S&W 868 vs Ruger GP100

Which would you get?

  • GP-100 4"

    Votes: 33 51.6%

  • S&W 868 6"

    Votes: 11 17.2%

  • S&W 868 Plus 6"

    Votes: 13 20.3%

  • Ruger GP100 (wait on 6")

    Votes: 7 10.9%
  • Total voters
    64
  • Poll closed .
Status
Not open for further replies.
Buzznrose

Buzznrose

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Joined
Feb 15, 2012
Messages
3,593
Location
New Braunfels, TX
Looking for input as I'm not really sure which way I want to go.

I've got points ready to go and have been looking for a .357 handgun for the range and teaching my adult daughters about DA revolvers. The three that keep popping up on Cabelas (where I will be buying) are the GP100 and the S&W 868 and 868 Plus. I'm not in a big hurry, and have decided on a stainless steel gun.

This gun will be 99% a range only fun and training gun. Will shoot .38 Spl wadcutters in an easy load majority of the time. Not gonna carry it nor will it have to fit in a glove compartment. If I decide to ever carry it (very unlikely), it will be OWB for sure. It will also be a heirloom - pass on for another generation gun. So shoot-ability, longevity, and residual value will be the primary criteria for me.

The S&W's have 6" barrels wile the Ruger that goes in and out of availability has the 4.2" barrel. Prices are close-ish, with the Plus model the most expensive. But price isn't really a factor, nor are any other options at this time.

I'm genuinely interested in your replies. I am leaning towards the 4" Ruger ever so slightly, but also like that 868 plus...

Thanks!
 
dannyd said:
Don't know anything about the S&W, but own 5 GP-100's. The 4 inch will much easier to train someone with. The 6 inch make great target guns but are heavy. Have two 6 inch and two 4 inch and one 3 inch.
Click to expand...
How is recoil versus 6 inch? Again, will be mainly shooting 38's which shoot very soft from a 5 1/2 inch Vaquero
 
Buzznrose said:
How is recoil versus 6 inch? Again, will be mainly shooting 38's which shoot very soft from a 5 1/2 inch Vaquero
Click to expand...

It's so heavy very low, but I mostly shoot 38 special HBWC's. Like the Vaquero (once own 3 of those) or the Blackhawk ( own 5 of those) you can use it has a hammer or revolver.

All the 38 special rounds I load (67,163) are basically mouse fart loads I am shooting at paper so don't heavy.
 
Teaching adult daughters about
DA revolvers? Mostly light loads?
Mostly a range firearm but
maybe carry occasionally?
Not in a big hurry to buy?

Forget the 6-icners and also consider
and wait for some lighter models
such as the S&W 66 or a 3-inch
686 or a 3-inch GP100 (don't worry
that it doesn't have adj. sights)

For a bit of humor and good insight
see Mr. RevolverGuy's current posting
on 3-inchers. He's dealing in the
realm of DA work only, which is the
best way to shoot a DA revolver.
 
When she competed against friends, my daughter chose to shoot one of my 6" revolvers. The longer sight radius helped her shoot it more accurately than the 4" models we usually shoot together. IMHO, a longer-barreled revolver has less recoil, too. My daughter is tall and strong, so 6" revolvers are no problem for her.

It would be great if the OP could let his daughters try holding the different models. Some people like the way Rugers feel, and some prefer the feel of a Smith and Wesson. They could also maybe see if the 6" barrels felt too heavy for them or not.

I've taught various people to shoot handguns. In general, the longer the barrel, the easier it is to shoot well.

As long as the weight isn't a problem, I'd get a 6".

I have some nice Ruger revolvers, but none of them has as good a trigger as my best Smith and Wesson revolvers.
 
Getting them to the store and letting them choose what feels best would be the best idea. I am partial to the GP, but lots of folks prefer S&Ws. Either will do the job just fine.
 
I have a 6 inch GP100 and 6 inch 686 plus. I want to like the GP 100 so much, but I can’t help but prefer the 686. The da trigger is much smoother and sa trigger is nice too. Also note, I think you will find the rubber 686 or 686 plus grip (if that is the one it comes with) a little slimmer which would probably fit most womens hands better.
 
So I guess you've figured out that you are talking about the Ruger GP100 vs the SW 686 series by now. (There is no 868 although there is a 986 in 9mm )
My 2 cents.
Overall?
I have had 3, Gp100's and near a dozen 686/686+ over my years. I still keep one each. A 4.2" Gp100 and a 5" SW686+. Both are super solid ,good looking revolvers and great shooters. IMHO, any one should be happy with either. That said, If I could have only one, AND had to shoot it without any home gunsmitihing, I would go with a GP100. ( This coming from a former SW revolver collector, BTW) Why? 1) They are slightly cheaper, 2) They have a better factory trigger (and the unique ability to easily "stage" the hammer. Makes for more accurate DA shooting for many people), 3) They come with an easily interchangeable front sight. ( Having the ability to add a $25 fiber optic sight is HUGE) You have to buy a Pro/PC series revolver in a SW to get that option. 4) Their factory grips do a better job of absorbing recoil than factory 686 grips. SW grips have an open backstrap that puts the steel of the butt against your palm. Rugers have a 1/2" of rubber in that spot. You feel the difference when loads get hot. Of course, grips on either can be changed.

Barrel length?
I've owned big framed revolvers in 2.5" to 7" lengths with many in that 4-6" range. Personally, I am a big fan of the 5" barrel on any revolver but do like the 4.2" on my current GP as a close second. IMHO, The 6" barrels tend to get a little nose heavy (especially to women/kids). That said, I do think the GP100 in 6" feels ( slightly) better balanced than the 6" 686 I just sold. That could be due to the grips though.

6 vs 7 shot? Both models can be bought either way. ( There are reports on the net of the GP100 7 shooters having issues though) Personally, I've tried but am just not a fan of the 7 shot revolvers. I don't see the point ( likely because I've run 6 shooters for 40+ years.). The 7 shooters are also more limited in speed loader choices.
Your preferences may vary.

Here is my current favorite .

20220217-103210.jpg
 

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Among other things, I am Dyslexic so 868 makes perfect sense to me! I am also left handed so does that mean that I am dominant handed dyslexic as well? It is all too confusing.

I love the GP100 but have a lot of respect for the 686 series as well. Both guns have lots of aftermarket support so holsters and upgrades are easy to find and generally available. I find the 4" more handy and easier for the casual use to shoot. My 6" GP is my most accurate .357. This truly comes down to personal preference.

If you like the 4" Ruger, then I would say go for it. Since it will be an heirloom, the Ruger will last several lifetimes. If you do carry it, the 4" is more portable. I have been shooting a GP of one flavor or another for the last 30 years and they are great. I say go for the Ruger and enjoy!
 
I'm a 686 guy. Mine is a 3" gun for carry. I love it, and I think it's the best revolver.
However, if you're a GP guy, and it's only gonna be a range gun... that's what I'd recommend, being it's what you know.
 
Buzznrose said:
Looking for input as I'm not really sure which way I want to go.

I've got points ready to go and have been looking for a .357 handgun for the range and teaching my adult daughters about DA revolvers. The three that keep popping up on Cabelas (where I will be buying) are the GP100 and the S&W 868 and 868 Plus. I'm not in a big hurry, and have decided on a stainless steel gun.

This gun will be 99% a range only fun and training gun. Will shoot .38 Spl wadcutters in an easy load majority of the time. Not gonna carry it nor will it have to fit in a glove compartment. If I decide to ever carry it (very unlikely), it will be OWB for sure. It will also be a heirloom - pass on for another generation gun. So shoot-ability, longevity, and residual value will be the primary criteria for me.

The S&W's have 6" barrels wile the Ruger that goes in and out of availability has the 4.2" barrel. Prices are close-ish, with the Plus model the most expensive. But price isn't really a factor, nor are any other options at this time.

I'm genuinely interested in your replies. I am leaning towards the 4" Ruger ever so slightly, but also like that 868 plus...

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I had GP100, and have S&W 686-3, both 6". However, I am leaning now toward S&W 686-3 or -4, Target Champion 6", with firing pin on hammer, no MIM parts. IMO, it's just better revolver:

H20678-L116224491.jpg

Also, I would consider new Python. :

103274.jpg

Many said it's an excellent revolver, even better in all aspects than old one.
 
If this was five years ago, I would say get the GP100, it would have been $300 cheaper. But was looking at the 686+ and 7 shot GP100 last week and they were within $150 if each other, so I would go SW686+ now. I like Ruger and down right love their GP100s, but the are not worth what they are asking compared to a SW.

I also think it’s way easier to put an optic on the SW, just remove the sight and put a rail on it. If she is shooting with friends, sooner or later RDSs will be involved and then everyone will want one. LOL

Lefty
 
So to clarify, this is just to familiarize my adult daughters with revolvers. They actually own 9MM’s as their own pistols. One will eventually own this gun, but that’s down the road. This will be my range blaster for a while…

Lots of great responses. Thanks!!!
 
Either would do the job. I just picked up a new Gp100 6” barrel a couple weeks ago and put 100 rounds through it (50 .38 special and 50 .357 magnum). I think it’s awesome, shoots great, handles .357 no problem, not uncomfortable at all. The DA trigger feels smooth to me but it’s also pretty heavy. SA trigger is very nice.

I wanted the 6” barrel so I had to search around. I’ve heard the 4” barrel is great also. I have no experience with the 686 but I’m sure that’s a great gun as well.
 
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