GP100 VS 686

[hylander]

So looking at purchasing one of these.
6", 6 shot, SS
Leaning towards the GP since I'm a ruger fan.
However the 686 is a beautiful revolver and seems to handle well.
Will be used mostly with medium cast loads but maybe heavy loads for hunting as well
Recommendations ?

[tigerpan]

For hot load ruger will work better. I would get both, but gp100 champion first m.

[Capybara]

In general, both are GREAT revolvers. Kind of a tie in my mind. The Ruger is generally regarded as a more rugged build specifically for hot loads. I have three S&W Revolvers and they are all mechanical works of art. I have almost bought a few Ruger revolvers too but have not yet, although I do own a few Ruger semi-autos.

Your best best is to go to your local gun store that will have both and pick them up and compare them side by side. I don't think one is superior to the other and I would be happy with either, unless I wanted to shoot really hot loads, like perhaps for hogs or mountain lion/bear duties? Then I would get the Ruger personally. IMHO, there is no reason for really hot handgun loads other than hunting. I sure as heck don't want to shoot 200 rounds of them in a practice/target session.

[geedavell]

Chevy vs Ford

[Rcjackrabbit]

[hylander]

So I'm thinking Ruger gets your vote

[hylander]

[QUOTE=mj1;27127629]What is your goal so we can give the input you are looking for ?
That would go a long way to getting an answer.
What caliber and finish

All stated in the OP.

[ARDude]

It's totally your choice to choose. But, Smith revolvers have a better trigger out of the box. If you don't like the locking mechinism on them, it can be disabled/removed and a plug put in place.

Ruger is more beefy to handle a steady diet of hot loads. And trigger can be lightened.

I do prefer the S&W revolvers, but I don't mind spending xtra for pre lock used models.

[ARDude]

It's totally your choice to choose. But, Smith revolvers have a better trigger out of the box. If you don't like the locking mechinism on them, it can be disabled/removed and a plug put in place.

Ruger is more beefy to handle a steady diet of hot loads. And trigger can be lightened.

I do prefer the S&W revolvers, but I don't mind spending xtra for pre lock used models.

[Beelzy]

Who cares about the dumb Hillary hole? I've shot both models and they handle hot loads just fine. The Smith will also hold it's value better, even with the hole.

[mj1]

[QUOTE=hylander;27127849]

What is your goal so we can give the input you are looking for ?
That would go a long way to getting an answer.
What caliber and finish

All stated in the OP.

Again I say your limited description was not much to go on.

Good luck when the Grizzly jams the .357 up you hind end.

Sorry I wasted your time.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I've owned both. Sold the 686 and kept the GP100 (and just picked up another) solely on the basis of felt recoil with heavy loads. Since the GP100 has a post instead of a perimeter grip frame, adding a Hogue grip gives you lots of cushy rubber to take the sting out of full-house .357 loads.

Other than that, I'd say pretty equal. The GP100 is literally Ruger's answer to the L-frame.

[Mayor McRifle]

I own both. The GP100 wins the “feels like a tank” category. The 686 wins every other category that matters. The GP100 is not a bad revolver, but I would choose the 686 over it every time, without hesitation.

[Pablo5959]

If you’re going to shoot cast then the S&W would be a better choice.
Ruger is notorious for having inconsistent cylinder machining. Much leading you will have.

[akjunkie]

I got a GP100 6in SS. Got about 200rds thru it.
1st 100rds I broke it in with 38 special.
After that I switched over to Fiocchi 357 magnum.

40rds in my gun "jammed". Couldn't pull the hammer back or open the cylinder. Couple hrs later when my gun "cooled" off I was able to open the cylinder and empty out the live rounds and the hammer started working again.

Only happned once and I havent been able to duplicate the problem. My GP100 is now a dedicated range toy. I wouldn trust it for HD duties.

Go for the 686.