**REVOLVER NEWBIE** Help me pick - 686 or Wiley C. GP100?

[UKWildcatFan]

The iconic 686, or the also-awesome GP100? I'm new to revolvers, so please school me. Thanks.

 

[Barry the Bear]

Wow tough choice! Both are great although I can find a GP cheaper than the smith at least in my area. Both will handle tough .357 loads I'd say it's a wash.

 

[WestKentucky]

686. I had 2 gp100s which shot for crap due to bad barrels. That soured me on them. Ruger has that fixed now though so you should be good to go with either. My money would be on a smith

 

[Deaf Smith]

I've got 'em both Wildcat.

For the range I'd pick the 686.

For field and combat I'd pick the GP-100.

Especially the 3 inch GP-100 'Wiley Capp' with wood grips.

Kind of like this one:

But no, it ain't a Wiley Capp, but good enough. It's my Canadian... .357.

Deaf

 

[JC111]

You'll be fine with either one.

 

[old lady new shooter]

Just make sure you try shooting both of them before you decide. Hopefully there is a range near you that does rentals.

 

[critter]

Pick the one that feels best to you. You've done your research and gotten it down to two from which you can't go wrong! Best wishes and ENJOY!

 

[frankiestoys]

As already been said you can't go wrong with either

 

[cfullgraf]

You can't go wrong with either.

Get the one that looks and feels the sexiest to you.

 

[weblance]

I have owned both. I only kept the Ruger. I like the Ruger Double Action trigger better. Its longer, but to me, more predictable. I bought a NIB 686+ 2 years ago. Beautiful gun, but I couldn't shoot it well. The trigger would hit a wall right before the break, and I would jerk it everytime, to get it to break. The Ruger trigger is longer, and doesn't do that. Some like the shorter trigger pull pf the Smith. In Single Action, the Smith was slightly better. I also like the easy interchange of the sights on the GP100.

 

[jehu]

Hard choice, I've got both. Critter is right, handle both and get the one that feels best.

 

[hAkron]

I have both. I would say you can't go wrong either way.

 

[bannockburn]

Have owned both; sold the GP100 and kept the Model 686. The S&W had a better trigger, a more comfortable grip and was much more accurate than the Ruger.

 

[gotboostvr]

At the very least, HANDLE both before deciding.

Definitely try and handle at least one 4" and one 6"
The 4" L Frame Square Butt .357 just feels right for me. It took me awhile to figure that out! I had only tried 6" GP100's and 686's

I do like a 6" barrel in a M19 though!

Your mileage may differ, go accordingly.

One thing everyone can agree on, THIS THREAD NEEDS MORE PICTURES

4" 681-3


6" 686P-6

 

[PJSprog]

You can't go wrong with either of those choices. It's my opinion that those are the two best .357s made. It really comes down to personal preference. I would suggest that you go somewhere that rents handguns and try them both. I know that Belleville Shooting Range (now known as Metro Shooting) in Belleville, IL has a large selection of rentals. I'm sure there are others around the area, too.

 

[Longhunter1700]

most definately the Ruger, I have put hundreds of rounds through my GP100 with out a hitch.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

The Wiley Clapp is what's on my list, so thats my vote...great looking gun for a reasonable price

-Matt S

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I prefer the style of the 3" 686+, and for the fact that it holds 7 rounds rather than 6. It just seems like a little bit better choice to me for a full size 3" 357 mag. Either one though will hold up just fine, and I'd gladly put a GP 100 in my stable.

 

[UKWildcatFan]

In the end, it's about what I like. I'm thinking the a Ruger will be mine. I love all my Ruger's, and I highly doubt this top shelfer will change my mind.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

I've had Smiths that were great but now I own a GP100 (the Match Champ) and I'm glad I do. It's a great shooter and tough as nails. I'd go w/ the WC GP100 if I were spending your money.

 

[Tallball]

It's win/win. If you can hold them, choose the one that feels the best in your hand and has the nicest trigger. My FiL has an awesome GP100. I have a very nice old Smith. They are both excellent revolvers.

 

[UKWildcatFan]

Well, I handled both at Cabelas. I'll be getting the Ruger.

 

[Catpop]

Ruger hands down. I shoot 100 plus reloads a week thru my GP100, no problems in first year.
It replaced a 1973 blackhawk that has fired probably 200 K reloads through it.
Nothing wrong with blackhawk, I just got tired of single action reloading.
Catpop

 

[Hammer059]

Having owned both, I vote 686. Although I wouldn't feel uncomfortable if all I had was a GP100, either. The trigger on the 686 is a little better (not saying the GP100 is bad) and I think it looks better overall.

When it comes to single actions though, I do love Rugers.

 

[Barry the Bear]

Deaf smith that's a fine looking weapon!