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GP100 vs S&W 686 #6253661 04/10/16 12:09 AM
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Palehorse Offline OP
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Ok, I'm jonesin bad for a new revolver. I've narrowed it down to either a Ruger GP100 .357 w/ 4" barrel or a S&W 686, also .357 w/ 4" barrel. The S&W is about $200 dollars more. Do yall think the S&W is worth the extra $$$$?

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253720 04/10/16 12:41 AM
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I'm a fan of the gp 100. It fits my hand better than the 686.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253879 04/10/16 02:38 AM
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I personally think the 686 is the best 357 mag revolver that has ever been made.


Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
I was wrong...on anything technical.

Originally Posted by Sailor
Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253889 04/10/16 02:50 AM
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I think S&W is a finer revolver, but the Ruger is likely tougher (and not a bad gun by any stretch!). Whether it's $200 worth of finer or not is something only you can decide. I think I'd rather have the Smith, though.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253898 04/10/16 02:57 AM
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I've always liked the GP100.

Don't have one at the moment, though I do have a vintage Security Six. Great revolver, built like a tank.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253907 04/10/16 03:05 AM
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686 was the first gun I ever bought. Couldn't even guess how many thousands of rounds has gone through it, and it's still like a Swiss watch.

That being said I wouldn't pay $200 more for it though. Ruger revolvers are simple and tough. Reminds me of the quote "perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but rather nothing left to take away."

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253908 04/10/16 03:05 AM
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If I liked them both, I'd save the $200


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6253992 04/10/16 05:17 AM
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I have both the GP100 and the 686. Both are earlier non-locking models. Out of the box the 686 was smoother, both in single and double action. However, with a little simple work the GP100 can rival the 686 in the action area. The plus of the GP100 is that it is much easier to disassemble to its basic parts and easier to clean. That is about all I can say, in my opinion the only way to test for accuracy would be with a Ransom Rest which I no longer have. I can't imagine anyone loading up the 357 mag to such stout loads that "built like tank" would matter, both of these wheelguns are solid.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254190 04/10/16 02:22 PM
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I've had a GP100 for 7 years now and I love it. It fits my hand perfectly and is very accurate.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254243 04/10/16 03:41 PM
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After some research, I've decided to get the Ruger. The main reason is the point that Blackcoal brought up, it is much easier to break down for cleaning and maintenance/repair. I like that. Any money I save on the purchace, I'll put into a trigger job if I find that I don't like it.
Thanks guys!

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254319 04/10/16 04:40 PM
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I'm late to this party (story of my life) but for what it's worth the S&W 686 is one of the best .357 revolvers ever made. Operationally smooth, excellent balance and rugged.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Red Cloud] #6254336 04/10/16 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted By: Red Cloud
I'm late to this party (story of my life) but for what it's worth the S&W 686 is one of the best .357 revolvers ever made. Operationally smooth, excellent balance and rugged.


I don't think that's even close. I understand adding the cost into it changes it for a lot of people, but the gun its the 686 is far and away a better gun.

That said, the very first 686's had a extractor issue, which smith worked hard to correct and replace on every one of them, if it was a used early serial number gun, I'd research that.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254484 04/10/16 07:44 PM
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Several years ago I was in the same situation, went to a gun store, held them, carried them, really spent time with both. Ended up getting the Ruger for the lower price and because Smith refused to send me a brochure and catalog after I requested one. Still have the GP and am glad I bought it.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254565 04/10/16 09:32 PM
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Rugersupposedly hold up better with hot & heavy loads. Smiths supposedly have better out of the box triggers. I have a gp-100 because I wanted ammo versatility.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6254772 04/11/16 01:10 AM
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I'd save the $200. They're both great guns. Ruger fits me better.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: QuitShootinYoungBucks] #6254990 04/11/16 04:36 AM
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Originally Posted By: QuitShootinYoungBucks
If I liked them both, I'd save the $200


I'm in the same boat. BTW, I have a GP and really like it.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6255029 04/11/16 08:09 AM
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Pay the Xtra $200. It will appreciate in value, year after year better than the Ruger. Unless you are a sadist, you will not shoot full on .357 mag loads in either pistol.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6255043 04/11/16 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted By: Palehorse
Ok, I'm jonesin bad for a new revolver. I've narrowed it down to either a Ruger GP100 .357 w/ 4" barrel or a S&W 686, also .357 w/ 4" barrel. The S&W is about $200 dollars more. Do yall think the S&W is worth the extra $$$$?


686 beats the GP all the way around. Sights, action, accuracy and a much better trigger.


Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: HWY_MAN] #6255067 04/11/16 11:49 AM
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I shoot a Python so no dog in this fight. bolt I like the Ruger toughness, the older Smiths(pinned and recessed) are preferred over newer models. But if you're not beating the devil out of them either Smith or Ruger are good to carry for most of our purposes.


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: DH3] #6255122 04/11/16 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted By: DH3
Pay the Xtra $200. It will appreciate in value, year after year better than the Ruger. Unless you are a sadist, you will not shoot full on .357 mag loads in either pistol.


There's some truth here- I paid $400 in 2000 for a 686 and I could sell it for $600 today. The ruger would probably not appreciate at the same rate.

Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6255136 04/11/16 01:00 PM
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Both are so much fun to shoot. Ruger's built hell for stout, but I love the trigger on the Smith.

Geez. Guess I'm not much help. Buy both. smile


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6255277 04/11/16 02:47 PM
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Best suggestion yet!


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Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: RLoving1] #6256643 04/12/16 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted By: RLoving1
I shoot a Python so no dog in this fight. bolt I like the Ruger toughness, the older Smiths(pinned and recessed) are preferred over newer models. But if you're not beating the devil out of them either Smith or Ruger are good to carry for most of our purposes.


I've got two Pythons and still pick the 686 for single action trigger and accuracy. The action and looks are a win for the Pythons.


Yes! A Weatherby does kill them deader.
Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6257908 04/13/16 12:40 PM
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I have owned Smith 686's in the past, but for my next .357 mag I am seriously considering the GP100 Match Champion.

Out of the box, it falls somewhat behind the 686 - but the Ruger responds well to tuning and let's face it. - The GP100 is a much stronger, more modern design. A well-tuned GP100 gives up nothing to a 686 except perhaps in the looks department - and that is a matter of personal taste.

I'll take the bucks that I saved and buy some really nice grips for the Ruger, along with a spring kit. Then I'll put in a pleasant afternoon bringing the GP100 up to my personal specs. In the long run I'll have something just as slick as any 686 - but considerably more robust.

A great feature of the GP100 that is often overlooked is that if the situation does not call on you to shoot someone, you can always smack them upside the head with it - with gratifying results.

Having owned several 686's, I'm not going to disparage anyone's good opinion of that revolver. It is really one of the all-time greats. - But next time I'm going for the big, clunky Ruger.

Last edited by charlesb; 04/13/16 12:47 PM.

Kind regards, charlesb


Re: GP100 vs S&W 686 [Re: Palehorse] #6265544 04/18/16 07:53 PM
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Well, I bought the GP100 and used the money I saved to buy a Crimson Trace grip. Took it to the range yesterday and had it it hitting the black in about 6 shots. I love this gun! The laser is a Godsend for these old eyes. My next step will be to install a spring kit to lighten the double action a little, although I'm not sure it really needs it. It shoots great as is.

Thanks for everyone's opinions!

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