Betwixt and Between...

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Tophernj

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I find myself wanting a revolver. Specifically a 6 shot in .357mag. I have begun reloading and would like a handgun to run my reloads thru alongside my lever (Marlin 1894c) at the range. That, and I really like shooting the .357 round. I find it to be a lot of fun and very versatile. At some point I may hunt with my Marlin, but that's another thread.

I would like a 4" blued gun that is rugged and dependable. I am caught between the:

Ruger GP100 standard
The Smith and Wesson 586

And the one that got this started for me in the first place...

Ruger GP141 Royal Phoenix, Lipsey's exclusive

I "heart" the Royal Phoenix, but the trigger on the Smith is just so sweet. There is about a 100 price escalation between the standard Ruger, the Royal Phoenix, and the Smith in that order. I'm fine with whatever, but if I don't have to go all the way up to the Smith, that would be great.

This will be a range toy and a platform for my reloads. Most likely it will sleep in the nightstand drawer as well. This won't be carried (unless the hand of God swings down from the heavens and wipes all the liberals from Trenton!) as I live in NJ.

What would you suggest and WHY are you suggesting it? I would appreciate the lack of one word replies, I would like to hear the reasoning behind it. And yes, I know this has been beaten to death. Let's beat it some more! :banghead:

Thanks in advance and I look forward to the replies.

Christopher

Edit: I am not averse to hearing about something else that you think might fit the bill. For instance, if you think a Model 60 or SP101 would be a better fit, let me know, but please, tell me why.
 
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Stay period correct and get a Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk. A perfect match for your rifle!
 
Unfortunately, I have issues with aesthetics. And while I like all guns, I won't buy something if I don't like the way it looks. The Colt MKIII is cool, but I like a full underlug. I also would like it for some weight up front.

The Blackhawk is cool, but I want the option of DA for bedside duty.

C
 
If you must have the underlug design, GP100 or SP101. Rugers shoot great and have a reputation for being--gotta say it--bulletproof.

If you can do without the full underlug, find a good-condition Ruger Six-series and never look back.
 
I've handled both the GP100 and the Smith. The 586 had a somewhat smoother trigger but it wasn't the huge difference I expected. I preferred the Ruger for balance and grips, and it just felt more solid. As always, try to handle both to see what you like. A friend was with me, handled the same guns and preferred the Smith.

I have read that the Royal Phoenix is a regular GP100 with better cosmetics but no mechanical improvements. Don't know if that is true but saw it on the Ruger Forum.

Something to think about after this purchase. If you want to expand your .357 arsenal in the future, give some thought to a single action such as a Blackhawk (possibly with a convertible cylinder for 9mm) or a Ruger Vaquero if you are in a cowboy mood. The single actions are fun and have a different feel.

Good luck with your choice.

Jeff
 
Hey Jeff.

The Smith's trigger was definitely better out of the box, but I do like the heft of the Ruger.

And yes, the Royal Phoenix is strictly cosmetic. However it is gorgeous. The bluing is almost a royal blue, apparently similar to a Colt Python. I love the way it looks. And, it's different. I like different. My 1911 is a 9mm. My lever action sports a red dot. Yet another check in the Ruger's box.

But that trigger on the Smith...

C
 
I prefer the Ruger's weight. It just feels more solid in the hand. I never could tell much difference in the triggers between them YMMV.
 
While I'm a serious fan of the 586 or 686 because of the great action, both S&W and Ruger are fine revolvers. I also prefer the feel of the Smith and suggest you get whatever feels the best in your hand.
 
Have shot the GP-100, SP-101, Smith 586 & 686.

My preference is the GP-100..."Fits" my hands better than the Smiths. Yeah, out of the box, the Smith is a bit better on trigger pull smoothness, but to me, the Ruger represents a better "Bang! for the $1"
 
The only way to be sure to get a good trigger, out of the box, is to handle your prospective purchase first. A GP100 can have a wonderful factory trigger pull, and an S&W may have a shameful factory trigger pull. A talented gunsmith can remedy either situation, but is not inexpensive. I am not taking sides here; I love both of the brands under consideration, though I prefer pre-keyhole S&W revolvers.
 
Don't forget the Security Six. Solid construction at a price around $350. Be careful though.....once you try one it's hard to stop.


Sixes.gif
 
Thanks again all.

I went shooting with my son and a friend tonite and my "neighbor" from the port next door had a 686. He let me put a cylinder of rounds down range (lucky me, it was a +!!!) and what a fun gun! 4" so I have a great idea of what they shoot like. Now I just need to be lucky enough to find someone with a GP100 so I can get a feel for it.

As much as I liked the Smith, I'm not ruling out the Ruger. I am also thinking the straight up GP in blue as opposed to the Royal Phoenix. I could do a little something extra with the saved money. Not 100% on it, however.

I also saw the black "Wiley Clapp" 3"... sweet.

C
 
Christopher, welcome to the forum.
I’m a died in the wool Smith and Wesson fan, so my suggestion may be a little biased. I’ve owned several Smith and Wesson M-19’s over the years and carried one to work daily for 27 years, and along with many believed the M-19/66’s were the ultimate in an all-around fighting handgun.

18 months ago I, on a whim, picked up a 4” M-586, and after firing a thousand or so rounds of full power .357 Magnum ammo through it, I realized that the M-19 as the ultimate revolver has been replaced by the M-586 at least IMHO.
If you can find a decent 586 or 686, the stainless version, get it I don’t believe you will regret your decision.
 
I'm going shooting with a buddy on monday that has a GP100. My decision will be made after that session. I'm pretty psyched.

With my first handgun, a Kimber 9mm 1911 I didn't know anyone that had anything remotely like it so I bought it on good faith that I would like it. I do. However, I like going this route MUCH better. $$$ is a little tighter than it was and I like to make very informed decisions. I am also a much more discerning customer.

Thanks all.

C
 
Ain't nothin quite like some good blued steel & wood!

If I were buying new - it'd have to be a Ruger.
They're built like tanks.
Your great grandchildren will be arguing over who gets it.

The Smiths of today, IMHO are not built as well as the Smiths from the 1950s - about 1982.
(I just bought a S&W M65 from 1981 - pinned & recessed)
 
I would look around for an older S&W Model 19 while they can still be had for a reasonable price. I have a 4" -19 that is just great. I can't find any fault with it. Of course,the same could be said for my Model-686. It has a Millet red dot and BSquare mounts. Any of the revolvers you're looking at will give you a lifetime of service and entertainment so get what you shoot best.
 
I was at a shop today that has a '19 in ok shape. They're looking for a bit too much for it, in my opinion (and since it's my money, the only one that matters) with no wiggle room.

I'm looking forward to the GP on monday. I'm secretly rooting for it. I like the Ruger brand a bunch. But, if I conclude the Smith is the better choice, I'll go for it.

C
 
I'm looking forward to the GP on monday. I'm secretly rooting for it. I like the Ruger brand a bunch. But, if I conclude the Smith is the better choice, I'll go for it.
Click to expand...

True wisdom.

Also, make sure you try both guns with different kinds of ammo. How they digest hot and low powered ammo may surprise you.
 
Tophernj said:
Edit: I am not averse to hearing about something else that you think might fit the bill. For instance, if you think a Model 60 or SP101 would be a better fit, let me know, but please, tell me why.
Click to expand...

Just to throw something out besides the usual Ruger vs S&W...

Don't see much love for the Dan Wesson 15-2 in this thread. I like my '79 vintage a lot and I am an unashamed S&W fanboi... ;)

1979DanWesson15-2e1.gif
 
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