Given a choice between a new GP-100 and a new Smith 686, I'd definitely go with the 686. As much as I hate their internal lock, I have to admit that they generally have a better trigger out of the box, and their triggers can be improved even more by a good gunsmith. The Smith is just a nicer product--and I'm saying this as someone who currently owns more Rugers than Smiths.
But neither one is a great choice as a first-and-only gun, or as a defensive gun.
There are a lot of old, established rules of thumb in the shooting world, and they're there for good reason. A .22 is still the best choice for a first gun. If you've just gotta have a .357, look around (assuming you're not in California) for a nice, used Security Six. It's got a lousy trigger, but it's a solid gun that won't let you down--or cost you more than $250-$300. With the money you've got left over from the price of a new 686, pick up a .22--a Single-Six, a Browning Buckmark, or maybe a used Smith Model 17.
The reason a .357 is a poor choice as a defensive gun comes down to recoil. I know you think you can handle it, but the plain truth is you can't--not when it comes to defensive situations. Experts with a lot more experience than either you or I refuse to use .357s as defensive weapons because of the recoil and muzzle blast. You can get less recoil by using .38 Special ammo, but that's going a little too far in the other direction.
If you're dead-set on a revolver and have to have a new one, take a look at a Smith 625 in .45 ACP. It's a very effective defensive round, but a lot easier to handle than the .357 Magnum.
But neither one is a great choice as a first-and-only gun, or as a defensive gun.
There are a lot of old, established rules of thumb in the shooting world, and they're there for good reason. A .22 is still the best choice for a first gun. If you've just gotta have a .357, look around (assuming you're not in California) for a nice, used Security Six. It's got a lousy trigger, but it's a solid gun that won't let you down--or cost you more than $250-$300. With the money you've got left over from the price of a new 686, pick up a .22--a Single-Six, a Browning Buckmark, or maybe a used Smith Model 17.
The reason a .357 is a poor choice as a defensive gun comes down to recoil. I know you think you can handle it, but the plain truth is you can't--not when it comes to defensive situations. Experts with a lot more experience than either you or I refuse to use .357s as defensive weapons because of the recoil and muzzle blast. You can get less recoil by using .38 Special ammo, but that's going a little too far in the other direction.
If you're dead-set on a revolver and have to have a new one, take a look at a Smith 625 in .45 ACP. It's a very effective defensive round, but a lot easier to handle than the .357 Magnum.