Chiappa rhino? It’s pushing the $1000 budget, but can sometimes be found right around $1000…. For a guaranteed brand new msrp under $1000 I would have to agree with the others and say Gp100

I like the GP100 much more than the 686, so much so that I sold my 686. I highly recommend the GP100 with the 5” barrel, it balances nicely for me.

Can a Kimber K6 be found for under a grand these days?

I gave 700 for my gently used K6S Combat.

They're off the traditional Ruger/S&W bandwagon, but I liked it much better than those variants.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bionic218,

For the most bang for the buck: GP 100.
And:
Smith 686/586/581/681/27/19/66/13/65. In any of their forms and if you can find one.

Can't go wrong with a 5" GP100, it will eat anything... it isn't choosy

In that barrel length range I have a 4" GP100, 4" 66-4, and a 4 5/8" unconverted 3-screw Blackhawk. Of the three, the GP100 is the best. My particular copy has a better trigger and smoother action than my 66, and is stronger and more robust. It's more accurate than the Blackhawk.

If I had to pick only one of the three, I'd keep the GP100. If we're not limiting ourselves to that barrel length, though, I'd take my 2" 640 Pro over any of them.

quote:

Originally posted by Pizza Bob:
The ubiquitous S&W 686 - preferably a 686-4.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

this is the way,

seriously

I have a 686 with 6 inch barrel, and adjustable front sight,


most accurate handgun I own

Another vote for the 4” GP-100.

I should say that I put a gold bead front sight on mine from Gemini Customs, as well as a ghost ring rear from Warren Custom Outdoor, and a beautiful Hogue finger groove checkered wood monogrip. Oh! I also upgraded the springs with Wolff springs.

Okay, so with all those additions it might exceed your $1k limit, but when I bought my GP-100 they were considerably less expensive than they are now.

Obviously handles full-power .357 magnum loads wonderfully, but shooting .38 Spl wadcutters is like shooting a .22LR.

GP100 or S&W 686. I've owned both and can't pick winner.

GP-100 - I put the Ruger Hunter sights on it in 10 minutes - Paper clip only to install.

Love them.

Stainless GP-100 in 3", 4.2" or 5" each and every time.

Yep GP 100 RUGER BUilt like a tank.

Nothing wrong with the GP100.

But he said "The Best."

It has to be the 686.

Neither gun is poor or fragile, but one is better.

I own a Model 66 but the only GP 100 I have ever shot I didn't care for. But I had the 66 for about 35 years or so before ever handling a GP 100.
I like my 66.

I have a GP100 and a SW586 but my favorite to go shooting is the Highway Patrolman. Wife liked mine so much she bought her own.

I'd look for a 686 for a shooter, and a 66 or 19 for one to carry.

I'd go with the GP100 Match Champion. MSRP is about 1200 but gun genie shows right about 1k for my local shops.

The new 3" Colt King Cobra or 4" King Cobra Target are both under $1000 and superb .357 magnums. Stainless, fantastic triggers.... I carry my KC often and it's a joy to shoot.

GP100 OR 686 Whichever one is having the better QC period.

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
I'd go with the GP100 Match Champion. MSRP is about 1200 but gun genie shows right about 1k for my local shops.

I have the MC - balance is wonderful.
But a wee big for carry so I just got the GP-100 Wiley Clapp 3" edition - gonna be my EDC.