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


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  #1  
Old 12-24-2011, 12:32 AM
Helderberg Helderberg is offline
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What is the general feeling about the new 686?
I want to move my LC9 and 637 2" for the 686 4".
I really like the rubber grip and trigger. I was thinking I might get a 6" but I like the balance of the 4" better.
Any input would be appreciated. I am adding in the 637 to the trade as I have a 638 snub and carry it all the time. I want a gun to use as a house and range gun that is not overly powerful. I have a S&W E series 45 but I am concerned with over penetration through walls. I would probably run 38+p for home protection and 38 lead on the range. 357's would be just for fun.
Thanks in advance, be safe, Frank.
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Old 12-24-2011, 02:23 AM
riverrat38 riverrat38 is offline
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Frank,
I just bought a 3" version for the same purposes as you mentioned. Since I don't use the gun for competition, I got the 7 shot version. I will probably carry the gun some, thus the shorter barrel. It seems to balance just right for me and I don't think the shorter sight radius affects my accuracy, as it likely exceeds my ability the hold study, at least without a benchrest. I had a 6 inch 686 about 12 years ago, and it was more gun than I wanted. I like the 3 inch much better. If S&W still made the 3 inch M 64, I would have gotten that, since I don't need magnum capability. Not with some factory loads for +P in the 400 FP range. But they don't, so I went with the 686. I have only been to the range once, but it did shoot as well as I can. I don't like rubber grips, so have some Ahrends finger grove Cocobolo on order. If you want a 4 inch 686, check out the 686 SSR. It costs about $60 more than I paid for my 3 inch, but it has a lighter double action and some lockwork tuning. But my gun is very smooth, though I would like the lighter spring due to arthritis in my trigger finger. I think the SSR is a little lighter than the 4 inch 6 shot 686, but not as light as the 3 inch 7 shot. My gun is very close to the weight of a 4 inch M66, at 36.8 oz. I have a M 442 for everyday carry, but I expect to carry the new gun when clothing allows. When it gets in the upper 70,s here in the dog days in northwest Washington, it will be back to the Airweight.

rat
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Old 12-24-2011, 06:47 AM
kenjen kenjen is offline
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i've had my 686 since 1987, many, many, many, rounds through it. one of the best guns i own...
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Old 12-24-2011, 08:59 AM
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Hard to beat the L frame for your intended use.
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Old 12-24-2011, 09:01 AM
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If I was looking for a 686, I would get a model with the hammer mounted firing pin. Here's a 686 no dash that I recently purchased.
[IMG][/IMG]
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Old 12-24-2011, 09:10 AM
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I bought my 686-6, 6" a little over a year ago and LOVE it.

Don't .38+p run almost as fast as a .45acp? You may still have wall penetration issues.. But I could be wrong, I don't claim to be an expert and am open to correction on that.
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Old 12-24-2011, 09:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyjoe View Post
If I was looking for a 686, I would get a model with the hammer mounted firing pin. Here's a 686 no dash that I recently purchased.
[IMG][/IMG]
+1
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Old 12-24-2011, 09:42 AM
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I like the L frame .357s but I would look for a used one, they are almost half the price of the new ones and shoot every bit as well.
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Old 12-24-2011, 10:50 AM
Helderberg Helderberg is offline
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Thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate them and the beautiful photo's. The six inch barrels are very tempting, problem is my LGS has two 686's in four inch, too many other revolvers in stock, and is going to blow them out to bring in more auto's, Glocks, M&P's, etc, because that is what is selling. The 686's he has are 4's but I do like the feel and balance. I will be back in the store first thing Monday to try to lock in one of these guns. Thanks again for all your input and have a great Christmas.
Be safe, Frank.
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Old 12-24-2011, 11:03 AM
Titegroups Titegroups is offline
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Like the above poster stated, buy one with a hammer mounted firing pin. Don't buy on impulse.
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Old 12-24-2011, 11:46 AM
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Frank,
Here are a couple of pics of my 686 no dash w/ 4" barrel. I have several revolvers and this 4" 686 is the best one that I own.







And MERRY CHRISTMAS to you as well!!
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Last edited by MacA; 12-24-2011 at 11:50 AM.
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  #12  
Old 12-24-2011, 03:04 PM
Helderberg Helderberg is offline
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These are beautiful photo's of a fantastic gun. I hate to say this but I have never had good luck with used guns so I now only buy new. The internal lock is not an issue to me and I have fondled both of the guns and I have really fallen for one of them. Locks up tight and the trigger is very smooth. I also want the lifetime warranty, S&W has been very good to me with and issue I had with a 380 Bodyguard. I know that the older models are best for resale but that is not why I am getting it.
Thanks again to all and keep your photo's coming.
Be safe, Frank.
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Tags
380, 442, 45acp, 637, 686, ahrends, airweight, bodyguard, cocobolo, l frame, lock, m66, snubnose

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