4" .357: GP100 vs. SW686?

[badmonkey]

I was at turners yesterday, picking up some odds and ends for the tackle box, but decided to check out .357 wheel guns, since it'll probably be the next addition to the safe.

Both guns felt nice in the hand, and felt well made, the trigger on the SW was marginally better, and the SW is a 7 shot--but are there any reasons why 1 is better than the other?

This will probably be a nightstand gun, maybe a camping/hiking gun.

[Quiet]

Since, I don't really like the S&W internal locking system.

Get the Ruger GP100.

[porky]

686!!!!!!!
prelock if possible- better fit and finish-

[HK4113]

I work at a range with both. 686 better trigger, GP100 built like a tank

[redhemi]

GP100 built like a tank and I like the finish on my 4" stainless. With a little use or just sitting watching TV pulling the trigger it will smooth out. I changed the springs and polished some of the trigger parts and now it's a nice and smooth pull. I also put a HiViz front sight on it. Redhemi

[Günter]

Its like choosing between a Glock or a SIG (value vs quality)
With about a ~$200 price gap, It really comes down to your budget.

[badmonkey]

I work at a range with both. 686 better trigger, GP100 built like a tank

any war stories about the rental guns? either one more reliable than the other? or both pretty much trouble free?

[HK4113]

any war stories about the rental guns? either one more reliable than the other? or both pretty much trouble free?

We just had a 686 barrel snap in half about a week ago. GP100 lasted about 15 years before it had to be sent back to the factory due to the rifling in the barrel being worn out and the rounds key holing. Nothing else has gone bad.

Mind you these are range rental guns that are shot 7 days a week 365 days a year. It probably gets more rounds down it in a month then you would put down it in a year. If you want a gun that will truly last you forever without any hickups get the GP100.

[Oldnoob]

In general, 686 has better fit, balance and trigger/hammer action. Which matters if you are looking for a range gun. Giving that you are going to use for hiking/camping gun, go with GP100.

No lock to mess you with, tough as nail (yeah for Ruger cast frame), and much more affordable.

[sirgiles]

I work at a range with both. Pre-lock 686 better way better trigger, GP100 built like a tank.

edited the quote.
i second this.

[maddoggie13]

Go with the Ruger...S&W are overprice.

[Legasat]

I have had the GP100's grand-daddy since 1982 (Security Six). Never a failure, never a flaw.

I'm sure the 686 is a nice weapon, but for revolvers, I am a HUGE Ruger fan!

[porky]

The problem with the Ruger is that it will ALWAYS have Ruger on the Barrel-
With a Smith and Wesson, twenty years from now you will still look at it and know it's not a budget name- it's a Smith! So yeah-it's cooool!

[gorenut]

I like the 686 and was also at one point, down to these two guns. I went with the Ruger GP100 and never regretted it. I didn't want to mess with the internal lock. While I think it won't be an issue with most people.. there has still been enough occurrences that were brought up repeatedly on the issue of the internal lock malfunctioning. If you can't get your hands on a pre-lock 686, you could always remove it yourself. There are videos on youtube that show you how and there are also places that sell parts that'll fill in/cover the hole where the lock used to be.

From where I see it though.. with my GP100.. I feel more confident in shooting hotter loads without a hitch. Also, the trigger is now as smooth as glass from usage. The 686 does come with a better trigger out of the box, but if you really use your revolver, the trigger will naturally smooth out.

Lastly.. this is both a pro and con.. while I would prefer 7 shots vs 6.. 6 is slightly easier to clean, haha.

[Rhythm of Life]

I've never shot a GP100 but I've shot my dads 686, it was the first revolver I ever liked. And I REALLY liked it. Its a pre-lock and man that trigger was nice. Handled damn well too.

For what its worth.