Would you pick Smith 586 or Ruger GP100 for your only revolv

[gun_fan111]

I am looking to add a revolver to my small collection and would like to hear from those of you on which would you pick and why. Here are my short list of "demands":
- has to be a 357 and I prefer the look of 4" barrel
- will never be carried in the woods or anywhere else for that matter
- will see very limited range use, more likely with milder loads
- will be shown off to people , especially ones looking to get their first firearm
- would like it to have good accuracy potential in single action
- would like it to be mid to large frame to be comfortable to shoot for smaller frame people
- would like it to have a decent resale value in case I get tired of this safe queen
- looking to spend somewhere between $500-800, with my lack of knowledge about revolvers I would highly prefer a brand new firearm

Thanks in advance for your feedback!!!

[Minge]

Look at the s&w 627, I recently did the exact same mission and ended up the the 627 performance center. It has great balance and great looking piece and accurate and fun to shoot.

[Ghost]

Throwing this out there, ignore it if you aren't interested. I know it's not in your list but you want a single action show off gun for fun. I really like my new model ruger blackhawk convertible. Capable of shooting .357 mag, .38 special and 9mm. 9mm is cheap and shoots well especially for new shooters with blackhawk weight behind it. Finding one may be the hard part but they are out there new if you look hard enough.

http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelBlackhawkDE/models.html

[870TC]

Hands down the S&W, its just a better gun and will hold its value better.. The Ruger is a okay gun but, look at revolver competitions and see how many competitors are using them...not many.

[gun_fan111]

Thanks for good ideas, I will look into those.

[sawgrass]

I've let MANY new/first time shooters shoot my SW 686 4" barrel and they all love it.
I think it's the same as as a 586 except stainless and it has target grips.
Guys with big hands like it, and women like it too. It's one of the last guns that I would ever get rid of.

[SparkyJeff]

I've let MANY new/first time shooters shoot my SW 686 4" barrel and they all love it.
I think it's the same as as a 586 except stainless and it has target grips.
Guys with big hands like it, and women like it too. It's one of the last guns that I would ever get rid of.

Hands down the S&W, its just a better gun and will hold its value better.. The Ruger is a okay gun but, look at revolver competitions and see how many competitors are using them...not many.

I'll add my vote for the S&W
You're only getting one revolver, and you're considering a Ruger?
Seriously?
4 inch .357... just plain feels right.
Ruger might make a revolver that is "just as good as a S&W"
But I've never heard someone brag about a S&W and say "it's just as good as a Ruger"

[Vlad]

I will agree with the pack that the Smith is a very smooth and easy to shoot due to the ease in doing a trigger job on it. That being said, Ruger is a beast when it comes to reliabilty and strength. If you want comfort and ease of shooting (controlabilty), the Ruger is a good value. With all the repacement grips and replacement springs you can get, either one will work. Do you want a Ford or a Chevy??? My advice is to find one of each to test shoot before buying.

[b727capt]

I'm going to have to disagree with the S&W crowd. I have 2 GP100's a 4" and a 6", and prefer the Ruger over the Smith. I have shot a few S&W revolvers and I think the GP100 is heavier built. Just my 2 cents.

[crbutler]

I think the S&W is the nicer gun and has the better trigger. Both are about the same accuracy wise, meaning it depends on the individual piece. I have had better luck with Smiths being accurate, personally, but I do have a Super Redhawk that shoots very nicely.

The Ruger is built much heavier and is pretty much indestructible.

Given that you are after a gun that will only get some lighter use, the Smith is probably the better choice for that point. On the other hand, S&W guns seem to be a bit more expensive. Take your pick, they both will be good examples of the DA revolver.

I would not worry too much about getting a used revolver, as they tend to be pretty durable. The one thing I would suggest is getting a stainless revolver over a blued one. They are easier to know when you have them clean and don't get a bit of rust if you let them sit in the range bag too long...

[aht_six]

Smith and Wesson. I have two 4 inch S & W .357 revolvers, a 686 Mountain Gun and an old M28 Highway Patrolman. Both outstanding revolvers.

[FJ540]

S&W for me too. Ruger's feel heavier because they are heavier.

I'd try to find a performance center .357 mag if that's your only wheel gun. Should be doable on the high side of your budget (gently used).

[OldmanFCSA]

I own 2 Ruger GP100's, 1 is blued, other is stainless.

Enuf said.

Why waste your money on a Smith.

[aht_six]

There's a very simple reason why S&W revolvers command a higher price. Because their worth it.

[Minnesota55434]

I would go with a Ruger GP100 Match Champion for $720
I have a 6" GP100 that I love as well.