6" 686

richcory · #1 07-06-2017, 11:40 PM

I came across a 6" 686 today, that really has me thinking. I was thinking about being in the market for a 2.0 M&P45, with all the promotions & rebates, but...

It was about $650 if memory is correct. I also didn't take any photos, but I has what I believe to be the original wood stocks on it. Square butt & a no dash. Has been shot & the double action felt very smooth.

Cory

Here are the photos. I'll do a search for it, because I have seen them on this forum elsewhere, but I didn't see the "M" stamp.

Cory

richcory · #2 07-07-2017, 02:42 AM

In hindsight, I just realized I didn't look for the M stamp or look under the stocks.

Cory

and some more...

Cory

bananaman · #3 07-07-2017, 07:25 AM

The "M" would not matter to me. I have a 586, 4" no dash. It will probably never be modified. My 686, is a -3. Good luck with your decision. Bob

Voyager28 · #4 07-07-2017, 07:31 AM

I have a 4" 686 no Dash without the M and have never had even the slightest of issues with it.

I also have a 6" -4 that I dearly love.
IMHO, if it's in decent condition at that price you can't go wrong.

Bob

Eddietruett · #5 07-07-2017, 08:14 AM

I have a 6" 686-1. It is hands down the most accurate gun I've ever owned. I shoot a lot of .38 148gr wc and 158gr swc and it doesn't seem to matter if I use lead or coated. Lately I've been shooting a lot of fairly hot .357 at 50-75 yards and again the 686 shines above all of my others. I've heard a lot here say the full lug makes the 686 muzzle heavy, but for me it balances perfectly. It also helps a lot with the full loads. I gave $650 for mine and wouldn't take $1000 for it. My latest quest is to get a 686 in all barrel lengths.

rwt1405 · #6 07-07-2017, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddietruett

I have a 6" 686-1. It is hands down the most accurate gun I've ever owned. I shoot a lot of .38 148gr wc and 158gr swc and it doesn't seem to matter if I use lead or coated. Lately I've been shooting a lot of fairly hot .357 at 50-75 yards and again the 686 shines above all of my others. I've heard a lot here say the full lug makes the 686 muzzle heavy, but for me it balances perfectly. It also helps a lot with the full loads. I gave $650 for mine and wouldn't take $1000 for it. My latest quest is to get a 686 in all barrel lengths.

I'm working on getting all lengths of the 686 also, so far I've gotten a 2 1/2", 3", 4", and 6" (yes, I sold out on the 3", just really wanted one).

Telecaster · #7 07-07-2017, 09:00 AM

That's a good price. Before I went all Smith, I bought a 6" GP100. Somehow it came, brand new, with an ultra smooth and crisp trigger and it's the last Ruger I'd trade away if it ever came to that.

islamoradamark · #8 07-07-2017, 10:01 AM

I like the 686 smooth ,accurate, reliable and fun

richcory · #9 07-07-2017, 01:04 PM

I have to stop on base today & it's nearby so I'll look at it again probably today.

Cory

revolver_ph · #10 07-07-2017, 03:30 PM

That is a good price if a closer inspection reveals no issues.

My wife and I just got back from a pistol match. She took 1st place with our recently acquired 686 6" shooting a 98 and a 97 at the NRA B-3 50 foot targets.

The photo below is from a few days ago and was the revolver's 1st trip to the range. My wife shot the target on the left off-hand at 50 feet. I shot the target on the right from the bench after sighting in the reflex sight.

richcory · #11 07-07-2017, 04:57 PM

As if to make the decision more difficult. Stopped into a pawn shop on the way to base & found a nice 17-5 6". Same condition as the 686, but the listed price on this was about $780. I realize that might be negotiatable but...

Cory

Eddietruett · #12 07-07-2017, 05:56 PM

Easy decision. Buy them both! Problem solved.

richcory · #13 07-07-2017, 06:11 PM

Ha, I wish it was that easy. Good thoughts though.

Cory

g-dad · #14 07-07-2017, 06:13 PM

Good price on both, maybe a little better on the 686. Which gun will better suit the purpose you have in mind?

richcory · #15 07-07-2017, 06:15 PM

I have wanted a 686 just because of the it was made for full time 357 so I'm leaning that way.

Cory

g-dad · #16 07-07-2017, 06:54 PM

The 686 was my 1st Smith purchase. Easy to shoot and very accurate. Being able to fire .357 and .38 is a bonus.

Did you get it yet?

Scott B. · #17 07-07-2017, 06:54 PM

Cory my 6" .357 is a Stainless GP100 TALO Unfluted but I think everyone can find good use for a 6" .357 so I say snag it and post up those pics!

richcory · #18 07-07-2017, 08:02 PM

I'm trying to talk myself out of it, by watering the yard & working in the house. Plus 75Vette is telling me about a PC 44 that I want also.

Cory

HOUSTON RICK · #19 07-07-2017, 09:10 PM

In my entirely unscientific survey, The 686 is the most popular revolver on this forum. Enjoy.

Scott B. · #20 07-08-2017, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richcory

I'm trying to talk myself out of it, by watering the yard & working in the house. Plus 75Vette is telling me about a PC 44 that I want also.

Cory

Which one would fill a hole in your collection better? That is what it comes down to. What is your toolbox missing?

Ole Joe Clark · #21 07-08-2017, 10:18 AM

If you can afford it, buy it, I have a 4" 686 that I bought new in 1986. It has never let me down, I have noticed though that I can't shoot it as accurately now as then. A friend had bought a 6" about the same time. He still has it. The action is so smooth it's unreal. I only shoot .357 loads in it, have a Mod 19 that I shoot mild loads in.

Get it, you won't regret it.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

WaywardSon · #22 07-08-2017, 10:29 AM

I sold a 6" 686 no dash yesterday for $800 OTD...had a box with only the vapor paper, correct stocks...gun was high 90%...

ridgewalker · #23 07-08-2017, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richcory

As if to make the decision more difficult. Stopped into a pawn shop on the way to base & found a nice 17-5 6". Same condition as the 686, but the listed price on this was about $780. I realize that might be negotiatable but...

Cory

I picked up a slightly used 6 inch 686 about a year ago to fill a hole in my collection and it has become one of my most shot guns. Just about a perfect gun for everything except concealed carry. Accurate and fun.

I like the sound of that 17-5 though. Those are fun plinkers and will help you become a better shooter.

But listen to 75vette. He knows 44 magnums.

Seems like you better eat PB & Jelly for a couple months and get them all.

richcory · #24 07-08-2017, 06:32 PM

It's looking like the PC 44, then I might see if the 686 is still there

Cory

ridgewalker · #25 07-08-2017, 06:49 PM

Cory, Which barrel length and model variation is the 44PC?

richcory · #26 07-08-2017, 07:17 PM

7.5" in a Hunter

Cory

75Vette · #27 07-08-2017, 07:42 PM

Cory, I hope you get the Light Hunter, cause if you don't I probably will. It'd be a nice back up!!

ridgewalker · #28 07-08-2017, 07:50 PM

Like this one? Here's mine which I shoot and like quite a bit.
See I told you to listen to 75vette. Watch out, you are going to catch 44 fever.

richcory · #29 07-08-2017, 07:55 PM

Yep. I like the big guns. Haha

Cory

okiegtrider · #30 07-08-2017, 07:58 PM

Were it my choice to make, with out hesitation i'd say grab that 686. There are no more of those early L-frames coming out of the factory. 2.0 M&P's are plentiful. Plenty opportunity later on to grab one.

lrrifleman · #31 07-08-2017, 09:16 PM

Cory,

I would suggest that you go for the 686. While K22s are great for training and plinking, ammo at reasonable prices are iffy. For me, in many instances, I can load a box of 38s (light load) for less than a 50 round box of 22s. You will shoot more, and be more proficient, when ammo is affordable and plentiful. While 44s may be more prevalent than 22s and 38s, it won't be as affordable. If you are planning on shooting, get the 686. If you are looking for something to collect, look at, and brag about, go for the 44. Think of the 686 and the K22 as trainers, the 44 not so much.

sw282 · #32 07-08-2017, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridgewalker

Like this one? Here's mine which I shoot and like quite a bit.
See I told you to listen to 75vette. Watch out, you are going to catch 44 fever.

l shot my Light Hunter @ a silhouette match today. Mine has a

2X matte Leupold mounted extremely low.. Sleekest 44 S&W makes..

lt will topple those 55lb Rams down @ 200 Meters... Even on a

windy Saturday like today..

00ps.. Almost forgot this was a 686 Thread.. How well would

FF3 with a Raptor mount make a 686 Power Port shoot??

ridgewalker · #33 07-09-2017, 12:04 AM

Sw282, I'd like to see pics of your gun with scope if you can. I tried mounting a red dot on mine last range session but discovered that the mount on the gun is weaver but the red dot was picatinny.

Mehutch · #34 07-09-2017, 04:59 AM

I like 75vette, he is modest and he owns all the other S&W 29's and 629's. What he doesn't have, Smith has not made yet.
"If ya got the 44 fever, go see my man 75vette, He'll deal ya right."

What was the subject here...??? Oh yeah 686 6" barrels. I love mine.

sw282 · #35 07-09-2017, 07:38 AM

Weigand 1-Piece Weaver-Style Scope Base S&W Revolver

This Weigand works great.. Doesn't have the eye appeal or

aerodynamics of a Raptor mount... lt just WORKS.. l have on my Power

Port. Secured to the mount is my Leapers UTG red dot. lts the same model

that the factory puts on its Magnum Hunter.. 75vette had an ''extra''

he passed on to me....
\

75Vette · #36 07-09-2017, 08:19 AM

Ridgewalker, I'm not sure if you were wanting to see sw282's PowerPort or his Light Hunter with scope mounted. I'm going to try the pic thing here since PhotoBucket put the screws to us. Here's my Lt Hunter w/ Leupold M8 using the supplied S&W mount.
Comp Hunter.jpg

Ole Joe Clark · #37 07-09-2017, 09:13 AM

Buy em all, shoot em all.

richcory · #38 07-09-2017, 12:27 PM

Well, I did the deal on the PC 44 that 75Vette gave me the heads up on. I'll see about the 686 tomorrow since they are closed today.

Cory

richcory · #39 07-09-2017, 08:45 PM

Just couldn't pass that deal. Price was good & it's a Performance Center 44, which I have wanted in one of PC variations.

Cory

PS I will update about the 686 when I stop into that LGS.

richcory · #40 07-10-2017, 02:42 PM

Put some money down on the 686 today since I didn't have time before work to do anything else. Might go back & finish the deal this week of time allows. When I do, I'll post photos. I'll also post photos of the PC 44 light hunter when I pick it up, that should be here Wednesday.

Cory

BoCash · #41 07-10-2017, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddietruett

I have a 6" 686-1. It is hands down the most accurate gun I've ever owned. I shoot a lot of .38 148gr wc and 158gr swc and it doesn't seem to matter if I use lead or coated. Lately I've been shooting a lot of fairly hot .357 at 50-75 yards and again the 686 shines above all of my others. I've heard a lot here say the full lug makes the 686 muzzle heavy, but for me it balances perfectly. It also helps a lot with the full loads. I gave $650 for mine and wouldn't take $1000 for it. My latest quest is to get a 686 in all barrel lengths.

Ditto as per Eddie.....Love the full-lug extra weight too
....... while many other models and calibers are in the stable, I just filled out the 4th of 4 barrel lengths in the 686. All are no-dash or dash-1. 8 3/8", 6", 4", and going to pick up the 2 1/2" next week.

The 4" is also new to me, yet unfired by this half-blind geezer. I sought that one for almost 20 years...........a NC Wildlife Officer's service weapon in near new condition. Am a collector of Officer's service weapons and that one fills out a bucket list spot. Will take it to my range in the mountains in August and sandbag the sights.

The 6" was my first 686, purchased new back when they were under $400. The 686 is bomb-proof............stainless, heavier frame than a 19 or 66..............lovely model to own and shoot a lot!!! The 8 3/8" came later..........an honest HAND RIFLE !!!

I hope to post a photo of the quadruplet 686's in the future when time permits.

Y'all have a great week. Bo

Bill In Texas · #42 07-10-2017, 09:57 PM

Congratulations!

richcory · #43 07-13-2017, 10:40 PM

See the first few post's for photos. I'll put photos of the PC 629 in another thread.

Cory

rwsmith · #44 07-13-2017, 11:34 PM

....right before Sandy hook, so the price was about $550. Very lightly used, probably a sock drawer gun. It doesn't have the 'M' but I don't care as it works just fine.

It IMMEDIATELY became a crown jewel to me. I'll get rid of all of my other guns and I'll fight kicking and screaming to sell that one.

My third gen is close. Just that it's a 5943 DAO with no safety and an alloy frame. A 5906 is on my list.

richcory · #45 07-14-2017, 12:18 AM

The double action is very smooth, feels like it's been done right. I'm not sure if it's worth getting the factory modification done. Hope to shoot it this weekend.

Cory