Ok Hogs: 686 or GP100? UPDATE: SHE ARRIVED - PICS!

S&W 686 or Ruger GP100???

  • 686

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • GP100

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Another revolver

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
I agree that the Ruger is probably a little more heavy duty than the 686. Given the choice though I would pick the 686. S&W is pretty much the leader when it comes to revolvers. The Ruger is a good gun but S&W is a nicer gun.
 
I like the Ruger LCR in 357 it is compact, light (both good qualities for hiking and camping)and has a real nice trigger, not that great for plinking though but like others have said this is in the end a very personal decision based on what feels right for you. Good luck!
 
It's been about 15 years since I bought my last pistol, so I'm very out of date, but I always favored Ruger revolvers. My lone Smith wheel gun, a Model 27, has always been unreliable with range-purchased reloads, but every Ruger I've owned (a Single-six, a Security-six, and a .44 Redhawk) has been super-reliable. Ruger triggers were a bit sloppy compared to the crisp release on that Smith, but reliability without having to buy premium factory loads was more important to me If primers are a bit deep-seated, or any burnt powder builds up around the hammer, that Model 27 quits -- it's a beautiful, classic pistol, but has to be babied. I also own a model 59, and have nothing but good to say about it; it was an inexpensive workhorse. However, Smith 9mms never seem to get much respect from the the Glock/Sig crowd.
 
TrailWolf said:
Just curious, but what is a reasonable range for a 6" Python in good shape?

@M67 - good to know that S&W, and Ruger, take care of their customers - had a few problems with both my Marlins and their CS left a lot to be desired...


.
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Reasonable price for a Colt Python? In my opinion: arm, leg, and sometimes first born. It's been a while since I've seen a Python under $1500, and for that price you can get a Performance Center S&W 460 or 500, plus a box or two of ammo. For resell value, the Colt has it hands down, but for using, the Smith and Ruger will perform as well, or better than the Colt. Newer Colts aren't as good as the older ones (the Python was about the cut off line), they depend on their name too much to sell instead of putting out a "top of the line" product.

As for Marlin, expect to keep having problems. They're perparing to move their factory and they are behind on orders. Here in Indiana (for example) .44 magnum Marlins sell quick because we can't hunt with a rifle rounds through a rifle, but the .44 is deer legal. And people buy the Marlin over the Henry (even though Henry has A LOT smoother action) because the Marlin is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and with the Henry you have to install an after market rig to get a scope on it.

A guy I work with has a Marlin .41 magnum that got sent back for a new barrel (factory bad one), Marlin had it for 7 or 8 months before he got it back (when it comes to the .41, they do batches instead of special services)

At this point, companies are just trying to crank out as much as they can to meet the demand.

And just a quick heads up for anyone who's a TC fan. They're in the process of moving too, their inventory is on semis right now so they don't know what they have or when they can ship it. So if you need something from TC, you might not have the best of luck right now.
 
Ruger makes a .357 ?

The few times I don't grab one of my Glocks (G19,G26, G21.....) I'm packing a Smith. Owned all the major brands of wheel guns and the Smith is THE only one. Had every frame that Smith makes. The 686 is a fine weapon.
 
I voted for "another"...but i recommend the 686 +...a 7 shooter. Can't go wrong with any of these 3 or a python, however.

Re: The extra "beefiness" of the ruger...i don't think you need it, unless perchance you plan to shoot a lot of ridiculously hot handloads. If you try real hard to blow up a handgun, sooner or later you may do so. If you want more juice, you can always buy a heavier caliber.
 
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Had several S&W's, Rugers, Taurus, not to mention the Auto's and one Colt Python and one Colt Trooper over the years. My favorite of those was the Python (fit, finish and just shooting) but being your asking between, 686 & GP-100 I have to ask what are you going to be doing with it. If you are going to the range, conceal carry and home protection I'd say the 686. If you going brush beating, range, home protection then I say Ruger. I still have my old Redhawk .44 and drag it out with me most of the time. Through it in the seat, under the seat, in the ruck, drug through rain and bog (muskeg as we call it) and it functions when I need it!!! Oh I like the 686 (a lot) don't get me wrong, it's just I prefer the more rugged IMO of the two.
 
M67 said:
Reasonable price for a Colt Python? In my opinion: arm, leg, and sometimes first born. It's been a while since I've seen a Python under $1500, and for that price you can get a Performance Center S&W 460 or 500, plus a box or two of ammo. For resell value, the Colt has it hands down, but for using, the Smith and Ruger will perform as well, or better than the Colt. Newer Colts aren't as good as the older ones (the Python was about the cut off line), they depend on their name too much to sell instead of putting out a "top of the line" product.

As for Marlin, expect to keep having problems. They're perparing to move their factory and they are behind on orders. Here in Indiana (for example) .44 magnum Marlins sell quick because we can't hunt with a rifle rounds through a rifle, but the .44 is deer legal. And people buy the Marlin over the Henry (even though Henry has A LOT smoother action) because the Marlin is drilled and tapped for scope mounts and with the Henry you have to install an after market rig to get a scope on it.

A guy I work with has a Marlin .41 magnum that got sent back for a new barrel (factory bad one), Marlin had it for 7 or 8 months before he got it back (when it comes to the .41, they do batches instead of special services)

At this point, companies are just trying to crank out as much as they can to meet the demand.
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Damn thats quite a hefty tag on the Python - way out of my range right now, even if I do believe in only buying quality - I guess its good to have something to work your way towards: a Python and Ed Brown :D

Yeah ever since marlin moved out of CT over the summer the QC has gone to shi*t - that is actually my second 1895sbl - sent the first one back when I realized the rail was no straight but at an angle!!! Now with this one I have had some feeding issues - I think the timing is off, but I am waiting until I get to AZ to find a god smith as opposed to sending it back in. Sucks what has happened to A LOT of good companies...

G19G26 said:
The few times I don't grab one of my Glocks (G19,G26, G21.....) I'm packing a Smith. Owned all the major brands of wheel guns and the Smith is THE only one. Had every frame that Smith makes. The 686 is a fine weapon.
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Thats a fantastic endorsement form an old Hog (on both the Glocks and Smiths) :)

Ed Ricketts said:
I voted for "another"...but i recommend the 686 +...a 7 shooter. Can't go wrong with any of these 3 or a python, however.

Re: The extra "beefiness" of the ruger...i don't think you need it, unless perchance you plan to shoot a lot of ridiculously hot handloads. If you try real hard to blow up a handgun, sooner or later you may do so. If you want more juice, you can always buy a heavier caliber.
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75% of the time I will not be using heavy handloads, but when I go camping or hiking I would like the ability with no worries to use some Buffalo Bore or Bear Tooth hard cast loads if I wanted to...

RussMo said:
Had several S&W's, Rugers, Taurus, not to mention the Auto's and one Colt Python and one Colt Trooper over the years. My favorite of those was the Python (fit, finish and just shooting) but being your asking between, 686 & GP-100 I have to ask what are you going to be doing with it. If you are going to the range, conceal carry and home protection I'd say the 686. If you going brush beating, range, home protection then I say Ruger. I still have my old Redhawk .44 and drag it out with me most of the time. Through it in the seat, under the seat, in the ruck, drug through rain and bog (muskeg as we call it) and it functions when I need it!!! Oh I like the 686 (a lot) don't get me wrong, it's just I prefer the more rugged IMO of the two.
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This will NOT be for concealed carry - it will be used for hiking/camping/plinking duty.

I plan on a Glock 19 for CC - have shot one and was very happy - eventually I'd like to add a small framed revolver for CC, but not now. Home protection is my 870.

I know the Ruger has that tough as nails reputation, and I dont doubt it, but does anyone know of any torture tests of one vs. other similar sized .357s such as the 686? Would love to see one...

And let me end with: GO GIANTS!!!!
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This thread has pushed me over the edge! I couldn't decide between the GP-100 and the 686+ either. I kept holding each one, trying to decide which felt best in the hand.
So fate, timing, budget, and my local gun store decided for me. Here is my $275 S&W 586(no dash) 4", it was a stripper's gun!
IMG_0233.jpg

IMG_0232.jpg


It shoots, has a tight lockup on the cylinder, but needs the recall mod from S&W. I think it's perfect for my particular needs.
 
foxx said:
This thread has pushed me over the edge! I couldn't decide between the GP-100 and the 686+ either. I kept holding each one, trying to decide which felt best in the hand.
So fate, timing, budget, and my local gun store decided for me. Here is my $275 S&W 586(no dash) 4", it was a stripper's gun!

It shoots, has a tight lockup on the cylinder, but needs the recall mod from S&W. I think it's perfect for my particular needs.
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$275? Stripper gun? It's perfect!!!! :eek: :D

And yeah, it does "need" that Hillary hole, but it really doesn't. When I get another Smith, I'm getting an older one, but I hope Smith stops doing putting that lock in there.

It looks like you just need to polish and make everything all shiny like then reblue it. Could find someone with a sand blaster and give it a double cut finish too :D
 
Bought this as my first handgun a little less than a month ago. I got the chance to shoot her last weekend and let me tell you, she was a real pleasure to shoot. It's a Smith and Wesson Model 60 pro series

gun.jpg
 
S&W all the way my friend.
 
Well, heres a little update: I think pistols will be as addicting as Busses...

Second day in AZ with nothing to do until work starts on the 8th so got down to business - went to the DMV, got my license, went to a range and spent a solid 3 hours shooting different pistols and revolvers - really loved the Glocks and after shooting a 19, 26, 23 and 27, I wound up taking home a new Gen 4 26 - what a little monster :) I originally wanted to go .40sw but the 9mm was just so much nicer to shoot and quicker following up for me right now. Already eying my next Glock and think I might go with the 23 so I can shoot .40 when I get better control and can also swap out for a 9mm barrel... Pistols are really really addictive and already looking forward to getting back to the ranger later today to practice practice practice.

Got to shoot a 686 and GP100 as well - the Smith just felt a lot better in my hand and fit me better than the Ruger so I'm definitely down for the 686. The trigger was definitely nicer on the 686, but really not by all that much. So 686 it is! Before I buy a new one, I'm having a dealer look around for a nice used 3" 686 pre-lock for me... If no dice, then I'll suck it up and deal with the lock.

Thanks again guys :)

Heres my new baby:
8c6e4315.jpg
 
Uh oh--I mean, congrats on the new addiction!
Looks like you're going to be shooting for a few more days
 
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