I have been doing some shopping around and this seems like one of the best places to ask S&W-related questions (for obvious reasons). I'm pretty new to this message board, but I haven't been able to find any details on here regarding the Hunter XL. Basically, I'm in a quiet debate with a friend of mine the pros and cons of two different S&W revolvers, as he is looking for a new one.

It's between the 686 Plus and the 386 Hunter XL. Both are very similar from a distance (6" barrel, 7 shot cylinder, etc). The main differences I see are the sights and the weight. Is there anything under the surface that makes one superior over the other? How is the trigger pull on the 386? I know the lighter weight makes its handling better, but I have also heard mixed reviews on the scandium alloy. Last year, I was seriously considering the 327, which is also scandium, so I have held a few in my hand, but never fired any. I ended up going with a 627 V-comp, but that's besides the point.

Do any of your experts out there have strong opinions regarding the 686 vs the 386? Any words would be much appreciated.

I am that friend in question! I'm really on the fence as to which revolver I like better, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Not an expert, but...

The 686 is really muzzle heavy and doesn't balance well IMO. I have not handled the 386 XL but I would hope that it is less muzzle heavy. I think you should handle both before deciding.

You can do a trigger job on an aluminum gun. Supposedly you can't do as much, but the one I had done by Randy Lee feels as smooth as anything to me. You can tune the springs for your ammunition the exact same way so there is no difference there.

As a bit of background, I actually already have a 686, chambered specifically for .38+P, 6" barrel. I love that revolver, but the only problem is, my girlfriend loves it just as much, if not more! She regularly steals it when we go shooting, as it is her favorite of my guns to shoot.

I would like the versatility of a full blown .357, and I know she shies away from the more powerful magnum rounds, so this gun would be all mine :-D