Next revolver GP100 4" or S&W 686 4"?

[wacki]

I just picked up a Ruger SP101 (my first revolver) today. Thank you to everyone that commented in this thread. It was very helpful.

What should I pick up next? Right now I'm debating between the GP100 and the S&W 686 in a 4" bbl.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Skip 'em both and get a Colt King Cobra. But, if I had to choose from those two, I'd take the GP based on it's lower cost and the fact it is one tough gun.

 

[MCMXI]

I'd recommend a 3" GP100. I bought a 3-1/16" SP101 last week to go with the 3" and 4" GP100s I already have.

 

[Garage Dog]

My first firearm was a GP 100 I bought about 2 1/2 years ago. I sold it to a friend of mine last year and have regretted it ever since. He has let me borrow it several time for my wife and grandson to shoot. Now he want to buy an AK 47 and needs the $$$ so in about 3 hrs from now I'll be buying it back! Although I own several S&W's and love them the Ruger is built like a tank and with the extra weight it is comfortable for just about anyone to shoot.

I have not been impressed with the quality of some of the new S&W's compared to the older S&W's I own.

 

[Rexster]

These are close to each other in so many ways, I could go with either weapon. In actuality, I have several GP100 sixguns, in various barrel configurations, and an S&W Model 19, plus a Ruger Speed Six. Notably, the original, pre-Hogue, GP100 factory grip seems to have been designed by my long-lost twin, and the GP100's trigger is also shaped perfectly for my index finger, so I favor the GP100 for those reasons, even before such considerations as longevity and potential toughness are considered.

An S&W K/L-frame has to be accessorized a bit to work well for me.

With either brand, be sure to cherry-pick among several for a smooth trigger. A smooth trigger gets smoother, even if a bit heavy. A gritty trigger is likely to require some 'smithing to correct.

 

[RevDerb]

I've had the 3", 6", & 4" in that order. I sold the 3" because it did not have adjustable sights. I sold the 6" because it was too big to carry. I kept the 4" because it is "just right".

 

[dnthmn]

I had a 686 and 2 GP100's at the same time. I still have the 686. The GP100 is a tank and I have nothing against it, but the Smith is smoother, has much sexier lines and is no wimp. I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but for me it's S&W first.

 

[22-rimfire]

If I could afford either, I would buy the Smith. However, the GP-100 is a good 357 mag revolver. The GP smoothes out with use. I own a 3" GP-100. My other go-to 357 mag revolver is a 6" Colt Trooper Mark III which I really like.

 

[psyshack]

They are both good revolvers. I already own a 686P thats polished out, stoned and springs. Very nice weapon. So the next revolver purchase will be a 6" 686P. Very close behind that purchase if not at the same time will be a Royal Phoenix GP100.

 

[roaddog28]

Well if your can afford both of them then that would solve the problem. Both are excellent revolvers. I like the older pre-lock S&W 686. The later GP100 is as good or better than the older ones. I like the older grips on the GP100 versus the hoques on the new ones but that is replaceable. Which one is the best will depend on the person. They are so close that there is not a clear cut edge on either.
For me it was easy. I bought both.
Regards,
Howard

 

[RugRev]

If it was between a GP-100 and older pre-MIM 686 than probably the 686. Otherwise, I would go with the GP. In reality, I have a GP-100 and 686 MIM no-lock Mtn. Gun. Both have been tuned by top name 'smiths. If I could only keep one it would be the GP. The triggers on both are equally smooth and about the same pull weight with double action about 7.25-7.4 lbs. The 686 trigger is different in that the action is shorter and the cylinder locks up later in the cycle. As you already have an SP think about the same type of trigger pull only lighter.

 

[YANKEE2500]

Just to be able to do your own comparisons you should go with the S&W, then when it's time for the next one you'll know which you prefer.

 

[w1mnk]

I have 2 686's 4" and 6" and a 2 1/2" + model. I've shot the GP-100 and it is a fine weapon, and I don't think you can go wrong with either. I just happen to like S&W.

 

[harmon rabb]

They're equivalent weapons, yet the Smith costs a good bit more. That would make the decision for me.

 

[greyling22]

used, they're about the same price (last time I checked) The ruger feels like a smaller frame and seemed to sit lower in my hand in my hand, which I like (and may have just imagined), but the smith is a smoother gun with a better trigger. I still have my smith, the ruger is gone, but I kind of miss it.

A buddy of mine has the taurus copy of the 686, and it's been a super gun.