686 or GP100??

[1911Operator]

Looking to buy a 6 shot wheel gun, im going for a 3" or 4" 357 but not sure which to get..

Primary role for the gun will be for the range / plinking. I dont see myself shooting them past 25 yards much (occasionally ill get to shoot them out to 100)

Option 1: S&W 686

Option 2: GP100

Both have a good bit of aftermarket items available and great track record from my research. I do like the 686's cylinder release better but I think its a bit on the larger side which is why im leaning on the GP100. I would like to eventually get either converted to 9mm or at least have the option.

I know the Korth came out with the conversion cylinder but have not see any for sale.

As for the 9mm conversion, can this just be done with a separate cylinder or once I get it done is it stuck in 9mm only?

[nahpungnome]

I find the 686 release a PITA. I bought a Hogue extended release, much easier to actuate with it. I'd say you can't make a wrong decision between the two.

[Old Flash]

I have both and the 686 has a much smoother trigger pull in DA. SA is about the same, but if you prefer shooting DA then go with the 686. If just plinking, why not go for the 6" for a longer sight radius? Shooting 38 specials are cheap and pretty accurate especially with full wadcutters.

[ShooterDK]

Definitely go with the 686.

[Vstar]

S&W revolver is best, I had a 686-3 8-3/8in.Very accurate.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Can't go wrong with either one.

IMO, the S&W is a better looking gun (with a slightly better trigger as mentioned above). The ruger is an indestructible tank (well almost).

Good luck.

[ojisan]

9mm is a problem for most revolvers.
Ruger Blackhawks (single action) do have a 38/ 357 & 9mm convertible version with a pre-fitted extra 9mm cylinder.
Interchangeable cylinders on Double Action revolvers are not very common.

For finesse, the 686.
For brute strength, the GP100

[trigger945]

Not sure about converting to 9mm.

You cannot go wrong with either model. My preference is the 686 but that's just that. Yours could be the GP 100. Btw, the 3" is cool. Have never shot one. I think the GP 100 in 3" has fixed sights but the 686 has adjustable sights.

Maybe rent both (but possibly in 4" as 3" is not as common)?

Good luck!

[rogervzv]

I have both the 686 and the GP100. You won't go wrong with either.

The GP100 has a cool feature whereby you can easily, in 30 seconds, swap different front sights in and out.

I like the 686 rear sight better.

The 686 has a better SA trigger although both are good.

Both have great DA triggers; my GP100 had a trigger job and is now ridiculously good to shoot.

Like I said, you won't go wrong with either.

[916toys]

Love my 686!! I haven't shot the GP100. Don't know about the 9mm but 38 special is similar in strength. Good luck, searching is just part of the fun.

[Mr.Caketown]

686 ftw!

[GOLDEN GUN]

686 plus

7 round cylinder

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

GP100. That's my first wheel gun.

[Jeepergeo]

Both are great guns, the Smith a little greater.

It may be up to your budget to make the call. IMO, to get a fair comparison, you will need to compare the Ruger Match Champion model to the 686.

[larkja]

Have owned two 3" GP100s. Thought they were great for plinking. I went with the Ruger vs S&W because I was just plinking and didn't see the need to spend the extra $$$ on the S&W. I also like the release on the GP better.