Ruger Forum

gdeno · March 16th, 2011, 04:26 PM

Hey everyone. I'm in the middle of a big dilemma. I am finally close to buying my 3" GP100 for around $500. My problems is my work is selling some of the old guns that were used by our PD many years ago. Some of the guns are barely used Stainless 3" S&W 681's for approximately $350. The guns have been in storage for years and have not been fired for that entire time, but are in excellent condition. My question is, I know this is a Ruger forum, but can I get some serious opinions on whether I should get this L-frame S&W or just stick with the Ruger. I don't know a lot about the 681 other than it is a 3" fixed sight version of the 686. Any and all opinions are welcome and wanted, thanks everyone.

wproct · March 16th, 2011, 04:35 PM

I'm a huge fan of the GP100, but that is a good price on the Smith & Wesson, and they are an excellent revolver! Can't go wrong either way.

JimB120 · March 16th, 2011, 05:39 PM

Don't think sitting around for a while will hurt the Smiths. Can you check them out and take your pick?

I don't think the Smith is any better than the GP100, I absolutely love my Ruger!

But $150 difference would buy some ammo, just probably not a lot

.

Can't go wrong either way IMO. Just depends on what you like better.

RedDawn4Life · March 16th, 2011, 05:44 PM

From most of what I have read, the biggest complaint most people seem to have about S&W revolvers compared to Ruger is that for how much more they cost you don't get enough more; just a smoother trigger and better finish.

It probably won't be too hard to find a new Ruger for a fair price but a great condition used S&W for that price might not be as easy to come by (but probably not too difficult either) Can't go wrong with either but I would say get the Smith and used the money saved to get some more ammo.

loose cannon · March 16th, 2011, 05:45 PM

my particular 3"gp being a exception smith 681s have better triggers.

both are outstanding guns with a possible durability edge going to gps.

get them both and go nuts trying to decide which one to use lol

CERT 44 · March 17th, 2011, 06:18 AM

Buy whichever revolver you can get the best deal on. Both are good "shooters" and equal in that respect but the S&W 681 is more of a collector's item as that model has been discontinued for many years and the 3" barrel was relatively rare.

1billy43 · March 17th, 2011, 07:22 AM

Just flip a coin you cant go wrong with which one you choose

jralston78 · March 17th, 2011, 07:31 AM

Hate to say it but get two Smiths can't beat that price.

DRAWTOOL · March 17th, 2011, 07:35 AM

I think I'd go with the Smith, they don't make them any more and you can allways grab a GP later on.

Spike12 · March 17th, 2011, 08:18 AM

At this point in time the GP's in in production the S&W isn't.

I love my GP but under these circumstances I'd be going for the Smith...

Redleg · March 17th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Both good guns. I like to make new stuff used, so I would go with a new GP100. Fantastic revolver. I have found the trigger on the GP100 to be quite friendly and accurate after some shooting, dry firing, and a tiny bit of lubrication on the hammer and trigger.

CAJUNLAWYER · March 17th, 2011, 09:12 AM

I'd be interested in buying one of those 3" 681's if they are NOT ported. Could you get some pictures???

trumpettgriffin · March 17th, 2011, 10:13 AM

I like adjustable sights and I think they do make a difference in .357s. Having said that, this is a terrific deal on the Smith - near impossible to pass up for someone interested in this type of gun.

CERT 44 · March 17th, 2011, 10:49 AM

The 3" GP-100 is fixed-sight only also.

crabbys44 · March 17th, 2011, 12:05 PM

I'd get the S&W right away and spend the difference on more ammo. OR you could buy two and send me the other one!

BTW Even though the 681 is discontinued, there are still a lot of accessories and gunsmiths competent with the design. It's been my experience that Smiths are easier to modify / improve than Rugers.