S&W 868 vs Ruger GP100

[Buzznrose]

Update:

Picked up my Ruger from Bass Pro Shop in San Antonio last night. Kinda a cluster…but got it. I live between the Cabelas in Buda and Bass Pro in SA so for a change, picked the Bass Pro to have the gun delivered to. Last time for that…as much as I think Cabelas has declined since the merger, I much prefer their gun counter…much more responsive and knowledgeable. Ultimately, they got me squared away so I won’t go into details, but I’d rate the service as “good not great”. Nuff about that…

So when I went and checked out the guns beforehand, I actually had to go to several LGS’s to find them. Never had a chance to compare them together. But I really looked hard at the Ruger last night, and my initial impressions are:

- solid, basic revolver. The hammer wiggles slightly so a shim kit may be something I look into.

- DA trigger is okay. I don’t have a trigger scale but it seems smooth and light enough for now. SA is plenty light for a Glock shooter like me.

- finish is good but nothing impressive. I’d never have even looked at that but Styx’s post made me! Thanks Bro! LOL! But I said I was looking for utility over refinement, so it’s fine. But next revolver, I’m probably going to weigh refinement more as a discriminator.

Bottom line, at this point, I’m pretty happy. This is the first of several I’ll be adding to the safe over the next few years. Looking forward to shooting it in the next couple weeks.

Again, thanks for the back and forth discussion, most were very helpful for a long-overdue revolver revival.



To be continued….

 

[SDGlock23]

I didn't get to vote but I'd go for the 4.2" GP100, I have one myself. I love the GP100 and while I do like the 686, to me I prefer the GP100. The trigger, bone stock, is a bit "better" on the S&W, but the DA is heavy although the single action is very nice. You can buy a Wolff reduced power recoil spring kit that comes with several lighter weight hammer springs and trigger return springs and it's pretty darn easy to install and gives you a VERY good trigger, better than S&W by far. I like pretty much everything about the GP100 better.

 

[red rick]

Congratulations on your new revolver . You are actually someone that took the poll advice and didn’t waste any time buying it . Good choice .

 

[md7]

Congrats on the revolver! I’m more of a semi auto guy, but bought a 4” 357 mag because I just think every collection needs one.

Mines a 4” GP100, and I’ve had it since around 2008. Only 400-500 rounds of 38 through it but I like it

 

[Buzznrose]

Congrats on the revolver! I’m more of a semi auto guy, but bought a 4” 357 mag because I just think every collection needs one.

Mines a 4” GP100, and I’ve had it since around 2008. Only 400-500 rounds of 38 through it but I like it

I have a safe full of semi-auto's. They are my go to shooters. I'm just at a point I want to diversify and put some refinement in a safe full of plastic striker fire work guns.

I'll be upgrading the semi's too, Lord willing.

 

[md7]

I have a safe full of semi-auto's. They are my go to shooters. I'm just at a point I want to diversify and put some refinement in a safe full of plastic striker fire work guns.

I'll be upgrading the semi's too, Lord willing.

Totally understandable. I’ve done the same recently myself.

 

[Beach Bum]

Buzz ....Proud of ya that gp 100 4" is sweet , grab that 6" when you get the chance ....your a good man buzz ...men like us take care of our own ... Take care....

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Late to the party as usual, sorry. Since this will be a range gun I like a 6" barrel over a 4" barrel all day long. I do like the S&W M686 a lot and I own one. Buying the M686 or M686+ is a matter of preference. The M686 holds 6 rounds while the M686+ will carry 7 rounds. Like I said, it a matter of preference, no real difference in performance IMO.

Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the GP100, I just like the looks and form of the S&W revolver better. Don't rule out the S&W M686 3-5-7 series either. The Performance Center guns are nice but these days I don't feel they live up to the older standards and paying a premium for the PC guns is no longer warranted.

BTW, what body type does your daughter have? Is she small and light or can she handle the weight of an L frame which weight up near 3 lbs.? If gun weight isn't a issue what about an N frame revolver like the M627. It weighs only 2-3oz more than the M686 but holds 8 rounds and is available with a 5" barrel. I really like the 5" barrel, it's a good compromise between the 4" and 6" barrel and just feels well balanced in your hand. The price is higher than the M686 unfortunately.

Don't forget the range report when you decide which gun to buy and then fat to shoot it.

 

[Danielsuzuki1k]

Update:

Picked up my Ruger from Bass Pro Shop in San Antonio last night. Kinda a cluster…but got it. I live between the Cabelas in Buda and Bass Pro in SA so for a change, picked the Bass Pro to have the gun delivered to. Last time for that…as much as I think Cabelas has declined since the merger, I much prefer their gun counter…much more responsive and knowledgeable. Ultimately, they got me squared away so I won’t go into details, but I’d rate the service as “good not great”. Nuff about that…

So when I went and checked out the guns beforehand, I actually had to go to several LGS’s to find them. Never had a chance to compare them together. But I really looked hard at the Ruger last night, and my initial impressions are:

- solid, basic revolver. The hammer wiggles slightly so a shim kit may be something I look into.

- DA trigger is okay. I don’t have a trigger scale but it seems smooth and light enough for now. SA is plenty light for a Glock shooter like me.

- finish is good but nothing impressive. I’d never have even looked at that but Styx’s post made me! Thanks Bro! LOL! But I said I was looking for utility over refinement, so it’s fine. But next revolver, I’m probably going to weigh refinement more as a discriminator.

Bottom line, at this point, I’m pretty happy. This is the first of several I’ll be adding to the safe over the next few years. Looking forward to shooting it in the next couple weeks.

Again, thanks for the back and forth discussion, most were very helpful for a long-overdue revolver revival.

View attachment 1069270

To be continued….

Congratulations!

I have one in stainless, a great weapon for certain. I can vouch for the Mcarbo GP100/SP101 kit. It comes with shims for the trigger and hammer, as well as polish. It's a great kit with a VERY thorough YouTube video demonstration.

Even after the GP100 shims and spring (I left the factory return spring), my stock redhawk DA trigger is a shade better.

YMMV of course, but my experience with Mcarbo was a very positive one.

Daniel

 

[Bennj]

Since I don't own, nor have I shot, a 686 I vote for the GP100 6". I do own a GP 5" and after having done some trigger, shims and polishing work on it, would never get rid of it. But, I still very much want a 686-3 4" or 6".

 

[Buzznrose]

UPDATE

Took the revolver out and ran about 60 rounds through it. All hand-loads ranging from 148gr powder puff .38 Spl wad cutters to some pretty warm 158gr jacketed FP and XTP’s. I am happy with the gun. Was not looking for accuracy as much as consistency…no complaints at 12 yards.

Ordered and put a new front sight on the gun as the black on black wasn’t great in the heavily shaded spot where I normally shoot:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QM52Y7G?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Looking at the shim and spring kits but honestly not in a hurry.

Definitely fun to have a revolver in the gear bag for range visits.

Again, thanks much to all the folks who gave input and advice. I appreciate you taking time to help…

 

[red rick]

I agree with you on not changing springs and shimming until you get some range time with it , so you know the before and the after performance and reliability the changes the modification might have made positive or negative .

 

[d'zaster]

I have a 686+ and really like it. I think the finish on the SW is just a bit more refined.

 

[Styx]

I have a 686+ and really like it. I think the finish on the SW is just a bit more refined.

That's what I said and nearly got my head chopped off lol. I think price played a huge role for the OP. Both revolvers will get the job done, but IMHO, the machining and fit and finish is, as you put it, more refined with S&W revolvers.

Too bad that the Colt Python are so expensive because those are nice too.

 

[Tacoma]

Congrats on your new GP. Drop in a spring kit and then run a few hundred rounds of 38 through it to smoothen it out. You'll be smiling!