686 or GP100 4"

[Sir Toast]

Either are great. I recently picked up the Ruger GP100 Match Champion and I was very impressed. Trigger was definitely nice. I dare to say, about the same as a 686.

[Mayor McRifle]

I own both. The 686 is far superior.

[jeffrice6]

Both

[addie]

I recently was trying to decide between the exact two you are. Held and shot both, and went with the 4" GP100 Stainless Steel. Felt better to me out of the two.

[Two Nuggets]

686+

The trigger is much smoother.

[plumbum]

Ruger GP100 3" or 6" for teh sexeh!

If going S&W it's K frame or N frame - I'm not much for middle of the road; compromise means you didn't get what you want.

[jdg30]

You will never be able to decide between the two. I have owned both. I sold my GP100 4" a few years back and have always missed it. I slicked it up real nice. It was totally smooth. As you mentioned, the cylinder release is a nice advantage on the Ruger. S&W is an advantage with an extra round for the same size gun. The Ruger revolver is a simpler gun and easier to work on. They are very durable and shoot excellent.

S&W revolvers shoot great also. They are both so different that you won't be able to choose. The main argument I have for S&W is the extra round. Other than that, it's hard to choose between the two. I would get both and after shooting, decide if you want to get rid of one or the other. It's a hard choice.

[b0lingball]

Im leaning towards the blued 4" gp100. The Ruger indeed feels more durable in my hands. I feel like I can just toss it in the range bag and not worrying about damaging or scratching it. With the smith, it's certainly more delicate and I'm afraid I'll go bat crazy if I put any scratches on it.

[ianS]

GP100. Dry fire DA trigger before buying. Some are IMO better than a 686 some are worse as in somewhat smooth but heavy. Can be remedied with aftermarket springs. Consider the Match Champ for its better balance and smoothing up of edges. I've owned several 686's in the past and it is no way superior. Cosmetically more refined sure but that's it. As a shooter the GP100 with thick Hogue grips is a noticeably more pleasant revolver to shoot with full tilt .357 Magnum loads. The GP100 is confidence inducing with its tank like looks. Not that a 686 isn't durable but with the GP100 there is very little to doubt. I'm not against S&W because even with a frame lock a steel J frame with boot grips is unbeatable in terms of concealment vs the SP101.

If I could own one .357 to enjoy or shoot for the rest of my life give me a GP100, even yes over a Python (but not a Korth or Mahurin)

[BEE]

GP100 if you plan on reloading/shooting stout 357 mag rounds. Otherwise 686 will serve you well.

[General]

All you need to know!

See this first! lol

This is what convinced me.

[SahmDan]

I was faced with the same decision about 18 months ago, and went with the 686 Performance Center Satin Stainless 4" barrel

Absolutely no regrets and would make the same decision all over again

[357magnum]

I own both 686 pre-lock and GP-100.
They are both great revolvers, nice fit and finish and both have smooth triggers.
I have owned more S&W revolvers than Rugers, but I would not say one is far superior than the other.
You can't go wrong with either one.

[plumbum]

You know, if trigger is important, that Ruger Match Champion is pretty flipping awesome, jus sayin.

[ianS]

You know, if trigger is important, that Ruger Match Champion is pretty flipping awesome, jus sayin.

Mine was worse than my standard GP100 out of the box. I got a great deal so took it home anyways. Wolff springs and all is well. Definitely try before buying.