GP 100 vs. S&W 610, or, "Other"

[TiteGroups]

The smith is the better of the two guns, BUT, I would buy the GP100 and invest in a lee turret press and some dies. You can do both for the cost of the Smith. I have a 6" stainless GP with some trigger work, shots very well. No moon clips needed, and with a press you can load your' ammo any d** way you please.

 

[collector rob]

Of the 2 you listed I would choose the GP100 based on ammo availability and variety. I had a 610 6" and I didn't like it. I thought It was to heavy for what it was. It should have been made on an L frame in my opinion.
Now if you asked for an apple to apple comparison GP100 vs. S&W 686, I would choose the 686. I have a 686P 2.5" and love that gun. Plus It's a 7 shooter.
Just my .02 ymmv

 

[Old Judge Creek]

I'm an old timer and pretty biased, but I'd like to think I've learned a thing or two in my years. I'm also a southerner and spent most of my years in the south (came west about 32 years ago).

The facts are
1) a revolver is aruguably more versatile than an auto.
2) in the eastern US the 357mag will do for almost every purpose

I used the 357 Blackhawk as my primary bush sidearm until I came west.

Of the two choices you posed, I'd opt for the GP without question. The 357 is a superb round and 38s/357s are commonly found everywhere. The 38.357 is easy to load and components and eqipment is easy on the wallet. When I was in college, I reloaded many a cartridge using a Lyman 310 nut cracker loading tool and a powder dipper. Times were tough then and the $$$ were tight.

Frankly, as with the previous poster, I'd prefer the S&W 686, but you can't go wrong with the GP.

 

[8emem]

If you decide that a GP100 is the way to go, you may be able to stretch your dollar even further by looking at a used one. There are many of them around (which puts downward pressure on price) and I have seen really nice ones for $100-125 less than new. They are tough as tanks with the front cylinder lockup and it is unusual to find one that has been shot loose. I suspect that most folks shoot .38's in these types of revolvers anyway - magnum ammunition is expensive and difficult to control in double action without constant practice.

 

[mudsnake]

Get the one that feels the best, even if more money, just save longer.

With that said, I like the feel of the GP100.