.357: ruger gp100 or Smith 686?

[Uni-Vibe]

I will soon buy either one in six inch, 6 shot configuration. Purpose is casual shooting. I handload and want to shoot some maximum loads. Which should I get, and why?

[CDR_Glock]

The Ruger is always overbuilt and will handle the heaviest loads. You can do the GP-100 or Redhawk in 357. I’d guess the Redhawk 357 would be the beefiest of all.

For precision shooting, however, the trigger of a Smith is unrivaled for the modern revolvers. I have a 586 L-Comp and 627 8 shot.

I’d pick the Smith, personally. Even with trigger work, the Ruger is doable, but not the best.


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[yoni]

I have a Cougar that was built by the Davis company back in the day. Cougar is a Colt Phython barrel on Ruger Security Six. The action job they did on this revolver was so good, that within 6 months I sold my S&W full bore PPC pistol.

So I would get the Ruger and an action job

[Arik]

The Smith will be just fine. The Ruger has to be overbuilt due to it's construction. If it was built to size of S&W it wouldn't handle the caliber it was made for.

Get the Smith, or get the Ruger. Doesn't really matter

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[Drifting Fate]

I've always preferred Smiths, even have a 686 with the dreaded lock - so far, so good, though I've never hammered it hard.

If you are trigger snob (guilty), the Smith is the better choice, though people like Gemini Customs has a great reputation for what they do with Ruger triggers.

All the being said, I've been more than happy with my WC GP100. Heard some say the extra frame thickness on the Rugers doesn't make them any stronger than the S&W and is a byproduct of production. Not sure, but both the L-frame and GP series are strong enough to take full-house .357's as that is what they were designed for, each "upgrading" more svelte models.

[ccosby]

I only have one ruger revolver at this point and its the 10mm one which doesn't stack up to my sw 610 10mm revolver despite being heavier the ruger has more felt recoil and to me isn't as accurate. I've shot a few ruger 357's but have never been impressed compared to my 686's.

I do have a few 686 guns. I love them and they would be my recommendation.

[MWAG19919]

I always hear how overbuilt the GP100 is, and for a steady diet of full power .357 it’s plenty strong (so is the 686). But there’s a reason the S&W 69, which is built on the exact same frame as the 686, is offered in .44 mag while the GP100 is only offered in .44 Special. Hint: cast is not as strong as forged...

[1986s4]

I think you will be happy with either one. However, my first choice would be a very nice used 686. If you have the time to look it's worth it.

[CDR_Glock]

I have the lock on many revolvers. Where over 2000 rounds on most of them and I have never had to lock engage.

As a comment/aside to the 1911 comment:
I have had 2 Kimber 1911s. Both were unreliable. I have phoned Wilson, and Brown, gun crafter and colt without issues though.


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[Uni-Vibe]

It sounds almost like flip-a-coin between the two. I'll just see what's available and what the prices are.