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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:31:10 AM EDT
[#1]
well what do you want the revolver for--hunting, recreation, self defense, carry, etc? i would say .357mag just because it is easier to shoot and cheaper. and i would go with ruger as i have had a lot of success with their products. i like my blackhawk. it is a nice single action. and i have heard only good things about the redhawk, gp100, and sp101 types.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:33:22 AM EDT
[#2]
SW
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:36:40 AM EDT
[#3]
S&W 686 plus
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:49:11 AM EDT
[#4]
Mod 19 4" S&W
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Posted: 1/9/2006 5:54:35 AM EDT
[#5]
so those of you that say smith and wesson......WHY???
for example.....i know that the 686 plus is an awesome gun.......but why that over the ruger line of revolvers???? and to clarify.....probably range and target shooting only...hunting is doubtful. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 6:16:36 AM EDT
[#6]
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.
My Super Redhawk was sloppy in build and finish compared to my SW revolvers. I had timing problems problems on my Ruger that couldn't be fixed after 3 trips on my dollar. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 6:27:44 AM EDT
[#7]
Older Smith.
IMO - Smith's quality has slipped too much. Look for a good, used Smith. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 7:29:21 AM EDT
[#8]
pick up a4 inchpinned and tapered barred model 19-3.the balance and power combo is hard to beat.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 7:46:11 AM EDT
[#9]
I've had good luck with my model 66. It is very easy handling and the trigger is outstanding. I bought it used so I don't really know if any work was ever done on it, but it's nice. It's accurate as anything too. All the S&W's I've handled have felt better than comparable Rugers. Ruger triggers are not as refined, and overall they just don't feel right. S&W's to me have a more balanced and comfortable feel for some reason, I just can't put my finger on it. MJD
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Posted: 1/9/2006 12:02:27 PM EDT
[#10]
Own both and will continue to do so. However, if push comes to shove, Smith. Specifically K frame Smith. The one true revolver.
Smith's currently in collection - Model 10 (three of them), 67. Have owned another 10, a 66, a 28, and a 34 (or 36 can't remember) Ruger currently owned - GP 100 ( a brick shithouse of a revolver). Owned a Security Six. Will own a Redhawk someday. I want a Smith 29 but the price tag is just to much to swallow. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 1:07:02 PM EDT
[#11]
Smith when you want something graceful and refined. Ruger when you want strength and don't mind a bit more weight.
I.E. for combat I would choose the Ruger, I think it would take a lot more abuse and keep running (Not saying that S&W can't, I just think Rgrs can take more of it) Shooting IDPA, IPSC etc. go with the S&W, a more refined weapon. |
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Posted: 1/9/2006 1:15:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Overall, I take the Ruger.
For .357 I'd take a SW, maybe a 686 depending on your need. For .44, I definitely go the Ruger route. I've done head to head comparisons between both manufacturers in both calibers and I definitely like the Ruger more if I have to choose just one. Ideal scenario: One of each in each caliber 
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:15:41 PM EDT
[#13]
A 5.5 SBH chambered for the 44 Mag.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 4:21:20 PM EDT
[#14]
Smith 66, 4 inch
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Posted: 1/9/2006 6:44:19 PM EDT
[#15]
For stength of construction and mechanical simplicity, I would choose Ruger. The Smiths have nicer triggers and smoother actions, and might be a bit more accurate. The Rugers trigger and action short fallings can be fixed by the owner provided they have some mechanical ability, I cant say the same about S&W. In my experance Smiths are hard to repair and modify yourself. I like both but I choose the Rugers.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 8:52:50 PM EDT
[#16]
go with the ruger on both,if you check reloading manuals there are ruger only loads,others won't take the pressure that a ruger will.
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Posted: 1/9/2006 8:55:41 PM EDT
[#17]
I like S&W Revolvers, get a Model 66 or a 686
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Posted: 1/9/2006 9:03:56 PM EDT
[#18]
Ruger = John Deere
S&W = Corvette |
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Posted: 1/10/2006 7:34:19 AM EDT
[#19]
lol as funny as this is, it appears to be true in my very limited experience. My brother bought a GP 100. Out of the box there was discernable cylinder shake (end to end) and the damn transfer bar system rattled. tolerances in the Roogler were either too tight (impossible to disassemble) or loose. my 686 recently purchased has proven to be quite shooter with even tolerances all around. granted my experiences are limited, but my brother's Ruger convinced me to buy a S&W. |
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Posted: 1/10/2006 8:34:24 AM EDT
[#20]
I have 5 Ruger revolvers and 6 S&Ws. My favorites are my 625s in .45acp. My carry gun is a 325PD, also in .45 acp.
It is very hard to choose which I prefer among the others. I would have to give the nod to my 10-5 in the .38 category I guess. I've got some GP100s with incredibly smooth, nice triggers, but a square butt model 10 with nice wood grips is tough to beat. Even though it won't launch .357s, it is a fantastic gun. For cool factor, my Gary Reeder Custom Redhawk in .45 Colt is the winner. He can do amazing things with this platform, and the gun is accurate, reliable and tough. For competition, though, you just cannot beat a 625 with moon clips. I would choose one of these over anything Ruger makes. |
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Posted: 1/10/2006 10:37:02 AM EDT
[#21]
Gotta agree with that one. I like mine more than the 686's I've tried. The 66 just feels better with that square butt K-frame. MJD |
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Posted: 1/10/2006 1:23:07 PM EDT
[#22]
I had the opportunity to choose between the (now discontinued) 66 and the 686 I purchased. I thought the 66 felt better in my hands as well BUT didn't buy it due to information I was told on this board about the model66's inability to "hold up" under a steady diet of 357 mag loads. was the above information incorrect? |
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Posted: 1/10/2006 1:41:03 PM EDT
[#23]
I'm not really a "revolver guy," but I'd probably pick one of these first...
 ... even though I have a few Rugers that would do just fine as well.  ETA: In before someone starts squawking about the HUD agreement... 
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Posted: 1/10/2006 2:40:43 PM EDT
[#24]
In .357 - S&W Model 27 with 5 inch barrel (older model only - pinned and recessed if possible). The original and ultimate .357 in fit, finish and handling. The older K frame .357's are pretty good too if you plan on shooting mostly .38 spl in them.
In .44 my preference is again S&W - Model 29 with 6 inch barrel (with or without the full underlug - so long as it is pinned and recessed). I have shot the Ruger Redhawk in .44 mag. It may be a super strong gun able to withstand more full power loads but the action cannot come close to comparing with the Smith's. If it has an action lock and lazered on rollstamps - it is not a S&W in my estimation. |
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Posted: 1/11/2006 5:41:16 PM EDT
[#25]
As others have stated,
Smith for tight tolerances and fit and finish, Rugers for Idiot proof. Ruger's are "dishwasher safe", ie-fed badly, shot dirty, home disasembled, etc. I've seen very nice and tight beautiful SW's jam the cylinder after 15-20 shots of non jacketed lead. My 357- 4" Ruger GP100, but I prefer GI toleranced 1911's to Gold Cup match guns for reliability. Ruger GP/SP's can be taken apart with no tools other than a sincle grip screw, a plus in my book. Smith&Wesson=Mercedes Ruger=Caterpillar Your choice. Both great but different usage profiles. 
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Posted: 1/11/2006 5:43:23 PM EDT
[#26]
S & W
686 29 And 625 just for fun |
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Posted: 1/12/2006 9:02:58 AM EDT
[#27]
S&W 29 or 629. Just pick a barrel length that suits you. S&W is where it is at. If you are going to punch paper a 357 is king but everything else is better served by a 44.
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Posted: 1/12/2006 9:09:44 AM EDT
[#28]
paper fears me when I point my smithy at them
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Posted: 1/12/2006 8:37:05 PM EDT
[#29]
S&W!
Pic of one of mine a 15-4. 
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Posted: 1/15/2006 2:37:07 AM EDT
[#30]
Personally I prefer S&W revolvers over the only Ruger, a GP100, that I own. The GP is built very solidly and shoots great but the action is not as smooth as S&W. Strangely, one of my sons likes the GP as much as any other wheelgun.
For falling plates I like the light cylinder weight of the K frames, my M65 in stainless is easier to clean than my nice M19s. For bowling pins I like a M625, and a 686 for longer shots. The Python is long retired decoration-only. |
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Posted: 1/15/2006 3:54:14 AM EDT
[#31]
If you are going to shoot lots of overpreasure reloads or think you will need to use it as a hammer,get the ruger. (I own several)
If you want good balance and a fine trigger (the single most importaint feature IMO to good shooting),get aS&W . Most every one I know who has shot or owned a 686 or 66 finds it the "best shooting gun I have ever shot". Just treat it decent and feed it handloads of reasonable type ie,up to and including full factory loads. Along with my rugers I own three 686's ,two 629's ,one 617,and a couple of J frame snub 38's. I hardly ever shoot the rugers,in fact I have sold off some of them in the last couple of years to make room in my safe and free up cash for other guns. I am not really a hunter but several years back I went with some friends on a wild boar hunt.After messing about I ended up with my 629 going on the trip over the Ruger blackhawk,mostly because I felt I just could shoot it better. My 240gr cast lead bullet was going about 1275fps (could have pushed 1300 in the blackhawk) but in the end the porker died |
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Posted: 1/18/2006 5:21:17 PM EDT
[#32]
Long story short, S&W and Ruger both sold their souls to the devil. Only diff is that S&W put internal safety locks on ALL revolvers, Rugers only doing it on new or redesigned models. So just look for one of either brand that has NO INTERNAL ACTION LOCK and go with that.
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Posted: 1/18/2006 6:53:46 PM EDT
[#33]
Since I have a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old around the house, I'm more tolerant of guns with locks on them now than I used to be.
98% or all gun owners would never wear out either a S&W or a Ruger bought new, so unless you are going to run some really hot loads or shoot more than 98% of us, don't worry about this (If you buy a police trade-in or a used piece, your mileage may vary). Don't buy base soley on what anyone here tells you...put a few Smiths and a few Rugers in your hand and see what "speaks" to you. By that, I mean which one is comfortable in the hand for you and what seems like a natural pointer. |
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Posted: 1/19/2006 6:13:28 AM EDT
[#34]
The ownerof Smith and Wesson is a GUN LOCK MANUFACTURER...think that might have a bit to do with the locks?
Smith, in my opinion, is head and shoulders above Ruger in every way, with the possible caveat of extreme strength, and even that is open to debate. The Smith is smoother, and more svelte. It has a better trigger, and better resale. More options, and the price difference isnt that much. Even with the locks, Id take a Smith over a Ruger any day of the week. This being said, Ruger has mmade a few gems. The Security/Speed/Servise Six line of guns are great. Decent triggers, pretty slim guns, and can be found for a good price. When Ruger disco'd the Six series for the obese, ugley GP/SP series, they really screwed the pooch. |
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Posted: 1/19/2006 3:24:46 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
So what's the story? If it had to be one.....say limited to .357 and .44 only.........which gets your vote? First which brand would get your vote head to head......... Second which gun of each brand for those calibers gets your vote....... example: heads up: Smith and Wesson Smith: 686 .357 Ruger: sp101 .357 etc. ------------I would take Smith and Wesson for in most revolver calibers. I love the 686 and use a 625JM for USPDA. The Smith are very refined. However, in a .44mag hunting revolver, I'll take a 5.5 Ruger Redhawk everytime. The Redhawk will eat the light loads, medium 240gr deer loads, and has no problem's with the heavy banging Elk loads, such as Garrett 310/330 gr loads. The same cannot be said for the 629. A 629 6.5 I had, and another 6" half underlug that an Uncle has, both went out of time very quickly with 310gr loads. The Redhawk trigger is not bad out of the box, and they are simply built like tanks. |
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Posted: 1/20/2006 5:39:04 PM EDT
[#36]
An older Smith ...............without the lock !!!
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Posted: 1/21/2006 7:28:26 PM EDT
[#37]
--Nope. The 629 6.5" Classic, was bought brand spankin new in 03. The 6" was purchased in 01. The 310gr Hammerheads simply pummled them. The 629 was reworked and sold. The 6" was reworked and now is kept at 240gr deer loads and below. With these loads it functions fine. |
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Posted: 1/22/2006 11:17:31 AM EDT
[#38]
For me...
Smith 27 Smith 29 I can't stand Ruger firearms, they don't feel right to me, and they are ugly as hell. Two of those together won't keep me able to shoot properly while on my leisure. Sounds stupid I know, just my nicks. |
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Posted: 1/31/2006 1:59:18 PM EDT
[#39]
Only one? Ruger GP-100 .357 Stainless Steel....Lifetime gun (for you and your progeny)..........Doc |
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Posted: 1/31/2006 4:09:28 PM EDT
[#40]
Ruger SBH because my Revolvers live outside and they have to work (every time).
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Posted: 1/31/2006 4:13:08 PM EDT
[#41]
I've owned both, and like both. Smith is more refined IMO, and Ruger is more get yer hands dirty type of weapon. Given the choice for hunting or duty carry, I would go with Ruger. For ccw I would go with a S&W airweight.
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Posted: 1/31/2006 4:23:41 PM EDT
[#42]
S&W....they're smooth, like butter.
The L or N frame models are better if you are going to shoot a lot of .357s (that would be a Model 27, 28, 586, 686). The K frame models are IMNSHO the perfect revolver. They will punish you more if you shoot a lot of .357s through them. Model 19 or 66. |
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Posted: 1/31/2006 4:52:53 PM EDT
[#43]
How older? and how do you tell exactly? |
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Posted: 2/1/2006 4:53:16 PM EDT
[#44]
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Posted: 2/4/2006 6:24:25 PM EDT
[#45]
I think S&W and Ruger both make great guns, I have both. I've got to say that my Ruger GP100 has got to be one of the strongest, beefiest .357s I've seen. It shoots straight and has never failed to work in over 10 years. That's my $.02. SP |
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Posted: 2/4/2006 6:32:58 PM EDT
[#46]
I choose my old S&W Mod 64 duty sidearm. It never let me down. Now it's Mrs. Colt_SBR house gun.
 _____________________  |
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Posted: 2/4/2006 10:06:13 PM EDT
[#48]
Ruger
Nosler's Reloading manual even says that Ruger's give about 100 fps more velocity than S&W's do with equal powder loads. Attributed to the tighter fit of the Ruger. I'm not anti-S&W, I own two. I just think the Ruger is better. |
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Posted: 2/4/2006 11:34:34 PM EDT
[#49]
I do like that pistol, very nice. |
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Posted: 2/5/2006 2:22:39 PM EDT
[#50]
Second from the top on the right, is that a 3" 586? Sweet! I had a chance to buy a 3" 686 once and I passed. Stupid me. I went through a phase were I sold off all my guns (yeah, I know . . . ). When I got back into guns there was one I had to have again – a 3" Model 65 like the one at top right. Found one two days ago. It really is just about the ideal self-defense revolver, IMO. Fixed sights make it simple and relatively snag free, the three inch barrel gives you an extraction rod long enough to clear shells out of the cylinder and the sight radius is just a tad longer than the Model 19/66 snubbys (2-1/2 inch). |
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