Good first revolver: Ruger GP100 vs S&W 686?

[Savago]

Proceeding with my studies on firearms, I'm considering buying a revolver.

Even though pistols are higher capacity and probably as reliable, I believe that there is some intrinsic purity/beauty in revolvers.

There is also a practical marksmanship aspect in the sense that a good pistol grip is different from say, a revolver grip (i.e. the way you hold the gun).

Add the difference on double action/single action and that justifies having a revolver aside semi-auto pistols (even though in my case, all my semi-autos are hammer based with DA/SA setup).

Before getting started with the big bore revolvers (e.g. 44 magnum, 454 casull, 500 S&W, etc), I think makes sense to start with something smaller but still plenty powerful like a 357 magnum. There is the advantage that you can also shoot with .38 special, which makes practice cheaper (I don't reload my own ammo).

Pair that with a nice carbine like the Marlin 1894, and you are ready for having plenty of fun without having to maintain too many calibers.

I've shot with a S&W 686 and liked a lot, specially the nice trigger and the hefty of the gun makes recoil comfortable to handle (IIRC it was a 6in barrel model). Unfortunately, I haven't shot with a GP100 and they are not available for rental.

So I would like to ask you guys what is your opinion on both guns, what you like on each one and if having to choose, which one would you buy?

Or should I instead go with something more unusual, say, a Dan Wesson?

My budget is around 1K and there is this issue of the California gun roster that severely limits the guns we can buy. The use will be range toy.

[vanagon40]

. . . I believe that there is some intrinsic purity/beauty in revolvers. . . .

Amen. 

[Sorry, I have no advice to offer on your question--I am a fan of the older models. Just could not resist affirming that statement.]

[Chrisj CMA]

When I bought my 686 it was on the table right next to the Rugar GP 100. I handled both. The Rugar seemed like an old clunker and the 686 was so sweet, tight and smooth. I carry it every day and shoot it all the time. It’s a tack driver. Go with the 686 you don’t regret it.

I also have the 500. It’s a rush !!!

[DirtyDan]

The 686 is my everyday open carry piece

Dan

[Jess from VA]

Smith revolvers are all forged steel, and Rugers are all cast steel (plenty strong, but usually a bit bigger and heavier per caliber).

The Ruger GP100 .38/.357 is a .41 mag frame.  The Smith K framed .38/.357s (like the model 66) are quite a bit lighter and more svelte than the Ruger GP100, but the beefier Smith L frame .38/.357s (like the 686) with full underlugs are also considered 41 magnum frames (and the newer Smith model 69 is an L frame 44 mag, 5-shot).  

Both will do the job and both are accurate.  Smith has a written lifetime warranty, and I'm not sure if Ruger does, though they generally stand behind everything they sell without one.  

And both may work better for you with various aftermarket grips (other than the ones they come with, which are all OK), and it's impossible to try them all out before choosing.  

Even if you can't shoot the Ruger, you can handle one at the gun store counter, although you always must ask if it's OK to dry fire any new revolver (double and single action) before doing it.  Stainless revolvers are not as prone to showing cylinder turn lines as blued steel.  And you never pull a new revolver trigger hard and fast double action at the counter (after asking), you just squeeze it gently to not mark the cylinder.

I am a huge Smith revolver fan, and I would take the 686 over the GP100 any time.  Besides the looks, I like the action and triggers better than the Rugers.

The other decision is 4 or 6 inch guns.  6 inch sight radius is better and easier to be accurate with than 4 inches, but 4 inches is the standard combat revolver length.  You absolutely want target adjustable sights (whether or not white dots or outlines or red ramp fronts).  The 6" is heavier but so is the 4", and neither are great carry guns weight wise.  I like 4" revolvers best.  But if you want to outshoot (tighter groups) all of your auto pistols, get a 6 inch. 

Here's my most recent L frame Smith .357.  A performance Center 686 Plus (a 2.5" bbl 7-shooter)


And the cylinder is chamfered for moon clips.  (faster than speed loaders)


I like rubber grips over wood, but I also like these VZ grips.  (you can see the turn line on this one)
https://vzgrips.com/platforms/revolvers/smith-wesson/k-l-frame/


As for speed loaders, you want Safariland over the HKS brand.  They push load, instead of twist load, and are less likely to drop their rounds by accident.


Finally, in making your choice, you should at least look at the lighter Smith model 66 K frame .357, and I think new ones only come in 4.25" bbls.  You will do most of your range work with cheaper .38 loads (whatever you buy), and will never fire enough full power .357 loads to shoot it loose.  My 66 is 30 years old and fired thousands of rounds, and is still perfecto. (stainless turn line is less obvious)
 https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-66

[Pete]

Which one feels the best in your hand, which one do you like the best, which one can you shoot the best, both are very good guns..

[Psychotic Bovine]

The Smith will usually have a better trigger pull, things are more polished.  The Ruger will handle heavier loads and will last longer.  If you look at reloading manuals, they will list loads that are "Ruger Only".
It's highly unlikely you will wear out any Ruger revolver.
Also, cylinder release is different.  Rugers push into the frame, Smiths push forward. (personal preference)
Fit and finish on Smiths are usually better, but not always.
The Ruger will take more abuse.  I have personally witnessed a Ruger taking a double load with no damage (reloading error).

[Serk]

I don't have a S&W 357 (Only S&W's I have are the 500 and a .22 I inherited) but do have .357 revolvers from Colt, Ruger and Dan Wesson.

Disclaimer - I'm NOT a revolver guy, but of the 3 the Dan Wesson is my favorite.

But as others have suggested, fondle as many of the different types as you can before deciding. If you can find a range that offers rental guns that's even better.

(And my Colt is a retired service revolver, not a Python. I'm sure my feelings on my favorite would be different is THAT were the case.)

[Psychotic Bovine]

I don't have a S&W 357 (Only S&W's I have are the 500 and a .22 I inherited) but do have .357 revolvers from Colt, Ruger and Dan Wesson.

Disclaimer - I'm NOT a revolver guy, but of the 3 the Dan Wesson is my favorite.

But as others have suggested, fondle as many of the different types as you can before deciding. If you can find a range that offers rental guns that's even better.

(And my Colt is a retired service revolver, not a Python. I'm sure my feelings on my favorite would be different is THAT were the case.)

My favorite is my Smith Model 29 Classic (although that would change if I had a python, as well)
I do own several revolvers, a couple single actions and a couple double actions.  The Model 29 just feels, well, perfect.  And it's gorgeous.

[Jess from VA]

The Colt Python is back (only in stainless). With a $1500 MSRP. (also a .41 mag frame)

https://www.colt.com/series/PYTHON_SERIES

There have been a few problems (as is often the case with new guns); no recall but Colt is fixing them.

I wouldn't get one.  I had an old royal blue one (mint safe queen), and it was a very nice revolver, but due to it's premium value, I traded it for a premium sporting rifle which was a good deal for me.



There is certainly a similarity to the Smith 686, which came after the Python (and the Python doesn't have the stupid lock hole on the frame).  The cylinders spin in opposite directions.

[Jess from VA]

Also, if you were thinking to not add a new cartridge caliber (an ammo choice), you can get a 6 shot Smith revolver in .45 acp, which uses moon clips.  (Although I like .38/.357 quite a bit)  They are large N-frame revolvers.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-625-jm


Their other one is a Performance Center revolver (and out of your price range). With a rail for lights and lasers.  
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-325-thunder-ranch

[LTD]

both guns are winners personal choice, I once read an old Ruger security six made back in the 80s had over a million and a half rounds fired in it as a range gun you could rent at this particular range, No problems ever now that's durability.

[SCain]

Not much more to be said about Smith Revolvers, I have the 625 because I wanted the .45 since I have several 1911's.
Go with the S&W

[Psychotic Bovine]

both guns are winners personal choice, I once read an old Ruger security six made back in the 80s had over a million and a half rounds fired in it as a range gun you could rent at this particular range, No problems ever now that's durability.

I actually like the Security Six over the gp100.  In my opinion, the balance just feels better.  And it's more traditional looking.

[Savago]

@all: thanks for the good advice, I really appreciate it!

@Jess: damn... those are some awesome photos!
 

[Jess from VA]

Savago, all photos I post here are found on line and not my own. (copy-paste)  I do spend time looking for good ones.

I'm too stupid and lazy to post my own.  (and there's an element of deniability too)

[LTD]

psychotic bovine I would have to agree with you on preferring the security six over the gp 100.  The way I hear it change was made because it cost Ruger too much to make the six so the design was cha ged.  If you ever see one in a pawn shop grab it.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Already got one.  Dad had picked up a good 6 inch blued.  Had the larger target grips.  New old stock.  Very nice firearm.  He passed away, and I got it and a few other nice firearms.

[Avanti]

When I bought my 686 it was on the table right next to the Rugar GP 100. I handled both. The Rugar seemed like an old clunker and the 686 was so sweet, tight and smooth. I carry it every day and shoot it all the time. It’s a tack driver. Go with the 686 you don’t regret it.

I also have the 500. It’s a rush !!!

What barrel length do you use as a carry, (3")?