« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686  (Read 1412 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline WJM

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 24
Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« on: January 13, 2008, 04:34:08 PM »
I am going to buy a handgun for my wife to have at home when I travel. We have decided on a revolver. The autos are just to complicated for her. She would shoot 38 special ammo only, even though I would buy a .357 magnum. In the $500 price range I was looking at a 4 inch new Ruger GP100 or a very, very nice condition used S&W 686. What are your thoughts? I know  you can dry fire the Ruger without hurting it, but what about the S&W?
Logged

Offline Mikey

  • GBO Supporter
  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8734
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2008, 12:59:38 AM »
I have never heard of any problem dry firing a Smith and Wesson revolver.  That's how I practice most of the time, by dry firing. 

The 686 sounds very nice.  Ruger has put a lot of effort into their revolvers but they still feel like chunks of steel in my hand.  I much prefer the ergonomics and design of the S&W. 

I once purchased a pristine nickle plated Model 19 for my wife who never carried it or shot it even with 38s because it just didn't fit her right.  I bought the darn thing and it felt alright for me but not for her.  She wound up with a Smith and Wesson Model 36 j-frame 38 that was just right for her and it fired the same round she was to fire from the 357.

If you/she just want a gun she can pick up and make 'go bang' then you need to ask yourself the question of who wants the 686 more - you or she?    JMTCW.  Mikey.
Logged

Offline warrior1

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 618
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2008, 02:38:45 AM »
just keep buying a revolver till you find one she likes. great opportunity to add to your collection.
Logged
Dan Deluca aka "warrior1" has passed away.  Dan was a frequent poster here and on several other sites.  He passed away on 12/29/08 from a massive heart attack. RIP Dan.

Offline teddy12b

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3078
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2008, 05:51:26 AM »
I have a GP100 and I really like it.  I can't speak for the 686 because I've never shot one, but I hear good things.  On my ruger I have Hogue Tamer grips.  Those grips make the recoil feel much less than without them.  I would strongly consider that for anyone shooting anything.  Why take more recoil than you have to, even with 38's?
Logged

Offline ihuntbucks

  • Trade Count: (12)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 944
  • Gender: Male
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2008, 04:28:17 PM »
I own a 686 (7 shot) and it groups very well at 25 yrds.I only use .357 loads;I assume it would do as well with .38 spec's.I can't say on the GP100.I own several Ruger's,but not the GP.Here's an idea....buy both!!!! You can't lose that way.............Rick
Logged
"Traveling East" F&AM #261  RAM #105  R&SM #69  KT #23 "Live for nothing;die for something"

Offline warrior1

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 618
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2008, 05:14:24 PM »
they are both very capable revolvers.
Logged
Dan Deluca aka "warrior1" has passed away.  Dan was a frequent poster here and on several other sites.  He passed away on 12/29/08 from a massive heart attack. RIP Dan.

Offline tn_junk

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (54)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 885
  • Gender: Male
  • Look to Him
Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2008, 05:11:19 PM »
I sold my 686 to buy a GP100 and have never regretted it. Both are nice guns, but the Ruger just fit my needs better.

alan
Logged
Common Sense Ain't Very Common

Deceased May 20, 2009.  RIP Alan we miss you.
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »