I'm in the process of purchasing a new 686-6+ 3" and was wondering what those of you who have owned one or still do think about the 3" specifically.

I have wanted one for some time and already own a 4" 586 no dash unmodified and love it but wanted a shooter to wear in my holster so I could put the blued one in the safe (especially since they seem to be appreciating in value so much lately).

I can't wait to pick it up and plan on shooting the h*** out of it for the rest of my life but that will have to wait ten days since I live in California, so I thought I'd talk about it in the mean time with those of you who already have one. Feel free to add some pics too! I will be adding mine as soon as I get it.

As a side note, Ahrends boot or Ahrends retro combat? Thoughts and pics please!

I like mine. It balances well in the hand and shoots nice too.

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Had a 3" 586.......great gun;wish I'd kept it ....... but.................


as a concealed carry gun IWB or outside...... I would always go with a 2.5 or 3 inch K-frame and leave the L at home...........

Open carry I'd always opt for a 4 inch 686...................

I'm biased, but think you made a great choice for a fun shooter that you can also conceal well. For open carry or strictly range work, a 4 or 5 inch is great. For concealment only, there are easier choices. For a "concealable" revolver that can go to the range and comfortably and accurately spit 158gr .357 all day long, you picked the right one, IMHO.

The middle one is yours.



BTW, I'm a female senior citizen of average physique, and regularly enjoy sessions of 100-150 rounds of factory 158gr FMJ .357 with that 3". I'd shoot more if it were less expensive.

Bought the 686+ 3" Talo edition and am very happy with it.
No regrets.

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2B1ASK1

I've been enjoying the 3" 686+ I purchased back in December.

I was somewhat surprised that I had to adjust the windage quite a bit to the right but other than that there are no issues that I'm aware of.

Classic firearm in both appearance and function imho.

Congrats.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Had a CS 3" 686. I'd rather have a K frame in a 357 snub.

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K & N S&W revolvers

Thanks for the comments and pics everyone, I'll update this thread when I take it to the range.

[QUOTE=bigwheelzip;139093419]I'm biased, but think you made a great choice for a fun shooter that you can also conceal well. For open carry or strictly range work, a 4 or 5 inch is great. For concealment only, there are easier choices. For a "concealable" revolver that can go to the range and comfortably and accurately spit 158gr .357 all day long, you picked the right one, IMHO.

This was my logic when I made the decision to go with the 3" as I mentioned I already have a 4" 586 no dash and have been impressed with its accuracy in my hands. I'm not a very good shot with auto pistols as my Dad only had revolvers growing up. I've been shooting autos the last several years and finally switched back to revolvers primarily when I found the 586. I didn't want to buy the exact same gun in a 4" but wanted to try a different barrel length, after watching a lot of videos and reading pros and cons between the 4 and 3 inch versions I opted for the latter. Hickok45's video had a little bit to do with that too, I figured if he can reach out to 80 yards with a 3" barrel then it's more than accurate enough for fun range use.

My 3" 686+ has yet to get to the range but that time fast approaches. If it shoots as well as my 2.5" or my 4" 686+ it will make me very happy and - guess what - I bet it does!

Great guns!

Yep new 686 + 7 shot 3" ,best carry combat 357 I ever used. Much nicer to shoot than the older M19-66-13. Great protection wheelgun!! These are tuff well made magnums that will not shoot loose like the old sw's.

Any grip suggestions for the 3"?

I love the way wood grips look, but they hurt me shooting magnum loads. The stock rubber is fine, but for me, the Hogue Bantam rubber absorbs shock better, while providing a slightly more compact shape for concealment.



Stock 3" left, Hogue Bantam Middle.

I purchased some hogue bantams and love the size and feel of the grip. Only thing is there is quite a large gap towards the bottom of the grip. I thought it might be caused by the width of the stock pin so I ground it down a bit with a file but there's still a gap there that runs almost half way up the grip. I can squeeze it together but the gap returns once I release it. Is this normal?

Mine is perfect, could not slide a piece of paper between the grip and frame anywhere. I remember seeing someone else post a picture of a stubborn gap problem with that grip, so it's not unheard of.

BTW, the Hogue install video has a handy hint for grip removal using credit cards, if you don't have the install tool.

Thanks for the video, I watched it and am convinced that I have a defective set. I'm going to return them and buy a new set. I've tried multiple times to get them to snap into place but it seems to me that the holes at the bottom of the channel were not drilled properly/I.e.not deep enough, no big deal I'm sure the next set will work fine. I did have the removal tool and as I said before I really like the feel of these grips, they are perfect for my size hand. I am also looking into various wood grips as well.

I have a pair of Ahrends combat grips made from Moradillo on my 629 3". They look great and I would call them a poor man's S&W combat grip. But for $250 less, you get an attractive pair of nice wood.

However, they sting the bejeezus out of my hands shooting 44mag rounds. The original pachs didn't do that, but I would rather have attractive over ugly. Plus the rubber pachs trapped moisture underneath and was starting to cause surface rust. So they had to go.

Finally got some pics to upload!

Got yourself a fine shootin' iron. Your next challenge is to keep it fed. It's got a voracious appetite.
Enjoy.

No pics but you will really enjoy the gun. I bought the Talo version and can not say enough about it.

mine is an old school 6 shooter... a 686-0 CS-1 2M... great shooter and not too big for carry... the perfect 357... was designed for the round...

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I have the 2.5 inch 686-4 pre-lock seven shooter. Love it and it is spot on with Rem 125gr SJHP bullets. Late at night when I get home I slip the 2.5" into the pocket and my dog and I go for a walk. Very comforting to have. I'd like to get the 3" barrel but $850 for 1/2 inch more is not in the cards.

I have several 686's and have to say that the 3" plus is my favorite. It is handy to carry and I usually have it on my side in the mountains when I am out and about. Mine is very accurate with a variety of .357 loads but really likes Remingtion 125 grain Golden Saber HP. Below is a six shot group at 25 yards.

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