OK so im thinking a .357 magnum purchase

[TeddyBallgame]

leaning toward the Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686, stainless, and, barrel length in the 4" range

might I be overlooking something else out there?

penny for your thoughts

[crazy4golf]

My favorite set up. Sadly my Colt King Cobra was stolen years ago. I have a Taurus Tracker that's been good and comes factory ported. You can't go wrong with either you list.

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[ChrisBrooklyn]

OK so im thinking a .357 magnum purchase

I ended up going with the ruger. Stainless. 4 inch. Unless you are willing to pay a little extra for the 686p with the 7 rounds. Then id say the smith.

I have a colt python. And to me it's the prettiest gun ever. But I will never shoot it.

[ja308]

I would suggest you dry fire double action, each of the revolvers your considering ! This exercise should make your decision easier .

In the event each has similar trigger pulls. I would suggest you carefully examine which gun fits your hand better and try a natural point of aim drill .
Simply find a target which is in a safe direction, like an overhead light and point the gun quickly at the target and see which one comes closest to it.

Other considerations are which gun is the lighter or heavier ? If this is a trail gun, or one you carry a lot, a couple of ounces may be the deciding factor.

In any event the 357 is a nice caliber. Experts have shot targets at 500 yards with standard loads .

I would also consider a Taurus 357 ! Many people have enjoyed good results with Taurus and politically they have been outspoken .

[TeddyBallgame]

I have fond memories of my Colt King Cobra .357 Stainless 4" that I owned many years ago...ended up giving it to my brother, for protection, never realizing that they would become so hard, and, expensive, to replace

replacing it has always been my wish...I just can't ask my brother for it back, he still has it, the S&W seems to be the nearest thing to it

I need to do something, or, my mind won't rest on this

[ojisan]

Something a little smaller and lighter than the GP or 686 for lots of carry and still be able to stand up to lots of use would be a Ruger Security Six.
I'd be happy with any of them.

[Rm7pr]

I've owned the Smith 686 and eventually sold it. Very nice gun. Currently own the GP100 and SP101. GP has a very smooth trigger. Definitely prefer it over the other two.


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[Powder_Keg]

How about a 5" barrel?

S&W M&P R8 (eight rounds)

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/mobile/product/39982/redirect

http://youtu.be/Sb_GFV_0KY8

[cannon]

357 revolvers are a lot of fun. I prefer the feel and heft of the S&W. Fondle both and pick your winner.

[riftol]

leaning toward the Ruger GP100 or the S&W 686, stainless, and, barrel length in the 4" range

might I be overlooking something else out there?

penny for your thoughts

I like the strength and simplicity of Ruger revolvers.

[Flyin Brian]

My first 357 was a Ruger GP100. Since then, I've owned numerous Colts & Smiths... I like them all but I always test my handloads in the Ruger since I believe it is the strongest of the bunch.

[Rizzo]

I was in your same situation.
That is, GP100 4" vs S&W 686 4".
I went and rented them at the local shooting range and ended up buyingh the Ruger GP100.
After handling the 686 I then picked up the GP100 and immediatly said YES!
It felt so much better in my hands.
I also have a Ruger 357 mag SP101 2.25" but shooting 357 mags is a handful with that wheel gun. With the GP100 it is a pleasure.
Hope that helped.

[Sutcliffe]

Both are fine revolvers

I prefer the Smith.

[Squidward]

I recently looked at the Ruger GP100 against the S&W 686 for purchase. I felt that the trigger on the Ruger was nicer out of the box, fit and finish was better and the grip fit my hand better. Although S&W is probably the 'standard' in revolvers, the 686 just fell short of the GP100. Price for the GP was also lower so I chose the GP.

500 rounds of .38spl and .357 magnum later and it's been flawless. So much so that I subsequently bought a Ruger SP101. All of the same opinions of the GP apply to the SP. Don't get me wrong, S&W makes some fine revolvers, I own some. But Ruger definitely gives S&W a run for the money.

[CessnaDriver]

I think it's a personal choice, but I went with a 686+ (7rds) 4" and it's a dream. Trigger, accuracy. Very happy.