First Revolver Need Opinions on Ruger vs. S&W

[Pat Cannon]

I love my 625. I may get another revolver someday...but this one is so damn nice.

If I was buying a revolver that was not for carry [edit to add: and money was no object], I'd probably get a 625. Moonclips are awesome.

[aht_six]

I like my Ruger revolvers, I love my Smiths. My first 686 was a 6 inch 686 plus I was very fond of, I replaced it with a 4 inch 686 Mountain Gun after it became obvious to me that my Son thought he needed my 686 plus much more than I did. The action on my newer 686-6 Mountain Gun is as smooth and crisp as any of my older model Smiths.

[OldmanFCSA]

I have the Ruger GP100 Stainless 6" Heavy in 357Mag, AND LOVE IT !!!
Mine has had many thousands of rounds thru it.
It loves Hornady 140 grain XTP's with a max loading of W296.
For deer hunting, I use Hornady 180 grain XTP's with a max loading of W296.

As a machinist, I too noticed the slight burrs so I deburred it carefully, and polished a few sliding parts.
Several people have told me the trigger pull is the smoothest they've felt on any revolver.

I still vote for RUGER.

[Minge]

If I go with the Ruger and want it now full blown retail is the price point these gems are going for. I know I said money was not driving decision but I cant remember the last time I paid retail for anything...

[grimbeaver]

Retail (not MSRP) on the Ruger seems to run around $740 give or take if you can find one locally. If you want it now there's 3 on GunBroker, two ending soon for $830+. I would guess to get it now you're looking at more like $800-$850 + shipping and FFL fees. Though there is one that ends in 3 days that started low, it's only at $600 but there's interest, might get that for closer to retail.

[dleong]

If you're the kind of person who likes tinkering around with his guns, it might be worth noting that the GP100 is extremely easy to completely detail-strip. I have a 6" stainless GP100 that gets totally detail-stripped at each cleaning, regardless of the number of rounds shot.

[doberman]

Over two decades now of experience with Smitty's and Rugers, I just went over 66, 686, 586 36, 642 etc., and SP101 and GP 100 recently.
I've always considered myself a S&W guy, but after much methodical thought (surprise to myself) concluded that if I were handed a fistful of cash my next purchase for a new out of the box revolver would be a RUGER.

Old desirable Smittys = $$$
New Smiths= $$$
Lawyer Lock= BOOOO! With the exception of the Airweights, I will not be buying any S&W revolvers anytime soon.

Ruger= More bang for the buck
Ruger= ease of care (if at all), and more user friendly for the "home gunsmith".
Ruger= over engineered and built like a tank - buy once cry once - they wont let you down.

Take the extra $$$ and buy ammo or reloading gear.
Overall it as always comes down to just what you like best, the differences are like a Chevy vs. Ford thing. You will be served well either way. This is just my opinion. Good luck and always stay safe
Dobie

Maybe some

[Minge]

And the winner is....drum roll please. I purchased a smith and wesson 627 performance center 357. This was after going back and forth 100 times, I finally pulled the trigger today. Looking forward to it. The reviews on performance center pieces really pushed me in that direction.

Thanks everyone for your much appreciated opinions and advise.

[igofast]

Anything from the Performance Center is worth it - I have a few and have never been disappointed. Enjoy!

[aht_six]

I think you'll be very pleased with your decision.

There's a simple reason S&W revolvers demand a premium price, because they're worth it.