Ruger's and Smiths...

[farm23]

I have both and like each. I have more Ruger's but that is because I really like SA. My next revolver will be a Redhawk 45/45acp. I mostly carry a custom 629 3" 44 . So I go both ways.

 

[Deanimator]

I'd have to go with Ruger.

The S&W lock is a deal breaker for me.

I've got a safe full of S&W revolvers, not one of which has the lock. None of them ever will.

If I had the money, I'd be seriously thinking about one of the 4" Redhawks in .45acp/.45 Colt.

 

[rbernie]

I have found that there a lot more grip and sight choices for the Smiths. That matters to me.

 

[reppans]

I have 3 Smith revolvers that are probably my 3 favorite guns, and 1 Ruger (LCP) that is my most disappointing gun. I know their revolvers are better, but I just can't get myself to buy another Ruger now.

 

[g17]

To me, a pre-lock 686 was the finest 357 magnum ever made. I've shot S&W revolvers for the last 5 decades but with that said, I own a half dozen gp100's and would choose the Ruger over any lock version of the S&W. The gp100 is no slouch by any means and will handle anything you want to shoot through it. Regardless of what brand you choose, either should serve you well but look them over carefully, particularly the S&W to make sure the barrel isn't canted which seems to be rather common on newer Smiths that I've looked at.

 

[CraigC]

No, that 4.2" barrel model is the only .45 ACP Ruger revolver at the moment.

Not it isn't. Ruger has made .45 convertible single actions for over 40yrs.

 

[Mitlov]

Not it isn't. Ruger has made .45 convertible single actions for over 40yrs.

Sorry, completely missed the Vaquero because I was only looking at double-action models.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Lots of Smith lock hate. I bought a 686 7 shooter with a lock 11 months ago. I have put about 4k magnums thru it. I wouldn't know the lock was there if I didn't look for the hole.

 

[CraigC]

Sorry, completely missed the Vaquero because I was only looking at double-action models.

The Vaquero, New Vaquero and two sizes of Blackhawk in three barrel lengths.

 

[Crayfish]

If you want a safe queen buy the Smith. If you want a shooter buy the Ruger. Look in the reloading manuals if you think Smith is built as strong as Ruger. I am biased as the only two firearms I ever had to return for warped barrels were Smiths. Once the Clinton lock showed up I was done with Smith. My guns get carried a lot so looks don't matter much and the trigger smooths out pretty quickly on the Ruger and I only shoot DA.

 

[CraigC]

Look in the reloading manuals if you think Smith is built as strong as Ruger.

Not really applicable here.

 

[centag]

If you are not in a rush you'll find a good deal on a 686

I have not read all the replies so I may be repeating what others have said.

Although generally a S&W will gain value and basically a Ruger will merely hold its value the model 686 is so readily available on the used market that appreciation may lag. The good news is that you can find a 4" 686 on GB w/o box for anywhere from $525 to $600.

If you want appreciation then a model 27-2 3.5" will make you money in a year or so. The present situation in DC will most likely accelerate that increase markedly.

It is darn hard to loose money on any Smith revolver. Don't forget their warranty.

Last month I picked up a 686 no dash on a Smith forum for $575.00 with an extra set of Goodyear grips. Excellent condition. I could sell it today and make at least $100.00. But I wont. I mention this to show that good buys are out there. I have purchased a 686+ 4" for $525 about a year ago w/o box. Decent price but not a killer deal.




JMHO

EDIT: Checking GunBroker completed auction I see a load of 4" 686s 686+s went recently for great prices. Some with box etc for $600 a lot others in the low $500s....forget the Rugers. Ride the wave!

 

[old lady new shooter]

centag, what grip is that on that 686? Is that one of the old original S&W ones?