Evaluation of a new 686-6, 7 shot, 3 inch barrel and with the Internal Lock. At first I was hesitant about buying a new S&W with the IL, but when I was at the gun store looking at stuff with my wife, she said she really liked the looks of it. So, she let me buy it. After having if for a while the looks of the hole for the IL does not seem to be so much of a deal anymore.

So, as to shooting this new 686, it shot as accurate as any of my S&W 357’s (shot 100 rounds) first time out. Had no problems with IL, did not even think about it. So, here are the two things about this model that I did not like at first. First thing I did not like are the grips on this gun; it put my top support finger to close to trigger guard, and started to hurt on recoil. I guess I am going to have to try a different stock for a better fit.

Second thing is the ejection of cases; they seem to hang up and won’t clear the grips. I don’t know if this is a problem with the seven round spacing putting the rounds in close to the frame or not. I will have to compare it to my six round 686 and maybe try different grips.

So, are the internal locks a problem, not yet and I don’t see it as an issue on wither to buy a new S&W or an old (no IL) gun. As, to MIM parts, hell this thing is as smooth as anything I have, so if they don’t brake what is the problem. And, as others have said before, I will not hesitate to buy an older S&W, but I will sure buy a new one if the price is right and it is a model that I want at the time.

I have had several S&W guns in the past and this one so far is as good as anything I have had. I will have to put more rounds through this new 686 to see how well it performs in the long run. So, I would not hesitate to recommend a new S&W to anyone at this time. Your mileage may vary!!!

Agree, I bought a new 63 and it's a fine product. They don't build them like used to, but then they never did.

I've got the 4" 686, 7 shot and it simply the best revolver I've shot. I bought it new a year ago and its just a fantastic gun. The IL doesn't bother me, I did change the grips to some Pacymyer and the difference is tremendous. The Hogue grips are nice, but the Pac's are a little bigger and easier to hang on to. The gun itself is like a laser, it hits where you aim. Enjoy your new purchase.

I really hate the looks of the lock in the side but have to admit I have bought a 4", two 5" and 6" guns with the IL. They aren't as slick as some of my older guns but testing in the ransom rest shows them to be just as accurate on the average.

I have an old 8-3/8" 686 that is incredibly accurate and one of the new 6" DX versions is trying to take "The most accurate revolver I own title" away from it.

The only way I could be happier is if that stupid lock wasn't there!!!

The 686 Plus is my favorite 357 or 38 revolver, and I have a bunch of them. The trigger is good enough to spoil you completely, ruin you for good. I was at a LGS the other day with a client, and spied a slightly-used one in the case for $615. I told her if she didn't buy it, I'd love another one. The hag bought it. She's no longer my favorite client.

go to kelly arms for their grips,

Pistol Grips Gallery

I have the same revolver and enjoy shooting it. It was my first S&W revolver so I decided to buy new, lock and all. I haven't had any problems ejecting or with the IL - althought I do keep a key in my range bag. I switched the factory installed Uncle Mike's grips with rosewood grips from Altamont which do not interfere with ejecting but they seemed to make speedloading a little fussier at first until I got some practice. Enjoy your gun and good luck finding grips that work for you.

Probably not exactly right for this thread, but I just got new Altamont grips for my 686-6+ 3" and 640-3 snubnose. If I can figure it out I'm attaching a poor quality photo taken on my cell phone.

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