While I'd agree that the stock Ruger front sight is a bit dull, one of the biggest advantages to the GP100 is that the front sight can be changed by anybody who's mechanically adept enough to bend a paper clip in a matter of approximately 2 seconds. Literally, push in a button in the front of the barrel, pull the stock sight out and drop the new one in. If it takes more than 4 seconds you probably rode the short bus to school. Picked up a Hi-Viz fiber optic for my 6" for $32.
i bought a Ruger GP 100. i love it. it is a tank. A Smith is a sportscar, while the Ruger is a badass 4x4. Both are great guns. They just have different strengths.
My first gun was a gp100 and I love it it came with the hogue grips with the ruger stamp, put some yellow crayon on the front sight to fix the visibility problem. Very comfortable gun to shoot, especially with those grips.
That is the Ruger. It has never let me down. I own a 44 mag Super Red, and Black Hawk and have killed many deer with it during hunting season. You can load a Ruger hot because they can hold high pressures and with after market sights, the weapon is a tack driver. IT TRULY IS THE GLOCK OF THE REVOLVER WORD. Just my humble thoughts. I do think all the revolvers are great choices. My favorite is Ruger.
I'm a big S&W fan (pre-lock ONLY) but I wouldn't have any problem owning a Ruger GP100. Although the majority of my revolvers are older S&W's, the GP100 has always been a fantastic revolver that can handle any power load you can put through it. As much as I love old S&W revolvers, you had to be careful with older K-frame revolvers when firing a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum loads, unlike Ruger, which has no such issue. I love my old 4" S&W model 586 but I would welcome a GP100 any time :)
Great comparison. Thank you! One thing about the GP100 is that the front sight is extremely easy to swap out. If it takes more than five minutes, you were goofing around. And there are so many grip designs for it you can make it fit anyone's likes.
You call the fact you have to take the trigger group out of the Ruger to remove the cylinder a bad thing. It's the fact the Ruger has more locking points that make this step nessesary. To me this is a plus not a minus.
I have the same exact no dash pinned and recessed 4 inch barrel 686. "No dash" early model. Beautiful gun. I put rubber hogue grips on mine and have gotten quite used to them but I kept the wooden ones and may switch them back to compare. I worked for an armored car carrier for about 5 months and was qualified to carry my 686.
Excellent review! The S&W 686 (Pre-Lock), and the Ruger GP-100 are both damn good quality firearms. I own and love both. If I feel like shooting hot loads, then I turn to my GP-100 which seems to tame the recoil better than the S&W.
I have several Ruger Revolvers and love them all. Bradley is on point when he mentions the price on Rugers creeping up to almost the same as S&W Revs. My GP100 4" blue was bought for me by my wife back in the 90s and that thing is still chugging with the only modification....wait for it... the sights! Man, they were bad just like you said. They now sport some nice fiber optics. I use two of my Rugers for hunting. The Ruger Redhawk in .41mag and the Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt. Haven't bought a revolver in 10 years or so and I am so torn on going S&W or Ruger. I would like something in the smaller frame flavor for carry. Still looking and saving! Great Video and the nice backdrop you have at the range is super welcome to see as it's getting cold on the East Coast now. Keep the Vids coming!
I own both Rugers and Smiths, J Frame , M10 K Frame, L frame 44 mag and 45acp. Ruger Sp101, SRH in 454 and my favorite 3" GP100 in 357. It's no contest against modern S&W's the Ruger wins. the Ruger is STRONGER (period), It comes apart for cleaning easily, you can change the front sight and with the dual spring action it equals the Smith trigger but after a little work on both the Ruger wins again. The grips are a moot point, most people change them anyway BUT the Smith has the frame backstrap in the grip, The Ruger uses a spud the grip is mounted around so any style grip can be used. Another point for Ruger besides apples to apples the Ruger can be had MUCH cheaper. IMHO section : Shooting my GP100 and a friends M66 Combat Magnum it's pretty much a toss up as far as how they feel and shoot, great quality and performance but I HATE the lock on the Smith and there are real quality problems them, I still don't believe they know how to install a barrel straight. That being said, I believe the Ruger is a lot more revolver for a lot less money than the Smith but watch out, I have another friend that just bought a Taurus M66. WOW, would I like to see a shootoff between these 3, that Taurus is really nice and it's a shooter too for a lot less than the Ruger. Fit and finish is just OK along with the trigger but for a nightstand gun or one to bang around in a vehicle I think the Smith needs to do a little reevaluation of their current products. I would almost take a new Taurus at over half the price a new Smith and not feel bad about it. Just my 2c worth.
Not a bad video, I own both a S&W 686 Plus 357 Magnum and two Ruger GP-100's in a 4" & 2.5" barrels. Both are great firearms but I prefer my Rugers over my Smith & Wesson. The Ruger can handle much hotter rounds such as Buffalo Bore or Underwood 357 hot rounds. When I shot it through my Smith and Wesson I had to send it in for repair for the cylinder. S &W has a slightly better trigger but durability and everyday carry for any situation I'll take my GP100 all day long. For me it's a guarantee that it will perform when I need it to.
I own both the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 586 with is just the blue steel version of the 686. After taking the Pepsi Challenge and the gun range with these two revolvers it turned out that the Ruger GP100 was the overall winner.
I am awed by my Ruger Match Champion (perfect revolver). That said, it's hard to compare Smith and Ruger. They are both excellent. The caliber is excellent. It is not trigger "pull" but trigger "creep" that requires smithing. Not "dual" action but "double" action. A wide variety of ammunition for .357 (and .38 special) (a very versatile pistol). You do not punch out the center of a target until you master: stance, grip, sight alignment, breath control, trigger pressure all while holding 6'oclock (or center depending on your adjustment) It could take a while to punch out the center of the target.
Dang, where were you when I sold my Match Champion? I hate the non-staging trigger. I would take a broken in GP100 every day of the week over the Match Champion.
I added the Ruger store front red sight (actually just a triangle where it does the most good) for minimal cost. Even with my old eyes, it makes aiming a breeze with my GP100.
The reason the disassembly procedure for the Ruger is more invasive because the Ruger locks up at both the front and the rear of the cylinder. The Ruger double action revolvers have a reputation for durability because they have the triple locking cylinder; the GP100 is a brick shithouse, a fucking tank. The S&W may be smoother and more refined, but the Ruger is without a doubt more durable. If you were looking to handload around the old school .357 Magnum loads, the Ruger would be a far better choice. Original max average pressure for the .357 Magnum when it came out in the S&W N-frame was 43500 PSI. In the mid to late 50s, S&W started chambering the .357 in the smaller K frame, which allowed them to reach a broader customer base by offering smaller and lighter revolvers. However, the K frames would have barrels split, top straps stretch, and yoke tubes peen when fed a steady diet of .357 Magnum. In 1995, S&W petitioned SAAMI to reduce the max average pressure of the .357 Magnum by about 25%, down to 35,000 PSI. The Ruger GP100 is still one of the pistols that could certainly take a steady diet of "real" .357 Magnum loads at the original pressures. The 686 could probably do it for a while, but the Ruger is the one you'd want if you were wondering the Thunderdome and the only ammo you could find was a box of Bubba's reloads just labeled "hot."
This is one of the more scientific reviews I've seen and happily reaches a conclusion similar to one of my deeply held biases. If a handgun feels 'right' in my hand I will probably shoot it well. If not, I will never shoot it well. That is a completely subjective criteria; if it feels right to me, it may feel all wrong to another person. The moral is that we don't buy without handling the firearm. I don't buy shoes without trying them on and I don't buy handguns without handling them a bit. Not relevant to everyone but for me, Ruger handguns have always felt like a natural extension of my hand.
Ruger all the way my friend..no screws, triple cilinder lock, hammer spring which is not leaf like Smith.It is a tank and better gun.With Ruger you buy quality and durability , with Smith just a name.
Agreed. That Ruger triple lock-up is a huge advantage. Plus, the Ruger can handle much higher pressure rounds, which the S&W cannot. (Beefier & stronger cylinder, top-strap, parts in the trigger group, crane, and extractor rod.) Some really hot custom rounds say specifically on the box that they are intended only for Ruger revolvers for those very reasons. Smith can sometimes have a slightly smoother trigger out of the box, but after a few hundred cycles, the difference is negligible.
+J Allen Kaiser agree once you get to the more powerful caliber like the Smith and Wesson 500 which is the king of the hill there is nothing that Ruger to come close to so that being said Smith and Wesson has the much more stronger cylinder at the end of the day stronger crane and stronger yolk compare to the Ruger 454 Super Redhawk
+Manuel Silva Well smith and wesson are the one that created that cartridge hence the fact it's called 500 S&W. I'm sure if ruger wanted to build a gun chambered for this it would probably be over built like everything else they make. Rugers will in fact stand up to hotter loads over a longer period of time than the smiths with there's revolvers. Imo the lockup on the rugers is and always seemed tighter to me. Especially if you find ones used in pawn shops. You will see that the rugers are standing the test of time better than the smiths. The smiths seem to loosen up alot faster than rugers. I've heard an old saying that for every time you have to rebuild a ruger you would of had to rebuild the smith 5 times over. Not sure if thats true but I've seen guys that have shot revolvers for 50 years that say that.
I think the Ruger came up a whole lot when they started putting on those comfortable Rubber Hogue Grips on their revolvers. On the other hand I think that Smith & Wesson dropped down a Notch when they added on those safety devices on the left side-plate near the Cylinder eject lever. No, one seems to like them and I have heard that they are causing people problems.
Mine came with the Hogue which was awkward for my lady hands. I swapped it out for the old style with the wood inserts and it fits my hand much better.
A 4” stainless GP100 is the first firearm I ever bought in the early 90’s, and still have it. The front site is really meh. I just threw some bright paint on the front ramp. Great revolver. I do like the feel of the Smith triggers. I have a S&W Model 36 .38 Special that is really smooth. Anyway, another difference not mentioned is that the GP100 is cast, and the Smith is forged. I do like the fact that the GP100 can reportedly handle full pressure .357 magnum loads more readily than the Smith. I have several other Rugers I’m quite happy with (10/22 Takedown, SR22 pistol, and an SR762 AR10/.308.
Own the 686+, Gp100 Match Champion, Security Six, and Dan Wesson - can't go wrong with any of them. And accuracy is mostly the shooter (stance, trigger discipline, grip....) not gun specific, once you get used to the slight differences between models, as stated - practice. Good review.
Nice guns, I used to own a Smith model 19 and I really loved it and to this day regret selling it! I have shot the GP 100 and the fact that you can safely carry it fully loaded is a plus and it was a good feeling and shooting gun, I would like either of them. Oh, they sell aftermarket sights.
"Choo-choo!" Keep that revolver train going! Those Ruger revolvers have blown up in price. I got a new SP-101 in 1999 for $369.00. They're in the high 4's to low 5's now and they're laser etched these days instead of roll marked and they're putting those cheesy MIM hammers on them with the visible seam running through the hammer instead of the old, solid forged hammers. I picked up a 4" GP-100 stainless $429.00 new 10 years ago. Today, they're between $579.00 and $620.00 all day new. You can get a blued model new for $550.00. There was a time when there was a substantial pricing variation between the Smith's and the Ruger's but those days are diminishing as rapidly as American sovereignty. It's a crying shame. Thanks for the video!
usa2012 -Yeah, I see even Bud's is asking high 5's for blued GP's now. I carrumba!!!! I'm not trying to exacerbate your pain, just share this truth...I walked into a store here in Central Florida about 3 years ago and almost fell over when I saw what was in the used case. It was a blue (95-98% imho) 4" GP-100 manufactured in 1987 (according to the Ruger serial # lookup I did after I bought it) The tag price? $300.00- I had the guy shine a bore light in the barrel and it was perfect. That's all she wrote. I still haven't fired it. It's still sitting in the safe. Sometimes I get lucky. Sometimes I don't.
The front sight can be changed on the GP100. The Ruger is supported both in the front of the cylinder and the rear unlike the S&W. Built like a tank and no screws to loosen under recoil. Actions can be tuned by a good gunsmith.
I have both. 1986 686 and 1998 GP100, S&W wins on trigger pull all day every day. But that GP is a Tank. Love em both. Paired them up with a Stainless marline .357 lever.
This video is very well done. I think Smiths are the standard, but I have a few Rugers, and I’d put them up against each other anyway. Smiths triggers feel a little smoother, but only a little. I like the look of the smiths with the backstrap showing through the grips, but that’s just preference- a good hogue grip on a Ruger is super comfortable to shoot
Just a fine point but it's "double action," not "dual action." Also, about the Ruger front site: As I see at least one other person has mentioned, the Ruger front site is super easy to change out so that really isn't a negative for the gun. It only takes a couple seconds to do because of Ruger's ingenous mounting method so, as far as I'm concerned, Ruger wins hands-down on that issue. I have a firesight on the rear of my GP100 and a fiber optic on the front.
Front sight on the Ruger is easily switched out. Can put fiber optic sight in place of stock black sight in a couple minutes. And the grips on the newer model GP 100 are Hogue rubber finger groove. Ruger also has double cylinder lock up. Can't change front sight on Smith like the Ruger. Ruger also has a stronger frame. And the factory wood grips on that Smith are like a 2x4! Plus Ruger has a cheaper price. Since trigger pulls are about the only thing equal on these two revolvers, I see the Ruger as the best choice. As far as the accuracy test, only way to tell for sure is in a revolver steady rest. I can shoot any gun and not be accurate with it if I want too.
As a Brit I'm not allowed a handgun other than antique type revolvers (cap and ball etc). However if I was to choose a revolver I would definitely choose the Ruger. They are robust, the accuracy is acceptable, they look good and will last for generations.
Hands down S&W is so much more well engineered and a lifetime warranty. The RUGER isn’t bad , I love the Blackhawks. But for a DA/SA wheel gun S&W a is so worth the extra money. And the 686 is the best one made too!
Decided to do some research on revolvers, as I've only owned semi autos. Came across your videos, and man, very well done. Very informative, and the cinematography is artfully done. Subscribed.
The front sight on the Ruger is one of the easiest replacements there is. No smithing. It pops right off. I put a nice fiber optic on mine. I have both guns and prefer the Ruger. It's tougher, imo, and the opinion of a cop armorer I know who told me that it is very hard to shoot out those rugers--unlike the smiths--with heavy loads.
Limicola1 plus even if he doesn't want to switch the site which is easy if he likes the orange like his S&W they are easy to color. little paint and you can have any color you like. I have a 3 inch GP100 for easier concealment when I'm carrying it amd it doest have the rear site which I actually like better. I also have Colt 357 with 4 inch barrel and it has the rear and front sites and I actually like just having the front sites only. anyway they are very easy to switch like you said.
The GP100 Match Champion would had been more comparable to the 686.The resale value of the MC would be more than the normal GP100 because of factory upgrades.I feel the MC is just as well made and dependable as the 686.
You can always take some whiteout correcting fluid and carefully paint the front sight to make it easier to see. You could also use yellow craft paint. Take your time & it will look factory made. I did that on a Kel tec.380
All of my wheel guns are Ruger . Ruger's reputation for strength is a major consideration . i load my own and like Elmer Keith before me , I don't stop at hot . I do really hot . I like completely flat primers and brutal recoil along with accuracy . I feel safe with Ruger . If you're not infested with toxic masculinity , S&W is top shelf although they aren't made like the old ones .
I have both guns and they are both great. The Smith seems a little more sophisticated while the Ruger is a little more robust. The Ruger will soak more recoil because of the grip. But the S&W 624 in 44 spl is by far my favorite. Because of that my next gun will be a a GP 100 in 44spl. I'm just saying....
Nice Review. I have both GP100 6" and just got the 686+ 6" I hope to do a review on them as well. I have ad the Ruger a while and did a "trigger job" on it myself. Which was easy. for me at least. My current thought with the stock 686 is the trigger pull on it single action is just slightly nicer than the GP100 with the trigger job. but the GP100 wins in the double acting side of things... Much smoother right now. That's a factory new 686 vs a slightly used GP100 though and I polished the GP100 up inside so maybe not a real fair deal...all stock springs though. The trigger shape on the GP100 is more comfortable for me as I generally grip high. But again it is just an observation dry firing it. Fit and finish the nod goes to the Smith all day. My GP100 had a few things I cleaned up in the finish so it looks great now but little nicks and scratches that must have been factory done just nit picking though. The ruger shoots great. I haven't shot the 686 yet but have high expectations as I grew up shooting a S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum. Anyway my 2 cents on the two so far. Why own just one if you can have both.... LOL
That must be the newest of the gp's. I haven't seen one like that yet. Awesome gun for sure. I did trade my GP for an old security six that was in absolutely excellent condition for being produced in 1975. It just seems I much prefer the old nice wood grips to that of the new houge's on the gp's as well and the size difference. The security sixes seem to be built like absolute tanks as well so I do much prefer my security six to the gp I had. Hopefully ruger will revive the security six at some point in the near future that would be awesome!
I have the GP100 in 6 inch and the front sight was terrible when I purchased the weapon. The good thing? You can swap it out in about 30 seconds (if you are slow). The S&W doesn't even look like it's replaceable? The trigger wasn't great, so I got a "trigger job" on it and now it holds it's own against most any competitor. Mind came with the Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves. That makes a big difference on "purchase".
I have 3 inch GP100 which doesn't have the rear site. and like you said it's all preferences. mine has Hogue grip on it and you should look into possibly switching to this grip. the reason I really like the Hogue is because it has the spaces that fit your hand. When I bought mine I was looking at both the one with your grip I think it was Wiles Clap model and I just preferred the way the hogue Grips felt. I don't have a S&W 357 but I do have a 44 mag one and it is nice gun so I'm sure 357 are nice also. neither compare to my Colt Trooper MKIII Lawman 357 magnum. it is by far the best shooting gun I have ever owned. I think Colt really needs to start making revolvers again because they are so sweet. Mine was handed down to me from my father and it was his father's so I don't carry it. I leave it at home locked up. To much sentimental value. If I'm at home and don't plan on leaving I do bring it out because if I need it for home defense it is my 1st choice. nice video though.
I've shot both, stock Smith's and ones with $2000 custom jobs. They are great. My gp100s have an internal polish, wolf spring kits and hi viz front sight. All the smith shooters laugh at them. On or two have tried them and gone fuck me. How much has been spent on them. Me, $30 each. They can't believe how good I got them.
I am fortunate enough to also own both 3” S&W 686 and a Ruger GP100 4.2” which I put tritium night sites on. My wife prefers the Ruger. I have a hard time choosing between them.
Both are great pistols and made in America. I own the gp100 and love it but one day I hope to own a 686. Can't go wrong with either. The Smith is beautiful no doubt
I own a number of Smiths and Colts however my favorite (to shoot) revolver is the GP100 which is my only Ruger revolver. The GP100 stages the trigger break in double action so much better than Smith or Colt. There is no comparison. If you only shoot single action then Smith and Colt are equal to the GP100 however a broken in GP100 (not the Match Campion which has no staging and thus I sold it) has the best double action trigger feel.
Smith bias, but respect the video, GP100 has replaceable sights and with Smith your stuck with the crappy orange paint vs. something like a fiber optic.
Well, thanks for the clue right at the beginning, so I would found out very early that you were about to waste my time. S&W vs Taurus is like comparing a Mercedes sedan to a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel.
I own both and like them the same. Nice thing is they can usually share the same holsters too. My 686 though feels like it has a much smoother and lighter trigger than the GP100. You rated them the same but the S&W tends to really smooth out over time.
KIMO Therapy >>> thanks for the review. With your permission allow me to add the following information. 1) the S&W has a firing pin on the hammer, this is a no-no for carry (or, you only load 5 rounds with the hammer resting down on an empty cylinder), 2) the S&W's handle is going to be too difficult to conceal for carry, 3) the Ruger has superior cylinder lockup; this translates into safety. When your S&W goes boom! on a hot load you may find that it's now in multiple pieces, 4) also not from the "behind shot" looking at the hammer and cylinder from behind the S&W has far less coverage; this means that you're going to get a lot more powder blow-back ... better use gloves!
Well, I have a 6" S&W 686 that I got a few years back. I recently got a Ruger GP 100 1759 TALO edition. It might be a bit harsh to say this, but the S&W takes a back seat to the Ruger in my view.
I’ve got the 686 3” that was supposed to be like a Talo type version with the unfluted cylinder, and I’ve got a GP100 6”, they both have great characteristics and somethings are better on each but I’d give the smoothness of the action and the trigger edge to the S&W but the I do shoot the Ruger a little more accurately and it has a hair less recoil with the hogue grips and the frame is a hair stoughter. 👍🏻
i dig revolvers, hardly ever miss target with em....I sporting the SW Model 629 classic 8 in barrel...44 mag...and a Rossi 720 in 44 special....hard hitting, and accurate the 2 are....
Great videos man. You stay on topic, keep it informative and entertaining! Ruger series revolvers, with the exception of their LCR line... Have small trigger guards! Gah, I want to shoot the SP's and GP's but that trigger guard smacks the hell out of my first knuckle on my trigger finger! I only experience this with the Ruger. Anyway, small complaint and I'm sure if I wanted to put in the time? It is merely an training issue. Thanks for the video.
That is easy a vintage S/W otherwise the Ruger which pioneered MIM engineered firearms vs the the crappy Chinese MIM S/W with the Clinton Lock and the canted barrel.
Ruger hands down, Smith’s are nice but just like Glocks majority guys buy because of the popularity of the Brand folks are more familiar from movies and Tv shows but quality wise The Ruger is the better gun IMO and at a better price...Your just paying for that Smith And Wesson name
Ruger is tougher, looks great, accurate as hell out of the box, less expensive and will last longer. Also, no lock. Ruger GP 💯 hands down. Let others pay more for the "sexy" s&w, they chose poorly.
GP 100 front sight sure does suck! The rest is really good. I am always impressed when I tell someone who has shot a Ruger that I bought one. The reply has always been, "You're going to LIKE THAT RUGER!
I want to like the Smiths, but I can't get my hands on one with a nice trigger pull like yours. Friend of mine and I were recently shooting our relatively new revolvers. My Ruger Super Hawk (less than 200 rounds shot) in .480 has a light, dream trigger pull. My Ruger GP100 (less than 1000 rounds shot) in .357 mag as a big harder, still quite good trigger pull. His S&W performance center (less than 100 rounds shot) in .44 mag had double the pull in single action and it costs twice any of my Rugers. I just don't understand why...
The only thing you get for the extra 100.00 is a wider butthole where your getting screwed, and by the way my GP100 has a red ramp front sight that was changeable, might want to paint yours because you couldn't see it either.
Let's just put it this way I have owned both Ruger GP100 in Smith & Wesson when you open up my safe the Ruger GP100 is still there as far as accuracy feel and always accuracy GP100 blows any large frame revolver away
They are both tough and durable and accurate is so close. But my choice is the 686. I have a 686-3 3 incher. My brother has the rugar. I shot both. Great guns.
I never could afford a smith n wesson in 357 mag. Allways wanted one tho. That being said i do have a ruger gp 100 and love it. When it comes to revolvers the smith and ruger are king. Gp100 will shoot till the end of time even if drop it a couple times lol.
Reload Hawaii, like your review. I liked the robust construction of the GP 100, liked the refined construction of the 686. I used to have a 6 inch 686 back around 1989 and like an idiot sold it away. I had a 6 inch GP 100 I bought last year, then sold that away too. I am itching to get a revolver again, and was shocked at the price of a new 686 and they are much harder to find, esp here in Commiefornia. The GP 100s are easier to find. Push come to shove, I would lean a little wee bit on the GP 100 because they are cheaper, easier to find, and easier to work on. I enjoyed your review, man. Three thumbs up!
While I'd agree that the stock Ruger front sight is a bit dull, one of the biggest advantages to the GP100 is that the front sight can be changed by anybody who's mechanically adept enough to bend a paper clip in a matter of approximately 2 seconds. Literally, push in a button in the front of the barrel, pull the stock sight out and drop the new one in. If it takes more than 4 seconds you probably rode the short bus to school. Picked up a Hi-Viz fiber optic for my 6" for $32.
That is exactly (well almost exactly) what I was going to comment. Glad I read yours first.
Yeah and he really should mention that in his review. They also of course sell them with the upgraded sights.
You can paint that GP100 front sight with either model paint or nail polish in a bright orange color.
Agreed, I bought the Ruger store model front sight and replaced in no time. Was on sale so not much different from your HiViz sight.
That short bus comment made my day but, it is true.
i bought a Ruger GP 100. i love it. it is a tank. A Smith is a sportscar, while the Ruger is a badass 4x4. Both are great guns. They just have different strengths.
Mrdtruck88
The Ruger is a badass 1970 Chevelle SS with a big block 454 and straight pipes with a 4 speed. Nuff said 👍🏿.
Rugers can generally handled the heaviest factory load.
I own Rugers and Smiths (3 of each). Both companies produce good functional revolvers. Scott
Truth.
My first gun was a gp100 and I love it it came with the hogue grips with the ruger stamp, put some yellow crayon on the front sight to fix the visibility problem. Very comfortable gun to shoot, especially with those grips.
First pistol that is
Same it was also my first firearm. Also my favorite if I’m being honest
That is the Ruger. It has never let me down. I own a 44 mag Super Red, and Black Hawk and have killed many deer with it during hunting season. You can load a Ruger hot because they can hold high pressures and with after market sights, the weapon is a tack driver. IT TRULY IS THE GLOCK OF THE REVOLVER WORD. Just my humble thoughts. I do think all the revolvers are great choices. My favorite is Ruger.
I agree. I like my Ruger GP100 but I also recognize that Smith’s 686 is very good revolver.
jon smith @@
I'm a big S&W fan (pre-lock ONLY) but I wouldn't have any problem owning a Ruger GP100. Although the majority of my revolvers are older S&W's, the GP100 has always been a fantastic revolver that can handle any power load you can put through it. As much as I love old S&W revolvers, you had to be careful with older K-frame revolvers when firing a steady diet of full-power .357 Magnum loads, unlike Ruger, which has no such issue. I love my old 4" S&W model 586 but I would welcome a GP100 any time :)
I am also a Patek Philippe fan but I can’t afford one.
What's the story w/ the "pre-lock" vs "lock" S&W ? I keep reading people mention it, but nobody says what the difference is.
Great comparison. Thank you!
One thing about the GP100 is that the front sight is extremely easy to swap out. If it takes more than five minutes, you were goofing around. And there are so many grip designs for it you can make it fit anyone's likes.
You call the fact you have to take the trigger group out of the Ruger to remove the cylinder a bad thing. It's the fact the Ruger has more locking points that make this step nessesary. To me this is a plus not a minus.
Ruger GP100 all the way....
S&W quality has nosedived in the last decade.
+jgg204 agreed. S&W puts those goddamn allen-key idiot locks on the 686 now, as if it were a Taurus knockoff of their own gun.
I like the GP100 very much. I own two of them.
S&W quality has not nosedived so stop it.
@@JAllenKaiser I 100% agree
Really? How do?
Smith & Wesson since 2016 sucks!
I have the same exact no dash pinned and recessed 4 inch barrel 686. "No dash" early model. Beautiful gun. I put rubber hogue grips on mine and have gotten quite used to them but I kept the wooden ones and may switch them back to compare. I worked for an armored car carrier for about 5 months and was qualified to carry my 686.
You know your stuff!
Myself I'll take the GP 100
Great vid! Thanks
Owned a both a Ruger GP100 and a Smith, Love them both...
Excellent review! The S&W 686 (Pre-Lock), and the Ruger GP-100 are both damn good quality firearms. I own and love both. If I feel like shooting hot loads, then I turn to my GP-100 which seems to tame the recoil better than the S&W.
I have several Ruger Revolvers and love them all. Bradley is on point when he mentions the price on Rugers creeping up to almost the same as S&W Revs. My GP100 4" blue was bought for me by my wife back in the 90s and that thing is still chugging with the only modification....wait for it... the sights! Man, they were bad just like you said. They now sport some nice fiber optics. I use two of my Rugers for hunting. The Ruger Redhawk in .41mag and the Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt. Haven't bought a revolver in 10 years or so and I am so torn on going S&W or Ruger. I would like something in the smaller frame flavor for carry. Still looking and saving! Great Video and the nice backdrop you have at the range is super welcome to see as it's getting cold on the East Coast now. Keep the Vids coming!
I own both Rugers and Smiths, J Frame , M10 K Frame, L frame 44 mag and 45acp. Ruger Sp101, SRH in 454 and my favorite 3" GP100 in 357. It's no contest against modern S&W's the Ruger wins. the Ruger is STRONGER (period), It comes apart for cleaning easily, you can change the front sight and with the dual spring action it equals the Smith trigger but after a little work on both the Ruger wins again. The grips are a moot point, most people change them anyway BUT the Smith has the frame backstrap in the grip, The Ruger uses a spud the grip is mounted around so any style grip can be used. Another point for Ruger besides apples to apples the Ruger can be had MUCH cheaper.
IMHO section : Shooting my GP100 and a friends M66 Combat Magnum it's pretty much a toss up as far as how they feel and shoot, great quality and performance but I HATE the lock on the Smith and there are real quality problems them, I still don't believe they know how to install a barrel straight. That being said, I believe the Ruger is a lot more revolver for a lot less money than the Smith but watch out, I have another friend that just bought a Taurus M66. WOW, would I like to see a shootoff between these 3, that Taurus is really nice and it's a shooter too for a lot less than the Ruger. Fit and finish is just OK along with the trigger but for a nightstand gun or one to bang around in a vehicle I think the Smith needs to do a little reevaluation of their current products. I would almost take a new Taurus at over half the price a new Smith and not feel bad about it. Just my 2c worth.
How can you talk about Smith QC but talk up the Taurus which has more QC issues than any revolver brand lmao fucking Boomer
I own both ,for my the GP100 is easier for me to shoot but both get the job done...
Not a bad video, I own both a S&W 686 Plus 357 Magnum and two Ruger GP-100's in a 4" & 2.5" barrels. Both are great firearms but I prefer my Rugers over my Smith & Wesson. The Ruger can handle much hotter rounds such as Buffalo Bore or Underwood 357 hot rounds. When I shot it through my Smith and Wesson I had to send it in for repair for the cylinder.
S &W has a slightly better trigger but durability and everyday carry for any situation I'll take my GP100 all day long. For me it's a guarantee that it will perform when I need it to.
Love wheel guns! Paint works great on front sights and you can always change the color, depending on the contrast for your target
Just picked up my Ruger GP100 cant wait to shoot it.
I own both the Ruger GP100 and the S&W 586 with is just the blue steel version of the 686.
After taking the Pepsi Challenge and the gun range with these two revolvers it turned out that the Ruger GP100 was the overall winner.
I am awed by my Ruger Match Champion (perfect revolver). That said, it's hard to compare Smith and Ruger. They are both excellent. The caliber is excellent. It is not trigger "pull" but trigger "creep" that requires smithing. Not "dual" action but "double" action. A wide variety of ammunition for .357 (and .38 special) (a very versatile pistol). You do not punch out the center of a target until you master: stance, grip, sight alignment, breath control, trigger pressure all while holding 6'oclock (or center depending on your adjustment) It could take a while to punch out the center of the target.
Dang, where were you when I sold my Match Champion? I hate the non-staging trigger. I would take a broken in GP100 every day of the week over the Match Champion.
Put a fiber optic sight on the Ruger. Great .357
Agreed!
I did the same thing with the front sight and had a trigger job done on the revolver. Won a few bowling pin matches with that revolver.
I added the Ruger store front red sight (actually just a triangle where it does the most good) for minimal cost. Even with my old eyes, it makes aiming a breeze with my GP100.
The reason the disassembly procedure for the Ruger is more invasive because the Ruger locks up at both the front and the rear of the cylinder. The Ruger double action revolvers have a reputation for durability because they have the triple locking cylinder; the GP100 is a brick shithouse, a fucking tank. The S&W may be smoother and more refined, but the Ruger is without a doubt more durable. If you were looking to handload around the old school .357 Magnum loads, the Ruger would be a far better choice. Original max average pressure for the .357 Magnum when it came out in the S&W N-frame was 43500 PSI. In the mid to late 50s, S&W started chambering the .357 in the smaller K frame, which allowed them to reach a broader customer base by offering smaller and lighter revolvers. However, the K frames would have barrels split, top straps stretch, and yoke tubes peen when fed a steady diet of .357 Magnum. In 1995, S&W petitioned SAAMI to reduce the max average pressure of the .357 Magnum by about 25%, down to 35,000 PSI. The Ruger GP100 is still one of the pistols that could certainly take a steady diet of "real" .357 Magnum loads at the original pressures. The 686 could probably do it for a while, but the Ruger is the one you'd want if you were wondering the Thunderdome and the only ammo you could find was a box of Bubba's reloads just labeled "hot."
This is one of the more scientific reviews I've seen and happily reaches a conclusion similar to one of my deeply held biases. If a handgun feels 'right' in my hand I will probably shoot it well. If not, I will never shoot it well. That is a completely subjective criteria; if it feels right to me, it may feel all wrong to another person. The moral is that we don't buy without handling the firearm. I don't buy shoes without trying them on and I don't buy handguns without handling them a bit. Not relevant to everyone but for me, Ruger handguns have always felt like a natural extension of my hand.
Ruger all the way my friend..no screws, triple cilinder lock, hammer spring which is not leaf like Smith.It is a tank and better gun.With Ruger you buy quality and durability , with Smith just a name.
+ATJ all good points, Ruger was super sweet!
Agreed. That Ruger triple lock-up is a huge advantage. Plus, the Ruger can handle much higher pressure rounds, which the S&W cannot. (Beefier & stronger cylinder, top-strap, parts in the trigger group, crane, and extractor rod.) Some really hot custom rounds say specifically on the box that they are intended only for Ruger revolvers for those very reasons. Smith can sometimes have a slightly smoother trigger out of the box, but after a few hundred cycles, the difference is negligible.
+J Allen Kaiser
agree once you get to the more powerful caliber like the Smith and Wesson 500 which is the king of the hill there is nothing that Ruger to come close to so that being said Smith and Wesson has the much more stronger cylinder at the end of the day stronger crane and stronger yolk compare to the Ruger 454 Super Redhawk
I'll take the Smith any day, lock or no lock.
+Manuel Silva
Well smith and wesson are the one that created that cartridge hence the fact it's called 500 S&W. I'm sure if ruger wanted to build a gun chambered for this it would probably be over built like everything else they make. Rugers will in fact stand up to hotter loads over a longer period of time than the smiths with there's revolvers. Imo the lockup on the rugers is and always seemed tighter to me. Especially if you find ones used in pawn shops. You will see that the rugers are standing the test of time better than the smiths. The smiths seem to loosen up alot faster than rugers. I've heard an old saying that for every time you have to rebuild a ruger you would of had to rebuild the smith 5 times over. Not sure if thats true but I've seen guys that have shot revolvers for 50 years that say that.
I think the Ruger came up a whole lot when they started putting on those comfortable Rubber Hogue Grips on their revolvers. On the other hand I think that Smith & Wesson dropped down a Notch when they added on those safety devices on the left side-plate near the Cylinder eject lever. No, one seems to like them and I have heard that they are causing people problems.
I don't think I'd like my GP100 nearly as much w/o the Rubber Hogue grips! Especially with .357!!
I liked my rubber Hogue grip with finger grooves on my GP. Then I replaced it with a Hogue rosewood grip with finger grooves and loved it!
Mine came with the Hogue which was awkward for my lady hands. I swapped it out for the old style with the wood inserts and it fits my hand much better.
Hogue has a pile of options for the GP100. Check their website. www.hogueinc.com/handgun-grips/ruger-grips/gp100
A 4” stainless GP100 is the first firearm I ever bought in the early 90’s, and still have it. The front site is really meh. I just threw some bright paint on the front ramp. Great revolver. I do like the feel of the Smith triggers. I have a S&W Model 36 .38 Special that is really smooth. Anyway, another difference not mentioned is that the GP100 is cast, and the Smith is forged. I do like the fact that the GP100 can reportedly handle full pressure .357 magnum loads more readily than the Smith. I have several other Rugers I’m quite happy with (10/22 Takedown, SR22 pistol, and an SR762 AR10/.308.
Own the 686+, Gp100 Match Champion, Security Six, and Dan Wesson - can't go wrong with any of them. And accuracy is mostly the shooter (stance, trigger discipline, grip....) not gun specific, once you get used to the slight differences between models, as stated - practice. Good review.
Good stuff. I like the GP100's ability to stage the trigger in double action.
You sir, know what you are talking about!
Nice guns, I used to own a Smith model 19 and I really loved it and to this day regret selling it! I have shot the GP 100 and the fact that you can safely carry it fully loaded is a plus and it was a good feeling and shooting gun, I would like either of them. Oh, they sell aftermarket sights.
"Choo-choo!" Keep that revolver train going! Those Ruger revolvers have blown up in price. I got a new SP-101 in 1999 for $369.00. They're in the high 4's to low 5's now and they're laser etched these days instead of roll marked and they're putting those cheesy MIM hammers on them with the visible seam running through the hammer instead of the old, solid forged hammers. I picked up a 4" GP-100 stainless $429.00 new 10 years ago. Today, they're between $579.00 and $620.00 all day new. You can get a blued model new for $550.00. There was a time when there was a substantial pricing variation between the Smith's and the Ruger's but those days are diminishing as rapidly as American sovereignty. It's a crying shame. Thanks for the video!
I loveum I loveum I loveum thanks for the comment!
$550 for a blued GP? Uh where? Here (MO) they're going for $600 and SS $660. 686's are about $750-800.
+usa2012 recoil gunworks
usa2012 -Yeah, I see even Bud's is asking high 5's for blued GP's now. I carrumba!!!! I'm not trying to exacerbate your pain, just share this truth...I walked into a store here in Central Florida about 3 years ago and almost fell over when I saw what was in the used case. It was a blue (95-98% imho) 4" GP-100 manufactured in 1987 (according to the Ruger serial # lookup I did after I bought it) The tag price? $300.00- I had the guy shine a bore light in the barrel and it was perfect. That's all she wrote. I still haven't fired it. It's still sitting in the safe. Sometimes I get lucky. Sometimes I don't.
Ruger GP 100 All The Way,OOHRAH!!,🇺🇸👍❤️
Note there is a factory red ramp front sight available for around 15-20 dollars. Its easily replaced in about 30 seconds. Have one on mine.
The front sight can be changed on the GP100. The Ruger is supported both in the front of the cylinder and the rear unlike the S&W. Built like a tank and no screws to loosen under recoil. Actions can be tuned by a good gunsmith.
I have both. 1986 686 and 1998 GP100, S&W wins on trigger pull all day every day. But that GP is a Tank. Love em both. Paired them up with a Stainless marline .357 lever.
love the pre-lock S&W, over the new ones :)
+hui Heavies howzit Hui Mahalos for the comment and the views.
I had a ruger speed six in 2.75” but recently upgraded to the gp100 4.2” waiting for it to arrive at the ffl 👍🏾.
I like the toughness of the rugers.
This video is very well done. I think Smiths are the standard, but I have a few Rugers, and I’d put them up against each other anyway. Smiths triggers feel a little smoother, but only a little. I like the look of the smiths with the backstrap showing through the grips, but that’s just preference- a good hogue grip on a Ruger is super comfortable to shoot
Just a fine point but it's "double action," not "dual action." Also, about the Ruger front site: As I see at least one other person has mentioned, the Ruger front site is super easy to change out so that really isn't a negative for the gun. It only takes a couple seconds to do because of Ruger's ingenous mounting method so, as far as I'm concerned, Ruger wins hands-down on that issue. I have a firesight on the rear of my GP100 and a fiber optic on the front.
...the Southport, CT address is the headquarters...GP100s are built in AZ at the Ruger casting plant...
Am I allowed to like both revolver brands?
I own a GP100 and a S&W 586.
Both great guns.
Front sight on the Ruger is easily switched out. Can put fiber optic sight in place of stock black sight in a couple minutes. And the grips on the newer model GP 100 are Hogue rubber finger groove. Ruger also has double cylinder lock up. Can't change front sight on Smith like the Ruger. Ruger also has a stronger frame. And the factory wood grips on that Smith are like a 2x4! Plus Ruger has a cheaper price. Since trigger pulls are about the only thing equal on these two revolvers, I see the Ruger as the best choice. As far as the accuracy test, only way to tell for sure is in a revolver steady rest. I can shoot any gun and not be accurate with it if I want too.
As a Brit I'm not allowed a handgun other than antique type revolvers (cap and ball etc). However if I was to choose a revolver I would definitely choose the Ruger. They are robust, the accuracy is acceptable, they look good and will last for generations.
Hands down S&W is so much more well engineered and a lifetime warranty. The RUGER isn’t bad , I love the Blackhawks. But for a DA/SA wheel gun S&W a is so worth the extra money. And the 686 is the best one made too!
Ive been to outdoor ranges in Hawaii many times... Nothing more beautiful than shooting in paradise!
Decided to do some research on revolvers, as I've only owned semi autos. Came across your videos, and man, very well done. Very informative, and the cinematography is artfully done. Subscribed.
+johnhfish79 thanks for the views! revolvers man, sick stuff!
you can replace that front sight on the gp but you cant with the smith
The front sight on the Ruger is one of the easiest replacements there is. No smithing. It pops right off. I put a nice fiber optic on mine.
I have both guns and prefer the Ruger. It's tougher, imo, and the opinion of a cop armorer I know who told me that it is very hard to shoot out those rugers--unlike the smiths--with heavy loads.
Limicola1 plus even if he doesn't want to switch the site which is easy if he likes the orange like his S&W they are easy to color. little paint and you can have any color you like. I have a 3 inch GP100 for easier concealment when I'm carrying it amd it doest have the rear site which I actually like better. I also have Colt 357 with 4 inch barrel and it has the rear and front sites and I actually like just having the front sites only. anyway they are very easy to switch like you said.
Ruger is not tougher .... the physics behind forged steel is vs Ruger's cast steel suggests SW is stronger.
no name then Why Ruger revolvers can shoot hot loads that are not recommended to shoot on a S&W? For example... Buffalo Boar ammo.
@Wayne Smith I hear you brother... They parrot because their daddy gave them a Ruger... (daddy couldn't afford an SW)
The GP100 Match Champion would had been more comparable to the 686.The resale value of the MC would be more than the normal GP100 because of factory upgrades.I feel the MC is just as well made and dependable as the 686.
Years ago my buddy had colt 6in. I got a Dan Wesson 6in. We reloaded and shot a lot. Always enjoyed it, lots of fun
One of these two revolvers will be my second handgun purchase and I appreciate the info. Thanks for sharing!
+John Douglass both are fantastic try and find an older one with out the frame lock. I hate that thing. Thanks for watching!
You can always take some whiteout correcting fluid and carefully paint the front sight to make it easier to see. You could also use yellow craft paint. Take your time & it will look factory made. I did that on a Kel tec.380
The front sight on the gp100 can easily be swapped out for a hiviz front sight
Re accuracy...you are really testing the shooter, not the gun..yes?
All of my wheel guns are Ruger . Ruger's reputation for strength is a major consideration .
i load my own and like Elmer Keith before me , I don't stop at hot . I do really hot . I like completely flat primers and brutal recoil along with accuracy . I feel safe with Ruger . If you're not infested with toxic masculinity , S&W is top shelf although they aren't made like the old ones .
This video is so damn well done! I cannot decide which one to buy so I'm looking at testing both at a gun range. Thank you so much for this video
Had both .the smith out shot every time .trigger and accuracy sold me on the smith .
The Ruger Match Champion would have been a more apples to apples comparison.
I have both guns and they are both great. The Smith seems a little more sophisticated while the Ruger is a little more robust. The Ruger will soak more recoil because of the grip. But the S&W 624 in 44 spl is by far my favorite. Because of that my next gun will be a a GP 100 in 44spl. I'm just saying....
Nice Review. I have both GP100 6" and just got the 686+ 6"
I hope to do a review on them as well. I have ad the Ruger a while and did a "trigger job" on it myself. Which was easy. for me at least.
My current thought with the stock 686 is the trigger pull on it single action is just slightly nicer than the GP100 with the trigger job. but the GP100 wins in the double acting side of things... Much smoother right now. That's a factory new 686 vs a slightly used GP100 though and I polished the GP100 up inside so maybe not a real fair deal...all stock springs though.
The trigger shape on the GP100 is more comfortable for me as I generally grip high. But again it is just an observation dry firing it.
Fit and finish the nod goes to the Smith all day. My GP100 had a few things I cleaned up in the finish so it looks great now but little nicks and scratches that must have been factory done just nit picking though.
The ruger shoots great. I haven't shot the 686 yet but have high expectations as I grew up shooting a S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum.
Anyway my 2 cents on the two so far. Why own just one if you can have both.... LOL
That must be the newest of the gp's. I haven't seen one like that yet. Awesome gun for sure. I did trade my GP for an old security six that was in absolutely excellent condition for being produced in 1975. It just seems I much prefer the old nice wood grips to that of the new houge's on the gp's as well and the size difference. The security sixes seem to be built like absolute tanks as well so I do much prefer my security six to the gp I had. Hopefully ruger will revive the security six at some point in the near future that would be awesome!
A few days ago I went to buy a 686... Machining was HORRID ❗ I bought the GP100 instead. Saved $200 and I'm very pleased 😊
I have the GP100 in 6 inch and the front sight was terrible when I purchased the weapon. The good thing? You can swap it out in about 30 seconds (if you are slow). The S&W doesn't even look like it's replaceable? The trigger wasn't great, so I got a "trigger job" on it and now it holds it's own against most any competitor. Mind came with the Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves. That makes a big difference on "purchase".
I have 3 inch GP100 which doesn't have the rear site. and like you said it's all preferences. mine has Hogue grip on it and you should look into possibly switching to this grip. the reason I really like the Hogue is because it has the spaces that fit your hand. When I bought mine I was looking at both the one with your grip I think it was Wiles Clap model and I just preferred the way the hogue Grips felt. I don't have a S&W 357 but I do have a 44 mag one and it is nice gun so I'm sure 357 are nice also. neither compare to my Colt Trooper MKIII Lawman 357 magnum. it is by far the best shooting gun I have ever owned. I think Colt really needs to start making revolvers again because they are so sweet. Mine was handed down to me from my father and it was his father's so I don't carry it. I leave it at home locked up. To much sentimental value. If I'm at home and don't plan on leaving I do bring it out because if I need it for home defense it is my 1st choice. nice video though.
Thanks for the comparisons of the Taurus , S&W and the Ruger. On a budget , this helps me make a better informed decision. Cant wait to get one
with smith's internal locks on all the newer revolvers, there's no way i'd pick one over the ruger, even if they were the same price.
Drex33 @
I've shot both, stock Smith's and ones with $2000 custom jobs. They are great. My gp100s have an internal polish, wolf spring kits and hi viz front sight. All the smith shooters laugh at them. On or two have tried them and gone fuck me. How much has been spent on them. Me, $30 each. They can't believe how good I got them.
I am fortunate enough to also own both 3” S&W 686 and a Ruger GP100 4.2” which I put tritium night sites on. My wife prefers the Ruger. I have a hard time choosing between them.
As far as seeing that orange front sight of the S&W against that brown wood, it was no more clear on your camera than the Ruger’s front sight.
Both are great pistols and made in America. I own the gp100 and love it but one day I hope to own a 686. Can't go wrong with either. The Smith is beautiful no doubt
I own a number of Smiths and Colts however my favorite (to shoot) revolver is the GP100 which is my only Ruger revolver. The GP100 stages the trigger break in double action so much better than Smith or Colt. There is no comparison. If you only shoot single action then Smith and Colt are equal to the GP100 however a broken in GP100 (not the Match Campion which has no staging and thus I sold it) has the best double action trigger feel.
i do think Smith looks nice smother trigger over all nicer finish but I believe the side plate is it's weak point
I like the Ruger over the S&W. I loved my S&W, until I shot that Ruger.
ruger have 3 locking points on the cylinder
Smith bias, but respect the video, GP100 has replaceable sights and with Smith your stuck with the crappy orange paint vs. something like a fiber optic.
Yes you can,put nite sights on all mine
Well, thanks for the clue right at the beginning, so I would found out very early that you were about to waste my time. S&W vs Taurus is like comparing a Mercedes sedan to a shopping cart with one wobbly wheel.
I own both and like them the same. Nice thing is they can usually share the same holsters too. My 686 though feels like it has a much smoother and lighter trigger than the GP100. You rated them the same but the S&W tends to really smooth out over time.
+Rafael Santos if i had to chose id pick the SW, thanks for the views!
KIMO Therapy >>> thanks for the review. With your permission allow me to add the following information. 1) the S&W has a firing pin on the hammer, this is a no-no for carry (or, you only load 5 rounds with the hammer resting down on an empty cylinder), 2) the S&W's handle is going to be too difficult to conceal for carry, 3) the Ruger has superior cylinder lockup; this translates into safety. When your S&W goes boom! on a hot load you may find that it's now in multiple pieces, 4) also not from the "behind shot" looking at the hammer and cylinder from behind the S&W has far less coverage; this means that you're going to get a lot more powder blow-back ... better use gloves!
I got the gp 100 match champion and it holds its own against smith PC revolvers
the match series is sick the 22lr is ridiculous!
Well, I have a 6" S&W 686 that I got a few years back. I recently got a Ruger GP 100 1759 TALO edition. It might be a bit harsh to say this, but the S&W takes a back seat to the Ruger in my view.
I’ve got the 686 3” that was supposed to be like a Talo type version with the unfluted cylinder, and I’ve got a GP100 6”, they both have great characteristics and somethings are better on each but I’d give the smoothness of the action and the trigger edge to the S&W but the I do shoot the Ruger a little more accurately and it has a hair less recoil with the hogue grips and the frame is a hair stoughter. 👍🏻
i dig revolvers, hardly ever miss target with em....I sporting the SW Model 629 classic 8 in barrel...44 mag...and a Rossi 720 in 44 special....hard hitting, and accurate the 2 are....
Great videos man. You stay on topic, keep it informative and entertaining! Ruger series revolvers, with the exception of their LCR line... Have small trigger guards! Gah, I want to shoot the SP's and GP's but that trigger guard smacks the hell out of my first knuckle on my trigger finger! I only experience this with the Ruger. Anyway, small complaint and I'm sure if I wanted to put in the time? It is merely an training issue. Thanks for the video.
+Ispowz17751975 thanks for the views ispowz!
Love the grips on the ruger
That is easy a vintage S/W otherwise the Ruger which pioneered MIM engineered firearms vs the the crappy Chinese MIM S/W with the Clinton Lock and the canted barrel.
Ruger hands down, Smith’s are nice but just like Glocks majority guys buy because of the popularity of the Brand folks are more familiar from movies and Tv shows but quality wise The Ruger is the better gun IMO and at a better price...Your just paying for that Smith And Wesson name
I have a Vintage DW M 15 .357 six and 8 inch barrel, S&W M 36x2, S&W M 65, S&W M 64 and S&W M 10. I like them all.
Great Review! Ty. I'm staying with S&W...
Ruger is very good! I like them both !
Ruger is tougher, looks great, accurate as hell out of the box, less expensive and will last longer. Also, no lock. Ruger GP 💯 hands down. Let others pay more for the "sexy" s&w, they chose poorly.
GP 100 front sight sure does suck! The rest is really good.
I am always impressed when I tell someone who has shot a Ruger that I bought one.
The reply has always been, "You're going to LIKE THAT RUGER!
S&W Every time!!
Good Review! I would rather have two Rugers that one Smith....
I want to like the Smiths, but I can't get my hands on one with a nice trigger pull like yours. Friend of mine and I were recently shooting our relatively new revolvers. My Ruger Super Hawk (less than 200 rounds shot) in .480 has a light, dream trigger pull. My Ruger GP100 (less than 1000 rounds shot) in .357 mag as a big harder, still quite good trigger pull. His S&W performance center (less than 100 rounds shot) in .44 mag had double the pull in single action and it costs twice any of my Rugers. I just don't understand why...
I'll take the Ruger. Owned both and the Smith has more muzzle flip than the Ruger. Looking for another.
The only thing you get for the extra 100.00 is a wider butthole where your getting screwed, and by the way my GP100 has a red ramp front sight that was changeable, might want to paint yours because you couldn't see it either.
Let's just put it this way I have owned both Ruger GP100 in Smith & Wesson when you open up my safe the Ruger GP100 is still there as far as accuracy feel and always accuracy GP100 blows any large frame revolver away
The s&w looks amazing
Accuracy can only be tested with a bench rest and how it groups.
They are both tough and durable and accurate is so close. But my choice is the 686. I have a 686-3 3 incher. My brother has the rugar. I shot both. Great guns.
you want class get a older model 19 or 66 with pined. barrel recessed cylinder you want a tank get a ruger gp or sucerity 6 both great guns
I never could afford a smith n wesson in 357 mag. Allways wanted one tho. That being said i do have a ruger gp 100 and love it.
When it comes to revolvers the smith and ruger are king. Gp100 will shoot till the end of time even if drop it a couple times lol.
i bet his accuracy would have been better with ruger if he had a high vis sight
I used yellow nail polish on mine. Easy fix.
Reload Hawaii, like your review. I liked the robust construction of the GP 100, liked the refined construction of the 686. I used to have a 6 inch 686 back around 1989 and like an idiot sold it away. I had a 6 inch GP 100 I bought last year, then sold that away too.
I am itching to get a revolver again, and was shocked at the price of a new 686 and they are much harder to find, esp here in Commiefornia. The GP 100s are easier to find. Push come to shove, I would lean a little wee bit on the GP 100 because they are cheaper, easier to find, and easier to work on.
I enjoyed your review, man. Three thumbs up!
+Dan B thanks for the comment! i liked them both sooooo hard
+Dan B buy an older 686. don't bother with the new ones. quality has tanked