Ruger GP100 vs S&W 686 round 1

[357 Terms]

I liked my 2.5in 686, but all my 357's are now all stainless Rugers (sp101, Service Six, Blackhawk)

You just cant go wrong with a Ruger.

 

[WebHobbit]

I've owned and shot both and I have to say that the pre-lock, old school 686 with the flash-chromed hammers and triggers are a true work of art and somewhat more beautiful than the GP100.

However -that would only apply to older 686s before S&W starting drilling silly holes in the side of the frame for no good reason and stopped flash-chroming the triggers and hammers. At any rate while the GP100 is a bit heavier it is the stronger of the two designs - better engineering:

1) all the ejector rod does is eject spent cases (not part of the cylinder rotation or lock-up points)

2) the grip can be ANY DESIGN a grip maker cares to dream up as it does NOT mount to the frame of the gun but rather a simple stud arrangement


Point two is kind of a lost marvel however as virtually NONE of the rubber/synthetic makers take advantage of this whatsoever. If you're into expensive hardwood grips than the stud can be a real advantage. It's really too bad as I would LOVE to see a nice array of rubber grips for that thing in about 5-10 size configs for every human hand on the planet. What a WASTE.

All in all I'd still have to vote GP100.

 

[boonedock]

Mark one up for Smith! Had my share of Rugers, but always end up keeping the Smith's!!

 

[sittydown]

I voted for the Smith, mainly because I don't like the cylinder release location of the GP100. But if I had to BUY one instead of just vote for one...that would be a tough decision!!!

 

[youngda9]

Smith, hands down. Best in every category.

 

[sgreen3]

I would go with the Smith, Im not really a fan of the cylinder release placement on the Ruger. Plus its a S&W