New to Revolvers, so please pardon all of the noob questions.
More into semi-auto. But, my daughter liked the SW M&P R8 we rented recently at the range, so I've always wanted a nice revolver....and if it keeps her interested......
I'm looking at either a new 686 4 or 5 inch.
Thinking of getting the Plus for the extra round.
However, what does the Pro series give you??
Also, I saw a nice 5 inch 686 Plus with an unfluted cylinder at the range today with black/grey grips with 3 5 7 on it.
Any advantage to unfluted? I like the looks of the fluted.
Any advantage to 4 over 5 inch? Assume 4 inch is ezier to conceal if I were to.
Currently have BG380, Shield, and FS 9mm for concealment.
THANKS and again SORRY!!!!!!!

R8 is an N frame and not a 686.
It has 8 round capacity and tuned action.

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Generally, better finish IMO (that satin bead blasted stainless which you may like or hate) and better trigger. Possibly nicer wood grips but I think they come with Hogues.

If you are comparing it to the R8, it is a 8 shot cylinder as mentioned above and a completely different animal from a 686+

Pro series models have slab sided barrels and if I remember correctly are two piece barrels and are cut to use moon clips. Moon clips allow you to load 7 fresh rounds and eject the spent cartridges all at once. Pro Series also have a different front sight than the standard 686plus.



You saw one of the TALO edition Smith and Wessons. They come in 3inch, 5inch and 7inch barrel lengths (3-5-7). They all have unfluted cylinders and special edition stocks/grips. Other than those two differences they are the same as the normal 686plus revolvers. Although, you cannot get a 686plus in a 5 inch barrel length from Smith besides the Pro series.


None, besides the look.


Longer barrel = more accuracy, and FPS. More weight takes some of the bite from firing 357 too.

The 'PRO' series gives you a thinner wallet!

I have one of the three inch 686 Plus Deluxe 3-5-7's on layaway and am jonesing BAD to get it out. I chose the three inch because I already have a new four inch 586 and a Mar/Apr1984 686. Be careful with these Smith's, they can be deceptively addictive. I only owned semi's until January, then kablam! Got bit in the *** bad!

Thanks all!!! I should have said that I knew that the R8 was a larger frame gun with 8 rnd capacity. Was a great shooter!!! But, pricey. Unfortunately, there are not very many med/large SW's around here to put my hands on. A few 686's were at the range.

If your looking for an L-frame range gun for your daughter, the Pro Series gives you a target oriented 5" that weighs less than a standard 4".

Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

During long range sessions, it'll be easier to hold in outstretched hands.

Also it's all stainless, so easier to maintain.

bigwheelzip that is the one that I'm leaning toward!
But, was wondering if the Pro is worth the extra $120 over the 4 inch Plus or the 5 inch Talo with the unfluted cylinder.
I have touched only the 686 4inch, Talo 5inch, and Talo 7inch. Didn't care for the Talo grips and like the looks of the fluted cylinder.
Would really touch the Pro Series.

The 3-5-7 wood grips are attractive, but unpleasant to shoot IMO.

The PRO with slab-sided barrel seems to balance nicely, but haven't shot it a ton.

I do have a couple of TALO 3-5-7s, and replacing the grips was first on the agenda. The x-frame grips, made by Hogue, are some of the softest-shooting options on the market.

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The Pro Series also gets you a forged trigger and hammer, hand honed by a performance center gun smith, then disassembled to check everything on the inside before shipping.

I don't have that model, but I'd always pick the Performance Center option if it was available on a gun I wanted. The PC 686 I do have has a much smoother action than my standard 686's.

Plus you get a longer sight radius than the 4" with less weight and target sights and grips. Win-Win in my book.

I am in the same boat...really want the 5" Pro Series, but would like to get my hands on it first. No LGS have it in store.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, but if you liked the N frame 8-shot but don't want to pay for an R8, why not a 627? It's about the same price as the 686 pro with the same basic looks. (Though, it's a little prettier than the 686 pro due to the taller underlug and no through-notch at the elector rod, but that's just my opinion.)

Actually, I have been looking at the 627.....the range only has a few 686's in stock and 1 R8 in the rental. I need to go compare the size of the 686 to the R8, but knowing the 627 will be heavier than both.

Was up in Winston Salem over the weekend and of all places a small dealer had everything I wanted to see, BUT, I did not have time to get by his place!!

In terms of trigger performance, would a 686+ with a return trip to the PC for some trigger work be close to the trigger performance of a PRO Series?

I'm totally new to revolvers too so forgive my ignorance!

I'm new as well, but after dry firing a 686 and a 686 Pro next to each other, their triggers felt remarkably the same. The Pro series has a bossed main spring, but that's nothing earth shattering to swap out for on a regular 686. I'd pick the one you like better.

QUICK UPDATE
Mumbly-Peg I did go with the 627! FINALLY got to put my hands on one and then ordered it thru a friend that has a store near by. Wife really was surprised that she shoots this straight out of the box better than any gun she has shot. Have to admit that my 15 yard shots were better than my MP9 full size!!! That was single action 38's. Will be back at the range this weekend! My daughter is wanting to shoot 'our' gun as she calls it! LOL