Well, I've owned both, but the GP100 was almost 35 years ago so I don't really remember much about it other than what I really wanted to buy that day for my 21st birthday was the 686 with the 8 3/8" barrel. They didn't have one in stock so I reluctantly bought the Ruger, but wasn't really happy with it mostly because I settled for it instead of what I really wanted, so it went down the road shortly thereafter.
I later bought a 6" 686 and kept it for a couple years, but then sold it. Now, many years later, I just recently bought the 686 with the 8 3/8" adjustable front sight that I'd always wanted. It's at the gun smith right now getting drilled and tapped for a scope. It's a no dash and pre-dated factory drilling and tapping on them. I've owned Rugers and I've owned Smith's, but it's hard to get a better trigger than a S&W and I prefer the looks too.
