Hi first post so thanks for the help. I have been looking into picking up a new revolver. I currently have a 4in gp100 and love shooting it. so I have been looking into smith revolvers, and there is clearly no shortage of choices. I have looked at and had the chance to handle but not shoot the 686. it a very nice gun as I'm sure most already know. it feels great in my hand and seems like it would make not only a fun range gun but something i could carry. I have not seen the 627 pc in person only online. I realize there are some physical differences in the guns. Im having trouble based on the pics if there is much difference in the grip sizes in the guns. It almost looks to me like the grips on the 627 are smaller is the correct?
other than that question could i just get some impressions from owners and shooters of both guns? I have search this forum for the last couple weeks but thought I would go ahead and ask what people thought. thanks in advance for the help.

Josh

The grip frame on the 686 and 627 are almost identical. All kinds of grips are available that could fit either one to just about any hand. The overall size of the 686 is very similar to your GP 100. The 627 is larger overall and considerably heavier than the 686. If you are considering a short barrel version of either one for concealed carry, most would say the 686 is easier to carry. The 627 does hold 8 shots compared to 6 (or 7 in the 686+).

I played around with both at the lgs prior to settling on the 686 (bought on the web). The 627 has a shorter grip and an 8 round cylinder. It doesn't balance well to me. It was a pretty easy choice for me to make. Triggers are about the same. Also tried out the 586 L-Comp. If I had it to do over again, I'd have bought the L-Comp.

I did see an l -comp a a gun store but did not really look at it. I just was not sure about the porting in terms of looks. why would you have gone that way? having the extra barrel length would be nice.

I adapt easily to many different styles, barrels and frames. Doesn't mean I'm as accurate with every one I shoot as I could be, but I shoot many different model Smith's. I have my favorites for sure.

I have many of the 586 and 686 models short and long barrels, 6 shot and 7 shot. For carry, the 686 plus (7 shot) 2.5" is a great way to go. It's around 8-10 oz. lighter than a 627 PC.

You also mentioned range shooting. The 2.5 of course would be more challenging to do a lot of range shooting...but practicing with your carry is imperative.

I like the 627 too, about 50 0z.. I like the higher capacity. And I'm a big guy and I like "N" frames. I can conceal an "N" frame 2.5 without too much trouble. I also port some of my favorite carry's. Which many shooters don't like due to a louder report, and with some powders, a little more flash. But hey, I notice a considerable reduction in muzzle flip. (you wear ear protection anyway...so what's the problem with noise, and it's really not that bad anyway.)

Like any choice you make...it comes down to YOUR personal preference.

I really like them both. Lighter is better for carry. My everyday carry is a M337. Only 10.5 oz. that really is nice after all day.

Attached Images

Model 337.jpg (87.1 KB, 67 views)

The 627 PC (2-1/2") has boot grips that only come down to the bottom of the grip ("N") frame while the 686+ grips ("L") extends below it. You can add bigger to the 627 or smaller to the 686+ if you like.

Here's an article on the PC 686+, to get you revved up.
One Wicked Wheelgun -PC 686 Plus- American Hangunner 2015 Annual

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Waiting for the break of day

I have had the 2.5 inch 686 since 1986. The gun shoots great and handles great. A good gun belt and holster make carrying it very easy. It is a great range gun and fun to shoot at 50 yards. The rang master and I always finish off at 50 yards. That old guy can shoot a revolver. I have only tied him once but one day I will win!!!!

Tony P

Josh, the 2.5 and 3 inch 686's are round butt grips and can be adapted to square butt if needed, which means that the choice of grips is substantial. You will find something that suits you. I replaced the wood grips on my 2.5 inch 686PC with smaller and stickier Hogue Bantam rubber grips because I couldn't hold on to it shooting the magnum loads I use for carry. I have the 3 inch 686Plus also and would recommend that one over the 2.5 inch. It balances better in the hand, and has the full length extractor rod which speeds reloads for self-defense. The half inch extra barrel can only benefit with better sight radius and ballistics, and is no harder to conceal. The Performance Center version has a sweeter trigger action but you can always send a 686 back to Smith for the Master Revolver Action Package.

Like virtually everyone here, we all have experience with the venerable 686, that was the last revolver our agency used in K-frame I believe.

I would respectfully submit that either the PC 627 or 586 L-Comp is the better choice and worth the extra coin if you're going to have the weapon long term, and particularly if this choice will see significant carry. You do have to pack an extra 3 oz with either the 37 oz. 586 L-Comp or the similarly weighted 627, but a small issue given the arguable advantages over the 34 oz. 686.

I have two Performance Center 627 UDR's and a 586 L-Comp. Both the 627 and 586 L-Comp carry and conceal very well, with the 586's narrower cylinder making carrying a little easier, especially if you're going to use IWB, but not a big enough difference to base your choice on unless IWB carry is a must. I use a Galco Combat Master for the 627 and a Galco High Ride Silhouette for the 586 L-Comp as I am qualified with this weapon with my agency and need the retention of that holster. You can get a good idea of the difference in cylinder circumference from the moon clips in the picture below.

Both came with good smooth action out of the box, but the 586 L-Comp had somewhat heavy pull. Both weapons have been to TK Custom for action jobs to get them from good to best; a worthy investment for any carry revolver. I also had the 586 L-Comp sights changed out for XS Systems night sights (the Trijicon night sight that comes on the L-Comp is so small it is just about worthless unless you're an owl).

Shootability - the 627 just barely gets the nod with just a spectacularly smooth trigger stroke. Both are balanced in the hand. I will also mention the compensator port on the L-Comp doesn't make a difference to me unless you're in to some pretty hot .357 Magnum loads. For say, .357 Magnum Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel JHP's, either of these weapons are great.

The L-Comp is just a bit more finicky about moon clip selection, and the S&W carbon steel ones are the best all around and will drop virtually anything in your chambers, and the carbon steel doesn't bend when I carry a reload in my pants pocket day in and day out. Alloy clips such as TK Custom are very nice, durable, but bend more readily. I use their alloy 0.025 with Federal American Eagle .38 Special for competition.

Okay, if I only had to be left with one of these weapons, it's the 586 L-Comp simply because of the night sights. Having said that, the 627 gets shot a lot more. There's no bad choice here, and these are my last carry revolver purchases unless S&W starts releasing L or N frame short barrels in 9mm.

Attached Images

586&627.jpg (181.9 KB, 148 views)

Here is my 4" 686 next to my 627PC. My 686 is a 29yr old square butt, while the 627PC is a round butt. Note that the 627PC has a 3-finger grip, that may take some getting used depending on your hand size.

Loaded, both weights are nearly identical :

• 4" S&W 686 6rd of 158gr = 43.0oz
• 2.62" S&W627PC 8rd 158gr = 42.4oz

IMO, I love my 686 the best, as I have owned this thing nearly 30yr. Had some initial issues with the 627PC trigger pull. It turned out that the Performance Center had NOT worked/lubed the trigger. After a DIY trigger job, the 627PC shoots just fine.

great looking collection you have. I think the 686 may be more what Im looking for. the extra shot would be nice and I realize the grip would not be that hard yo change on the 627. but I think I would rather have something set up more tony liking from the starts. thanks to you and others for the help figuring the grip out. Its just hard at times to tell from pictures. some times they would look the same to me others the 686 looked bigger and then the color of the two would look the same and others the 627 seemed to be a darker color of wood.

Looks like the 686pc might be the one for me. My wife really likes it much more than the match champion I was thinking about picking up.seems like it will be great gun to add to my small collection.

Bought my 686 PC last September and love it. The trigger is as good as my Python. It's my EDC. Good choice!

Looks like a good choice, however I would consider what other revolvers you already own before settling on a 7rd. For example, my three revolvers pictured above, each have DIFFERENT speed loaders:

• 5rd HKS
• 6rd HKS
• 8rd Moon Clips

If YOU already have a 6rd .357/.38 revolver, then I would stay with the 6rd version of the 686 IMO. OR, if your already have a 7rd, same thing.

I have tried to minimize my own confusion by staying with the same caliber ammo, but having different speed loaders for each weapon requires paying closer attention each and every time you are switching carry weapons.

Just a thought...