for home defense (I carry it on hunting and fishing trips, and it is perfect for this). I love my j-frame for it's intended purpose, however, I don't want to let them get that close if they're in my home. Hence the 44, which, with its magnum load, is hard to rapidly bring on target again, plus it is not gun that my wife likes to use. I want something that I (and my wife) can comfortably fire 357 home defense loads through, which is obviously not the j-frame. A couple of months ago, a friend of mine let me fire his 686 seven shot, 4 in. barrel at the range, and it was "like butter". I flat out loved it. I think I might like to get this with the 6 in. barrel, but I have also read a lot about the GP100, rave reviews. So, I know that the 686 is an excellent revolver, and I suspect that the GP100 is, but what I would like is to get some advice and recommendations based on the finer points. I know the 686 is pricier, but I am willing to pay if the quality is higher.
686 vs. GP100
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Torian
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They are both outstanding revolvers for the money. The 686 might have a slightly better trigger...but so many of these things are subjective. Whatever feels better in your hands.
My favorite heavy frame is my 627 Performance Center 357 (8 shot). It sits in a higher price bracket of course, but it stands above every other revolver I've handled to date.
My favorite heavy frame is my 627 Performance Center 357 (8 shot). It sits in a higher price bracket of course, but it stands above every other revolver I've handled to date.
Dan-O
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Might want to use the search function. This horse has been beaten to hell and back.....and then some.
That being said, I have a 3", 4", and 6" GP100, and I would never get rid of any of them.
That being said, I have a 3", 4", and 6" GP100, and I would never get rid of any of them.
Messenger Guard
Member
Both are good. It really boils down to your preference. I'm most comfortable with Smith Revolvers so I lean that way.
I've had both and prefer the balance of the Ruger. I also think the cylinder will stay in time longer without repair.
If the choice is betwen new guns, I'd definitely get the Ruger. I hate that lock on the Smith and it ruins the looks of the frame. I do not buy new S&W's.
Before The Lock and the MIM parts, they made probaby the best revolvers.
I think the GP is more durable, but unless you shoot a LOT, it isn't a factor.
Even if you do shoot enormous amounts of ammo, the cylinder can be re-timed. And you may eventually need to adjust for cylinder endshake.
For your need, I'd stick to a four-inch barrel. The six-inch is mainly for hunting and target work. Bulk aside, a foe can more easily twist a longer barelled gun from your hand. It gives him more to hold onto and more leverage. But if you think he's going to grab your gun, it's time to shoot, I think. (This is not legal advice and I am not a lawyer.)
If the choice is betwen new guns, I'd definitely get the Ruger. I hate that lock on the Smith and it ruins the looks of the frame. I do not buy new S&W's.
Before The Lock and the MIM parts, they made probaby the best revolvers.
I think the GP is more durable, but unless you shoot a LOT, it isn't a factor.
Even if you do shoot enormous amounts of ammo, the cylinder can be re-timed. And you may eventually need to adjust for cylinder endshake.
For your need, I'd stick to a four-inch barrel. The six-inch is mainly for hunting and target work. Bulk aside, a foe can more easily twist a longer barelled gun from your hand. It gives him more to hold onto and more leverage. But if you think he's going to grab your gun, it's time to shoot, I think. (This is not legal advice and I am not a lawyer.)
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I prefer a M686 over a GP100 but that's just my preference, there is nothing wrong with a GP100. I like the feel and looks of the Smith over the Ruger so that's why I bought a 4" M686.
In reality only you can determine which is best for you...
In reality only you can determine which is best for you...
Dr_B
member
Get either one, which ever one is available.
Fishslayer
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Brand new... Ruger
Pre-MIM... ('97 IIRC) S&W
Pre-MIM... ('97 IIRC) S&W
GP100man
Member
Having owned & shot both extensively my vote is for the GP.
The biggest difference in the 2 is the trigger pull length ,the GPs design is a bit longer .
Both can be made smooth , but the longer pull on the GP makes staging DA shots a bit easier for me.
The sheer design of the GP makes it less prone to problems as it`s heftier & less screws to worry with.
The GPs grip design also absorbs more recoil ,as most grips are open back design for the L frame.
At only ounces heavier , helps with recoil ,especially with heavy for caliber loads.
Again as always this is my Opinion only.
GP
The biggest difference in the 2 is the trigger pull length ,the GPs design is a bit longer .
Both can be made smooth , but the longer pull on the GP makes staging DA shots a bit easier for me.
The sheer design of the GP makes it less prone to problems as it`s heftier & less screws to worry with.
The GPs grip design also absorbs more recoil ,as most grips are open back design for the L frame.
At only ounces heavier , helps with recoil ,especially with heavy for caliber loads.
Again as always this is my Opinion only.
GP
I've owned both - my first revolver was a 4" GP100. The Rugers are built like a tank, but I never warmed up to it like I did my first 686. The S&W feels more refined, maybe it's just the difference between cast and forged.
My 686s are all pre-lock guns, so I can't tell you how a new one compares, but the design has been around for over 100 years, so don't let anyone tell you it is prone to problems.
Either gun will last a lifetime or three, so you really need to handle both to see which one you prefer. The GP100 can usually be had for a little less money, but if I had to choose, I'd find a lightly used pre-lock 686 with a 4" barrel.
Here are a couple of mine, although neither is technically a 686. The first is a 3" CS-1, a 686 specifically made for the Customs Service:
Here is my 681 made for the NYSP. This is the fixed sight version of the 686:
My 686s are all pre-lock guns, so I can't tell you how a new one compares, but the design has been around for over 100 years, so don't let anyone tell you it is prone to problems.
Either gun will last a lifetime or three, so you really need to handle both to see which one you prefer. The GP100 can usually be had for a little less money, but if I had to choose, I'd find a lightly used pre-lock 686 with a 4" barrel.
Here are a couple of mine, although neither is technically a 686. The first is a 3" CS-1, a 686 specifically made for the Customs Service:
Here is my 681 made for the NYSP. This is the fixed sight version of the 686:
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Zaydok Allen
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Both are great guns and you'll be pleased with either. I prefer the 686 myself.
Just a thought, have you thought about loading the 44 mag with 44 specials? Great ballistics and on par with standard pressure 45 colt rounds. Great for home defense.
Just a thought, have you thought about loading the 44 mag with 44 specials? Great ballistics and on par with standard pressure 45 colt rounds. Great for home defense.
I would look at new "Combat Master" GP100 with partly rubberized grips, rounded edges, parkerized black finish and combat sights. Boy these feel real good in hand(s). It might be the best revolver of this type ever made by Strum & Ruger. It's not listed on their site and I have never handled one until yesterday. The thing is superb you boys must sample one.
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easyg
Member
For the money I don't think you can beat the GP100.
adelbridge
Member
From a utilitarian standpoint the GP100 wins, stronger and cheaper and possibly more accurate.
The 686 has cleaner lines and in my eyes looks sexier (the ones w/o Hillary hole). The trigger on the 686 is about perfect out of the box where the GP100 is a little gritty with some creep.
The 686 has cleaner lines and in my eyes looks sexier (the ones w/o Hillary hole). The trigger on the 686 is about perfect out of the box where the GP100 is a little gritty with some creep.
hardluk1
member
The gp100 will feel much more like your redhawk you have now. Nether will compair to the j frame you have. Its also stronger than the s&w and your more likely to buy a new trouble free handgun from ruger. Its also a handgun that can with stand a steady diet of full house 357mags compaired to a *86 series. Guess you need to deside not us.
Stormin.40
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I went through the same decision making process about 2 months ago, I ended up with a S&W 586 4" and am very happy with it. The S&W lock doesn't bother me, if it did I would just remove it, my guns are not collectors to look at, although the 586 is a nice looking gun.
I was going to go with a 4" GP100, in my area they run $599 and up, the smiths were $670 and up. The trigger was the only draw back to me, seems some are pretty good while others were really bad. I handled a lot of GP's while shopping for what I wanted and even picked the one out that had a decent trigger. I will say a couple of the GP's I played with had really grainy pulls but I am sure even they could be made smooth as butter.
I was going to go with a 4" GP100, in my area they run $599 and up, the smiths were $670 and up. The trigger was the only draw back to me, seems some are pretty good while others were really bad. I handled a lot of GP's while shopping for what I wanted and even picked the one out that had a decent trigger. I will say a couple of the GP's I played with had really grainy pulls but I am sure even they could be made smooth as butter.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Sorry but that's not true. I have no stake in either company but the M686 is not "weaker" than the GP100 and will fire all the full power .357 Magnum ammo you can afford just like the Ruger. S&W came out with the L frame to address the additional velocity generated by the 125gr .357 Magnum round that was beating up the K frames. The L frame revolver is just fine...
I'm not going to get into the forged vs cast debate, but Smith has been able to fit 7 rounds into a L-frame and 8 rounds into a N-frame, including scandium alloy frames. I prefer the Smith triggers and ergonomics.
This time of year I usually carry a 686P/6" in a shoulder rig when I'm at my place.
Another 7-round/6" choice is the 386 hunter that weighs in at only 30oz.
Another choice is the 327 TRR8. Designed for door entry teams the TRR8 is drilled and tapped for a top rail optic and a bottom rail light/laser.
The fact that a law enforcement agency went to Smith for a new door entry capable model speaks highly of Smith design and production capabilities.
Smith L-frames are designed for continuous magnum usage and it's doubtful the OP and his wife will outlast one in their lifetimes.
This time of year I usually carry a 686P/6" in a shoulder rig when I'm at my place.
Another 7-round/6" choice is the 386 hunter that weighs in at only 30oz.
Another choice is the 327 TRR8. Designed for door entry teams the TRR8 is drilled and tapped for a top rail optic and a bottom rail light/laser.
The fact that a law enforcement agency went to Smith for a new door entry capable model speaks highly of Smith design and production capabilities.
Smith L-frames are designed for continuous magnum usage and it's doubtful the OP and his wife will outlast one in their lifetimes.
I've had both. They are both very good guns, it really comes down to personal preference. The Ruger may be a little stronger. The average Smith might be a little smoother. Some Rugers are pretty smooth right out of the box while others are a bit rough. Rugers are tough. The Smith feels more refined. Still, it's really a win/win. I've always preferred the Rugers for hunting and the Smiths for target shooting, but that's just me. If I were forced to pick just one or the other for the purpose you have in mind I'd buy the Smith, unless I found a really good deal on a smooth Ruger.
flgolfer29
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I like the GP100 but I own two 686's. On the left 686-6 (lock) and 686-2, I really like them both.
joe
joe
Black Butte
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Why not the 5"?
hardluk1
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archangwlcd keep telling your self that.
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