Ruger GP-100 vs. Smith 586 and 686 both in .357 with 6 inch barrels.

[Confederate]

That's a beautiful revolver just like my 617.
But this is a 686? I thought 686 had 7 shots and not 6 like this one shows in the other pics you posted. The 586 is the 6 shot .357.

Yes, it's a 6-shot 686 and it's beautiful. But not as beautiful as the 686-no dash. I've never wanted a 7-shot because I think the 6-shot guns are more stable. Neither the 686 nor the GP-100 is a decent trail gun, alas. The 686 is a fine range and competition gun, but the GP-100 has a crummy balance.



Your best...er...shots would be either a S&W 686 or a used Ruger Security-Six. The 686 is a simple buy and use gun, but if the Ruger hasn't been shot much, you may have to dry fire it a thousand times to get it nice and smooth. But I love those guns.

The Security-Six has exceptional balance, great weight and is a superb camping, hiking and hunting gun. So is the S&W 66 (which I never could afford). But the Security-Six is technically a better gun in that its stronger.


The S&W 686 (top) and the Ruger Security-Six. Both are outstanding guns.




The Ruger cylinder is stronger because it has the notch over a strong area rather than the thinnest area (green). The cylinder star is oversized and seldom needs re-timing (Red)!

 

[stinger 327]

I like the 686+. I'd choose a 4" barrel before a 6".

Between the two it's just a matter of preference.

I HAD A MOD. 66 S&W 4 inch .357..this time i want to go with a 6 inch GP-100. they make a 4 inch stainless GP-100 but it says match on barrel or something like that and it costs more t han the 4 inch target GP100. I don't see how that can be a match gun compared to the 6 inch GP100 or how can the 4 inch model be more accurate than the 6 inch model.

 

[RealGun]

The only way to make an informed decision is to get your hands on one of each at a shooting range and make a comparison yourself.

I relied on a Ruger Security Six as a primary duty weapon for many years and it served me well.

I would note that the Security Six and Service Six were designed for open carry, while the Speed Six was given a round butt grip frame for better concealment by detectives. Grip availability to make Sixes well suited to concealed carry is limited.

 

[stinger 327]

I would note that the Security Six and Service Six were designed for open carry, while the Speed Six was given a round butt grip frame for better concealment by detectives. Grip availability to make Sixes well suited to concealed carry is limited.

I am more interested in the GP100

 

[RealGun]

I am more interested in the GP100

My 5" GP100 has the standard rubber with wooden inserts grip, while the 3" 41 Special has the compact version of that grip. I like the fancy wood grip on the Match Champion but it is long and works better for "match" than CCW. Carrying a Match Champion would call for a more compact grip.

 

[SwampWolf]

I've never wanted a 7-shot because I think the 6-shot guns are more stable

Not sure what you mean by this. How is a 6-shot revolver more "stable" than a 7-shot revolver? I've owned and shot many 6-shot revolvers and have never discerned a difference in "stability" between them and a S&W 7-shot, 686 Plus. Maybe I'm not as discriminating as you.

 

[JC111]

My personal observations as they apply to the 4" models. Sorry. My 6" magnum is a Model 19-3 so it doesn't apply here. I just purchased a GP100 for several reasons. I am a S&W man, but I appreciate Colt DA revolvers and Ruger. Ruger has a well earned reputation for making a very strong revolver. I was in the mood for a new revolver and I've always liked the look of the 4" stainless steel GP100. I also own a very nice S&W 686 (mfd. 1989) that I inherited from my father a few months ago. It's an equally strong and reliable revolver. At my local Sportsman's Warehouse there was a difference of eighty dollars between the Ruger and the 686. The Ruger was cheaper, but it is not a cheaper gun. I could afford either one, but it's always nice to have an extra eighty dollars in the wallet. I already own a 686 and I've had a longtime desire to own a 4" stainless steel GP100. That's it. So bought the Ruger. I'm happy. It's like arguing about the difference between.......well something that is the same. Like six and half a dozen.

 

[stinger 327]

My personal observations as they apply to the 4" models. Sorry. My 6" magnum is a Model 19-3 so it doesn't apply here. I just purchased a GP100 for several reasons. I am a S&W man, but I appreciate Colt DA revolvers and Ruger. Ruger has a well earned reputation for making a very strong revolver. I was in the mood for a new revolver and I've always liked the look of the 4" stainless steel GP100. I also own a very nice S&W 686 (mfd. 1989) that I inherited from my father a few months ago. It's an equally strong and reliable revolver. At my local Sportsman's Warehouse there was a difference of eighty dollars between the Ruger and the 686. The Ruger was cheaper, but it is not a cheaper gun. I could afford either one, but it's always nice to have an extra eighty dollars in the wallet. I already own a 686 and I've had a longtime desire to own a 4" stainless steel GP100. That's it. So bought the Ruger. I'm happy. It's like arguing about the difference between.......well something that is the same. Like six and half a dozen.

Idaho State Police Revovler (Smith) is nice too. I like the GP-100 for the fact it is a very robust revolver. You can Shoot Buffalo Bore loads through it.

 

[Confederate]

Not sure what you mean by this. How is a 6-shot revolver more "stable" than a 7-shot revolver? I've owned and shot many 6-shot revolvers and have never discerned a difference in "stability" between them and a S&W 7-shot, 686 Plus. Maybe I'm not as discriminating as you.

What I meant was that I think the 6-shot guns don't go out of time as often.