GP-100 or S&W 28

[wade45]

       I have opprotunity to get either a Ruger GP-100 or a S&W 28 Highway Patrolman both in a four inch barrel. Since I reload, I plan to shoot 170 - 180 gr. hardcast lead swc's and maybe 180 gr. XTP's and know both will handle them just fine. Just want a little input to help make up my mind.

                                                                                  Thanks,
                                                                                           Wade45

[poncaguy]

I've never had a S&W, but I have 2 Ruger GP 100 357's, 4" and 6".  Both excellent revolvers and very accurate.

[S.B.]

I've owned mostly S&W for all my life so, I'd opt for the 28. They're getting rarer and more valuable all the time.

[dubber123]

I have a 6" M28 and can say they will handle heavy loads well, I have shot 180's at some impressive speeds out of mine.  The only thing that would make me choose the Ruger is if the cylinder is longer.  The cylinder on a 28 is stupidly short, a J frame S&W will handle a longer bullet.  The cylinder is however long enough for most heavy bullets, you just need to pay attention to the nose to crimp length.  I would bet the S&W has a much better single action trigger, which is vital to accuracy.  Both are good guns, pick the one you like.l

[Mikey]

Wade45 - get the Smith and Wesson.  Mine went from carrying a 6" bbl to a 3.5" bbl and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I have owned this beauty for over 30 years and she is still the strongest, purdiest, most accurate 357 I have ever used.  She prefers only one menu item, and that is a 200 gn swc over 12.4 of WW296. 

I believe the Smith and Wesson is a better handgun.  I feel they have better trigger let-offs and hammer falls, a better grip design, are easier to hold onto and shoot.  JMHO.  Mikey.

[Old Griz]

I have both Rugers and S&Ws, but in this case I would go with the 28, simply because of the rarity and value. The trigger should be nicer too, however, I do like the Ruger grip. Anytime I can find a good used S&W (that I don't already have one already) it's hard to pass up.

[wade45]

        Well thanks for all the input. I've opted for the S&W 28 and was leaning toward it anyway just because of my fondness of the older wheelguns. I should have it in about a week and can't wait to test her out and may even get a chance to bust a bunny or two before season ends here with her.
        I was also wondering, Mikey, where do you get your 200 gr. swc or if you cast your own then what kind of mold do you use because they sound very intrigueing and impressive and would like to try some?
                                                                                    Again Thanks,
                                                                                                 Wade45   

[Mikey]

Wade:  I get my 200 gn cast swcs from either Mt. Baldy Bullets or Colorado Cast Bullets.  They are excellent bullets.

Winchester does not recommend reducing factory loadind data using their powders.  They load 12.4 of 296 under that 200 gn slug for approx 1335'/sec.  If you want a slower load, use 5.5 of 231 for about 1060'/sec but the pressure in that load is at 42.5K CUP while the 296 load is at 35K CUP.  You can find other loading data in some of the older Lyman manuals for the 195/200 gn bullet for both the 357 and the 38 Spl.  HTH and Good Luck.  Mikey.

[1911crazy]

I was shooting the speer 140gr JHP's in my 6" python with awesome pinpoint accuracy at 100yds.

I would buy both and put the S&W28 away and shoot the ruger.  Moly up the ruger and it will smooth it out.  The older S&W's are very rare here and so are the ruger security six's too.  I don't see any that often in the used pistol and revolver case in the gun shops.

[Lloyd Smale]

if your looking for a shooter id look at a 686 smith