|
|
04-11-2017, 10:42 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
S&W 686+ .357 Magnum.
I have three S&W 442-2,638-3,M&P BG .38 SPL.+P Sunbies, and I have a S&W 1911CT .45 Auto.I been eye balling a S&W 686+ 357 Magnum 4". I would like to here some what opinions you all may have about the revolver, good and bad before I make up my mind?Thanks
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
Last edited by MCorps0311; 04-11-2017 at 10:44 AM.
|
04-11-2017, 10:47 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 113
Likes: 15
Liked 448 Times in 64 Posts
|
|
I love it!!
I really enjoy mine!!
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 10:54 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
|
|
Sir,
I have two; a dash 4 and a dash 6, and am well-satisfied with both. Both have manufacturer's flaws, but they are very minor. Some here have been reporting having to send more recent examples back to the plant with more serious flaws, but I don't know how prevalent that is. You didn't mention the dash# of the one you're 'eyeballing', but regardless, every revolver should be examined as carefully as possible before buying.
Best wishes,
Andy
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 10:57 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Just West of Houston
Posts: 3,468
Likes: 787
Liked 4,674 Times in 2,062 Posts
|
|
Depends what/how you are going to use it. It is a really good gun.it will outlive you, but barrel length and weight are something to be considered also depending on what it will be used for.
Like any gun it is best to shoot one to know your thoughts about it before buying one. I have bought many guns that had great reviews but which I sold because I just wasn't all that impressed/thrilled with the gun.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 11:15 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 3,543
Liked 3,996 Times in 1,627 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCorps0311
I have three S&W 442-2,638-3,M&P BG .38 SPL.+P Sunbies, and I have a S&W 1911CT .45 Auto.I been eye balling a S&W 686+ 357 Magnum 4". I would like to here some what opinions you all may have about the revolver, good and bad before I make up my mind?Thanks
|
IMHO, THE S&W 686+, WITH A 4" BARREL, IS THE FINEST, AND MOST VERSATILE .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION. IT IS PERFECT FOR HD AND SD. IT IS EASILY CONCEALED, OR CARRIED IN THE FIELD. IT IS A VERY ACCURATE RANGE GUN, WITH .38 SPECIAL TARGET AMMO. IT IS VERY WELL BUILT, AND IT CAN HANDLE A STEADY DIET OF EVEN THE HOTTEST FACTORY OR BOUTIQUE .357 AMMO.......
SO IN SHORT, IT IS THE ONE GUN THAT CAN DO IT ALL. IF I WAS FORCED TO SELL OFF ALL OF MY MANY HANDGUNS (GOD FORBID) AND JUST KEEP ONE, THIS WOULD BE THE ONE THAT I WOULD KEEP.......
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 11:39 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Blue Ridge Mtns
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 1,281
Liked 4,401 Times in 1,367 Posts
|
|
It's one of two revolvers I own currently...and a classic, imho, though mine is a 3" version.
I think you'll love it.
__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 02:30 PM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 12,990
Likes: 17,229
Liked 41,503 Times in 9,146 Posts
|
|
I love my 4" 686+, as does everyone that I let shoot it.
My husband swears it's possessed, because it seems to shoot great groups, even when your not trying very hard.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 03:09 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: New England, USA
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 3,068
Liked 4,294 Times in 1,610 Posts
|
|
The only thing better than a 4" 686+ is a 5" version :-)
__________________
Dave
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 04:38 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowman
Sir,
I have two; a dash 4 and a dash 6, and am well-satisfied with both. Both have manufacturer's flaws, but they are very minor. Some here have been reporting having to send more recent examples back to the plant with more serious flaws, but I don't know how prevalent that is. You didn't mention the dash# of the one you're 'eyeballing', but regardless, every revolver should be examined as carefully as possible before buying.
Best wishes,
Andy
|
The The 686+ is a 7 shot cylinder capacity,and the 686 is a 6 shot snowman.
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
|
04-11-2017, 04:56 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest MT
Posts: 2,457
Likes: 9,823
Liked 3,352 Times in 1,336 Posts
|
|
I have a dash 4, 686+ in a 6 inch barrel, and it's awesome. Years ago, I duty carried a 4" 686 that I should never have let go. While I haven't shot any of the newer versions, I think the L frame S&W is one of the best revolvers ever produced. I hope it works out well for you, as I am sure it will.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 04:59 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 1,063
Liked 1,509 Times in 650 Posts
|
|
I've been looking at them, handling them, and in general wanting one too. Almost everything I hear, see or read has been overwhelmingly positive, with the exception of a few having manufacturing flaws that likely could have been easily detected before purchase given proper, close scrutiny/inspection. So to echo snowman, I'd say buy one you can put your hands on first and take a good hard gander at. Refusal policy or no refusal policy in place, i personally wouldn't want the hassle of returning something that disappointed me. By the way, you don't have to go into the inspection CONVINCED there must be something wrong with it that you just aren't seeing... lol. Believe it or not, they're still making at least a few perfect guns. Good luck. I think the four" is a great length.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 05:31 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 8,389
Likes: 2,476
Liked 13,054 Times in 4,535 Posts
|
|
I can't say enough good things about a 686+. I have three, a 2.5", a 3", and a 4". Why? Because I like them, that's why!
You will enjoy every minute of owning a 686+.
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 05:40 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: WV
Posts: 2,427
Likes: 390
Liked 2,828 Times in 1,258 Posts
|
|
[QUOTE=Wee Hooker;139550619]The only thing better than a 4" 686+ is a 5" version :-)[/QUOTE
My current favorite is my 686-5+ with 5" barrel.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 05:56 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Lincoln Co. NC
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 8,497
Liked 3,677 Times in 1,228 Posts
|
|
I've mentioned this in several posts before when someone asks about the 686. It was the first Smith I bought and will be the last to go. It is a 686-6 plus 4". I'm not that great of a shot but I can hit golf balls with it. I liked it so much I bought another exactly like it.
__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 08:02 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCorps0311
The The 686+ is a 7 shot cylinder capacity,and the 686 is a 6 shot snowman.
|
Yes, both of mine are "+"(7-round) models; not sure I understand your response -unless it has something to do with the dash #'s? If so, those refer to the engineering changes in the model line, and are stamped in the frame immediately following the model number.
Andy
Last edited by snowman; 04-11-2017 at 08:06 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 08:23 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: St. Louis Missouri
Posts: 158
Likes: 274
Liked 170 Times in 76 Posts
|
|
Great guns!
I've got a 2.5" and a 3"....
Heaven forbid the " walk out the door with only one handgun " but one of them might be it...,
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 08:41 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 184
Likes: 644
Liked 287 Times in 95 Posts
|
|
I like the 686 so much I own three of them, a 2-1/2 inch 686-4, a 4 inch 686-5, and a 6 inch 686-6. I'm probably not done buying them yet, I'd like to add a Performance Center model as well.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
|
04-11-2017, 08:43 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 812
Likes: 399
Liked 725 Times in 366 Posts
|
|
Great gun, one of my favorites. I have a 4", dash 4.
__________________
Guns + Dogs= Bliss
|
04-11-2017, 08:45 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Seattle Washington
Posts: 895
Likes: 3,818
Liked 3,801 Times in 733 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by one eye joe
IMHO, THE S&W 686+, WITH A 4" BARREL, IS THE FINEST, AND MOST VERSATILE .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION. IT IS PERFECT FOR HD AND SD. IT IS EASILY CONCEALED, OR CARRIED IN THE FIELD. IT IS A VERY ACCURATE RANGE GUN, WITH .38 SPECIAL TARGET AMMO. IT IS VERY WELL BUILT, AND IT CAN HANDLE A STEADY DIET OF EVEN THE HOTTEST FACTORY OR BOUTIQUE .357 AMMO.......
SO IN SHORT, IT IS THE ONE GUN THAT CAN DO IT ALL. IF I WAS FORCED TO SELL OFF ALL OF MY MANY HANDGUNS (GOD FORBID) AND JUST KEEP ONE, THIS WOULD BE THE ONE THAT I WOULD KEEP.......
|
Yes One Eye Joe, I could not have said it better. The 586 and 686, 686+ is a weakness for me. I have five or six in total. I am weak enough to buy another one, or two.
and this Model 65-1
Last edited by Mehutch; 05-24-2017 at 06:16 PM.
|
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 08:49 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Liked 95 Times in 39 Posts
|
|
My first Smith was a 686+ 6" and when I purchased a 617 I was disappointed as it was no where near the smoothness of the 686. There is nothing wrong with the 617 but the 686 just outclass it as well as every other handgun I have ever owned. Like others have said it will be the last one that goes.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 09:06 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In transit
Posts: 820
Likes: 1,397
Liked 2,335 Times in 509 Posts
|
|
Neither of mine are seven shots but the 686/586 681/581 Line of Revolvers are what I'd say are the Apex of Smith and Wesson Revolvers. The full sized frames with full under lug are tough, absorb felt recoil but are sleeker than say a GP100.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-11-2017, 11:35 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mehutch
|
Wow you have great collection,I like them all but that 586-5, 6" Blue stand's out for me.
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
Last edited by MCorps0311; 04-11-2017 at 11:37 PM.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2017, 12:34 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 1,700
Liked 1,044 Times in 428 Posts
|
|
As stated above, the 686/686+ (depending on your likes regarding capacity) are likely the best wheel gun going, if you ever had to just pick one. Shoot .38s all day long for fun, shoot all the .357 you can handle and when carrying for defense or hunting, stuff it with whatever load you like.
In my opinion, the late 90s 686+ Mountain Gun is the best of the pack for a carry and shooting gun! It's profile cuts a few ounces off and the trigger is oooohhhh so smooth right from the box. I absolutely love mine and while I don't carry it much now, it will likely never go away until I do. Never know when the bug will bite to strap it back on or send some lead downrange.
|
04-12-2017, 02:18 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: IL
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1,986
Liked 2,356 Times in 560 Posts
|
|
I looked at a 686+ 3" yesterday that was $659. Got me thinking
Cory
__________________
Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2017, 03:46 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Blue Ridge Mtns
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 1,281
Liked 4,401 Times in 1,367 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by richcory
I looked at a 686+ 3" yesterday that was $659. Got me thinking
Cory
|
That's about what I paid about a year and a half ago for my 3".
Great gun.
__________________
642-1, M&P15 TS
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-12-2017, 04:08 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: IL
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 1,986
Liked 2,356 Times in 560 Posts
|
|
I think I'd prefer a 4"...but
Cory
__________________
Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465
|
04-13-2017, 09:44 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 3,543
Liked 3,996 Times in 1,627 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teep
My first Smith was a 686+ 6" and when I purchased a 617 I was disappointed as it was no where near the smoothness of the 686. There is nothing wrong with the 617 but the 686 just outclass it as well as every other handgun I have ever owned. Like others have said it will be the last one that goes.
|
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, Teep. THE 617 IS NOT EVEN IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THE 686---JUST NO COMPARISON.....
__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.
|
04-13-2017, 11:23 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
I made that move today,I changed my mind about the S&W 686+,and went with the S&W 686-6.I want to think all for your opinions.Here she is.
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
04-14-2017, 12:16 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCorps0311
I made that move today,I changed my mind about the S&W 686+,and went with the S&W 686-6.I want to think all for your opinions.Here she is.
|
MCorps: What dash number is the Plus model you were looking at? As I mentioned earlier, my 686-6(dash 6) IS a Plus(7-round) model, as is my 686-4. I'm not sure I understand your post; it seems to be saying that a 686-6(dash 6) is different than a 686+, when in fact the 686-6s came in both the six round or seven round("+") configurations. Can you help me out here?
At any rate, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new gun; the 686 is one of S&W's best designs, in my view.
Regards,
Andy
|
04-14-2017, 07:29 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Derby City,Ky.
Posts: 4,675
Likes: 5,277
Liked 3,503 Times in 1,680 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by snowman
MCorps: What dash number is the Plus model you were looking at? As I mentioned earlier, my 686-6(dash 6) IS a Plus(7-round) model, as is my 686-4. I'm not sure I understand your post; it seems to be saying that a 686-6(dash 6) is different than a 686+, when in fact the 686-6s came in both the six round or seven round("+") configurations. Can you help me out here?
At any rate, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new gun; the 686 is one of S&W's best designs, in my view.
Regards,
Andy
|
The 686+ I was looking at didn't look nothing like the one I bought, and it was a 7 shot.This is my first and only 686-6,I don't know what tell you.I'm sure you know more about the 686 series than I.Mine is a 686-6 Pro Series.
__________________
Life is short,live it fully.
|
04-14-2017, 11:24 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
|
|
Not that important, MCorps; I was mainly interested in learning exactly which plus model you were looking at. Thank you for responding, and enjoy shooting your new gun.
Regards,
Andy
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
04-15-2017, 02:07 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 106
Likes: 321
Liked 108 Times in 42 Posts
|
|
Congratulations, you bought a fine revolver.
|
04-15-2017, 02:43 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,304
Likes: 2,719
Liked 5,046 Times in 1,439 Posts
|
|
The indoor range I frequent has 686-6 4" as one of the rental guns. the round count is north of 10k. It's been cleaned maybe once or twice, if at all. The trigger quality, largely due to the round count, feels like a top shelf action job. Still a bit heavy in the springs, but shockingly smooth for a gun with no action work.
I have a couple earlier 686's. My first S&W was. 686 no dash, which I still have. I've been meaning to get 3" 686+ for a while now. Just can't find one used.
|
05-24-2017, 04:36 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MCorps0311
I have three S&W 442-2,638-3,M&P BG .38 SPL.+P Sunbies, and I have a S&W 1911CT .45 Auto.I been eye balling a S&W 686+ 357 Magnum 4". I would like to here some what opinions you all may have about the revolver, good and bad before I make up my mind?Thanks
|
I have a 4" and a 6" Magnum and after all these years, I prefer to use the 4" one. It is just my personal choice. I think it's easier to use than the 6" one.
|
05-24-2017, 10:34 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 322
Likes: 59
Liked 109 Times in 60 Posts
|
|
Have owned and shot a lot of revolvers and the 686 Plus 4" is my favorite.
|
05-24-2017, 11:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Westside, WA.
Posts: 98
Likes: 46
Liked 90 Times in 31 Posts
|
|
I had this exact 686+ in the same dash 5 version, mine was a round butt his looks square unless he found some conversation grips. It was a solid preformer, handled even the stiffest 357 Magnum loads with apomb.
I'd say perhaps my only complaint would be that the double-action pull wasn't quite as smooth as some of my older Smith's. Kinda chunky for a .357, but that Keeps the recoil down with the hot stuff.
Should you choose to get one I think you'll be well served by it.
41
__________________
This ain't no coon hunt
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|