Gentlemen,
I am a bird hunter and know shotguns fairly well.
However when it comes to pistols, another story.
Thought it would be nice to have a pistol when out scouting, especially with my dog. Plenty of cougars and bear along with wolves coming our way.
I was thinking of a 7 round 686 with 4 inch barrels. Seems to be all soughts of differences. Got to tell you, gets a little confusing. Anything in particular I should be looking for? New or used?
thank you, would appreciate any insight.
best,
jackson

686+ is a good choice if new. Assure barrel is aligned with frame. You can easily tell by looking at the top. A 44 Magnum can be considered, but is more difficult to master. If you don't know much about revolvers I suggest staying away from used guns.

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Foster Positivity.

Welcome to the forum.

The 686 is a great platform, but if I were spending an appreciable amount of time in bear country, I'd pack a .44 magnum loaded with Swift A-Frame rounds. I'm not a hunter but read an excellent article on the subject from an Alaska bear hunting guide that had me convinced about that combination.

A 4" 686 will be a great sidearm as you hunt or spend time on the trails.

There is a great variety of ammunition available to you that runs the gamut from light loads to heavy loads.

Starting off a revolver collection with a 686 is not a bad way to go.

And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC!

686+ is a great choice for what you are doing. The rounds you pick to use are very important. Put something like Buffalo Bore SWC rounds which will work on the small stuff, but in case you run into something bigger.... I see that you are most likely to encounter black bears, so a .357 with a good load would do the job.

If they had big bears there.

And the .357 is more pleasant to shoot for practice. And it's easier to carry around. I've got a feeling that if you practice with the 686 you will get getting into revolvers more.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Since you are admittedly a novice to pistols, I suggest if possible you try both a 4 inch and a 6 inch model. 2 inches doesn't sound like much, but when it comes to sight radius, it can mean a lot. A short sight radius makes proper alignment more critical and more difficult, especially for a novice. This can be overcome with practice, but can be frustrating for the beginner. Also, so prefer the balance of the extra length, but that's less critical than sighting. I know this isn't what you were asking about, but it's something you should consider if you haven't already.


The 686+ is a great choice for a first revolver. The gun offers a wide versatility of available ammunition, from mild to wild. If possible, whether buying new or used, take a knowledgeable friend with you to check the gun out before exchanging any money. While new guns come with a lifetime warranty, grief and aggravation can be avoided by passing over a problem gun in favor of one that's up to standards.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Consider a 10mm semiautomatic like a Glock 20 or 29. 10 mm = 357 magnum, semi's hold more rounds (15 or 10). Easier carries than a steel revolver due to less weight and more compact shape.

Only problem is that by getting a 4" 686 Plus, the OP would be starting at the very top...and everything else after that would be a downhill trend.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

Tom S. is making an excellent point when he recommends a six inch barrel. Particularly if the gun has to be shot in a defensive situation, it will be faster, has more velocity and less felt recoil.

I am an avid handgunner and revolver enthusiast and the revolvers that I enjoy shooting the most are my six inch versions.

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IMO a 4" 686 is about the best all around/utility/service .357 revolver you can get........ that said; in the great North West a .44 might be a better choice if self defense against big bad bears and moose are possibilities..............

I have the 686 plus and Glock 29. The Glock 29 is easier to conceal and packs a lot more rounds. I 2nd this.


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There are potentially endless arguments for a carry gun, but a 686 is as good overall as any. A 686 is relatively high on firepower, but also is high on size and weight. Having said that, Smith Wesson has 357 revolvers in smaller, lighter frames. I carry a five shot 357 J frame, they are very light and can easily be carried. A semi-automatic is more complicated and requires a little more thinking under pressure (magazine, cycling, safety) that requires some additional familiarity and practice. There is a J frame thread going on this forum now, but if you want a 686, it is a very good firearm for any purpose, but I would get the 4 inch barrel for carrying. The 686 in its variations maybe the most popular firearm on this forum.

I've owned lot's of 4" and 6" barreled guns. Hiking with a 6" is not on my list of things I do. 6" get carried in my range bag.

The bigger and heavier it is the more likely that it will be effective against the critters you mention. On the other hand, also more likely it will be at your house rather than with you because bigger and heavier usually means uncomfortable to carry. When you really need one, any gun you have with you is better than the one at home. The 686+ 4 inch is the upper end of what I'd say is comfortable to carry often or far. I would probably opt for one of the very light titanium 44s; a 296, 396 in 44 Special or perhaps a 329 NG in 44 Magnum. Folks will worry about recoil in the light guns but you're not planning to shoot boxes of heavy loads at the range. If you really need the gun, the recoil of a couple heavy 44s in a light frame isn't going to bother much in the heat of the moment. These are comfortable to carry so you're more likely to have it with you. Can't go wrong with the 686 though. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I don’t always walk in the woods, but when I do I carry a Glock 29. In the woods I would carry Buffalo Bore or Underwood, when I walk the streets of Atlanta it’s loaded with Liberty Ammo. I also have a Glock 20 Magazine (somewhere ��) that bumps the rounds up a few.

Requisite eye candy - 66-2, 28-2, Glock 29, 610 no dash. These are each reasonable woods guns in Georgia.

I currently do not own a 686, but I have owned a couple, pure awesomeness.

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Just hanging with my dogs

I carry a 4" as well, but it's a 500 mag, which I'm sure outweighs a 6" 686.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Having owned many different 686s and 586s I'm going to recommend the 3" 686+. For a hiking/defense sidearm I see no reason to go any longer. I have yet to encounter any scenario in which a 4" barrel can do anything the 3" barrel can't. As far as velocity loss, people like to think you lose so much going to a shorter barrel, in truth ample tests have shown there is a greater variance from bullet to bullet than there is a loss of velocity from an inch of barrel.

I own 3+,4,5, and 6"+ M686s. I carry the 3"

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Foster Positivity.

Seeing how your experienced with shotguns, when out scouting load one up with #4 or 00. That would be my choice against what you described as a possible threat.

Thanks gentlemen. Plenty to think on. Much appreciated. Jackson

686+ 4" ... the best revolver I have owned and the last one to go. Perfect for what you want to do.

Your initial thoughts are on track. The 4 inch 686 is one of the best choices for such purposes. With a good quality holster and belt you can carry it very comfortably. The velocities of 357 magnum ammunition can vary a fair bit depending on barrel length. Sometimes as much as 700-800 fps between 2 and 6 inch barrels. The 686 can handle the light loads and the heaviest. This gives you a lot of options.

I'm a 686+ owner and it's my favorite gun. Having said that, in your situation I think you'd be better off with a 629, in .44 magnum. You need the maximum defensive round in the scenario you describe. You will, of course have to practice with it until you feel secure in handling the revolver - but that's because you'll carry it to save your life.

I really like my 4" 686+. Great all rounder and quite manageable with the magnum rounds. Bullet placement will be more of an issue with the 357 for large animals, but as said above it's easier to master than the 44.
That said , my two deep woods "camping guns" are a 460V and a 6.5 inch 500 mag. Both are 9 ring accurate for me at 60' or so.

I agree. OP, I was in your same shoes a couple years ago. Got into handguns because wife wanted to carry concealed. After 28 years of bird hunting. (I'm 41) I compromised for my first revolver, a 4 inch 65 to carry around town and afield. Love the gun, it's accurate as I am and beat up enough to not worry about. Conceals fine in Lobo enhanced pancake and long shirt or jacket in the Nebraska weather. Of course, now I have a Shield 9 to carry and a 6 inch 27-2 for fun and someday, for Bambi. The 686 + with adjustable, in Stainless, is about perfect for you.

The holster is very important. My 27–2 feels lighter on my hip despite weighing quite a bit more than the 65 when I carry it in the Lobo combat classic. That holster is an amazing field holster. And sharp looking!

Don't forget the 686 Pro Series SSR.

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thanks so much for the info. The bears out here are black but there are some big ones. A hunter just shot one 400lbs few weeks ago. spring bear season.
As for the pro series,something I have wondered about.

Hence my 500 mag!

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Welcome to the FORUM! 45 Colt? Bob

Just hauled my 4" 686 all over the mountains checking trail cameras last weekend. After seeing all the bear pictures, glad I had it with me! In a good holster and a good belt it carries so nice you don't even know it's with you.

Phil Shoemaker is an old Alaskan Grizzly and Brown bear guide who has probably seen and stopped more big bear charges than anyone. I don't know if he still writes for gun mags anymore but I remember one article years ago when he explained that he used a 44 Mag revolver for his every day gun. However, his daughter had started to guide too and he got her a .357. He thought accurate shots, and fast follow ups were more important than more power and she could do that with the .357. The last thing I read about him was about him stopping a charge with a 9mm. semi auto pistol. Maybe he has gone to smaller calibers as well.

I have and love a 629 44 Mag, and a few other big bores, but when hiking in critter country I am happy with my 686.

If you have a little more change, Look at the Vcomp in 6" Lighter with 8 rounds and accurate as H***

I have always been camping or deep backpacking from young age to old fart. I always packed my .357 Mag S&W Model 65-1 until I had a run in with a big black bear. Bear wanted my food and I wanted to live. We both did, but it was very very close for the bear. I am not a hunter, but I will not be hunted.




So I changed up to my S&W 629-4 .44 mag with 300gr. Federal Castcore Hammerhead.




Now when walking my dog we carried my 686-5 Plus .357 Mag 4" barrel seven shooter...




But around town I carry my 686-4 seven shot 2.5 barrel and I feel fine anywhere I go. The 686 in any barrel length is the way to go for me. But every one is different.

Interesting story mehutch. That puts a whole new perspective on things.
Sweet collection. Like sxs shotguns, could be another addiction. Jackson

4" 686 , is my most recent purchase.
Love @ 1rst sight. man...whatta keeper.
.357 in your described environment will provide more than adequate comfort.

OP- I am a shotgun guy as well. Have been since my teen years and also will be , as long as I can properly operate one. I've owned several Mossberg shotties over the decades, from the 88 Maverick to the 590. The 500 tactical 20" w heat shield & ghost ring sites is my "go-to" 12G.
Loaded up w 00 , I think you are more than prepared for your scouting trips.

Yes, don’t leave home without it. A single well placed bullet will kill a Grizzly. And a Polar Bear. And both your wrist and hearing. And your ability to afford Starbucks. But your Chiropractor will thank you.

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Just hanging with my dogs

I carry a 44 mag in 6.5” (629-6) on my hip when hunting either upland bird or whitetail in northern New England; NH & ME. Pals like .357’s in 4” (Ruger or Smith). I think the 4” 686 plus is a fine choice. I myself want to get one in 3” I decided after some handling of them. Not to replace the .44 mag in that role but to have the option. I feel better with the .44 in Maine and in deer hunting, but the smaller and more handy .357 L frame would be more desireable in certain circumstances, like upland bird in NH where i’m less likely to cross paths with something huge and pissed off. A 3” would also make a nice CC piece around town. 4” 686 is a fine choice for your needs though and a great gun to start with. Good luck.

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Oui Chef!

My only concern with a 6” barreled L-Frame is it might be a bit much to carry while bird hunting. That said, I packed a 5 1/2” Ruger SBH while quail hunting in feral hog country, or sometimes a 4” M-24.

I would absolutely NOT suggest a Glock 10mm for a beginner. Quite effective, but 10mm recoil from a polymer frame would be stiff, and you can’t shoot reduced loads.

With a .357, you can start with .38s and work your way up to magnums. Starting out shooting full-house magnums is liable to lead to bad habits.

The Model 69 might not be a bad choice with an SWC loaded to around 900 FPS. Recoil might be the same or slightly more than a .357, but report and muzzle blast are significantly lower. You could start with the old factory .44 special 246 LRN, which is a powder puff load. Ammo would be more expensive than for a .357.

It’s fun to go pop a few caps at rocks & stumps when you’re not finding birds.

I have or have had just about every gun in this thread. Last few years it has been the model 69's ( I have both) that get carried. They just carry and shoot real good for me. Not a bad pic with any of the guns in this thread though. Except maybe the 9mm.

Saw the post made about your a 686 in a 4" holster. I would like to know what holster you use, brand and model. Thanks for reading.

Yes but much less expensive than fine sxs's lol.

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