XD Talk

Brickboy240 · 12-02-2008, 10:50 AM

My dad has a 6" GP100 and I have a 4" Smith Model 19 and have owned a Smith 686 in the past. I would never trade my Model 19 for Dad's Ruger.

The GP 100 is a good shooter, but it lacks the smooth Smith action and seems more clubby than the K and N frame Smith 38/357s. I just like them better.

Some like to say that the GP100 is stronger. Maybe, but from years of running hot stuff through a 586, 686 and now an early Model 19, I'd say the Smith 357s are pretty stout and I have not ben able to wear one out.

Buy which ever one feels better...hard to go wrong with a K or L framed Smith OR the GP100. One WILL feel better to you. For me, it is the K frame Smith.

- brickboy240

QuietMan · 12-02-2008, 01:02 PM

Thanks for the input...It will come down to 3 things for like with the XD feel, reliabilty and cost.

Brickboy240 · 12-02-2008, 01:51 PM

If you really look around, you can find nice, used police trade in Smith K-frames in 38 and 357 in the 300 dollar range. Thats a steal for a pistol of that quality. My Model 19 was an old highway patrol gun from the late 60s and it is a fantastic shooter.

Don't pass up a nice Model 10 or 65. Those are K frame 38s but they're built so stout, you can shoot some awfully hot 38 +ps in them that come very close to 357 power. Many state prisons used to issue Model 65s to its guards and I see lots of those trade-ins on the market at around 250-300 bucks. Again...another good price on a classic that shoots beautifully.

- brickboy240

**Bowser4x4** · 12-02-2008, 02:03 PM

+ for the Ruger, either the GP100 or the sp101. No longer have the Sp101 but never had a problem with it. Still have the 6" SS GP100 and really enjoy shooting it.

Woof
bowser

**akr** · 01-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LariatBob

I have both. My Smith & Wesson is nice, but my Ruger GP100 5" is (in my opinion) a much better gun. More robust, Shoots tighter groups always. I have more than 6k rounds thru it. I changed action springs a few years ago and that really helped. It is now very smooth and predictable.

Bob, what model S&W do you have?

EvilElmo · 01-07-2009, 01:34 PM

+1 for the GP100. My wife has the 4". I liked it so much I bought a 6" to go with it.

If you're looking for a hiking backup I'd recommend the 4". The GP100 isn't really a lightweight gun and the extra 2" of barrel just adds to it. Plus the 4" is balanced very well.

QuietMan · 01-07-2009, 03:42 PM

I have handled not fired the Ruger SP 101 and Gp100. They both feel great to hold and well balanced but I'm leaning toward the SP101 just for size. I have seen mods done to the 101 such as adding an adjustable rear sight that increases accuracy greatly beyond the self defense distances.

rbstriker · 01-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuietMan

Considering adding a revolver to the stable. I want to make it a 357 so I can pratice with 38 or 38+P most of the time. Looking at 3" barrel most likely that way it can also be a carry piece if I choose. Anyone have more experience with revolvers than I do? You opinion would be appreciated.

Either is fine. I lean to the S&W myself.

Owned a GP100 once and it was a great gun.

**KingArthur** · 01-07-2009, 07:20 PM

I have seen and played with the Ruger Security 6's. As far as wheel guns I mostly have the Taurus, though my one Smith is a SS 4" .44 mag. As far as feel and function with my Taurus SS .357 that is essentially a clone of the 686 I haven't felt any major difference between Taurus and Smith as far as revolvers go. I have never really been a big semi-auto fan on the Taurus end. However, their revolvers are top notch. You may consider that as an alternative which would be cheaper than either Smith or Ruger.