I am trading in a Model 37 Ithaca 20ga circa 1960 on either a Ruger GP 100 5" SS .357 or
a S&W 686 Plus 4" SS .357.... Difference before tax is $380 for the Ruger and $514 for the S&W (before the $50 rebate, so net on S&W is $464). I like both.. What are the feelings out there on this deal? All opinions are appreciated! Merry Christmas! George

Get the Ruger.

Keep the SG and look for a used revolver. They're not hard to find in good used cond.
Go Smith pre-lok. If you can't afford the full price for a used one up front, then use layaway.

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They are both good revolvers. Which one do you feel more comfortable with?

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Bob from Idaho

You are getting ripped off... keep the shotgun if they are only going to give you $100 for it.

There is no factory 5" GP100, so I assume you meant 4" or 6". I've got the blued half underlug 6" model, and its one of the best guns I own.

The Smith is a great gun, but I promise you'll never know the difference in quality. I like Rugers, I like S&W, they are both great guns and companies that take good care of their customers. For the tool, Ruger is the winner. I don't know if its better quality, but its definetly not lower quality than the S&W.

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UTU, TY&E Service, BNSF

You have a great shotgun keep it. I recently bought the GP 100 in 6" . I chose it over the 686 because of how it fit me, in fact, I it shoot it better than my Python 6" . I am shooting BE with with the Ruger and it shoots.

I thought the same thing about the 5", but the fellow I deal with told me where to see the gun. take a look at this site http://www.galleryofguns.com/
Here is what I found:
Item (1 of 1)

Item # 1740
MSRP: $683.00
Number Available: 36





New Search



BRAND: Ruger # OF MAGS:
MODEL: GP100 Double Action Revolver SAFETY: Transfer Bar
TYPE: Revolver SIGHTS: Front: Fixed Rear: Adjustable
CALIBER: 357 BARREL LENGTH: 5"
FINISH: Stainless Steel OVERALL LENGTH: 10 3/8"
ACTION: Double Action WEIGHT: 43.5 oz
STOCK: Black Hogue Monogrip PACKAGING: Plastic Case
CAPACITY: 6 FEATURES: Exclusively Available from Davidson's
CHOKES: FEATURES:
CHAMBER: BUTT PLATE:
MUZZLE: RECEIVER:
RESTRICTIONS:

So, what is that all about? They say it's a "Davidson's Exclusive"??

Merry Christmas to Bob and everyone else!! As far as your question Bob, I was comfrtable with both... I really like the GP 100 6", but my wife said it was to heavy for her... Is was hoping to find something we could both have fun shooting, but it is beginning to look like that will not happen... I hope she likes the Ruger Bearcat I got her for Christmas and I will then get the revolver I want.. I did get the CZ 75B, so when she wants to shoot a 9MM I just might let her use mine!!! The guy was giving me $175 for the SG, but of course that is off their list price for the handgun... I may be able to get a little better deal after Christmas... I do like the S&W and the $50 rebate makes it a little more affordable.. George

IMO, both are good guns. Go with the one you like best. Ruger . . . unbreakable but a bit heavy. S&W . . . excellent trigger, may not be as durable as Ruger, but durable. If you do not shoot hot loads constantly, not a problem. Suggest you rent both at an indoor range to see which one you like best. Merry Christmas!

Hi Marshal, they have the 686 at the range for rent... The Ruger looks like a tank! Both guys I asked at the gun stores favored the S&W... Not sure if that is just because they cost more or they really think it's a better gun... Merry Christmas to you and yours, too! George

Hi George,
Rugers are made with the lost wax casting procedure hence, the larger dimensions in the frame. S&W drop forges their frames hence, the slimmer dimensions in the frame. Both are adequate with standard loads but there is no substitute for more metal when shooting hot loads. That's just the nature of the beast. You will get a better feel for which one you like better once you've had the chance to handle and fire them. It's your opinion that counts. Merry Christmas to you and yours also! Hope to keep reading your posts.

Get the Ruger KGP161. I've had one and now have the GP161. Go to Ruger's website and compare.

RJ

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I am the ORIGINAL recoil junky, often imitated, but never equalled.
Proud Father of a SoldierMedic in The 82nd Airborne 325thAIR White Falcons
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Thanks to all... This is a hard choice! I like both a lot and it will probably come down to cost... I liked the 6" SS Ruger most.... How much should the 20ga be worth? It's a good shooter, not a collectable...
I have not used it in several years... Since moving to Florida, I don't rabbit hunt anymore... I hate just
having the gun sit in the closet... I felt the $175 was a decent offer, but as I said that was off list price
for the handguns... Perhaps I will just take the SG to the nexst gunshow and see what price I could get
for it there... Thanks again and Happy New Year to all!! George

Wellllllll, I bought a used 12 gauge 37 in July. I thought that it was a steal at $200 and bought it to make a few bucks on. I have it on consignment for $300...it is still there. I'm pretty sure, that according to the book, it is priced right.

If he was buying my gun, he'd give me about $250, or so. SOOOOO, 175 may be a bit low, or if your gun is rough, it may be about right. BUT, my guy only makes 10 bucks on a gun. Most dealers have about a 100 % mark up on a used item (meaing that you shotgun will sho up w/a price tage of over $300 on it...just a fact of life).

Retail, my guess is that they are asking to much for the pistols/guns. Where is it at?

The guns...the Smith has a better action, and if you don't shoot over 100 magnums a year, the strength issue is NOT there. ON .38 rds, a S&W will last over 100,000 rounds. I've fondled several Rugers that have actions as good as any S&W including mine, that I paid $125 for (the action, not the gun) (see below). The same shop that has my shotgun, has a 4" Ruger for 360, that has been modified to DA only and they can't sell it...it has a real good action on it. Old S&Ws are better than the new ones, but that is not really an issue unless you want to have an action job done on it (not possible to do on a new one, the parts can't be honed), but, you can change the springs in it.

It is hard to give you advice. To some people, the way a gun looks is the most important thing (S@W has the edge). To others it is function (Ruger has the edge, as they are like Soviet tanks...crude, easy to make and indestructable). Personally, I'd order a used police trade in, for about $300 or so...or even $360 (like above). But, I don't care if a gun has holster wear on it, if it shoots and is accurate.

Crude? Thats really not even true, I own both S&W and Ruger, but a lot more Rugers. Personally, I think the Rugers look better, and they are the simplest guns in comparison to Smith, Taurus, and Colt. You can field strip a GP100 in 90 seconds.

By the way, the Smith weighs 43 oz. and the Ruger 45 oz. so the Ruger isn't that much heavier. The 6 shot version of the 686 weighs 44 oz.

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Hey Stinky, the guns are at Shoot Straight in Tampa, Fl.... If I get the S&w by 12/31 I get the $50 rebate
so $514 - the $50 rebate makes it a decent deal.... I think.... My wife cast her vote for the 686 4"... She
said the GP 100 6" was to heavy for her.... I think it really just looked a little scarry to her... I guess I will
get the 686 in hopes of getting her on the range more.... Perhaps a nice GP 100 will show up in one of the local shops soon.... The way the economy is going, I have a feeling more nice guns will be around and at better prices, too! Happy New Years to all!! George

Have you looked at the prices for the Ithica. A new one will run you about 1200 bucks. That is one sweet shotgun. I think someone knows what you have and is trying to get a good deal on a shotgun.

Ithaca has been out of business for several years now, but those shotguns are going for $300+ on Gunbroker. Take a look at their online tutorial on selling firearms and you will get a better deal on selling that gun.

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Buy American, it may be your own job you are saving.
UTU, TY&E Service, BNSF

Have lot's of both. The Ruger will consistantly take loads that would take the S&W apart.

Ruger GP 100. I have one that has 1000's of rounds through it an its still perfect. I like the S&W trigger a bit more so I had a trigger job on my Ruger and its smooth as can be.