What the heck is the difference between the S&W 620 and the 686+?
An underlugged-barrel, and a two-piece barrel. As far as I can deduct, the 620 was brought out to make a lighter-barreled version of the 686 w/o an underlug, and to platform the cheaper two-piece barrel design. The design is not without it's merits - it is similar to what Dan Wesson used to use to produce such great accuracy - and some reviews have said the 620 is a real tack-driver.
The GP-100 vs 686 debate comes up weekly it seems. An important note is that this is pretty much a case of "you get what you pay for." - both are going to work, and last a long, long time. After that, you are paying for features, design subtleties, etc. that you are either want as a discriminating buyer or don't care to pay for. It's like a Ford vs. Audi or something like that. The 686 is more refined - it is made from forged steel, not cast, and that allows for a stronger frame in a slimmer package - much of the perceived "bulk" and durability of the Ruger is the cheaper production method, not a real design feature or any proven true strength. The action and internals of the S&W, and fit and finish, tend to be better from more attention and effort. It costs more at retail, and that's why. Street prices of each as new (prices today from Bud's Gun Shop) delivered for you for a 6-shot, 4", adjustable sight model of each are $600 for the S&W and $490 for the Ruger. Since both are built in the same state at presumably the same labor rates, you can see the added cost of forged frame and higher fit and finish.
Personally, I love the 686. I have six currently (no, five) .357 handguns and for any round I want to load, the 4" 686 is my first-choice gun, whether it's a target .38 special or a 180gr. Double Tap bear load. It is my first choice .357 for uses of that caliber EXCEPT concealed carry. It is smooth, accurate, and it's design let's it swallow full-power magnum loads like nothing else in it's size class - even better than the bigger N-frame S&Ws like the 28 and 27. My choice is get a nice used 686 for like $400 to $450 - get an earlier one without the internal lock, save a little money over either gun new, and have a ball with it for a lifetime. My 1985 model came from the factory with one the finest trigger actions I've ever felt on a DA revolver. If you prefer blue, a 586 is of course just as good.
