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Author Topic: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686  (Read 1410 times)

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Offline WJM

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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?
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Offline Mikey

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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.
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Offline warrior1

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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.
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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

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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?
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Offline ihuntbucks

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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
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Offline warrior1

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Re: Ruger GP 100 vs S&W 686
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2008, 05:14:24 PM »
they are both very capable revolvers.
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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

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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
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