Hunting carry-Ruger or S&W or ???

[dwenslen]

I'm looking for a 4 inch 357 to carry on my hip/in my pack for hikes, and also fall hunting on my families land...was thinking about a ruger gp100 in that "grey" finish, was also thinking of a smith 66, 686 or 686+...have had smiths in the past, and have a father in law that loves his gp100....i shoot a good bit, but am unfamiliar with what's hot and what's not in basic stainless 357 wheelguns. wouldn't mind picking up something used, either.
opinions and advice needed and appreciated.

cheers,
Derek

 

[Preacherman]

Either the Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686 will fill your needs well. Both are excellent revolvers - the S&W is probably slightly "smoother" on the trigger, the Ruger is slightly "tougher" in terms of the ability to take long-term abuse. I like them both, and own them both.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Nothing wrong with either choice.

That said, I vote ruger.

1. Handles "hunting" loads easier.
2. Tougher construction, takes slips and falls easier.

3. The big one: Take 1 flatbit screwdriver, a bore snake, and a bottle of CLP or equivilent with you. This way when you fall in the mud, river, etc., you can field strip the ruger and be back on the hunt in about 5 min. Trust me on this, been there, done that.

 

[Hutch]

Smith, either 686 or 66. Your new baby will bless you for it in years to come. While the Ruger will eventually become a used revolver, the Smith will always be a Smith. Unless you just shoot the heck out of it, I don't think you'll shoot the 66 loose. If you do, you can always sell it to me!

 

[Marshall]

Flip a coin. Choose which one feels better and more like what you can picture yourself feeling most comfortable with using.

That's really the best way to do it because they both are fantastic revolvers and would serve you well.

 

[Majic]

Excellent choices either way. One has finess and the other brute strength. It all boils down to which you prefer while handling them.

 

[Sunray]

"...that "grey" finish..." Is low glare SS. Good choice. Strong, accurate, reasonable priced. Just make sure it fits your hand and you're carrying it legally in your pack.

 

[Black Majik]

Hmm... if you do the coin toss idea, Have the S&W 686 as tails and the Ruger GP100 as heads. (IME I usually get tails 90% of the time)


I went through a similar decision a few weeks ago regarding a .357 magnum revolver. In the end I chose the S&W. In the end both will last for a very very long time. So, go with the one that is smoother and has more finesse. In this case, go for the 686+ in 4"

 

[OH25shooter]

Boy...the Ruger or the Smith...hmmm. Should I buy the Chevy pick up or the Ford pick up? They are so close you should ask yourself, which one looks and feels better and is in your price range. Not trying to sway you one way or the other, but I bought a Smith 686-5. For me, their was no comparision.

 

[Brian Williams]

Here is what I carry while hunting. S&W 586 and Camillus knife, you can make your our choice.

 

[Boats]

I bought the Ruger. I won't have a handgun I cannot easily detail strip. The Ruger is a model of clarity if you want to rip it apart. With a SAK Champion in my pocket I have all I need to completely disassemble the revolver.

I got some Meprolight adjustable nightsights for mine. No need for anything other than a 7/16ths punch for the front and a small scredriver and an epoxy coated straight pin "punch" for the rear adjustable and I installed them myself in about ten minutes. No sight pusher, no hammering, it was the easiest install of my amateur gunsmithing career.

Need the trigger lightened up? After some half hour of stoning the hammer and trigger group, I spent another twenty minutes at the range on three seperate trips field stripping and swapping in various weight combos from the Wolff spring pack. I now have the trigger buttery and completely reliable after sorting out that my polished up revolver works just fine with the lightest combo in the pack.

So about $15.00 for the springs, $110.00 for the night sights and I still broke even with a 686 OTD.

And the Smith I didn't buy still has that ugly hole by the cylinder latch and laser etched "rollmarks." I can always have the "safety essay" milled off the Ruger if it bugs me too much. Nothing can be done about the Smith nipple lock.

I may get a 686 or some other Smith someday, but it will be a pre-agreement one.

 

[Outrigger]

I carry my trusty model 66 when out in the woods. My favorite handgun, heck, my favorite gun, period.

 

[461]

Had the same dillema myself. I went with the GP-100 in Target Grey and picked it up on Wednesday. I'll shoot it tomorrow so can't comment on accuracy yet. I did fieldstrip and clean and lube it though and am impressed with it fit and finish wise and the trigger pull on mine is pretty smooth and I imagine it will only get better with use. The "Target grey" is an actual coating, not just low glare stainless but it is on a stainless gun so if the finish gives out you still have a stainless gun. Obviously we all make our own choices, but I'm happy with my Ruger so far.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I use a M686 with a 4" barrel. Reliable, accurate and reasonably priced(I bought it used).
I don't like Rugers so I won't recommend them.

ZM