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Ruger or S&W???

chappsynychappsyny Member Posts: 3,381 ✭✭
edited November 2001 in Ask the Experts
I'm looking at getting another 357 magnum with a 4" barrel. I have my search narrowed down to 2 guns, but I need some advice to make the final decision. Which is a better firearm, a gently USED S&W 686 or an equaly used ruger GP-100 in terms of reliability, quality, durability, resale value, etc?Thanks everyone.
New Hampshire, USA - "Live Free or Die!!!"
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Comments

  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000 ✭
    edited November -1
    dano's right. I agree with him 100%. The Ruger's a good gun, but S&W builds the best wheel gun, hands down.
    Save, research, then buy the best.Join the NRA, NOW!Teach them young, teach them safe, teach them forever, but most of all, teach them to VOTE!
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  • nunnnunn Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 36,078 ******
    edited November -1
    S&W. Never did see a GP100 that had a decent trigger pull. The guns are built like anvils; you can't tear them up, but they have crappy actions.
    Certified SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of the General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the premier gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net Jesus is Lord!
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  • gunnutgunnut Member Posts: 724 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    my motto was S&W relovers, and Colt Auto's now its S&W relovers, and SIG/GLOCK/KIMBER auto's I agree with the above the rugers are tough as tanks, but overall the S&W's are smooooother, Hey guys lets not forget the Colt Python just plain nice..
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  • luger01luger01 Member Posts: 230 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Although Ruger build a fine, ultra-tough gun, I also prefer the older S&Ws. Maybe because I have owned them for so many years and know them inside and out. Trigger jobs are sooooo easy on the S&Ws, too. Just polish some internals, leave the sear alone, and SA pulls drop to the 3-4# range instantly. DA pulls in the 8# range are easy, too - with no spring modifications either (no change od reliability being compromised!).A model 13 or 19 are great home defense or carry guns. (OK, you silver gun folks can get a model 65 or 66). I like the 3" barrelled model 13 as a great all around weapon. Full length ejector rod, but compact enough to carry concealed. I HATE the 2.5" model 19s. Had one. Hated having to pick out cases because the damn ejector rod was too short to eject them. Why S&W ever did that is a mystery of stupidity!There are plenty of excellent used S&Ws available. You should be able to get a top notch gun for under $300.
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  • JimmyJackJimmyJack Member Posts: 5,489 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have both, S & W is my choice also.
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  • Police SharpshooterPolice Sharpshooter Member Posts: 14 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm a PPC shooter, so I see a lot of revolvers with literally tens of thousands of rounds through them. The S&W is by far the best in terms of reliability. The rugers (and colts) usually develop timing problems and show signs of wear a lot faster. Also parts are generally easier to come by for the smiths.
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  • al57al57 Member Posts: 42 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    ruger .357's develop timing problems?..and faster than s & w?..i highly, highly doubt this due to 35 years of shooting both and discussions with several gun rental outfits. i have never, ever seen any ruger wheelgun go out of time, regardless of caliber, unlike several smith & wessons.
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  • Southpaw RedSouthpaw Red Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you shoot alot of reloads, I would go for the Ruger. It will take the abuse if a charge is doubled. S&W will keep a better resale though. I had a GP100. It was nice and new, but couldn't hit a side of the barn at 25 yards. Got a S&W 681 Combat Masterpiece(?) and shot squirrels at thirty yards. The only thing I wish was that it was a 357 and not a 38.
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