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Author Topic: Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?  (Read 703 times)

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Offline 223Shooter

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« on: November 05, 2005, 08:41:10 AM »
I am undecided as to which handgun I will buy. I like the Ruger GP 100. Feels good and is considerably cheaper than the Smith. I went to my local Sportsmans Warehouse this am and checked out both handguns.  I plan on using the .357 for home protection as well as some hunting here in Wisconsin. I am leaning toward buying the Smith 686 in a 6".  Any and all input is appreciated...I need your advise. Thanks in advance.
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Offline Dogshooter

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2005, 09:06:20 AM »
I have both and the Smith is hands down my favorite.
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Offline myronman3

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2005, 09:07:28 AM »
i aint big on smith's politics.   that being said,  i aint big on ruger's, either.  and i aint all that happy with the way ruger treated me over a past incident,  which lead to me trading off all my sbh's and getting a freedom arms.  

long story short,  it is about a horse a piece.  the ruger is supposed to be stronger,  and the smith is supposed to have a nicer trigger.    go with with which ever feels best to you.
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Offline Graybeard

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2005, 09:50:49 AM »
Actually the Ruger is no stronger in this case. If you were comparing it to the K Frame Smiths then yes it is. But NOT compared to the L frame Smiths. In fact the S&W is likely the strong of the two by a bit. Personally I like the old S&W 19/66 best of all for a .357 shooter. The L Frame S&Ws and the Ruger are both too dang heavy for a .357 Mag. to me. I had my Model 66 out shooting it the other day and after years of shooting things like the TC Hand Cannons, .44 Mag., .454 Casull and .480 Ruger it felt like a cap pistol in comparison.

If you are bound and determined to buy a new S&W not something I personally recommend they do have one now with I think about a 5.5" barrel or so and without the heavy under lug. It doesn't weight but a couple ounces more than the old 66s with 6" barrels but is considerably stronger.
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Offline myronman3

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2005, 11:14:45 AM »
Quote
after years of shooting things like the TC Hand Cannons, .44 Mag., .454 Casull and .480 Ruger it felt like a cap pistol in comparison.


i experienced that myself.  almost funny.

Quote
...the ruger is supposed to be stronger,...


after my experience(s) with ruger pistols,  'strong' isnt a word i use to describe them.    what  i meant was that most people think the rugers are built strong.   i personally dont buy into it anymore.  

i have a 586 with a 4 inch barrel that i really enjoy.  traded one of my sbh's for it, after i had it fixed.   i wasnt wild about it when i got it,  but i really have grown to like it.   i am thinking on having it parkerized, as i dont like the blueing....   maybe when money isnt so tight.
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Offline lubbockdave

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2005, 11:29:07 AM »
I've owned both, have the S&W now, but if a good price on a GP 100 6inch barrel came along I would not have hesitated!!! The smith's trigger is the better of the 2, hands down...

I don't think you will go wrong with either, but if you look around I believe you can get the GP 100 much cheaper than the smith-


Dave
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Offline outdoorman

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2005, 11:59:06 AM »
I've had my 686 for about 16 yrs now. Love it.
Feels and shoots good. Also lots better looking in my opinon.

Hey 223shooter, I see your from Wisconsin. I got a job offer in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Wonder how it compares to the great life here in North Georgia?
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Offline myronman3

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2005, 01:02:04 PM »
i am from lacrosse originally.  what company?  there are good companies there, and bad.  it is a beautiful area, though.
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Offline poncaguy

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GP 100
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2005, 01:44:57 PM »
I just got a SS GP100 6" from a pawn shop. I thot my 8" Dan Wesson 357 was a great gun, but the Ruger is more accurate and easier for me to shoot.
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Offline 223Shooter

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2005, 04:44:22 PM »
Thank you all for your input. I can buy the Smith 6" 686 for $500...the Ruger GP 100 blued 6" is $380. I looked at both today and I prefer the Smith. I also got a shock when I looked at leather holsters for these pistols....yikes.  
 
Outdoorman....Wisconsin weather is fine if you like cold and snowy winters.
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Offline Old Griz

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2005, 05:20:03 PM »
:cb2: Now I could be wrong (been there a lot), but the Ruger has a one piece frame with no side plate or screws. How is a screwed together frame (S&W) just as strong as a solid frame (GP100)?
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Offline lubbockdave

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Smith 686 or Ruger GP 100...in a .357...?
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2005, 12:51:55 AM »
Quote from: 223Shooter
Thank you all for your input. I can buy the Smith 6" 686 for $500...the Ruger GP 100 blued 6" is $380. I looked at both today and I prefer the Smith.  
 
.


WOW, I want you to know the 6 inch stainless GP 100 I used to own I bought for $300 used--and the 686 6 inch stainless I just bought I paid $325-both came off forums like this one and both prices included shipping. I think if you are patient and maybe post a "want to buy" add in the classifieds you can do a lot better...

Dave
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