S&W 686 or Ruger GP100
- Thread starter Too_Pure
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I was shopping between these two and actually rented both side by side with a couple of boxes of ammo - I couldn't tell any difference in accuracy or feel. I ended up buying the Smith only because it was more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
However, I understand the Ruger can be disassembled much more easily (actually outlined in the manual) - that counts for a lot to me. I really don't care about the price difference, you get at least half that back if you sell, and it's a mouse fart next to the cost of ammo you'll put through the gun.
In hindsight though, I'm very happy I got the Smith since it has the perfect understudy - the 617 - which I like even more since I can shoot it a lot more and with less effort (cleaning).
However, I understand the Ruger can be disassembled much more easily (actually outlined in the manual) - that counts for a lot to me. I really don't care about the price difference, you get at least half that back if you sell, and it's a mouse fart next to the cost of ammo you'll put through the gun.
In hindsight though, I'm very happy I got the Smith since it has the perfect understudy - the 617 - which I like even more since I can shoot it a lot more and with less effort (cleaning).
easyg
Member
I just can't justify the price difference.
The S&W is nice, but it aint that nice.
Go Ruger.
The S&W is nice, but it aint that nice.
Go Ruger.
jad0110
Member
I agree with easyg. Five years ago it was different. A NIB GP was $475-ish and a NIB 686 was $550-ish. And used 686s were fairly plentiful for around $400 (pre MIM, pre lock). You could really go either way. I recall my sister buying her sweet 681-3 4" for $350 in late 2007.
Fast forward to today. NIB GPs are around $500 - $530. So in my area they've gone up around $25 - $50. 686s OTH are $750 NIB, so they've gone up $200 in the same timeframe. Used 686s have gone up even more, all the ones I've seen are $650 or more.
I prefer the 686 by a small margin, say $100. But not for that price. Heck, you can get a very nice used S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman for the same or a little less than a new GP, and I prefer the balance of the 28 to either the GP or 686.
I paid $425 for this 28-2 a little over a year ago. As I said, I like the GP and I really like my 686, but I like this 28 even more.
Fast forward to today. NIB GPs are around $500 - $530. So in my area they've gone up around $25 - $50. 686s OTH are $750 NIB, so they've gone up $200 in the same timeframe. Used 686s have gone up even more, all the ones I've seen are $650 or more.
I prefer the 686 by a small margin, say $100. But not for that price. Heck, you can get a very nice used S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman for the same or a little less than a new GP, and I prefer the balance of the 28 to either the GP or 686.
I paid $425 for this 28-2 a little over a year ago. As I said, I like the GP and I really like my 686, but I like this 28 even more.
Fishslayer
Member
As a matter of fact, yes, it is.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Both are great revolver. IMO you should buy the one that feels best in your hand. No one can tell you which would be better for you. I happen to like the M686 better and own a 4" M686. If you're not stuck on a 6 shooter there's nothing wrong with the M686+ either. 7 rounds of .357 Magnum on tap beats 6 rounds any day.
DenaliPark
member
The Smith is a much more refined piece of work, better trigger, smoother action, better balance, better looking, and a much higher resale. S&W has superior options available in the 686 for ccw, 2.5', 3', or 4' barrels. The S&W has far more accessories available for it, particularly grips and holsters.
The Ruger is a nice DA revolver, it's sturdy and accurate, but it also has a stiff trigger, it's also thin(width)compared to the S&W, and heavy, it can detract from accuracy unless smoothed out. There are not many decent aftermarket grip options for the GP100, it's an awkward revolver with many of them, particularly for ccw....
To my mind this is a no-brainer, the Ruger is much more in line with the offerings from Taurus then S&W, I'd take the 686 over the GP100 everytime, pre-lock or not....
The Ruger is a nice DA revolver, it's sturdy and accurate, but it also has a stiff trigger, it's also thin(width)compared to the S&W, and heavy, it can detract from accuracy unless smoothed out. There are not many decent aftermarket grip options for the GP100, it's an awkward revolver with many of them, particularly for ccw....
To my mind this is a no-brainer, the Ruger is much more in line with the offerings from Taurus then S&W, I'd take the 686 over the GP100 everytime, pre-lock or not....
Too_Pure
Member
I can't get that 586 out if my mind. I really wish I would've put something down on it because I'm in San Diego right now and won't be back until Sunday night. Hopefully it'll still be there. I figure the 586 in such pristine shape is a pretty good find at that price. I can get the new Ruger any ol' time.
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The Royal Phoenix is really nice! Very tempting.
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