686 or GP100 4"

[Bobby Ricigliano]

This. The gut level reaction is to state the S&W 686 has a better trigger than the GP100, but that has not been my experience. (J Frame vs SP101 I concur)

I have owned and carried daily both the newer model S&W 642 and a Ruger LCR in .38

The Smith in all of its painted on stainless finish and horrendous trigger / stock grips / non-existent sights have long since been sold and the LCR with factory XS big dot sight has remained. A better hideout BUG than the 642 in every aspect.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

686+

Behold the evolution (or de-evolution?) of the modern revolver.

[nikki#2]

This. The gut level reaction is to state the S&W 686 has a better trigger than the GP100, but that has not been my experience. (J Frame vs SP101 I concur)

You could swap in a spring kit for instant gratification, but I would argue that's a good reason to go used... The things a tank and very likely the trigger will be smooth.
And since you're going used, might as well go pre-lock & pre-MIM via SAE.
686: Very smoooth, very accurate. A definite keeper. My GF prefers it to her Glock, so I swap in a crimson trace laser grip for HD.

[code_blue]

Would you consider the Security Six as an alternative? It is the GP-100's predecessor after all.

[smith629]

Had both, sold both. Both are great guns, my favorite personally is the GP 100 match champion, it is everything the GP100 should have originally.

Prices for old 686s are sky high now anyways; and who want's a newer smith with a lawyer lock on the side? Abomination!

[jimmykan]

OP, I have had both (well kinda: I had a 586, the blued version of the 686).

I sold the 586 because it was just too pretty to shoot. The blued finish on the gun and case hardening on the hammer and trigger were really beautiful, and the trigger was good. I kinda regret selling it, but I do still have some classic blued S&W revolvers, I won't sell any more.

The GP100 4" soaked up 357 Magnum recoil better than my 586, even with its longer 6" barrel, because the GP100 still felt heavier and the rubber grip covers the backstrap, whereas the 586/686 has an exposed serrated backstrap that directly contacts the palm.

I have been to more than one indoor shooting range, where the rental GP100s have been in circulation since first purchased in the 1980s and are still working, never needed repair or tuning since. (I'm talking about The Target Range in Van Nuys and Targetmasters in Milpitas.)

I don't have the most expansive collection or experience, but I have owned most of the major brands, and I have also shot some Charter Arms and Taurus revolvers.

At various times, I have owned these revolvers:

Ruger SP101 2" 357 Magnum
Ruger GP100 4" 357 Magnum
Ruger Vaquero 4.6" 357 Magnum
Ruger Old Army 7.5" 45 Colt Conversion
S&W Model 18-4 4" 22 Long Rifle
S&W Model 19-3 4" 357 Magnum
S&W Model 19-4 4" 357 Magnum
S&W Model 37 No Dash 2" 38 Special
S&W 586 No Dash 6" 357 Magnum
S&W 642-1 2" 38 Special
Colt Army Special 5" 38 Special
Colt Detective Special 2" 38 Special
Uberti Cattleman 1873 4.6" 45 Colt
Uberti Remington 1858 7.5" 44

I now have narrowed it down to the following:
Ruger GP100 4" 357 Magnum
Ruger Old Army 7.5" 45 Colt Conversion
S&W Model 18-4 4" 22 Long Rifle
S&W Model 19-4 4" Magnum
S&W Model 37 No Dash 2" 38 Special
[No more Colts]
[No more Ubertis]

The GP100 gets the most action.

[mlevans66]

Smiths are a better looking gun to most. More options for grips and add ons. The trigger is a little better and its made of a better steel. Rugers are Glock-ish. Not as pretty but work pretty damn well. Ive owned about three of both but the only revolver I have is a Ruger GP100 4" blued.

[dougtoni]

The 686's trigger is the superior over any other revolver out there. It can handle any target load .38 to 357 magnum loads you can feed it. Hands down the best.

[559BearDown]

3 or 4" stainless GP100

[Bobby Ricigliano]

Call me paranoid but I would be very wary of any action job on a revolver that is designated as a HD/SD weapon. I don't want to hear clicks when I should be hearing bangs.

[wisco]

Have a 3" GP 100. After a little trigger work, it's the nicest revolver I own and I do own some S & W.

Having said that, buy the one that you like best. They're both great guns. Be sure to post a picture of your new gun so the internet can tell you it's the best or worst decision you could have made. Everyone needs a .357 revolver.

[TeddyBallgame]

might have to buy me a 686

just to see what all the hype is about

[stevemac]

I use my 686+ for .38 Special and my 627 for .357 Magnum. Both are 4". If I get a 3 or 6" I might look at Ruger.

[JTROKS]

Call me paranoid but I would be very wary of any action job on a revolver that is designated as a HD/SD weapon. I don't want to hear clicks when I should be hearing bangs.

There are different types and levels of action jobs. You can get one to smooth the action and keeping OEM parts and springs. This is for defensive guns.

For some folks they want to lighten the trigger pull just a tad bit. Is this where you start rolling the dice? I don't think so. If you keep your gun fairly clean and test out your gun and ammo combination then it's all good.

Then there's the competition type of action job with lightened hammers and springs tuned to provide the lightest trigger pull. These guns are pure range guns. The ammo used are reloads and tested.

[BigPimping]

My vote would be the Smith & Wesson. They are so well finished and so smooth. I've handled one at a gun store and it was super nice