Smith or Ruger? - The Firearms Forum

Whitefang81 · 02-12-2004, 07:09 PM

Well i cant make up my mind, i want to get a pistol, but should i get a auto loader or a revolver, now if u all had a choice between a smith 686 or a Ruger gp-100 .357 mag which would u choose?

Marlin · 02-12-2004, 07:26 PM

It's the ole Cadillac/Lincoln argument.

I would prefer the Smith 686.....

gpostal · 02-12-2004, 07:48 PM

Smokin Guns · 02-12-2004, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Ruger gp-100 .357

Yep! That bee's the pup I been lookin' at!!!...

JohnnyRobotic · 02-12-2004, 09:27 PM

Bought a gp100 stainless from a cop tuesday morning and come sunday, me and a bowling pin are goin to the range and only one of us is coming back, i shot them before and i love the look and feel of the gun it's great

supposed to be about 10 degrees though

LDBennett · 02-13-2004, 07:46 AM

For fit and finish and for a good trigger the 686 is the one.

The test I did once was to have the dealer lay the two guns side by side for a direct comparison. It was beauty and the beast in a comparison between the 686 and the GP100. I eventually had both guns but the Ruger is gone now and I am left with three S&W revolvers including a new 686. The GP100 was a fine gun but the finese of the Smith overwhelms the Ruger.

LDBennett

Shooter45 · 02-13-2004, 11:26 AM

Well said.

Marlin · 02-13-2004, 01:29 PM

Agreed, 100%!

Smokin Guns · 02-13-2004, 05:45 PM

Quote:

The test I did once was to have the dealer lay the two guns side by side for a direct comparison. It was beauty and the beast in a comparison between the 686 and the GP100. I eventually had both guns but the Ruger is gone now and I am left with three S&W revolvers including a new 686. The GP100 was a fine gun but the finese of the Smith overwhelms the Ruger.

Yep LD! You are "right on" as far as having them, comparing them and letting some of them move on! I've never had either one so now I've got to be on the look-out for a GP-100 and the 686...

Bullseye · 02-13-2004, 06:05 PM

I eventually had both guns but the Ruger is gone now and I am left with three S&W revolvers including a new 686.

Almost the same here - currently have a 686 and a 629. Ruger shot very well but was not as refined in my opinion. But a GP100 with a real action / trigger job (not a spring job) would be nice. Some of the newer GPs I have seen have had some finish issues. The GP100 I owned was a late 80s revolver.

Tony Mig · 02-13-2004, 08:30 PM

I've got a GP-100 with a 6" barrel and I love the thing. True the S&W is more refine in fit & finish, and the trigger out of the box is sweeter, but I preffer the Ruger's more rugged construction, and inherent strength. I has a solid feel, and being a reloader, I feel more confident shooting some of my experimental loads out of the GP than I would the S&W.

I'm looking to add another .357 magnum wheel gun to my collection with a 4" barrel, and I've looked at the S&W 686 again, but I'll probably go with another GP-100....we'll make that decission when the money is in hand.....

JohnnyRobotic · 02-13-2004, 10:31 PM

Finally someone else giving the gp-100 some love

Silencer · 02-14-2004, 06:03 AM

I have the 686 in a 2.5 inch barrel. I love it. I made a set of "boot style" wood gun stocks for it. My friend owns a Ruger GP 100. He likes my pistol, but I don't like his. Remember, Smith & Wesson is the revolver with the most tunable action.

ironsight65 · 02-29-2004, 09:58 PM

I've always been a big fan of Rugers simply because of durability, reliability and value. Have to admit I have had couple of bad experiences with Smith and Wesson pistols and I haven't been inclined to give them another try to often.

Country101 · 02-29-2004, 10:08 PM

I've gotta go with the Ruger. I've never shot that particular gun, but Ruger's are a sweet gun in general. I've got a .44 super redhawk and I couldn't be happier. It's one of the most solid guns I've seen. It's rough, but you can't beat it in my opinion. When I bought it I looked at a S&W .357 as well and it just wasn't appealling at all. The "molded" grip S&W had on thier gun was apparently made for a midget or a woman and it looked cheap(Though it was a good $200 more than the ruger.). And personally, I like revolvers. They cant mess up on you near as easily as an auto. The only problem I've had with mine was when I screwed up a shell that I loaded, but that was the shell and not the gun. I just dont trust auto's. If I'm gonna be in a shoot out, I guess I would take one cause I could get more shots off, but for everything else, give me a revolver.

Country101

Krazyhorse · 03-01-2004, 12:39 AM

Count me in on the Ruger vote! I have several Rugers and hope to acquire several more. I may be by myself on this but I have never, knock on wood, had any kinds of problems, other than operator error, with any Ruger I've owned, rifle or pistol. They may not be as pretty or as smooth or whatever as some others but they are tough and dependable, IMHO.
I'm wanting to get a KGP-161 so bad I can't see straight.

ironsight65 · 03-01-2004, 07:09 PM

Same here on the Rugers. I have had many Ruger pistols, revolvers, and rifles, (even black powder guns) and have never had any kind of problems. Also the price is nice.

Tony Mig · 03-02-2004, 08:33 PM

I've recently been bitten by the .44 Magnum bug, and although the S&W 629 with a 4" barrel is the classic Elmer Kieth choice of guns, I'm giving serious concideration to the 5.5" Redhawk for the same reasons I chose the GP-100 over the 686....price, construction & durability....as far as the trigger action goes, the more you shoot them, the better they get.....

jlmckinney · 03-02-2004, 10:08 PM

Ruger all the way! Bought mine a few weeks ago NIB!

JM

txpete · 03-04-2004, 12:04 AM

here the real deal.shooting full house 357 mag loads.
the ruger will be still shooting while the smith will be sitting at a gunsmith for repairs.ain't nothing built as strong as a ruger.Ill skip the sweet and take the strong well made ruger any day of the week.
owner operator of 2 security six,6 inch and a 2 3/4 inch.
pete

Marlin · 03-04-2004, 10:13 AM

I know I've said it before but - - -

I LOVE my older 629-1 with the 6" barrel. Wouldn't trade it for several Rugers!!!

Tony Mig · 03-04-2004, 12:50 PM

I don't knock S&W revolvers, every one that I've looked over, held or even fired was an absolute pleasure, and the fit & finish of those guns were outstanding, but you pay for that finish work in spades at the gun shop. The other issue I have with S&W revolvers is the construction, thin top strap, and cylinder walls compared to Ruger. I look at a revolver from the standpoint of someone who is still fairly new at the reloading game, and wants the strongest platform to fire his reloads from.
Solid frame construction compared to screw on side plates.....
Thin top strap compared to a very thick one.........
Seriously thick metal around the forcing cone, or less metal to accomodate the cylinder crane......
Three point cylinder lock-up, compared to the same method being used for the last 100 + years........

Trust me, if someone gifted me a 686, or 629 I sure as hell wouldn't turn it down, or sell them for something else, but where I'm at in the shooting sports, and in the financial world, Ruger is just the right wheel gun for me.
Vanilla & chocolate
Apples & oranges.....

txpete · 03-04-2004, 01:17 PM

I own 1 smith now a 25-2in 45 acp/ar and it's a true pleasure to shoot and came in a oak display box 6 1/2 inch pinned barrel.made in the 50's .
I have owned a few 29's and they just can't take the hotter rounds that a redhawk can*the loads were within spec lyman cast book*.both jumped time shot loose.my red hawk went thru the same loads just like a timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking,excuse the pun.
so if your in the market for a good 44 mag for hunting get a ruger and pass on the smith,hunting season is just to short having your pistol in for repairs....
pete

Taurus_9mm · 08-21-2007, 01:24 AM

Another vote for the Ruger GP-100.

neophyte · 08-21-2007, 10:09 AM

GP100 without question

02-12-2004, 07:09 PM	#1
Whitefang81 Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Medford NJ Posts: 41	Smith or Ruger? Well i cant make up my mind, i want to get a pistol, but should i get a auto loader or a revolver, now if u all had a choice between a smith 686 or a Ruger gp-100 .357 mag which would u choose? -->

02-12-2004, 07:26 PM	#2
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	It's the ole Cadillac/Lincoln argument. I would prefer the Smith 686..... __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

02-12-2004, 09:27 PM	#5
JohnnyRobotic V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wareham, Massachusetts Posts: 265	Bought a gp100 stainless from a cop tuesday morning and come sunday, me and a bowling pin are goin to the range and only one of us is coming back, i shot them before and i love the look and feel of the gun it's great supposed to be about 10 degrees though Last edited by JohnnyRobotic; 02-12-2004 at 10:40 PM..

02-13-2004, 01:29 PM	#8
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Agreed, 100%! __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

02-13-2004, 08:30 PM	#11
Tony Mig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Sorprano State Posts: 716	I've got a GP-100 with a 6" barrel and I love the thing. True the S&W is more refine in fit & finish, and the trigger out of the box is sweeter, but I preffer the Ruger's more rugged construction, and inherent strength. I has a solid feel, and being a reloader, I feel more confident shooting some of my experimental loads out of the GP than I would the S&W. I'm looking to add another .357 magnum wheel gun to my collection with a 4" barrel, and I've looked at the S&W 686 again, but I'll probably go with another GP-100....we'll make that decission when the money is in hand..... __________________ "I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know." New Jersey Politician's oath of office O /\ (( -------------v-

02-12-2004, 07:48 PM	#3
gpostal Former Guest Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 4,552	686

02-13-2004, 07:46 AM	#6
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,714	For fit and finish and for a good trigger the 686 is the one. The test I did once was to have the dealer lay the two guns side by side for a direct comparison. It was beauty and the beast in a comparison between the 686 and the GP100. I eventually had both guns but the Ruger is gone now and I am left with three S&W revolvers including a new 686. The GP100 was a fine gun but the finese of the Smith overwhelms the Ruger. LDBennett

02-13-2004, 11:26 AM	#7
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,753	Well said.

02-13-2004, 06:05 PM	#10
Bullseye V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 153	I eventually had both guns but the Ruger is gone now and I am left with three S&W revolvers including a new 686. Almost the same here - currently have a 686 and a 629. Ruger shot very well but was not as refined in my opinion. But a GP100 with a real action / trigger job (not a spring job) would be nice. Some of the newer GPs I have seen have had some finish issues. The GP100 I owned was a late 80s revolver.

02-13-2004, 10:31 PM	#12
JohnnyRobotic V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wareham, Massachusetts Posts: 265	Finally someone else giving the gp-100 some love

02-14-2004, 06:03 AM	#13
Silencer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southern California: Inland Empire Posts: 1,297	I have the 686 in a 2.5 inch barrel. I love it. I made a set of "boot style" wood gun stocks for it. My friend owns a Ruger GP 100. He likes my pistol, but I don't like his. Remember, Smith & Wesson is the revolver with the most tunable action.

02-29-2004, 09:58 PM	#14
ironsight65 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 458	I've always been a big fan of Rugers simply because of durability, reliability and value. Have to admit I have had couple of bad experiences with Smith and Wesson pistols and I haven't been inclined to give them another try to often.

02-29-2004, 10:08 PM	#15
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,028	I've gotta go with the Ruger. I've never shot that particular gun, but Ruger's are a sweet gun in general. I've got a .44 super redhawk and I couldn't be happier. It's one of the most solid guns I've seen. It's rough, but you can't beat it in my opinion. When I bought it I looked at a S&W .357 as well and it just wasn't appealling at all. The "molded" grip S&W had on thier gun was apparently made for a midget or a woman and it looked cheap(Though it was a good $200 more than the ruger.). And personally, I like revolvers. They cant mess up on you near as easily as an auto. The only problem I've had with mine was when I screwed up a shell that I loaded, but that was the shell and not the gun. I just dont trust auto's. If I'm gonna be in a shoot out, I guess I would take one cause I could get more shots off, but for everything else, give me a revolver. Country101

03-01-2004, 12:39 AM	#16
Krazyhorse Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 22	Count me in on the Ruger vote! I have several Rugers and hope to acquire several more. I may be by myself on this but I have never, knock on wood, had any kinds of problems, other than operator error, with any Ruger I've owned, rifle or pistol. They may not be as pretty or as smooth or whatever as some others but they are tough and dependable, IMHO. I'm wanting to get a KGP-161 so bad I can't see straight.

03-01-2004, 07:09 PM	#17
ironsight65 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 458	Same here on the Rugers. I have had many Ruger pistols, revolvers, and rifles, (even black powder guns) and have never had any kind of problems. Also the price is nice.

03-02-2004, 08:33 PM	#18
Tony Mig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Sorprano State Posts: 716	I've recently been bitten by the .44 Magnum bug, and although the S&W 629 with a 4" barrel is the classic Elmer Kieth choice of guns, I'm giving serious concideration to the 5.5" Redhawk for the same reasons I chose the GP-100 over the 686....price, construction & durability....as far as the trigger action goes, the more you shoot them, the better they get..... __________________ "I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know." New Jersey Politician's oath of office O /\ (( -------------v-

03-02-2004, 10:08 PM	#19
jlmckinney V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 78	Ruger all the way! Bought mine a few weeks ago NIB! JM __________________ * Marine 0311/8621 * Annual NRA Member (Soon to be Lifer) Ruger GP-100 (KGP-141) 4" Stainless Full Shroud (Sweeeet) Springfield 1903 30-06 (Customized) Glenfield Mod.60 .22LR (PaPa's Ole' Faithful) Had a AR-15A2 Sporter II (Pre-Ban) Had a Ruger P94 Wishing for Remington 700 VS .308

03-04-2004, 12:04 AM	#20
txpete V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: texas Posts: 76	here the real deal.shooting full house 357 mag loads. the ruger will be still shooting while the smith will be sitting at a gunsmith for repairs.ain't nothing built as strong as a ruger.Ill skip the sweet and take the strong well made ruger any day of the week. owner operator of 2 security six,6 inch and a 2 3/4 inch. pete

03-04-2004, 10:13 AM	#21
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	I know I've said it before but - - - I LOVE my older 629-1 with the 6" barrel. Wouldn't trade it for several Rugers!!! __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

03-04-2004, 12:50 PM	#22
Tony Mig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Sorprano State Posts: 716	I don't knock S&W revolvers, every one that I've looked over, held or even fired was an absolute pleasure, and the fit & finish of those guns were outstanding, but you pay for that finish work in spades at the gun shop. The other issue I have with S&W revolvers is the construction, thin top strap, and cylinder walls compared to Ruger. I look at a revolver from the standpoint of someone who is still fairly new at the reloading game, and wants the strongest platform to fire his reloads from. Solid frame construction compared to screw on side plates..... Thin top strap compared to a very thick one......... Seriously thick metal around the forcing cone, or less metal to accomodate the cylinder crane...... Three point cylinder lock-up, compared to the same method being used for the last 100 + years........ Trust me, if someone gifted me a 686, or 629 I sure as hell wouldn't turn it down, or sell them for something else, but where I'm at in the shooting sports, and in the financial world, Ruger is just the right wheel gun for me. Vanilla & chocolate Apples & oranges..... __________________ "I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know." New Jersey Politician's oath of office O /\ (( -------------v-

03-04-2004, 01:17 PM	#23
txpete V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: texas Posts: 76	I own 1 smith now a 25-2in 45 acp/ar and it's a true pleasure to shoot and came in a oak display box 6 1/2 inch pinned barrel.made in the 50's . I have owned a few 29's and they just can't take the hotter rounds that a redhawk canthe loads were within spec lyman cast book.both jumped time shot loose.my red hawk went thru the same loads just like a timex takes a licking and keeps on ticking,excuse the pun. so if your in the market for a good 44 mag for hunting get a ruger and pass on the smith,hunting season is just to short having your pistol in for repairs.... pete

08-21-2007, 01:24 AM	#24
Taurus_9mm V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 345	Re: Smith or Ruger? Another vote for the Ruger GP-100.

08-21-2007, 10:09 AM	#25
neophyte V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NC Posts: 63	Re: Smith or Ruger? GP100 without question __________________ Craig By the standards of many