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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


View Poll Results: Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?
620 11 14.67%
686P 64 85.33%
Voters: 75. You may not vote on this poll

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  #1  
Old 09-16-2009, 09:56 PM
tj44 tj44 is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Default Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?

I guess the title says it all: Which is the better choice in your opinion and why? Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 09-16-2009, 10:10 PM
1066 1066 is offline
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You might want to review this post if you haven't:

Repost 2 piece barrel came apart (pics)
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  #3  
Old 09-16-2009, 10:29 PM
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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I prefer the 686P because my first one was a 686P Mountain Gun. I liked it so much I got a 686P with the 2-1/2" Bbl. I never considered the 620 but that means nothing. I just liked the 686.

People that have the 620s on this forum have liked them and I have no reason to believe they're not worthy revolvers.
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  #4  
Old 09-16-2009, 11:35 PM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
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So far we've seen one post about a failure of the barrel on a 620. That's pretty much balanced by a similar failure that I saw for a 686 on another forum. In both cases I think that the root cause was a metalurgical issue. Basically, stuff happens.

Now concerning the 2 piece barrel on the 620, I believe that it's a superior method of mounting a barrel on a revolver. A barrel mounted at just one end is more prone to whip when a round is fired through it. Barrel whip is the major reason why full lug barrels have become predominant. However, surrounding the barrel with a larger diameter shroud not only provide attachment points at each end of the barrel, it also puts the full length of the barrel under tension which can act to further stabilized the barrel when a bullet is passing through it.

Now, it may just be luck, however on two seperate occasions I have managed to get 3 shot groups at 30 feet that I could cover with a dime when shooting my 620 in single action off a bench rest. I also think that it looks better with the half lug barrel profile.

So, I voted for the 620. BTW, if I ever see a 357 Magnum Dan Wesson 4 barrel kit for sale anywher in my area I will be all over it. In a revolver, the DW's were the most accturate ever made and it just happens that the barrels in the DW revolvers were mounted in a very similar fashion as the 620.
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  #5  
Old 09-17-2009, 06:15 AM
tj44 tj44 is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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So far, with 11 votes, 73% go for the 686P, but only 3 comments/explanations...
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  #6  
Old 09-17-2009, 08:20 AM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
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The method used to attach the two piece barrel to the 620 is NOT the same method that Dan Wesson uses on its revolvers. Dan Wesson barrels are meant to be interchangeable; the 620 method is simply a cost cutting measure by S&W. S&W does not sell anybody the tool needed to remove that barrel. A few months ago Alex Hamilton, the gunsmith writer for American Handgunner, wrote a nice article explaining all the sordid details of this cheapo barrel setup and the method he figured out for removing it without their special tool.

Obviously I prefer the 686P.

Dave Sinko
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  #7  
Old 09-17-2009, 10:25 AM
tj44 tj44 is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Sinko View Post
The method used to attach the two piece barrel to the 620 is NOT the same method that Dan Wesson uses on its revolvers. Dan Wesson barrels are meant to be interchangeable; the 620 method is simply a cost cutting measure by S&W. S&W does not sell anybody the tool needed to remove that barrel. A few months ago Alex Hamilton, the gunsmith writer for American Handgunner, wrote a nice article explaining all the sordid details of this cheapo barrel setup and the method he figured out for removing it without their special tool.

Obviously I prefer the 686P.

Dave Sinko
This is a good example of why this forum is so helpful...I had no idea.
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  #8  
Old 09-17-2009, 10:28 AM
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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I have a 686+ Mountian Gun and a regular 4" 686+. I have shot them both quite a bit but mostly with .38 specials. I like the weight and balance of the full-lug better.
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  #9  
Old 09-17-2009, 10:29 AM
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Find a 686-4+. Doesn't get any better than that in a 686+. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Regards 18DAI.
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  #10  
Old 09-17-2009, 01:33 PM
Wayne M Wayne M is offline
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Maybe the 620 multiple piece barrel situation has been solved but generally the more complex the machine the more possibility there is that something will go wrong. Less pieces just means one less thing to worry about. That anything can fail is not in doubt(had the barrel unscrew from a 6" Python while shooting it years ago) but it's still best to keep things simple. Hey Smith & Wesson: put a one piece on the 620, I'll have one for each hand!
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  #11  
Old 09-17-2009, 06:23 PM
teufelhunden teufelhunden is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Default 686+

I bought a BNIB 620 about 4 weeks ago, and now I'm starting to wish I'd purchased the 686.

I really like the 620, but I've had repeated failures to cycle with it, and now the cylinder is out of time. I only have about 500 rounds through it. It is going back to the factory under warranty as soon as I receive the pre-printed shipping labels from S&W. The whole story is here:

My New S&W 620 "Malfunctioned" Twice Today. ***??

The 686 has the full underlug and is heavier. It also doesn't point as well as the 620, in my opinion. However if I was able to make my purchase again, I'd get the 686 for the simple reason it has been around for ages, and has proven itself again and again.
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  #12  
Old 09-17-2009, 06:34 PM
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I spoke to Mel Ogonowski, master pistolsmith at S&W, regarding the new 2 piece barrel systems and he stated that there is no way to torque the barrel correctly with this system. This is why the barrels sometimes have a tendency to loosen. I will not be getting one for sure.
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  #13  
Old 09-17-2009, 09:37 PM
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Hey, ya left us 586 plus owners out! But given the choice the 686 plus fer sure, dont really care for the two piece barrel system.
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  #14  
Old 09-18-2009, 12:11 AM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David Sinko View Post
The method used to attach the two piece barrel to the 620 is NOT the same method that Dan Wesson uses on its revolvers. Dan Wesson barrels are meant to be interchangeable; the 620 method is simply a cost cutting measure by S&W. S&W does not sell anybody the tool needed to remove that barrel. A few months ago Alex Hamilton, the gunsmith writer for American Handgunner, wrote a nice article explaining all the sordid details of this cheapo barrel setup and the method he figured out for removing it without their special tool.

Obviously I prefer the 686P.

Dave Sinko
Dave, while the method for mounting the barrel is not identical to the Dan Wesson system, the end result is the same, that being a barrel supported at each end and under tension.

Personally, I wish that S&W had just licensed the DW system from CZ USA but suspect that the reason they didn't was the same reason CZ USA is no longer producing the DW revolvers. That being product liability concerns. One well known issue with the Dan Wesson system was that they did have a tendancy to shoot the barrels loose. It's recomended that the B/C gap and the tightness of the barrel nut be checked before every range session. I suspect that liability concerns are also the reason why S&W developed such an obtuse method of tightening the barrel, they didn't want any owners servicing this system themselves.

However, it wouldn't be too difficult to make one of these tools. Without a doubt S&W's tool is nothing more than an insert that engages the rifling in the barrel. Fill the barrel with a low temperature, low shrinkage casting alloy such as Kirksite, press it out, and then pay an 5 axis equipped CnC machine shop about 1500 bucks to duplicate the form in 4140 half hard steel with a hex nut at the end.

I also don't believe that the 2 piece barrel system is actually a cost reduction. When you total up the cost of the precision machining of the barrel shroud in addition to the cost of the barrel, it may actually end up costing S&W more than a 1 piece barrel. Those who think this is a cost cutting measure should think about what is actually involved in producint the 2 piece barrels. Because if it isn't any cheaper than a 1 piece barrel, the only conclusion that can explain why S&W is doing this is because it produces a more accurate revolver. Fact is S&W may be trying to build a better revolver and a lot of handgunners are kicking and screaming simply because it's different.

Me, I like the difference. I think it looks better than the 686 or my new 610 and so far it's proven to be a lot more accurate than I can shoot on most days. However, it's getting some time off in the safe, that 610 is 6 dollars a box cheaper to shoot right now. I haven't seen ANY 38 spl. at Wallyworld since last January and they currently have a full shelf of 40 S&W.
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  #15  
Old 09-18-2009, 10:01 AM
David Sinko David Sinko is offline
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I was not aware that there were problems with the Dan Wesson interchangeable barrel system. And I was not aware that this is a system which would need to be licensed. I do know that Hamilton Bowen can and does take the Dan Wesson interchangeable barrel system and install it on a Redhawk. He says it is a simple, trouble free installation. The barrel itself is just a simple, inexpensive rifled tube. I believe that shrouds are relatively inexpensive cast parts. I can not believe that S&W's two piece assembly is more expensive to produce than a proper one piece barrel. The only shooters who appreciated and needed the increased accuracy of the Dan Wesson arrangement were the silhouette shooters. You'd have a very long barrel for silhouette shooting and a shorter, more manageable barrel for general purpose use. But why a two piece barrel of only one length that can't be changed by the shooter? I still think it's a cost cutting measure.

Dave Sinko
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  #16  
Old 09-18-2009, 11:47 AM
teufelhunden teufelhunden is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by no dash View Post
I spoke to Mel Ogonowski, master pistolsmith at S&W, regarding the new 2 piece barrel systems and he stated that there is no way to torque the barrel correctly with this system. This is why the barrels sometimes have a tendency to loosen. I will not be getting one for sure.
I'm sure that Mel Ogonowski has forgotten more about guns than I'll ever learn, and I'm probably missing something here - but why can't they use something like a torque wrench to tighten the barrel?
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  #17  
Old 09-18-2009, 04:18 PM
tj44 tj44 is offline
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Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P? Four inch 7-round .357: 620 or 686P?  
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Thanks very much for all the replies. Looks like it will be 686 for me.
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  #18  
Old 09-18-2009, 10:35 PM
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I like the full underlug and I can't get a 620 without the lock.
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  #19  
Old 09-22-2009, 01:04 PM
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BTT for some new fellows. Regards 18DAI.
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  #20  
Old 09-22-2009, 02:39 PM
DGNY DGNY is offline
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Default 620 vs 686P

Definitely the 686P. The sights won't take but a bit of room in a holster and will repay your forethought. 'Tain't as though either is tiny.

A 586 would be another fine choice, were blue or nickel your preference.

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Dyson
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  #21  
Old 09-26-2009, 05:56 PM
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Fairly recently in trying to make a purchase decision, I shot the 4" 686, Ruger 101 and the 620 and went with the 620. I just shot it better (i.e. it worked best for me) than the other two. I also didn't like the feel of the 686 or the way it looked compared to the 620. Shooting identical ammo through both I didn't notice any difference in the felt recoil between the 620and 686 despite the slightly heavier 686 and the lug, but there are more experienced shooters here who probably could.

That's my .02 in favor of the 620. I just learned to sort of gather a lot of info from good sources, factor it in and then trust myself and my experience and get what I like. They're both great guns.
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Old 09-26-2009, 09:38 PM
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Sorry, I have never even held a 620. The 686 is a terrific gun. I love the 2.5" barrel, and I guess I'd be happy with the 3" as well. I'd just have to go with the 686.
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  #23  
Old 09-27-2009, 06:38 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tj44 View Post
I guess the title says it all: Which is the better choice in your opinion and why? Thanks!
I vote for the 686 7 shot Mountain Gun, which is a tapered barrel with a lug like a Model 19/66.

The Model 620 resembles the 686 Mountain Gun, but the 620 has a two piece barrel and the 686 Mountain Gun has a one piece.
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357 magnum, 586, 610, 686, bowen, dan wesson, gunsmith, lock, model 19, mountain gun, redhawk, ruger, shroud, silhouette

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