Can you help me decide

[jim243]

Time is approaching for me to decide on one or the other for my next purchase.

A little background, I am basically a semi-auto person while owning revolvers in the past (S&W Model 27, Taurus Tracker & Ruger SP-101) I am looking again for a sidearm for hunting deer. In Illinois it is basically Shotgun, Black Powder or Handgun in 357 Mag or larger that is legal for hunting.

The S&W I got rid of for financial reasons over 20 years ago but would consider another without any problems (really like it). The tracker about 2 years ago because it was a 6 inch and IMO was not what I liked, The Ruger because it was a 2 1/2 inch with DAO (bobbed hammer) and not good for a hunting firearm).

So here's the choices I am down to, both in 4 inches. It would only be used for hunting as a backup.

1.) S&W 686.

or

2.) GP-100.

What would be your choice. Sorry, no 41 Mags, no 44 Mags. I've tried them and am not interested. And yes you can recommend some other make.

Thanks
Jim

 

[Black Knight]

I am a bit partial to S&W so I voted for the 686. Try to find a used one made before the internal lock system. I have a 686-1 and love it. That being said I had a friend (deceased) years ago who swore by his Ruger GP-100. Both are capable of doing the job very well pick the one that suits you best.

 

[mdauben]

Personally, I would prefer a .41 or .44 magnum over a .357 magnum for deer hunting, but if you do your job and watch your range, the .357 should work. As far as the make, I have a personal preference for the 686 but that has as much to do with design and appearance as it does with actual function. I certainly would not feel poorly equipped with either revolver.

If you are determined to limit yourself to the .357, I would go with 6-inch barrel option on either the S&W or Ruger, however. The .357 is a high pressure cartridge and benefits greatly from every extra inch of barrel it can get and if you are not scoping the gun the extra sight radius helps place your shot as accurately as possible.

 

[Jaymo]

If you're looking at new, current production revolvers, I'd rather have the GP100.
If you're looking at used, I'd rather have a pre-MIM, pre-lock Smith and Weson 586 or 686.
I have a 586-no dash and a GP100.
Both are excellent revolvers.
The Smith has a LOT better factory trigger.

 

[Lucky Derby]

What Jaymo said.

 

[BigBore44]

My question is why 4 inches? That's more of a SD length than a hunting length. Even unglassed I would opt for at a least 6". But your choice is your choice. My personal preference would be the Smith due only to the factory trigger. The 357 is a very capable deer round. But as stated above, I would (and did) choose a 44 magnum. Good luck with your purchase. I hope whichever you get, you are happy.

 

[bannockburn]

I made the choice years ago. Needed moneey for school so I had to sell two of my three .357 revolvers: a S&W 686, Ruger GP-100, and a Colt Trooper Mk.V. It really came down to choosing between the S&W and the Colt, with me keeping the S&W because it had the best DA/SA trigger out of the box.

 

[kimbernut]

Choice

While I have fired them all and like them all I have chosen the S&W over them all for grip, trigger, and accuracy. I own and shoot both of the 686s well but my overall favorite(and my wife's as well) is the N frame model 28 with the Hogue grips. For both of us the N frame just fits us better. Voted other.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

They are both great guns, but I prefer the bit of refinement that comes with a S&W. The Ruger will be a bit cheaper, but not enough that it would be a factor for me.

Both will be accurate, both will function, both will last a lifetime if cared for.

I own a 686 Competitor, and a 3" 686+. I love both guns tremendously. That said, I carry a 3" SP101 on a relatively regular basis, and I also have a SP101 in .22lr.

I guess when it comes down to it, I'd go for the Smith.

 

[BlindJustice]

I voted S&W 686 - I'm a S&W guy,
but I've shot my shooting buddy's GP100 and it is an
excellent shooting DA/SA as well. Between these
two handguns, it's just personal pref. what fits

There's not a bad choice just use a 6" Bbl.
for a more complete burn of the powder with the Mag.

What about a S&W 625 .45 ACp and .45 Auto Rim is
available in some stout loads form Buffalo Bore and others.

R-

 

[BigBore44]

BlindJustice,
In some states (like mine) you have a minimum cartridge length to hunt deer. Idk about Illinois, but here the 45 doesn't make the grade although its perfectly capable.

 

[RealGun]

I have both guns, NIB this year, although my GP100 is 5". I picked the GP100 in the poll, because it might be better for crazy-powerful, wilderness loads. The S&W is the better shooter for me.

Doubling for concealment, by far the best holster for me is the Desantis 002 OWB pancake, carrying high and tight to conceal the full grip. The same holster model fits both guns mentioned. For full retention in the woods though, the Galco DAO has a strap and can be carried cross draw as an option (its strong suit actually).

 

[Pudge]

I think if I were looking for a hunting handgun in .357, I'd choose a 6" Blackhawk. You said you are a semi guy, so I assume you'd not be using the revolver for a CCW. I also assume you'd be shooting single action for hunting. Blackhawks are strong and accurate, and I'm not sure there's much benefit to a double action hunting revolver.

 

[PJSprog]

I voted for the 686. I've owned one since the late 1980s, and it's a great revolver. However, I've also extensively shot a friends GP-100. It's also a great revolver. Very strong design. I don't think you could go wrong with either choice.

 

[BYJO4]

The 686 is a fine 357 with a nice action out of the box. For hunting, I would prefer a 6" over a 4".

 

[gamestalker]

I would think a S&W 66 will fill the bill and won't cost an arm and a leg. A 4" will do just fine, but my snub has taken a mule deer with no difficulties at around 50-ish yds.. Then again, my Son took a nice muley with a 4" Taurus 608, dropped in it's tracks from around 100 yds. with a hand loaded XTPHP, 125 gr. I think.
It's more about what your comfortable with than anything else. A 686 is obviously a fine piece, and would do just fine too. But the best back up deer hunting handgun, is the one you have on your hip when you need it.

GS

 

[critter]

If you have it boiled down to those two, you don't need any help. Why not? Cause you can't go wrong! Either one will serve you very, very well.

 

[Blue Brick]

+1 Ruger. Take a look at the Ruger S6.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Security_Six

 

[KMO]

If you have it boiled down to those two, you don't need any help. Why not? Cause you can't go wrong! Either one will serve you very, very well.

Well put, Critter. I noticed several posters own both, or own one of the two, but have tried their buddy's gun. I'm in the "own both" club, and I can't imagine the OP having any regrets with either choice...

 

[18DAI]

New? Ruger GP100. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. Barrel is on straight and trigger is reminiscent of older S&W revolvers.

Used? A nice pre lock 686-4. Best of the breed. Forged parts and no idiot lock.

 

[RealGun]

Used? A nice pre lock 686-4. Best of the breed. Forged parts and no idiot lock.

I wouldn't be an "idiot" and pay a premium price just to avoid a lock that never gets used, is unobtrusive, and is no trouble. If you want a NIB gun, buy one. That's what I do.

 

[Confederate]

.
Smith & Wesson 686

For field use, I recommend the S&W 686. Barrel length, well, 4-inches is ideal for self defense and can take deer at up to 50 yards. I personally believe that the .357 began as an overrated caliber that would crack engine blocks when fired through the hood of a car. Now I believe it's one of the most underrated calibers, especially in guns with under 6-inch barrels.

When it was introduced, the highway patrol loved the .357. Their .38Spc revolvers with RN lead bullets seriously lacked penetration. In evaluations, patrol officers found they could blow out tires and penetrate doors and car seats. Those early rounds were hot, but modern rounds are no slouch, either, and they are specifically designed to work very well in 4-inch and shorter barrels.

Since it will not be a primary hunting gun, the model you feel most comfortable with will likely work fine. As a man stopper, there's probably no handgun round that surpasses the .357 (including heavier calibers that over-penetrate). The 686 is a superb handgun that has a wonderful action, outstanding balance and is an excellent investment, especially in a 7-round model.





S&W 686 is a strong, accurate revolver with an outstanding
action. The 686 is every bit as good as a Colt Python, plus
it's more durable.

Ruger Security-Six

Another consideration is the Ruger Security-Six, sadly, no longer produced. With easy spring replacements, the gun can boast an excellent action, especially if you dry fire it about 500 times. The advantage of this great revolver is that it's solid frame gives it the strength of the 686, but is smaller and lighter. Back in the 80s, I read numerous articles about how great the stainless 6-inch Security-Six was as a field gun. It didn't have the heavy underlug barrel. Having a lighter barrel, it was easy to pick up moving targets and to carry.

Mint Security-Sixes are available online at fairly reasonable prices. These guns are accurate and have a modular design that allows them to be field stripped using only the head of a .357 cartridge. The GP-100 has many followers, but to me it's excessively heavy and the balance is atrocious. This is because Ruger took much of the steel in the grip and put it up front in the barrel. To me, it's like holding a brick between one's thumb and index finger and pointing it at something.

In my opinion, Ruger took one of the finest lines of .357 revolvers ever designed and turned them into boat anchors. Other opinions may vary.





This 4-inch Security-Six has rounded grips which make
it very easy to hold, aim and shoot.




From a design standpoint, the Security-Six is far superior
to the GP-100, in my view. This line of revolvers and the
Ruger line of .22 autos guaranteed Bill Ruger a place as
one of the most innovative gun designers who ever lived.




The solid-frame allows the high pressures generated by
the .357 and dissipates it throughout both sides. In the
S&W 19/66 (below), the pressures, over time, warp the
frames beyond repair. Still, they are astounding revolvers.
They did need an update in design, but in my view, they
did not need the underlug barrels. Thank you, Colt Python!




.

 

[Nomad]

The 686 is hard to beat. Good balance, durablity and not hard on the eyes.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

Why can't you just get both.

 

[montanaoffroader]

If I were buying tomorrow, it would be the Ruger, only because of price. For the intended use, they are both great choices.

I have used both and while there are some differences in handling and feel, to me it's just not that big of a deal. The less I spend on the gun, the more I can spend on ammo and accessories.