Guys if you were going to buy a rev. just for target shooting but want a real good gun. I have the 686 and love it. Is there better?
It must be 9mm or 357.

A 686 is a perfect "do all" revolver, especially in a "4 barrel. If I had to choose just one, this would be it, namely a pre-lock / pre-MIM like a 686-4.

Model 686 SSR
Model 929

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Science plus Art

If you would consider a .38 spl......a K-38/ M14/15 would be great. My dad's k-38 6" made in the late '40's is the most accurate revolver I own...bar none.

Randy

No. No there is not anything better.

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But then, what do I know?

I was always leery of .357 Magnums firing .38 wadcutters. Just seemed improbable that they would keep up with a .38-chambered gun. In my limited experience, it never seemed to work out that way and I got over the notion.

I'd probably prefer a blued gun myself, but a good 686 with proper sights, trigger, and stocks should do just about anything 99%+ of the shooters can do with a revolver.

Probably the most accurate .38/.357 revolver I ever fired was a friend's 6-inch 586. That thing was not just a "killer" - it was a murderer! I didn't know revolvers were capable of the kind of accuracy that one was. It was an early one - with the black patridge blade front sight.

Try to shoot a few different models before purchasing if possible. I own a bunch of different 38 and 357 models (all different barrel lengths and sight configurations too) and the one I shoot the absolute best is my 4" M15. Even better than the designated target models - why? Who knows........ but you should shoot a few different models and barrel lengths if possible to see what you shoot better.

586, not 686.

In my opinion revolvers should be blued with walnut stocks.

That being said you would be hard pressed to find a more accurate gun than the 686.

Would you consider a Model 19-3 or 19-4??

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That's what we do!

Target revolver? Easy! 686 w/ six inch barrel in .357 Magnum. Shoot it w/ .38 Special ammunition till you get tire of pulling the trigger. You'll find the .38 Special to be a marvelously accurate round that is very easy to shoot well. The 686 is just about ideal for extended ranges session with the .38 Special... or the .357 Magnum. The six inch barrel will give you a slight advantage in on target results as well as giving you a bit more velocity for those times when you just want a little more juice on the bullet!

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K38 with 8 3/8" barrel....

For the use indicated, nothing beats the K22/Model 17.

You must decide on the cylinder size and barrel length.
For some action shooting sports you will want a 6 shooter. For that you should consider the 686 SSR. Other action shooting sports allow 8 shot cylinders. There is a 627PC with a 5 inch barrel that would probably be pretty sweet. I have a 627 Pro with 4 inch barrel that I can have a lot of fun shooting at targets with.

I have had my eye on a 686 Pro with 5 inch barrel and 7 shot cylinder. I haven't been able to justify buying one but I think about it. It's not practical for action shooting sports though.

Sorry I can't comment about 9mm. Have fun.

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

Firstly, I no longer compete with anyone but myself. My firearms must provide personal enjoyment and pride of ownership - and just be fun! I agree re the previous poster's suggestion of the 4" 627 Pro - a great value. It's spring-loaded front sight permits tool-less sight changes while it's being delivered with a reduced effort trigger and being moonclip ready are boons, too. Here it is with my 2 5/8" PC627UDR:



Also above is a Ranch Products blued moonclip and speedloader (5starfirearms.com), both loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, my defensive ammo of choice.

Stainz

Well, this limits your choices significantly.

I would have suggested a model 25 or 625 in .45ACP, a cartridge that has demonstrated a high degree of inherent accuracy for target shooting over the years.

I would also have suggested (as others have) a model 14 in .38spl. That model has historically also been a very accurate target revolver.

If you're limiting yourself to 9mm and .357, you probably already have one of the best guns around, the 686. You may also want to consider rounding things out with a model 66 with 6" barrel. These can be found for slightly less $$ than a 4" version (in my experience) and are also excellent revolvers.

Good luck!
Lou

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NRA Certified Instructor & RSO

I agree with all three points. No particular need for another .357 if you already have a 686, and while I guess there are some 9mm revolvers, there sure aren't many, and even fewer suited to target work. My 25-2 in .45 ACP, on the other hand, is probably the most accurate revolver I own, and without doubt the most fun to shoot, followed closely by a pair of Model 14s. If you really plan to restrict the new gun to target shooting, you should seriously think about looking further than 9mm and .357.

929. Once they actually make it into the marketplace.

I for one don't understand your choice of calibers . You state you want a serious target revolver . What discipline do you compete in ? I'm a bullseye shooter & frankly your choices don't make a great deal of sense to me . I'm trying to help here so I need more feedback from you as to what you wish to accomplish . For most serious ( best accuracy ) work I'd consider other calibers personally as I'm not aware of a 9mm revolver capable of what I'd consider target accuracy . Yes a 357 can be quite accurate as can be a 9mm , but generally they've more recoil ( 357 ) & a lot of PITA loading requirements ( 9mm ) to reach their potential . For a stock revolver I'd consider 22LR , 32 S&W long , 38 special or 45acp . A S&W K22 , Manurhin , Colt OMM , S&W K38 or a S&W 25 / 625 ( stock guns ) would be my considerations . Other disciplines = other choices . For a 9mm to give it's best @ 50yds one needs a slower twist than factory barrels , 32 S&W needs a faster twist , 38 special with 148 HBWC needs a faster twist although the Colt with it's 1 in 16 is better than S&W 1 in 18.75 . Both the 22LR & 45acp shoot just fine with factory twist . A whole lot of considerations depending on your intended purpose . If you shoot at shorter ranges that's OK & you've less to worry about .

I would buy K-22 or a K-38.They generally are far more accurate than we are.

Find a K-38 with the long barrel and never look back.

As stated above, a M 14, I have a 14-4, is VERY accurate. But, if you are serious, and if you can find one, a 627-0 is a great gun. I don't shoot mine too often,but it is one awesome S&W.

About a year and a half ago, I started shooting IDPA. To do so, I pulled out my vintage 1986 686 4" for the duty. It's out-of-the-box stock, and does the job quite well.

But it didn't take long for me to realize that competitive shooting requires a lot of practice. My 4" 686 is my all-time favorite gun; and the thought of putting a boatload or rounds through it (even target-power rounds) didn't sit well with me. Nor did the thought of doing any modifications to it.

Time for a dedicated competition revolver.

I got what I thought was the only logical choice (for me): A Model 67 (I know; it's not a .357). So about two months ago, I bought one new. I immediately had trigger work done; chamfered charge holes; and a fiber optic front sight installed.

It performs admirably. It is truly a great gun to shoot. It locks up nice n tight and everything that comes out of it goes right where I aim it. I did a steel shoot with it this past weekend (my first competition with it since the mods). I was the only revolver out there; and I will rather proudly state that I held my own. Granted, "I only compete against myself" (code for "I'm not very good" ), but I did pretty well for my first steel shoot. I fired 201 rounds - i.e. I only missed my target once.

I am extremely pleased with my new dedicated target/competition revolver. I have a lot of Smith revolvers, but this one is my first K-frame. I've been missing out all these years.

I know you are thinking 357, but here's an option… For just target shooting, you might want to change it up and run a single action 22. I know it's not a S&W (don't worry I have 4 of them), but I just picked this Ruger Single Ten up. Beautiful gun, great feel in the hand, fiber optic sights and SS with rosewood grips. Accurate like you dream about. Cost about $525 and a whole lot cheaper to shoot than a 357!

I have two of them Love them - I gave one to my daughter and I was feeling to happy one day and gave the NIB Ruger single 10 to my buddy--- 21 year old son for FREE. I got tired of the 22. I like to shoot the 66- That is one gun I may look at. Why 357 or 9mm. First - I do shoot 38's out of all my 357. 2nd.- I have over 20,000 rounds of 9 mm in my two safes. I should look at 45 revolvers also.

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Get a Sig for the 9mm and go shoot your 686 and enjoy.
Frank.

If .357 is your choice, the 586/686 cannot be beat.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

Got to love those sig. I love my SW rev. but would be nice to see Sig. come out with one. I have 9 mm sigs- I just picked up the Sig 1911 nickel - Love the trigger on them and they shoot dam good. I picked up the sig P210 also. The 210 has the history like the SW 41. I'm learning what ammo that gun likes. So far had no problems with Winchester white box. From walmart, There I said it -walmart

I just received my first S&W revolver- a 99% Model 14-3, made in 1969. I did a lot of looking around, at the newer high-dollar S&W's before taking a shot on the older gun, knowing its reputation. Man, I have NO regrets! The trigger on this gun is simply amazing! It's double action pull is so light, so smooth that the first time I pulled it through, it released before I even realized it- or could put my thumb in front of the hammer to block its fall. I would take this over ANY modern/new S&W. So, my advice would be to look for an older match grade or Highway Patrol grade revolver in .357. I agree with others, though- questioning your choice of "target" and "9mm/.357" in the same sentence. (Match grade 9mm, I'll take my CZ-75 Shadow Target semi-auto, thank you very much!)
If you're bent on a .357 target revolver, I found this on G/B just now- auction's up in 4-1/2 hours, but this would be the one fer' me: S&W 686-3 National Match 357mag revolver stainless : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Wes

Very very nice- thanks for showing me. That will do it.

The newest S&W in 9mm is for rapid fire and inspired no doubt by Jerry Miculek. I expect the 986 (L frame, 7 shot) is very accurate as well as relatively massive for a steady aim. There is a longer barrel 929, N-frame, 8 shot, compensator version also. They are both Performance Center, Jerry Miculek signature models.

I have a 686 no dash, 686-3 and a 681. I love them all. However I am on the lookout for a really nice Model 14 Target Masterpiece as I don't have a 38 specific target shooter and I think the Md 14 would suit me just fine.

The very definition of "target revolver" is a model 14 K-38 with 6" barrel, & three T's, target stocks, target hammer, & target trigger..........

My 14-3 has 2 Ts with wood grips from Thailand and the 8-3/8" barrel. It's amazingly accurate.

What type of target shooting. If it's slow fire or "Bullseye" shooting, any of the 6" revolvers mentioned like the K38, model 14 or 19 or even the 586 or 686. You mentioned it had to be a .357. Why. Do you plan to shoot mostly .357. If it's for general range use, you could get any of the 4,5 or 6" versions in K or L frame. I shoot a 6" & 4" 686 & find the 6" more accurate & the 4" is quicker from target to target. You already have a 686. Just get another barrel length. If you're planning to compete, there are guns out there that may be specific to the type of competition.
Good luck.

For me, my M14-2 2 T's and target front sight is just the thing.

So are my 3 target .44's from 1921, 1955 & 1983.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

"It must be 9mm or 357. "

Attacking the premise is not always helpful, but I too wondered about the choices.

I would, and do, use a Model 14. I know its not the proper name, but people call it the Target Masterpiece for a reason lol. I use mine as my edc, unless I have to go into town

If you want to practice with something you would carry, I would then say a model 60. But other than that, no, a 686 IMO reigns supreme.

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Still just a kid at heart

Besides my new 52-2 I would reach for my 27-2 8 3/8




If I wanted a new target gun?

Smith and Wesson, right!

???

Model 629 .44 Magnum® Hunter



Or a .22 A 17 or 617

For little tiny groups (out to 50 yards.):



A Model 10. (With slight changes.) Feed it HBWCs.
If you like larger groups, then start with a Model 13 or 65 if.357 Mag is absolutely required. But most paper isn't that tough...

As always you guys know your guns. 686 -5in,6in. seems to be the next gun. I just like the 357 and then shoot 38p..

Neither of which qualifies for the OP's caliber criteria.

Revisiting this thread, I think 357 is kind of a crazy choice for "target shooting" or would require a very precise context. I believe real target contests, whether bullseye or rapid fire, involve low recoil guns for the most part. Of the two caliber choices allowed, I would go with the 9mm.

That said, my 4" 686 is very accurate and quite satisfying to shoot. I wouldn't consider a 50-100 round outing fun though. The 5" GP100 is even better but without the slick trigger job I have on the 686.