S&W 686 vs Ruger GP100

[AtlMedic]

I know this is similar to the Ford vs Chevy or 870 vs 500 debates.

I need a woods gun, my in-laws farm has a lot of snakes and with my son being more adventurous I want to have a good way to drop one and my glocks won't cycle snake shot.

So between the 686 and the GP100 which do y'all prefer and why.

Both would be in .357 and stainless. Price is similar. I know the smith has a better trigger but for my needs the ruger would do just fine.

 

[Gunsite Grad]

Taurus

 

[Jake]

SP-101, LCR or j frame. Then you'd have something that you can carry if you wanted to as well.

 

[AtlMedic]

SP-101, LCR or j frame. Then you'd have something that you can carry if you wanted to as well.

Eh, I'd rather something large enough to shoot .357 comfortably. I have glocks for carry. This would be for range, hunting back up, and walking around the woods.

 

[DMR]

686 > gp100

Or a Dan Wesson 15VH whenever possible.

I've had many Rugers and Smiths, but in the end, the Smith just feels better and looks better. The GP would be my 2nd choice if I had no choice. Not because the GP is worse...oh no, the GP100 in many retrospects is the better built gun. I also like Smiths 7 shot version.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/609244674

 

[AtlMedic]

Taurus

I thought we were friends, and here you are telling me to buy a Taurus

 

[Gunsite Grad]

I thought we were friends, and here you are telling me to buy a Taurus

 

[AtlMedic]

686 > gp100

Or a Dan Wesson 15VH whenever possible.

I've had many Rugers and Smiths, but in the end, the Smith just feels better and looks better. The GP would be my 2nd choice if I had no choice. Not because the GP is worse...oh no, the GP100 in many retrospects is the better built gun. I also like Smiths 7 shot version.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/609244674

Yeah when the time comes and if I go with the 686 I would probably buy the 7 shot if it's available. I'll probably run by the gun store and handle both. I've had a gp100 but it was years ago and I've had several J-frames but never a larger smith wheel gun.

 

[Bottoms polaris]

I have had both of these fine guns. Always went to the Ruger so I wound up selling the Smith to a buddy. Rugers are built like tanks. Ruger has came out with an 8 shot snubby .357 also. Got to ge me one.

 

[Waterguy]

I have had both of these fine guns. Always went to the Ruger so I wound up selling the Smith to a buddy. Rugers are built like tanks. Ruger has came out with an 8 shot snubby .357 also. Got to ge me one.

I agree. The Ruger will never wear out. I handload my rounds and I have put some HOT stuff in it and no problems whatsoever. Matter of fact the hot loads shot better in it. Nothing against a Smith but I choose the Ruger.

 

[Rwjeter]

Just curious, but why not a Governor or a Judge? That's what I always carried for snakes. A titanium Public Defender to be specific. Lightweight, recoil was mild enough, .410 did the job.

 

[Waterguy]

Here is my setup. GP100 triple k holster. Some speer deep curl handloads. I got two speed strips in my pocket.

 

[AtlMedic]

Just curious, but why not a Governor or a Judge? That's what I always carried for snakes. A titanium Public Defender to be specific. Lightweight, recoil was mild enough, .410 did the job.

I just really don't like those guns. Plus a good .357 is always a good thing to have. The .410 pistols are just gimmicks to me.

 

[Rwjeter]

I just really don't like those guns. Plus a good .357 is always a good thing to have. The .410 pistols are just gimmicks to me.

They do typically look pretty goofy. And ballistically speaking not the best for defense, but I always liked them for the woods. A Smith model 66 was my first hand gun though so I'm also partial to the .357. I'd love a J Frame .357 to add to my carry rotation. I'd say it's a toss up between the two though. Both are great. Especially if you look at Pre lock.

 

[Jake]

I have had both of these fine guns. Always went to the Ruger so I wound up selling the Smith to a buddy. Rugers are built like tanks. Ruger has came out with an 8 shot snubby .357 also. Got to ge me one.

An 8 shot? You got a link? I tried to Google it but my Google Fu is weak.

 

[Hayata]

I love my 686. Put a spring kit in it and wow, what a difference!



Good luck with your choice!

 

[Jake]

They do typically look pretty goofy. And ballistically speaking not the best for defense, but I always liked them for the woods. A Smith model 66 was my first hand gun though so I'm also partial to the .357. I'd love a J Frame .357 to add to my carry rotation. I'd say it's a toss up between the two though. Both are great. Especially if you look at Pre lock.

I love my LCR 357. It is pretty much the perfect carry revolver. They have the best triggers of any of the small wheel guns I've ever had, including a S&W 442 with an apex spring kit. Shooting .357's out of it is a breeze too.

 

[Rwjeter]

I love my LCR 357. It is pretty much the perfect carry revolver. They have the best triggers of any of the small wheel guns I've ever had, including a S&W 442 with an apex spring kit. Shooting .357's out of it is a breeze too.

I just like hammers on revolvers though. Lol

 

[Jake]

I just like hammers on revolvers though. Lol

LCRx

 

[Rwjeter]

LCRx

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Touché.