S&W 686 vs Ruger GP100

clhess

Whats the better gun and why. Im looking for a 4" 357 thats why I asked.Thanks

cpermd

They are both solid firearms.I hate both companies for their Anti 2nd Amendmendment Stance.I would not buy either one new because of that.If it is used then you are not supporting the companies and get the one you like the best.I like the Smith and they are easier to smooth up for me.That is because I know them much better though.I HATE rugerI hate bill ruger and his company and his son.cpermd[This message has been edited by nunn (edited 12-24-2001).]

.250Savage

Can't argue with cpermd on the political aspects, but that only leaves Colt (and I think they stopped making the Python for political reasons), Taurus (which is a ripoff of the Smith design), or one of the smaller makers (Rossi, etc.). Mechanically, I think they're pretty equal, though the Ruger may have a small edge in strength and durability. Their off-set cylinder notches, crane locking system, and solid-sided frame struck me as superior to the S&W 19th century blackpowder design. It is also beefier, tho whether thicker cast steel is stronger than thinner forged steel is open to debate. I have fired thousands of full-power rounds thru mine, with only a little erosion on the end of the barrel as a result, and that can be replaced by the factory. I also like the fact that it can be completely taken apart with almost no tools, a la military guns, whereas the Smith is best disassembled by a 'smith. It is undeniably clunkier, tho. It is a true "Chevy", whereas the S&W is more "Mercedes Benz". The Smith is much more refined, and handling it, you will notice this. The single-action trigger pull will give you a woody, and if it doesn't out of the box, it is easier to hone this action, as well as there being more 'smiths who know how to do it. Bottom line, if you want something that takes a knockin' and keeps on rockin', buy the Ruger. If you want something that was put together with care that you can feel, buy the Smith.

hardtyms

686 hands down no questions asked without a doubt

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GUN CONTROL!!! Means hitting your target!!!! ((o))

luger01

Personal politics aside, there are some differences that you should consider.The Ruger design is hell for stout. It will keep on shooting full load magnums when the others need to be rebuilt. The grips are really good, esp. when shooting lots of heavy loads in a single session at the range. The S&W is a perfected design. The action (IMHO) will need cleaning up. The guns leave the factory with rough insides, and that equates with poor trigger pull. Polishing the insides is simple and you can get a great trigger pull easily without touching the sear engagement surfaces or springs.Colts (at least old Pythons) are wonderful. If you can find an old Python that is in excellent shape - buy it. You won't lose money!Taurus is NOT a S&W clone. They were at first, but that was many years ago. Although they look like older S&Ws externally, the internals are quite different and they use a transfer bar for safety. Also the innovative key lock on the newer Taurus' is a very attractive feature for some prople.The Rossis are adequate revolvers. I am not as familiar with them as the others, but for my money, I'd rather buy a used revolver by one of the above mentioned firms than a new Rossi.My sidearm? S&Ws. I started with them and know them intimately. I can slick up an action in no time and favor them over the others. If I wanted a sometimes shooter that would reside in the safe as a collectible - the Colt Python would be my first choice. If I were to choose a revolver as a duty gun that would get shot a considerable amount, survive knocks, abuse, and weather, the Ruger would by my pick. Although Taurus is a decent mfg., I had bad experinces with two revolvers many years ago and that sticks with me. I know that they are much better today, but, ....

robsguns

Someone here please educate me as to whats up with the Ruger comments, I am a big fan, and have never heard any negatives comments about them, based on their stance on gun control, from anyone, except here on this forum, whats up with this?

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SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

ishootblanks

Hold your nose and buy the Smith!

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Without the NRA, the second ammendment would already be gone!

jetix

Buy the Smith! I would go for the 686 plus model, 7 shot. The Ruger is a good gun but the Smith's action is better and it handles better. Merry Christmas, Jim

jetix

Buy the Smith! I would go for the 686 plus model, 7 shot. The Ruger is a good gun but the Smith's action is better and it handles better. Merry Christmas, Jim

Blokey

I have both and yes, the Smith does have a smoother action out of the box. The Ruger is definitely built like a tank so if you're going to do a lot of shooting, I would go for the Ruger. The only thing I don't like about the GP100 is the aluminum rear sight (adj. sight model).The Python has been mentioned as an option; it's going to be an expensive option so why not consider a King Cobra? I like my K.C. and my Python, but the K.C. is definitely a heavier built gun that can digest a lot more ammo before it needs tuning. It'll cost you a couple of C notes less to purchase too.

cpermd

robsgunsBill Ruger is the one single person who brought the whole United States the 10 rd mag limit."there is no need for a firearm that holds 10 rds" he stated and took to the legislature.Before that we sold 4-7 Rugers a week.Not a one since.cpermd

Smokewagon

Where did this info. on Ruger come from? Ive never heard or read anything about this, and I get lots of gun and hunting magazines.

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Sgt.J.Kysela/Oklahoma City Police Dept. F/A Instructor.

clhess

Thanks all for your insite.I had a GP100 it was a good gun. Not a real great shooter and maybe even over built. I was thinking of getting another one but after comparing one to a 686 I think I like the S&W more. I realy like the Hi Vis with the 5" barrel.

robsguns

cpermd,I'd love to know where this quote came from also. I wont believe it until I see it, in fact I may just call his Secretary and ask her about it. Shes nice, I've talked with her before about gun control issues, thanking her for Mr. Rugers dedication to the gun enthusiasts, asking her to relay the message. I'd be pissed to find out he actually said something like that.

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SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC

ndbilly

robsguns - I'm sure you could research it but I remember the statement very well. Ruger may now claim he was misquoted or that his statement was taken out of context, but he did little or nothing at the time of the controversy to mitigate the effect of his words. It was a real blow during the debate over high cap. mags. I like the guy, too but won't purchase any more of his products. We have enough enemies on the other side without having to deal with a company that won't support its customers on an issue so fundamental to both.

soflaac

Personally, I prefer S&W 686 over the GP100, for reasons of smoother action like most have stated. I do believe both companies have made poor decisions in dealing with our government also.Here is a link to an article on Dean Spier's web-site. This isn't to inflame others against Ruger, BTW. I have personally owned more Ruger's than Smith's. http://communities.prodigy.net/sportsrec/gz-papabill.html

idsman75

I have a 686 with a 6" barrel. I bought it in Excellent/Almost New condition and it's trigger was slicker than you-know-what. I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world.I heard Ruger took that stance in order to keep the Mini-14 out of the spotlight when they were picking "assault weapons" to blacklist.

SXSMAN

My pick would be the 686.I've got two of them.4" magnaported,and 6" adjustable front sight,magnaported w/wolfe springs.They're good shootin irons.

Smokewagon

I dont believe Ruger said that. If he would have the press would have crucified him the way they did Smith and Wesson when they made their deal with the devil. I saw nothing about this in Guns/Ammo, Shooting Times, North American Hunter, or American Rifleman. Surely one of them would have picked this up. Havent heard anything from the NRA on this matter either.

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Sgt.J.Kysela/Oklahoma City Police Dept. F/A Instructor.[This message has been edited by Smokewagon (edited 12-26-2001).]

robsguns

cpermd,From reading the link that soflaac posted, it would appear that Bill did not actually state that no honest man needs a gun that shoots more than ten rounds, it was more along the lines of no civilian need a MAGAZINE that shoots more than 15 rounds. And Bill's proposal, as I read it, was for a 15 round limit, not 10, as was passed. That being said, I'm not all that happy that he did any of that, but from a compromise point of view, and seeing what his position's affect on the gun industry was, I'd say what he said and did really wasnt so important. Then maybe it was. We still have the guns we shoot, thats a plus, maybe its because of his initiative that we have them, still. So if it was his intent to save the guns he makes, it worked. Now, as for the magazine issue. I have some high capacity mags. In truth, I have never used them. Maybe Bill was right, no one does need a mag of more than 15 rds., not that I like anyone telling me I CANT have one, but, I dont use the ones I have. I realize that a lot of people do like to use them and I respect that, but I also respect what Bill was trying to accomplish. I honestly dont believe that a magazine limit of his PROPOSED 15 rds. was so unreasonable, in light of the political climate at that time, nor at this time. We never get everything we want in life, and although we have another limitation on our sport, the anti-gunners didnt get what they wanted either, we still have our guns. Thats my view anyway.

.250Savage

Chip, chip, chip. We (may have) asked for a fifteen rounder; we got tens. A year (or ten years) from now, "Why does anyone NEED more than a five-round magazine?" When American citizens (especially gun owners) are so blinded by our enemies that they ask why their fellow citizens should be allowed some freedom, rather than begging the government for their rights, how can you call yourself a free American?

ndbilly

Gotta go with .250 on this one, robsguns. Classic "slippery slope" logic vis a vis wants vs. needs. Who NEEDS a car that will go 160 mph, who NEEDS a 5,000 sf house, who NEEDS a .50 BMG rifle, who NEEDS more than one rifle, one pistol, one shotgun, who NEEDS 10,000 rds. of ammo in his or her safe? I sincerely hope that I'm long gone before I see some geek in the bowels of a Washington bureaucracy determining what I need.

Lowrider

"From each, according to his abilities; To each, according to his NEEDS"Communist credo.How far away from this type of rule are we?

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Lord Lowrider the LoquaciousMember:Secret Select Society of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets She was only a fisherman's daughter,But when she saw my rod she reeled.