Hello all,

I'm considering the purchase of a new revolver. I have many guns already, but this revolver would see regular use in training classes for new students. I'd also like it to be my "go to" revolver for range shooting, since my older Smith revolvers are pretty much classics and I wouldn't want to use them too hard now and break something. I'm thinking the revolver will shoot many more .38's than it will .357 Magnums. Regular concealed carry is not an issue.

I am able to get S&W law enforcement pricing, and have two choices at the exact same price. Both revolvers are within an ounce of each other in weight. I'm a bit stuck on which to choose.

The first choice is the re-introduced Model 66, which S&W says has been made stronger now, and comes with a 4.25 inch barrel. I've owned many a 66 and know pretty much what to expect there, and know I would not go wrong with it. I also have a box full of speed loaders and holsters for it.

The second choice is the Model 686 Plus with a 3-inch barrel. From pictures only (I don't have access to one to handle) I really like the looks of this revolver. As a traditionalist, I'm a bit put off by it being a 7-shooter, but I can live with that. I don't really know how thick and bulky it is though or how it balances. I don't have a holster to fit it, and my favorite Safariland loaders are not available for this model, although HKS units are. I do love 3-inch barreled revolvers though.

Can anyone who owns either or has owned either, especially the 686 Plus, weigh in on the choice? Thanks.

My opinion, go with the 686 plus, its on an L frame & the 7th extra shot may come in handy... I see S&W 7 shot speed loaders in abundance.
The 3 inch 686 plus is on my radar also

Mod 66

I have both. I'd say mod 66. I take it out more. But that's just me.

The 686plus is nice, but try a 4" version before settling on the 3". I absolutely love my 4" 686 6-shot, and of all my handguns is the last I will ever sell.

I've played with the new 66 at my local dealer, but I haven't got to shoot one yet. I have several of the old 66's and 19's, and may still get one of the new 66's. Having said that, I have both a 3" 681+ PC and a 4" 686+. I'd have to take the 686, at least until I shoot the new 66 and lose all sense of perspective.

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Dave Frost

Hmmm, this isn't getting any easier, lol. Riflemann, thanks for the tip on the 4", but it is not one of my choices on the LE price list, only the two I mentioned.

I've got an ancient 4" Model 19 that was my original duty gun from the late 70's and I love it, but I've had enough students drop firearms onto my gravel range that I'm not going to risk that one in their hands.

I'm assuming that the new Model 66 will probably shoot at least as well as all the older 66's I have owned. I suppose it would be the "no brainer" choice since I already have everything I might need for it, but I really like the looks of the 3-inch 686 Plus, if it is not too fat. I'm told it can be hard to find a holster for.

Dont let holster availability stop you from grabbing the 686+. When I first picked up my 686+ 2 1/2" I have to admit I picked up 2 or 3 that didnt quite fit. Then I found the DeSantis. it is made for the Colt, but when I read the reviews a number of reviewers commented how tough it was to find a holster for the 686+ (2 1/2 & 3") but when this one arrived it fit perfectly. Very nice fit with a secure thumb retention strap. Well made and comfortable. If you decide on the 686+ let me know and I'll dig out the Amazon invoice for the model #.



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DeSantis Thumb Break Scabard. Amazon's current price has it at 49.99. Amazon now states it will fit the Colt, AND the S&W L-framed (2 1/2 and 3") revolvers. if the 686+ is what you decide on you wont be disappointed, on the weapon, or the holster.


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686 is a great revolver. Students? I didn't know that departments still trained with revolvers.

I don't have the 66 to compare, but I love my 3" 686+ for combined carry/range duty.
Too bad about not being able to consider the 4" 686+. That is my number one training tool for new shooters, when I transition them from .22lr. Very pleasant to shoot, and very easy for everyone to be accurate with.

A difficult choice but in a good way .

As you state your needs and current situation, I would probably opt for the model 66. However, note the current version has a 4.25" barrel and your older holsters (if tightly fitted and the exact length for a 4" K frame) may not work.

The longer sight radius 'may' make it easier for newer shooters to use, and it would be an easier transition for them to remember to reload at six than seven rounds fired, should they buy their own revolvers (which would more likely be six-shooters).

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Since you say the gun will be used for training new students, the Model 66 would be my choice. A 4" K frame is unbeatable for a new shooter. If they can hit well, they will be more encouraged. An L frame 3" is a great gun but it's better suited to more experienced shooters and magnum loads.

robert1804 stated everything I was going to say as well.

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K & N S&W revolvers

OldCop876,

Perhaps the attached link may help you make up mind.
From Bud's Guns. The 3" Tallo 686.


https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/....kKoMiht2.dpuf

They both stole my thunder.

I have a 686+ 4" and a 66 4". The 66 balances better for me. The new one should handle magnums better than the old one due to barrel design. Students should find the 66 easier to shoot I would think.

A 686 with a 4" barrel would be hard to beat.

Just to throw in a monkey wrench on a Sunday morning.

What about a 60-15 3" j frame? Light, but not too light at 24 oz.

Ok with 357 mag, and great with 38+p.

Accurate with adjustable sights.

I'd go with the 686. Very comfortable to shoot repeatedly in long sessions. It's one sweet shooting gun with a great trigger either in single of double action. A 4" would be great. I have a 6" that is a tad nose heavy, but grips well so it's no problem.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I am partial to the 686+, but as mentioned, I would opt for a longer barrel. Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

I'm retired now and run CCW classes for new shooters. I like to introduce them to centerfire handguns using a revolver. But I go back far enough where I trained many a recruit with revolvers though.