I have a 4" GP100 with a wood grip, its my bump in the night gun mostly but I have also carried it for work (private security). I did a spring job on mine and Polish the trigger and it smooth it out. I also put a fiber optic front site on mine. Shoots nice and I get very good groups...
I’m sitting here watching this video holding my 4 month old granddaughter and she is watching it with such intensity that we got it on video. LOL. She loves watching videos with papaw.
On the grittiness issue on the GP100 trigger, believe it or not, the problem might be the very first contact point. The hammer strut (that the main spring rides on) is made out of sheet metal. Polish the round top. It often comes out of the factory rough. Polish it and put a little grease on it.
Great review! I am leaning toward the GP100 if only because of current cost, and because in general, I like it better. Keep up the great reviews, I just subscribed!
Good video. I have a 3" GP100 that I bought in 2012 and a 66-8 like yours I bought when they first came out. Over the years the Ruger trigger smoothed out. It's a bit longer in pull length, but it stages better and I shoot it better than the 66-8. I like the 66-8 though for it's slightly lighter weight and it's about the same size as the old 2.75" Ruger Speed Six (which I wanted but could never find). Both are great guns, but between the two when the SHTF, I want the 3" GP100. I also have a 3" 686 7 shot as well as a Taurus 617 snubbie in 357 mag that chambers 7 rounds as well. In terms of concealed carry, the Taurus wins. Seven shots, lighter, great trigger, and as accurate as any of the others. Go figure.
Love that beefup the forcing cone. Been shooting model 19s for 40 years and have never seen one wit a damaged forcing cone. This came from the day when super vel was putting out loads running a 110 grain bullet at 1800 or more fps.66s will run forever with full power loads, contrary to internet gun writers myths.
Ruger GP for sure! I switched the sights to the tritium / fiber optic combo. Super soft shooting and the trigger gets better with time. My GP100 trigger is great!
I like your video and one thing i noticed was that you have some idea about aftermarket parts. Sights specifically. Any idea where i can order a front and rear site replacements for my S&W 629-6 with a 4in barrel? Im hesitant to order because im have a hard time finding a rear sight assembly
Have went back and forth between these two and have owned both twice now. As much as I love the Ruger with compact grips I find the S&W just suits me and my size better. Curious to what holster you use for appendix carry for the Smith? Great video, thanks.
They are great guns I've had both the silver and black clapp versions of the gp 100 and the only thing that bugs me is the finish is terrible and doesn't stand up well to use. I think I'd prefer a stainless version and spruce up the trigger and do a few upgrades and basically have a clapp with a finish that won't fall off
Good review. I got the WC GP100. I took the 10-15 minutes to change the main spring and it made the trigger very nice. The smith is a good gun but I have had good luck with my Rugers....
I have both revolvers. I really like the 66 as far as looks and handling but the Wiley Clapp Ruger is a tank and very rugged. I wish S&W didn’t have the stupid lock on it, the trigger is overly heavy and not as easily adjusted as the old Smiths. The trigger on the GP at least for me though a bit longer is much smoother and lighter I think both guns are great but if I had to sell one it would be the Smith and I would keep the Ruger
Interesting. The trigger on my 66 is miles ahead of the GP, for me. I'm going to get around to slicking the trigger on the GP up this week and will reevaluate.
Not sure why Ruger insists on that front bead sight on this revolver when on the 10mm version they come standard with a front fiber optic sight which is much better imo
I’m so glad to see this review! I carry a gp100 4.2” barrel from time to time but it’s a little big for only 6 rounds. It’s basically a winter gun for me. I’ve looked at getting a 66 or a 686P. Thanks for the clap comparison.
Nice. I felt the exact same difference between the SP101 and S&W J-frame for bulkiness. The SP101 is just too big, but J-frames, LCR's and even Taurus small frames carry great.
I have found out through the years that the Smiths are better refined right out of the box. My SP101 I had to ship out to debur the edges and to get a better trigger pull. I prefer to carry my SP101 over my Jframes because I can fire 357 rounds much easier. I carry two 5 round speed strips in a pouch and do not feel under-gunned!
Does the WC GP100 not have the detent on the front of the barrel by the crown? IOW the button that the user can change out the front sight. I dislike that button and it's stopped me from buying one. I still think it's almost perfect for me.
I used to own a Ruger GP 100 and an SP 101. Now I own a S&W 686 + and a 66-8. The Rugers are excellent guns. No question. The Smiths are just better. The problem with your comparison and contrast is that the GP100 should be compared to the 686 not the 66. The 66 should be compared to the SP101. As for the locks on the Smiths, most of us wish they were not there, but they have absolutely no impact on the performance of the gun, so gripping about them (as one of your viewers did) is silly. Also, the Smith’s have better triggers.
If the internal locks have no impact on performance, why does everyone complain about them? I’m in the market for a revolver and don’t know much about them
@@grumpysquid Because the pre-Hillary Hole S&W's did not have the locks. But no effect on performance or reliability. More a cometic and snob sort of thing.
I PLAY with my GP 100 EVERY NIGHT!!! Single/double and this weird thing in the middle I do where I Pull rigger while pulling hammer.... It has almost "De Gritted " itself !!!! And YES... You CAN dry fire the GP 100 as long as U Check the Cylinder first!!!
I'd have that S&W in a second if it weren't for the internal lock. Because of that I gravitate toward used, pre-lock Smiths or Rugers. I wish Pachmayr had more traditional options for the GP100 though - its weird grip post doesn't help.
The 66 will be in the scrap bin when the Ruger is still running. My local gun dealer used to have a old wood barrel full of dead S&W's, and one with some Colts. Did not have a barrel for dead Rugers.
I’ve been shooting K frame S&W’s since 1982 and find there build quality to be excellent and there triggers (out of the box) first rate! I own a 19-4, 6in. (Bought in 1982) and 66-8, though both are a tad different in build they each are excellent carry guns!
Bought a new 66 and it was the worst handgun I’ve ever owned. The barrel want timed correctly and the trigger pull was so horrific it was almost impossible to pull the trigger in DA. It was literally broken and I bought it brand new. Contacted SW and they told me to pound sand. Off loaded for the GP100 Wiley Clapp at a $ loss and have never looked back. I’ll never buy a SW revolver of any kind again. They’ve gone to shit.
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Lemons happen unfortunately with all manufacturers. The canted barrel issue with some Smiths, Colts issues with the new Python etc. I actually did have a problem with my K6S initially, when the cylinder screw backed out after several hundred rounds of 158 grain 357 magnum. Seems there was a recall and they sent me a shipping label and I had the gun back in a week. Not ideal, but their customer service was first class.
Articulate & intelligent review of two of the most popular mid size magnums. Great imagery as well, Ty.
I have a 4" GP100 with a wood grip, its my bump in the night gun mostly but I have also carried it for work (private security). I did a spring job on mine and Polish the trigger and it smooth it out. I also put a fiber optic front site on mine. Shoots nice and I get very good groups...
I’m sitting here watching this video holding my 4 month old granddaughter and she is watching it with such intensity that we got it on video. LOL. She loves watching videos with papaw.
On the grittiness issue on the GP100 trigger, believe it or not, the problem might be the very first contact point. The hammer strut (that the main spring rides on) is made out of sheet metal. Polish the round top. It often comes out of the factory rough. Polish it and put a little grease on it.
Great review! I am leaning toward the GP100 if only because of current cost, and because in general, I like it better. Keep up the great reviews, I just subscribed!
Good video. I have a 3" GP100 that I bought in 2012 and a 66-8 like yours I bought when they first came out. Over the years the Ruger trigger smoothed out. It's a bit longer in pull length, but it stages better and I shoot it better than the 66-8. I like the 66-8 though for it's slightly lighter weight and it's about the same size as the old 2.75" Ruger Speed Six (which I wanted but could never find). Both are great guns, but between the two when the SHTF, I want the 3" GP100. I also have a 3" 686 7 shot as well as a Taurus 617 snubbie in 357 mag that chambers 7 rounds as well. In terms of concealed carry, the Taurus wins. Seven shots, lighter, great trigger, and as accurate as any of the others. Go figure.
Love that beefup the forcing cone. Been shooting model 19s for 40 years and have never seen one wit a damaged forcing cone. This came from the day when super vel was putting out loads running a 110 grain bullet at 1800 or more fps.66s will run forever with full power loads, contrary to internet gun writers myths.
Thank you
Best non biased review
Ruger GP for sure! I switched the sights to the tritium / fiber optic combo. Super soft shooting and the trigger gets better with time. My GP100 trigger is great!
I like your video and one thing i noticed was that you have some idea about aftermarket parts. Sights specifically. Any idea where i can order a front and rear site replacements for my S&W 629-6 with a 4in barrel? Im hesitant to order because im have a hard time finding a rear sight assembly
2:30 looks like the 66 cylinder is longer. The GP100 is rather a L frame size and also available with 7 shot now.
They also make a 7 shot gp 100
For carry, 66 sounds better to me. Ruger is bigger enough that it's true rival is 686 which imo is overall better revolver.
Have went back and forth between these two and have owned both twice now. As much as I love the Ruger with compact grips I find the S&W just suits me and my size better. Curious to what holster you use for appendix carry for the Smith? Great video, thanks.
Glitz or mother’s mag polish will help with the front brass bead sight.
Love the grips on the Ruger gp100
Wiley Clap all day. Way better trigger, sights(i have the fiber optic version) and more robust
They are great guns I've had both the silver and black clapp versions of the gp 100 and the only thing that bugs me is the finish is terrible and doesn't stand up well to use. I think I'd prefer a stainless version and spruce up the trigger and do a few upgrades and basically have a clapp with a finish that won't fall off
Nah 66 all the way
@@keatonjorgensen8793 ..Yeah that black matte finish is horrible on the ruger ..I sent it to Tyler’s gun works to get it refinished
Good review. I got the WC GP100. I took the 10-15 minutes to change the main spring and it made the trigger very nice. The smith is a good gun but I have had good luck with my Rugers....
An older 66 with 2.5 inch barrel is a classic 1st gun I ever shot was a dash 4 last gun I bought was an engraved dash 2 wish I never got rid of them
The Ruger WC GP100 all day long. For the simple reason they don't have a Hillary Hole and are built like tanks.
Ruger is heavier, bulkier, doesn’t look as good, and you don’t have the option to lock it
I have both revolvers. I really like the 66 as far as looks and handling but the Wiley Clapp Ruger is a tank and very rugged. I wish S&W didn’t have the stupid lock on it, the trigger is overly heavy and not as easily adjusted as the old Smiths. The trigger on the GP at least for me though a bit longer is much smoother and lighter I think both guns are great but if I had to sell one it would be the Smith and I would keep the Ruger
Interesting. The trigger on my 66 is miles ahead of the GP, for me. I'm going to get around to slicking the trigger on the GP up this week and will reevaluate.
@@bubbafudd How did this turn out?
Not sure why Ruger insists on that front bead sight on this revolver when on the 10mm version they come standard with a front fiber optic sight which is much better imo
SW will do full master revolver package for $165, includes trigger, action, chamfering, etc. awesome, had it done on my 686+
I’m so glad to see this review! I carry a gp100 4.2” barrel from time to time but it’s a little big for only 6 rounds. It’s basically a winter gun for me. I’ve looked at getting a 66 or a 686P. Thanks for the clap comparison.
The GP100 is also available with 7 shot. Its rather a L frame size.
Nice. I felt the exact same difference between the SP101 and S&W J-frame for bulkiness. The SP101 is just too big, but J-frames, LCR's and even Taurus small frames carry great.
Great review
Nice comparison.
What rear sight are you using on the 66?
I have found out through the years that the Smiths are better refined right out of the box. My SP101 I had to ship out to debur the edges and to get a better trigger pull. I prefer to carry my SP101 over my Jframes because I can fire 357 rounds much easier. I carry two 5 round speed strips in a pouch and do not feel under-gunned!
Very informative and nicely done video. Beautiful photography and good narration.
Does the WC GP100 not have the detent on the front of the barrel by the crown? IOW the button that the user can change out the front sight. I dislike that button and it's stopped me from buying one. I still think it's almost perfect for me.
I used to own a Ruger GP 100 and an SP 101. Now I own a S&W 686 + and a 66-8. The Rugers are excellent guns. No question. The Smiths are just better. The problem with your comparison and contrast is that the GP100 should be compared to the 686 not the 66. The 66 should be compared to the SP101. As for the locks on the Smiths, most of us wish they were not there, but they have absolutely no impact on the performance of the gun, so gripping about them (as one of your viewers did) is silly. Also, the Smith’s have better triggers.
If the internal locks have no impact on performance, why does everyone complain about them? I’m in the market for a revolver and don’t know much about them
@@grumpysquid Because the pre-Hillary Hole S&W's did not have the locks. But no effect on performance or reliability. More a cometic and snob sort of thing.
I PLAY with my GP 100 EVERY NIGHT!!! Single/double and this weird thing in the middle I do where I Pull rigger while pulling hammer....
It has almost "De Gritted " itself !!!!
And YES...
You CAN dry fire the GP 100 as long as U Check the Cylinder first!!!
I know it doesn't affect function but I hate the key locks and would choose ruger over any smith simply because of that
Why would you put a fixed sight on the 66?
I'd have that S&W in a second if it weren't for the internal lock. Because of that I gravitate toward used, pre-lock Smiths or Rugers. I wish Pachmayr had more traditional options for the GP100 though - its weird grip post doesn't help.
Right, as soon as they get rid of the lock its on, ruger in the time being
Same. I'd love, love, love to own a new Smith or a few of them but not with that God forsaken foolishness drilled into the side of it.
I've shot the old Model 66, and it's nice, but I would prefer the L Frame for constant magnum loads....
The 66 will be in the scrap bin when the Ruger is still running. My local gun dealer used to have a old wood barrel full of dead S&W's, and one with some Colts. Did not have a barrel for dead Rugers.
Is the ruger gp100 type .38 special and type .357 magnum the same strength construction? thank you .
Were can I get those Wiley grips
Do you know someone that export it to outside US?
nice try ATF
My # 686 came in with a canted barrel and then some...... Sent it back to S&W they some what straighten it but Not Good Enough.......
I’ve been shooting K frame S&W’s since 1982 and find there build quality to be excellent and there triggers (out of the box) first rate! I own a 19-4, 6in. (Bought in 1982) and 66-8, though both are a tad different in build they each are excellent carry guns!
GP100 all day!
Hello, if you have a revolver Ruger GP 100, could you show how to remove the striker, thanks! .
The Ruger is a better edc revolver in my opinion
Do you still have the 66? Can I buy it from you????
It is on my belt as we speak. No sir
@@bubbafudd lol. Worth a shot. Been looking for one for about a month.
Melhor resolver do mundo.
Why did Wiley get the Clapp ?
I have the modell 66-8 canted barrel and its the most frustrating thing.
No you don't lol. It is a 2 piece barrel and the outer locks into the frame.
That Ruger is so sexy.
Not alloy steel. It’s carbon steel.
Bought a new 66 and it was the worst handgun I’ve ever owned. The barrel want timed correctly and the trigger pull was so horrific it was almost impossible to pull the trigger in DA. It was literally broken and I bought it brand new.
Contacted SW and they told me to pound sand. Off loaded for the GP100 Wiley Clapp at a $ loss and have never looked back. I’ll never buy a SW revolver of any kind again. They’ve gone to shit.
hard to believe really, SW has been just awesome with customer service on my guns.
MODEL 66!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You couldn’t give me a current model S&W revolver. What junk .
Maybe in your experience. Not in mine
Kimber K6S 3" better than both for carry, S&W model 19 performance center comp as a close 2nd.
I will unfortunately never trust Kimber again after the nightmare that was my Warrior 1911. It's a shame, those revolvers are cool lookin.
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Lemons happen unfortunately with all manufacturers. The canted barrel issue with some Smiths, Colts issues with the new Python etc. I actually did have a problem with my K6S initially, when the cylinder screw backed out after several hundred rounds of 158 grain 357 magnum. Seems there was a recall and they sent me a shipping label and I had the gun back in a week. Not ideal, but their customer service was first class.
@@montycasper4300Happened to encounter this comment again, since then I'm a huge fan of Kimber revolvers, love my K6S to death
Never understood why anyone would adopt a nom de plum that sounded like an aggressive venereal disease.
When it comes to your life. Ruger GP100…enough said
Ruger sight is better.
Ruger gp100 better than smith.....