[Gonzilla]

Fired both in 6" barrel guise. I bought the SW 686 and it's primary advantage was the trigger which I later improved w trigger job for $50. Ruger was stouter but fit $ finish were rougher as well. SW just seemed a class apart or ahead of the Ruger.

Seemed to clear leather faster as well. Wee bit more accurate to boot.

[Pozobuck]

Whats a hillary hole?.. sounds bad.

[mongoose90]

Here is my S & W 686 6 inch. Love this and will never part with it since my Dad gave it to me. It is a 1984 model.

[mongoose90]

You never regret buying the best.

[Gonzilla]

My only regret is I have come to agree w Elmer Keith in preference to 5" barrels. ( I have 686 w 6" w/o HH)

Note: 686 is L frame while 8 shot cylinders are on the larger N frame - 627.

Used 686s are everywhere, 627 and performance center pieces will cost you more but you get more as well.

[Gatoragn]

today from the gunshow

[firedawg60]

Those 686's are beautiful. I sure like mine!!!

[headhunter]

I feel I am fortunate to own both S&W and Ruger revolvers, maybe it's 'cause I'm old.
A friend stopped by with his GP 100, i've never shot such an out of the box accurate revolver. I still wonder where the steel grips went. My Security Six had full grips under the wood; my Redhawk has full grips under the wood. That said, there is no question , "Where's the beef?" It feels as if it will still shoot after a ton of abuse.
The 686 is beautiful, it too is accurate, it can be worked to unbelievable smoothness. I like it enough to have purchased a second.
Which ever you choose , I don't believe you will make a mistake!

[m72law]

I just picked this GP100 up @ a pawn shop a couple weeks ago for 375.00 out the door.The stock grips are pretty lame,had to throw a set of Hogue tamer grips on it.Its just as smooth if not smoother than my Colt trooper,but not as smooth as the Smith.You cant go wrong with the price of the Ruger's

[northhike]

Flip a coin...both are great. I would give the nod to the Ruger for a steady diet of .357. I would give the not to The Smith & Wesson for a smooth trigger pull. You can change the spring in the Ruger, but out of the box the Smith wins. The Ruger is a tank and the Smith is pretty. Like I said...either is a great choice.