Which would you pick?

aimedfire · #1 10-09-2009, 11:28 PM

Smith & Wesson 686-4. 7-shot. No internal lock.

Colt King Cobra. Recessed cylinder.

Both stainless, both 4 inch barrel, both .357 Mag.

hoppes-no9 · #2 10-09-2009, 11:32 PM

686 in a heartbeat. But I'd make it a 7-shot

w9kcj · #3 10-09-2009, 11:34 PM

If they were the same price the Cobra is my choice .
Seems the Colts are a bit harder to find around here .
Norm

aimedfire · #4 10-09-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppes-no9

686 in a heartbeat. But I'd make it a 7-shot

It is a 7-shot.

aimedfire · #5 10-09-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w9kcj

If they were the same price the Cobra is my choice .
Seems the Colts are a bit harder to find around here .
Norm

Both the same price. $400.

USAF385 · #6 10-09-2009, 11:46 PM

I'd go for the 686.... but that's because I'm a huge fan of it.

cussedemgun · #7 10-09-2009, 11:59 PM

At that price, buy 'em both. Shoot 'em till a favorite surfaces, & sell the cull for a profit. It's a no brainer!

The risk you will incounter is: for every gun that enters my abode, I seem to form an emotional bond. They become 'heirlooms' rather quickly.

Take care this doesn't happen to you. That is the first symptom of a (shudder) collector!

Jim

Vegetaman · #8 10-09-2009, 11:59 PM

I'd go with the 686 because I've used them before and think they're really good.

handejector · #9 10-10-2009, 12:04 AM

Do you shoot DA or SA mostly, or both?

If you do much DA shooting, go for the Smith. I am a DA shooter, and the Colt action is less than desirable for DA shooting.
If you always shoot SA, pick the purtiest one to you.

Ron H. · #10 10-10-2009, 01:01 AM

Sir, FWIW, I've owned two King Cobras and one 686. The 686 (a no-dash) was the better gun by far: more accurate, better trigger, and far better quality control. I have no experience with the seven-shot 686s, but would still be inclined to buy one of those rather than a KC.

JMHO.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

ect1222t · #11 10-10-2009, 02:46 AM

If you can't decide which one to buy, get them both. It's a no brainer.

Swissman · #12 10-10-2009, 03:04 AM

King-Cobra for that price and then bring it for a trigger- and lockworkjob to a specialist. But check out the timing first.
I got very bad experiences with a spitting King-Cobra.

Swissman

Herknav · #13 10-10-2009, 06:45 AM

Get whichever one speaks to you.

Just know that if you decide against the 686, I'm interested.

armybass · #14 10-10-2009, 07:01 AM

The Smith but at $400....both.

Marshall 357 · #15 10-10-2009, 11:30 AM

I would get the 686 and get some ammo with the other $400 LOL!!!

66TAS · #16 10-10-2009, 11:37 AM

Buy them both and sell the King Cobra for a profitt, use that to buy ammo for the 686. If your a shooter, the 686 is the better gun. I have owned 2 King Cobra's and didnt care for either. Grips are huge, aftermarket grips are hard to find, and the lock work isnt near as dependable as a S&W. I wont own another.

CAJUNLAWYER · #17 10-10-2009, 11:42 AM

If you can buy a 686-4 7 shot for $400, I don't care WHAT the other choice is for $400, unless it's a 2.5" stainless python-BUY the Smith. That is a GREAT price of a VERY desirable revolve. If you decide to go with the Cobra, I'll buy the Smith at that price. PM me and I'll send the money.

hoppes-no9 · #18 10-10-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aimedfire

Both the same price. $400.

I would've dislocated my shoulder trying to get my wallet out of my pocket to buy BOTH at that price.

cmort666 · #19 10-10-2009, 01:38 PM

I'd pick the Smith. Good luck trying to get a Colt revolver fixed if it ever needs it.

tom turner · #20 10-10-2009, 01:59 PM

If you are getting them just to pull out of your safe every once in a while to look at, it won't matter but . . .

Like a couple of folks mentioned, Colts have timing issues after a while . . . and you don't want any revolver "spitting lead," snakes or otherwise. Getting 'em fixed is getting to be a real problem too. Not so the Smith.

Also, Handejector gave you a very subtle but true clue . . . for if you shoot revolvers double action, the Smith is the clear winner over the bulky grip/frame of the King Cobra (expecially with the Pachmyers on it that came stock on this gun from the factory.

More on shooting double action . . .

There are two types of shooters who shoot revolvers double action:

1. Revolver action match competitors and wise sportsmen . . . for you must shoot accurately AND very fast to win matches or gunfights.

2. ALL thumb-cocking "Plinkers" . . . when faced with a life-or-death gun fight with an intruder. For these folks, they'll either get lucky or be dead fast. I've watched a lot of 'em show up for their first match, and discover right away that they are about four times slower than everyone else. It is a real wake up call for them.

Shooting revolvers well in double action mode is not that hard to learn or master either.

Bottom line . . .

If you buy handguns to enjoy shooting, buy the 686. If you buy handguns to look at . . . either one.

T.

kitman · #21 10-10-2009, 02:11 PM

I would buy the smith if I was going to shoot it.I would buy the colt to gain in value.But I guess I'm like alot of the rest,you can't go wrong with either or BOTH.
kitman