Cold Steel
Active Member
I remember when the S&W 686 first came out. Every gun writer in creation was comparing it to the Colt Python. Even today I don't think the Ruger GP-100 is anywhere near as accurate as the Python or the 686. Ruger discontinued its brilliant Security-/Speed-/Service-Six line of revolvers just so they could increase its weight and stick an underlug barrel on it.I bought my 686 new in 1985. I have always loved the Python but at the time the 686 was half the cost or less.
The S&W Model 66 was a wonderful revolver, but it needed some kick. It also needed some work on tolerances: headspacing, B/C spacing, metallurgy, design. S&W took all the elements of what made an accurate revolver and they put it into the 686.
And what did Ruger do?
It put out a boat anchor. S&W made an improved revolver that was a tack driver. The GP-100 added no real improvement to its .357 D/A revolvers. It just took a great hunting, camping, fishing revolver and tried to make it look like a 686, but without the accuracy. By cutting its steel grip and throwing all the weight forward, it also destroyed the balance of the gun.
As much as I loved the Security-Six, I also believe the 4-inch stainless steel Service-Six was an astoundingly superb revolver. Unfortunately, I never got one. I did pick up a 3-inch stainless Speed-Six, though, and it's an astoundingly accurate gun. That's because I bought it as a .38 and had it reamed out to take .357 by a great gunsmith.