Waffling between a mod 27 and a 686. I love the look of the 27 but the blue is very nice and this will be carried. I have gotten used to the hassle free SS 60 & 66 I have and may think the 686 might become my 6" Smith. There is one a couple hours from me for $750 OBO.

I have a couple of pre-27s and a no dash 6" 686. I prefer the older S&W revolvers with the pin in the barrel and I resisted the "L" frames for a long time, but I'm pleased with ones I own (all early, no dash models). The 686 is a very nice gun, but I don't shoot it nearly as much as the "N" frames. It sounds as if your needs would be better suited to a S/S gun. For shooting purposes, the 27 would be my overwhelming choice.

Some no-dash 686s had a black Patridge front sight, a plus in my book. If the one you are considering has that sight, that is the gun I would take. While the Model 27 is a classic of handguns, six-inch N-frames are pull-your-pants-down heavy to lug around unless a shoulder holster is used.

Ed

My first stainless was a 6" 686 back around 1990. I sent it back to Springfield for a Patridge to be installed, and whoever did the work hit the side of the barrel with his grinding tool. No comment when they sent it back.
I found it (even in 6") the most versatile S&W I've owned (admittedly, out of only 40 or so). Last week I picked up a 4" ex-cop no-dash 686 for close to peanuts and shot it for the first time this morning. MUCH prefer either to my sole long-barreled Model 27.

NOTHING BEATS THE TROUBLE FREE DURABILITY OF STAINLESS STEEL REVOLVERS, ESPECIALLY FOR A GUN THAT WILL BE CARRIED.....

I'M NOT DISSING THE M27, BUT IMHO, THE M686 IS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION.......

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

I just got rid of a mint 28-2 6inch for a new 686+ 6", traded even for it, and they ordered it in for me. Say what you want, the new 686 trigger feels better than that 28 did, and feels better in the hand.

Here's my 686. I'v only had it for a short time and haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but can't wait to try it out.

I also have a VERY nice 27-7 that I haven't shot yet either. A nice 28-2 that I have shot a lot and and a very nice limited production 686-6. I have a feeling that this 686 is going to be my favorite one to shoot.

Based upon the Patridge front sight and Millett rear sight, I'd wager a bullseye shooter used to own it.

Ed

This was what it looked like when I first got it.

It belonged to my brother. He was a bullseye shooter and I'd imagine that he shot it a lot.

Okay, you wanted opinions on this one.

A 6-inch 686-3 was the first handgun I ever bought with my own money, new in 1989. I loved it then, I still love it today. In my opinion, the SIX-inch 686 is the one that absolutely looks "right."

However...
You said you are going to carry it. For that, I can't get on board with it, as I truly believe the 4-inch is the better choice for that, even though I don't think the 4-inch looks as good.

Also, $750 is top-end market for a no-dash 6-inch 686. It would have to be mint with original box at that price, IMO.

For as truly awesome as the 686 is, it definitely is not scarce, S&W has many MANY.

Hope that helps.

If it was me I would get both.

I should have been clearer with this part. By CARRY I mean field carry for varmint & sport shooting. I would be reluctant to carry the 27 as it is simply too nice.
Here is the 686 I am looking at and there is no box or paperwork so what are you guys seeing these go for?

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Have one just like it even with patridge site. In all honesty, it is nothing special and not that precisely fitted. I picked it up a year or so go like new with box and tools. I have achieved ok accuracy with it but a Ruger security six I have will group better.it will have more collector value down the road but a new one may be tighter and a better shooter. I have three 686s and 1 586 so I like the old ones but people’s nostalgia often over rate them.