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The GP100 was my first handgun! They are tough guns as I have a zillion rounds through mine of varying strengths and it is still as good as new. For shooting heavy loads the Ruger will outlast the 686 simply by design and construction. Ruger builds a much heftier gun and includes the cylinder crane lock mechanism which has to be installed by a gunsmith on the 686. With this mod, a 686 is pretty tough to beat! As tough as nails as the Ruger is, I personally find the balance, fit, and function much more refined on a 686...especially the older models prior to them using the transfer bar technology and MIM process for trigger parts. Look for a used model 686 that has the firing pin on the hammer, it would cost you some time and money to get a Ruger to feel like that gun!
As far as barrel length? In general terms I have found a difference of about 200fps less velocity on a 4" barrel. If your shooting competitively this will be a pain in the ass as you will have to shoot pretty hot loads to meet power factor requirements. If you don't shoot competitively than you have no worries, the 4" carries much ore nicely. Range and true accuracy will not be affected by barrel length.
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