S&W 686 vs 625 Lets debate virtues...

Love them both.

Over here in Australia, the 686 would be the hands down winner. This is due to caliber restrictions on normal Handgun licences. Typically, anything over .357 mag requires a special Large Caliber Permit and largely only to participate in SASS or Metallic Silhouette.

I love you Australians, -everyone I've ever met from Australia was a total riot to hang out with. But, anyhow the caliber restriction sucks. Thank God I live in America To think about it, how stupid are they to think .357 wont do as much or more damage than a .45? For .357 sake it will penetrate car doors, walls, and all sorts of cover. It will penetrate people and hit other people unintended. What silly laws governments make. So.... I suppose in Australia I can have a 10mm but no .45acp LOL

Not much to debate. Both are too much fun to not own, if you can. I have several 686s and one 625JM. Great guns and fun to shoot!

I prefer the 645, although I’d MUCH prefer an older, blued model without the underlug and lock.

To me, a 45acp is much more desirable than a 357.

Personally the L frame is a better fit in my medium size hand so I went the 686 route. Plus possibly having 7 shots vs 6 is a welcome advantage.


Still though, I've always been interested in picking up a 5" 625

The 625 would get my nod if it were in 45 Colt. In 45 ACP, I would choose the 686.
The 45 Colt is far more versatile than the ACP to me and I hate moon clips. Owned two guns that used them and I wont be going back for a third round.

All things being equal, a 4 trumps a 3 every time.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

IMO, the most important difference isn't the caliber, but the frame size.

The N frame is S&W's ultimate revolver platform. The weight, dimensions, trigger, you name it, it is all just right in an N frame. Yes, they are big, but along with the size you get the revolver platform.

Meanwhile the L frame feels awkward in the hand, seems to have the most consistently heavy trigger of any S&W revolver, has a reduced capacity compared to an N, but only weighs a bit less than an N. It's all personal preference, but for me really not a fair comparison. I own five N frames, and will own more. I own one L frame, and will be selling or trading it at some point.

A much more difficult question would be 8 shot 627 vs any other N frame...

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Don't restrict yourself to moon clips; use 45 Auto Rims & keep the feel of loading a traditional revolver with them. Load them to (+P) or 45 Super power; plenty strong if you use Starline brass. And with 45ARs a firm roll crimp using Sierra's 240gr JHC will stop jump crimp even in the lightweight models.

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If you need more bullet weight then get one in 45 Colt.

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Waiting for the break of day

Depends on use.

686 is smaller. Weighs less plus some folks don't have enough hand to like N frames.

357 has more blast. That bothers some folks.

Are you shooting paper or meat? On paper advantage 45. Bigger bullet more likely to cut next higher scoring ring. On meat to be close to equal you have to use full power 357 which is abusive to some folks. 45 makes a bigger hole. I find 45s easier to shoot.

357 shoots flatter than a 45 ACP. Only matters at longer ranges.

Moon clips love em or hate em. Your choice.

Right now I don't have a 625 in ACP. I have 2 in 45 Colt. Just happened bc I do like them a lot. I do have several 686s. I also like them.

If I could only have 1 revolver and concealed carry wasn't at issue I'd take a 4 or 5 inch 625 in ACP over a 686. For concealed carry 3 inch 686 gets my vote. If I was a police officer wearing a 30lb gunbelt every day 686. For hunting 686 w 180 grain JSP bullets. For target shooting 625. For competition 625. For general field carry where I might shoot a game animal or maybe something trying to hurt me 625 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt w a heavy bullet handload as fast as I could sagely push it since I handload.

Glad I don't have to settle on just 1 between the 2.

In the picture is my Model 686-1 and Model 25-13 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt. I can not say which is best or the one I like best. They are different revolvers in different calibers.

Unloaded the Mountain Gun is an ounce or two lighter than the 686. When you load them, the weight of the .45 Colt rounds make the Mountain Gun an ounce or two heavier.


As you can see, there is not much size difference between the N Size Mountain Gun and the L Size Model 686. The grips on the Mountain Gun are Ahrends Cocobolo that came from the factory on the gun.

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