OK so im thinking a .357 magnum purchase

[barrage]

If you wind up deciding on a 686, see what you can find on the private marketplace. It's worth it to be able to get one without the lawyer lock and floating pin.

[polo.45]

You going to find lots of options out there but the ruger gp100 it's a great revolver ... Mine has a 3.5 pounds trigger job..

[Noble Cause]

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

Both are great revolvers, just comes down to personal choice.

In the same situation...I ended up choosing Ruger GP 100 in both
6 and 4 inch barrels... Been very happy with my decision.

Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum Revolver Review
By the Guns and Shooting Online Staff:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ruger_GP100_357.htm

[Mitch]

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

Both excellent choices. I own the GP-100 and also have several S&Ws. I used the Ruger some years ago in Bianchi style competition. The S&W trigger is second to none, but the prices are getting outrageous (at least for a new revolver). As much as I love my S&Ws, I usually find myself recommending the Ruger, since it seems to be a better value to the non-collector and it's a rock-solid product.

[mikenewgun87]

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

Screw that....go big or go home!!! Go snubnosed!!!

[russ69]

Both are great revolvers, just comes down to personal choice.

Ted, both are nice choices.

[not-fishing]

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.

If you can work a wood rasp, sand paper or dremel tool, consider buying one that shoots well and making a custom grip. I've done it for my sons and I on three Smiths. All I do is buy a bigger Hogue grip of the general configuration that I like then sand/grind it until it fits the way I like.

Custom grips made a big difference in my rapid fire.

[Over It]

Tough choice, ummmm... if it came down to pistol/revolver whipping anyone, I'd go Ruger everytime!

This comment was only meant to help a little bit, if at all.

[92E2]

S&W 686 or 686+ are nice guns.

Have had one for @ 14 years and still love to shoot it (trigger job and polished frame). Actually bought it for the wifey because it was next on my list. =)

[CG of MP]

The 586/686 was considered the poor-man's Colt Python back in the day.
Now that there is no more Colt Python, well.. I think it is the best!

I certainly prefer the 686 to the Ruger. I like the cyl release config better, and the look and feel of the weapon to me is superior especially the trigger.

I do not know what Smith is producing now - because you only have to buy one of them one time. ;-)

Out of the box, the 686 had a great trigger, was accurate, and the balance (because of the extra metal beneath the barrel) as well as a little less recoil make the 586/686 my personal favorite revolver.

[RedFord150]

Ruger has been very good too me. I have 2 GP100's and a Speed Six in my safe right now. I sold a Security Six too buy the first GP100.
S&W will cost you more. I agree that S&W finishes their guns better than Ruger. I also believe that a Ruger is inherently stronger than a comparable S&W.
I have bought and sold one Taurus and will never own another.
Your $, your choice.
Good luck.

[newbee1111]

Can't really go wrong with either. I love my 686+. I think .357 magnum is my favorite handgun round to shoot.

[BKinzey]

686.

I bought one several years ago, it's a used 4" version 4. Took a dremel with a felt bob and Flitz polish to the internal parts. Polished all points of contact. It's a very nice gun I've put several thousand rounds through (mostly .38).

I like the Hogue grip it came with.

It has been a very nice revolver.

[iluvmycolt]

It all comes down to personal preference. With that said, I'd go with the 686.

[Jaybird]

Just picked up a Ruger GP100 3" SS version and it is awesome. Built like a tank and handles 357 with ease. The weight really helps with recoil. My GF even likes to shoot it and she's a wimp when it comes to recoil.