Can I Compete with a Smith and Carry a Ruger?

[Jeremy45]

Do you guys think a Smith (929) and Ruger (GP100) are similar enough (both being revolvers) that one could shoot them interchangeably? I am considering picking up a 686 or 686+ but the GP100 has a good reputation and seems to be a little easier on the wallet.

The reason for this is I am shooting a 929 in competition next season and am considering carrying a revolver next year as well. I like to carry and compete on the same platform and revolver just looks like fun. What do you guys think…2 Smiths or a Smith and a Ruger?

Jeremy

[Lon]

929 for comp and 686+ 2.5" for carry. Or a 4" 986 for carry if you want more barrel length.

[Jeremy45]

Lon,

My first thought was a 986 but they come as a 5" and I'm not wanting to spend that kinda scratch on one, especially to turn around and re-barrel it.

Why 2.5" over 3" 686+?

Jeremy

[Chuck Haggard]

Paging Caleb...............


I wouldn't see an issue with it myself, even if you were carrying a wheelgun and wanted to be more tactical-er. They are about the same size, cylinder rotates the same direction, etc.

[rsa-otc]

I don't think you should have too many issues. Just make sure you spend enough time with your differing reloading devices to be competent with both. Unless you are running a Reddot on your competition revolver I would try to get both sets of sights as similar as possible. You know you probably are going to put more rounds down range with the competition gun and you want your eyes to snap to a familiar picture during a self defense situation.

[Lon]

Lon,

My first thought was a 986 but they come as a 5" and I'm not wanting to spend that kinda scratch on one, especially to turn around and re-barrel it.

Why 2.5" over 3" 686+?

Jeremy

I actually prefer the 3". But haven't seen them locally for some time and the CS-1 3" I've seen have been ridiculously priced. I'd go the 3" first of I coild. I'm actually looking around for something like that now.

[Jeremy45]

I don't think you should have too many issues. Just make sure you spend enough time with your differing reloading devices to be competent with both. Unless you are running a Reddot on your competition revolver I would try to get both sets of sights as similar as possible. You know you probably are going to put more rounds down range with the competition gun and you want your eyes to snap to a familiar picture during a self defense situation.

This will be key. Since the 929 will be shot the most it will also get the most reloads, but I will definitely be practicing using speed loaders. The position on the belt will be different between competition and carry but I think with practice that won't be any issue. Plus, I can use the carry gun if I do shoot IDPA and practice with it on the clock.

The 686+ is tempting though, one round doesn't seem like much but 7 on board vs 6 seems like a big deal to me. I don't know why other than I am practically to 1911 capacity at that point.

Jeremy

[jetfire]

Paging Caleb...............


I wouldn't see an issue with it myself, even if you were carrying a wheelgun and wanted to be more tactical-er. They are about the same sized, cylinder rotates the same direction, etc.

Yeah, I'm with Chuck. In this case they're similar enough it won't matter. Set up your GP100 with a Wilson Combat spring kit and you'll be good to go.

[shooter220]

The biggest difference is manipulating the cylinder release under pressure, and at least they are both push-type releases, unlike a Colt.


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[John Hearne]

Back in day, my primary was a Ruger GP-100 and my BUG was a S&W 640. I never had any problems stitching between the two.

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