Another GP100 or 686 thread

327 FM · February 5, 2015, 04:08 PM

Would you guys rather have a 3" GP100 with fixed sights, or a 3" 686 plus for a carry weapon?

I love having nothing to snag with GP100, but the 686 plus provides a seventh round.

Thank you for your opinions.

Roughedge · February 5, 2015, 04:56 PM

Its all about what fits your hand better. I shoot my 686 better than the GP100 but I shoot it a lot more. Chances are if you cant hit your target with 6 you probably wont hit it with the seventh.

stormyone · February 5, 2015, 05:12 PM

I like the lockup and cylinder release on the Ruger better.

Guv · February 5, 2015, 05:16 PM

Either, the one that felt best and pleased my eye the most, not enough differance between them.

Model12Win · February 5, 2015, 05:19 PM

That's a tough one... but I think I'd lean towards the S&W. The 7th round counts for something.

testuser79 · February 5, 2015, 05:27 PM

If this were for the woods, then it would be a tie for me.

For self defense, no contest, I'll take 7 rounds. Also, the Smith has more options for night sights and better overall aftermarket support.

Dragline45 · February 5, 2015, 07:42 PM

Unless you can find a pre-lock I would go with the Ruger. I love S&W revolvers, but they wont see a dime from me until they do away with the locks.

TMD · February 5, 2015, 08:17 PM

Quote:

I love having nothing to snag with GP100, but the 686 plus provides a seventh round.

And my 627 holds 8 rounds

Quote:

Unless you can find a pre-lock I would go with the Ruger. I love S&W revolvers, but they wont see a dime from me until they do away with the locks.

The 686Plus was introduced the same year as the IL and sadly its the only way they make them.

Kreyzhorse · February 5, 2015, 08:25 PM

I prefer the 686 but in this case, I'd take the GP as I don't care for the look of a 7 round cylinders.

Overall, both guns are so damn good, pick the one that fits you the best. You can't go wrong with either.

MrBorland · February 5, 2015, 08:41 PM

I prefer a 6-shot myself. The trade-off with that extra 7th round is good speedloader options. If I want more than 6, I go to an 8-shot N-frame, where I also have the option of moons. I've never seen the justification for a 7-shot, myself. YMMV.

PhantomI · February 5, 2015, 08:49 PM

Handle them both and check the triggers, sights and grips. I think you will find one or the other will feel better and fit better for you. I did the same and picked one of the two revolvers you are thinking about. My choice is mine, yours is up to you. Good luck!

Tom

cslinger · February 5, 2015, 09:02 PM

686 pluses are indeed available pre lock. I have a 2.5 inch in the safe.

I say 686 as it should feel a bit lighter and give an extra round. I love gp100s though.

45_auto · February 6, 2015, 07:40 AM

Can't go wrong with either one. Ford or Chevy. Personal preference.

Waspinator · February 6, 2015, 06:41 PM

I prefer Ruger myself (carry a SP101 daily). If I was looking between the 686 and GP100, I would probably go with the WC version of the GP100 for the smoothed over frame and the Novak sights and slimmer Lett style grips.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100D...eets/1753.html

Nick_C_S · February 6, 2015, 06:54 PM

I'm certainly not taking anything from the GP100. It's a great revolver. But my all-time favorite gun to carry - the one I am most comfortable with, is my 3" bbl 686+. I saw it at my LGS a couple years ago (at the height of the gun buying panic, no less). I had some extra time, so I asked to take a look at it. Yeah, that was a mistake

The second it hit my hands, it was sold. Loved the balance and how it felt in my hand. Total impulse buy that I never regretted.

[IMG]

[/IMG]

dgludwig · February 6, 2015, 07:20 PM

[QUOTE] The 7th round counts for something.

Sure it does (or might). I see no downside to having a seventh round aboard. I've shot the Models 686 and 686 "Plus" extensively over the last few years and I cannot discern any significant difference in the trigger pulls between these two fine revolvers. I will make the point, though, that if you ever need that extra round, you probably really need it...

RaySendero · February 6, 2015, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Waspinator posted

I prefer Ruger myself (carry a SP101 daily).

Wasp, I really like the looks of that Ruger you posted!!!

Woodsman60 · February 6, 2015, 08:02 PM

I think it might boil down to whether or not you want adjustable sights or not.

GP100man · February 7, 2015, 09:06 AM

Shot both , ALOT , kept the Rugers.

Older now & hands hurt a bit from monkeying wrenches .

I know they`re both heavy med framed revolvers But the wrap around grips really help my hands if I go more than 50rnds at the range.

As far as round count/sites/holster style/trigger weather smooth or grooved/hammer bobbed or spurred/grips . THIS is all personal preference.

My suggestion is if your not sure of which 1 to purchase find a range that rents firearms & go shoot as many variants of each brand ya can.

Now my biased opinion.

I`ve shot everything that haves a cyl & 357magnum on the side of it !

S&W side screws always backed out after the initial removal , good short stroked triggers that stack O can be obtained , this has been engineered into S&W design (they changed numerous times)

Rugers are solid cast frames(so are smiths)& have only 3 screw ,grip/sit elevation/windage.

The triggers on Rugers can also be made to be VERY smooth & I like a slight stack in the trigger & this is inherient in the Ruger design as it`s a bit longer than the S&W design.

Had Colts also .

If shot a lot the hand needed regular chiropractic stretching which wasn't bad to do just different as the Colt DA platforms rotate clockwise.

My advise to the consideration of a Colt DA purchase especially if ya gonna shoot it ALOT, find you a smith that can work on it .

The Dan Wesson 15-V is nuttin but a workhorse revolver that was made to shoot. the reason the changeable barrel never caught on & flew was the sheer sise & "clunkiness/clumsiness" for betterwords the DW is not for speed shooting or semi concealment. The ability to change/adjust barrels wound up being a passing fad & it was nice to have it as an option as the DW is a fine range gun , big heavy/ little recoil with full loads (especially with the long barrel)& the DW has a following to this day as CZ revives the model 15 & I hope it surpasses it`s former glory.

I owned a DW pistol pack, both grips with buckle. Enjoyed it a bit , in my opinion the whole thing was 2 notches to large.

Go with the Ruger.

GP

testuser79 · February 7, 2015, 10:30 AM

Quote:

I know they`re both heavy med framed revolvers But the wrap around grips really help my hands if I go more than 50rnds at the range.

I've left this way in the past, but I have to admit, Pachmayr has some good solutions. The newest is the Diamond Pro, love this single piece design on my 627 and may have to get one for the 686.

http://www.pachmayr.com/home/diamondpro.php

Quote:

The trade-off with that extra 7th round is good speedloader options.

A friend mentioned that to me, recently. Off the top of my head, Safariland and speed strips aren't available. Otherwise, HKS, Maxfire, 5-star loaders and moonclips are available.

I have an 8-shot 627 and it has the same limitations. The L-frame is easier to conceal, though, so I was thinking about having it cut for moonclips.

Rogervzv · February 7, 2015, 10:43 AM

I have two GP100s (6" and 4" half-lug) and one S&W 686 4".

You won't go wrong with either the Ruger or the Smith.

The new Rugers are beautifully made. The days when the Smith 686 was "more refined" are no more.

The Smith has the best single action trigger imaginable. The Ruger's is good; the Smith's is better.

The Ruger DA trigger has a distinct second stage which makes shooting it DA a breeze, at least for me. I had a trigger job done on my 6" gun and it is my best shooting DA revolver.

The Smith's DA trigger is single stage and snappy. It all boils down to preference as to which DA trigger is better.

My $.015.

Elerius · February 7, 2015, 05:39 PM

I like to carry something uncommon or rare. What I'd actually like is to find an ultra rare pre-lock 586 with a 3 inch barrel and then have Smith fit it with the 7 round cylinder from the current ported 586 and retime it. It would be one-of-a-kind, the same as the 686 but with that beautiful mirror blue finish. Grail gun right there.

olddav · February 7, 2015, 07:09 PM

You said concealed carry, so I would go with the 686. Few things are more useless to you than ammo you don't have.

February 5, 2015, 04:08 PM	#1
327 FM Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Posts: 89	Another GP100 or 686 thread Would you guys rather have a 3" GP100 with fixed sights, or a 3" 686 plus for a carry weapon? I love having nothing to snag with GP100, but the 686 plus provides a seventh round. Thank you for your opinions.

February 5, 2015, 04:56 PM	#2
Roughedge Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Location: Monroe,NC Posts: 669	Its all about what fits your hand better. I shoot my 686 better than the GP100 but I shoot it a lot more. Chances are if you cant hit your target with 6 you probably wont hit it with the seventh. __________________ The man that die's with the most stuff win's!

February 5, 2015, 08:25 PM	#9
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I prefer the 686 but in this case, I'd take the GP as I don't care for the look of a 7 round cylinders. Overall, both guns are so damn good, pick the one that fits you the best. You can't go wrong with either. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

February 5, 2015, 08:49 PM	#11
PhantomI Member Join Date: March 29, 2013 Posts: 27	Choices Handle them both and check the triggers, sights and grips. I think you will find one or the other will feel better and fit better for you. I did the same and picked one of the two revolvers you are thinking about. My choice is mine, yours is up to you. Good luck! Tom

February 5, 2015, 09:02 PM	#12
cslinger Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,045	686 pluses are indeed available pre lock. I have a 2.5 inch in the safe. I say 686 as it should feel a bit lighter and give an extra round. I love gp100s though. __________________ "Is there anyway I can write my local gun store off on my taxes as dependents?"

February 5, 2015, 05:12 PM	#3
stormyone Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 532	I like the lockup and cylinder release on the Ruger better.

February 5, 2015, 05:16 PM	#4
Guv Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2012 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,126	Either, the one that felt best and pleased my eye the most, not enough differance between them.

February 5, 2015, 05:19 PM	#5
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	That's a tough one... but I think I'd lean towards the S&W. The 7th round counts for something.

February 5, 2015, 05:27 PM	#6
testuser79 Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2014 Posts: 115	If this were for the woods, then it would be a tie for me. For self defense, no contest, I'll take 7 rounds. Also, the Smith has more options for night sights and better overall aftermarket support.

February 5, 2015, 07:42 PM	#7
Dragline45 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2010 Posts: 3,513	Unless you can find a pre-lock I would go with the Ruger. I love S&W revolvers, but they wont see a dime from me until they do away with the locks.

February 5, 2015, 08:41 PM	#10
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	I prefer a 6-shot myself. The trade-off with that extra 7th round is good speedloader options. If I want more than 6, I go to an 8-shot N-frame, where I also have the option of moons. I've never seen the justification for a 7-shot, myself. YMMV.

February 6, 2015, 07:40 AM	#13
45_auto Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2011 Location: Southern Louisiana Posts: 1,399	Can't go wrong with either one. Ford or Chevy. Personal preference.

February 6, 2015, 06:41 PM	#14
Waspinator Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2013 Location: Connecticut Posts: 517	I prefer Ruger myself (carry a SP101 daily). If I was looking between the 686 and GP100, I would probably go with the WC version of the GP100 for the smoothed over frame and the Novak sights and slimmer Lett style grips. http://www.ruger.com/products/gp100D...eets/1753.html

February 6, 2015, 06:54 PM	#15
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,524	I'm certainly not taking anything from the GP100. It's a great revolver. But my all-time favorite gun to carry - the one I am most comfortable with, is my 3" bbl 686+. I saw it at my LGS a couple years ago (at the height of the gun buying panic, no less). I had some extra time, so I asked to take a look at it. Yeah, that was a mistake The second it hit my hands, it was sold. Loved the balance and how it felt in my hand. Total impulse buy that I never regretted. [IMG][/IMG] __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

February 6, 2015, 07:20 PM	#16
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	[QUOTE] The 7th round counts for something. Sure it does (or might). I see no downside to having a seventh round aboard. I've shot the Models 686 and 686 "Plus" extensively over the last few years and I cannot discern any significant difference in the trigger pulls between these two fine revolvers. I will make the point, though, that if you ever need that extra round, you probably really need it... __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

February 6, 2015, 08:02 PM	#18
Woodsman60 Member Join Date: March 8, 2012 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 53	I think it might boil down to whether or not you want adjustable sights or not.

February 7, 2015, 09:06 AM	#19
GP100man Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2007 Location: Tabor City , NC. Posts: 1,969	Shot both , ALOT , kept the Rugers. Older now & hands hurt a bit from monkeying wrenches . I know they`re both heavy med framed revolvers But the wrap around grips really help my hands if I go more than 50rnds at the range. As far as round count/sites/holster style/trigger weather smooth or grooved/hammer bobbed or spurred/grips . THIS is all personal preference. My suggestion is if your not sure of which 1 to purchase find a range that rents firearms & go shoot as many variants of each brand ya can. Now my biased opinion. I`ve shot everything that haves a cyl & 357magnum on the side of it ! S&W side screws always backed out after the initial removal , good short stroked triggers that stack O can be obtained , this has been engineered into S&W design (they changed numerous times) Rugers are solid cast frames(so are smiths)& have only 3 screw ,grip/sit elevation/windage. The triggers on Rugers can also be made to be VERY smooth & I like a slight stack in the trigger & this is inherient in the Ruger design as it`s a bit longer than the S&W design. Had Colts also . If shot a lot the hand needed regular chiropractic stretching which wasn't bad to do just different as the Colt DA platforms rotate clockwise. My advise to the consideration of a Colt DA purchase especially if ya gonna shoot it ALOT, find you a smith that can work on it . The Dan Wesson 15-V is nuttin but a workhorse revolver that was made to shoot. the reason the changeable barrel never caught on & flew was the sheer sise & "clunkiness/clumsiness" for betterwords the DW is not for speed shooting or semi concealment. The ability to change/adjust barrels wound up being a passing fad & it was nice to have it as an option as the DW is a fine range gun , big heavy/ little recoil with full loads (especially with the long barrel)& the DW has a following to this day as CZ revives the model 15 & I hope it surpasses it`s former glory. I owned a DW pistol pack, both grips with buckle. Enjoyed it a bit , in my opinion the whole thing was 2 notches to large. Go with the Ruger. GP __________________ GP100man Last edited by GP100man; February 7, 2015 at 09:48 AM.

February 7, 2015, 10:43 AM	#21
Rogervzv Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 1,075	I have two GP100s (6" and 4" half-lug) and one S&W 686 4". You won't go wrong with either the Ruger or the Smith. The new Rugers are beautifully made. The days when the Smith 686 was "more refined" are no more. The Smith has the best single action trigger imaginable. The Ruger's is good; the Smith's is better. The Ruger DA trigger has a distinct second stage which makes shooting it DA a breeze, at least for me. I had a trigger job done on my 6" gun and it is my best shooting DA revolver. The Smith's DA trigger is single stage and snappy. It all boils down to preference as to which DA trigger is better. My $.015. __________________ The difference between a citizen and a civilian is that the citizen makes the safety of the body politic his personal responsibility, protecting it with his life. The civilian does not.

February 7, 2015, 05:39 PM	#22
Elerius Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2013 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 365	I like to carry something uncommon or rare. What I'd actually like is to find an ultra rare pre-lock 586 with a 3 inch barrel and then have Smith fit it with the 7 round cylinder from the current ported 586 and retime it. It would be one-of-a-kind, the same as the 686 but with that beautiful mirror blue finish. Grail gun right there.

February 7, 2015, 07:09 PM	#23
olddav Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2008 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 727	You said concealed carry, so I would go with the 686. Few things are more useless to you than ammo you don't have. __________________ Never beat your head against the wall with out a helmet