65pony 0 Posted August 20, 2010 Been looking to purchase a .357 and have narrowed down to two, S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 any suggestions out there as to which stands out as a better choice, know that it depends on individual but would like to hear pro's and con's before making purchase. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pew Pew Plates 358 Posted August 20, 2010 Smith! Better trigger, better customer service, better reputation. Except for the trigger they will perform the same. The GP100 is a good gun, too! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BobZ 0 Posted August 20, 2010 I love my 686 6". I've had it for almost 20 years and it still shoots great. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 20, 2010 686 Pro great gun and great trigger. Front sight is held in by a spring so swapping front sight requires no gunsmithing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sirsloop 1 Posted August 20, 2010 You look at Taurus stuff? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
65pony 0 Posted August 20, 2010 Actually haven't, will take a look at the site. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tj462nj 32 Posted August 20, 2010 depends on what your willing to spend also Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted August 20, 2010 If you are buying new, go with the Ruger GP100. It's built like a tank and Ruger's customer service every bit as good as S&W. If you want a pricey/fancy 357, then the S&W Performance Center guns are really nice. If you are buying something older (i.e. from the 80's or earlier), which would be my recommendation since I feel they are MUCH better made, get the Smith&Wesson. I am not a fan of new S&W revolvers. Too many MIM parts for me and I have problems with the internal lock. If you have questions about these things, please use the search function here or Google. There are a lot of threads on this forum and others about MIM and internal locks on Smith wheel guns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 20, 2010 Keats can you make it to BA on a Tue night? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
65pony 0 Posted August 20, 2010 Can probably arrange that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted August 20, 2010 Keats can you make it to BA on a Tue night? Good idea Joe. Keats, I have a S&W Model 28 from 1970. It is an N frame and is built to withstand anything you put through it. If you can make it to BA on Tuesday, I'll bring it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 20, 2010 I will bring the 686 Pro. Someone has to have a GP100 for comparison. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted August 20, 2010 I will bring the 686 Pro. Someone has to have a GP100 for comparison. Wolfy, a 686 PRO vs GP100 isn't really a fair comparison either. There is a world of difference between your gun and a plain jane 686. Maybe BA has a regular 686n on their rental board. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 20, 2010 Chris I meant as a comparison to a different brand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
65pony 0 Posted August 20, 2010 I certainly appreciate all the responses and assistance, will confirm if Tues. is a go, later this weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 20, 2010 Keats we are there almost every Tue so no pressure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MedicYeti 96 Posted August 20, 2010 Ruger GP100 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted August 21, 2010 This is kinda like the 500 vs 870 debate. There are many different Smiths out there to choose from, and only a few models of the GP100 to look at. Gotsta shoot boff of dem to decide fo yoself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jermz1987 243 Posted August 21, 2010 My vote is for the Ruger GP100.:drool: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edge 6 Posted August 21, 2010 I picked up a 686 + about 2 months ago, fwiw I love it....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted August 21, 2010 How about 8 rounds of 357 goodness. I would buy this Perfrmance Center gun if I had the $$$. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... s_id/52370 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mauser88 0 Posted August 29, 2010 S&W 686 is the way to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leth 8 Posted August 29, 2010 I've had friends who have owned 686s and GP100s. I much preferred the balance, look and trigger of the 686. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Radek 73 Posted August 29, 2010 I will bring the 686 Pro. Someone has to have a GP100 for comparison. I do, and it's available for sale or trade. It's posted here. I am selling it because on lunker's advice I bought a old S&W! I like the GP100, built like a tank, but don't need 2 revolvers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted August 29, 2010 I but don't need 2 revolvers. What? Yes you do! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfy 51 Posted August 29, 2010 Radek is right who needs two? I have more than that two is not enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Parker 213 Posted August 29, 2010 Whatever feels best in YOUR hand. Let that be the decision maker. Both are good. My preference is the S&W for its refinement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
65pony 0 Posted September 18, 2010 Well PP is in and now time to decide, after doing more research leaning towards a 686 4" Stainless DCM. Now to do a side by side comparison down range. Thanks for all the feedback! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Radek 73 Posted September 18, 2010 I will bring the 686 Pro. Someone has to have a GP100 for comparison. I have a GP100 in 6", I might be heading to BA on Tuesday (9/21) but not sure yet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1563621 388 Posted September 18, 2010 I picked up a 686 + about 2 months ago, fwiw I love it....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites