There's a 686+, 7-shot, 2 1/2" available to me for $650. I've just seen pics but it looks ok.

Anyone want to venture an opinion about them. I've read nothing but superlatives but would like some perspective from folks here.

I'll assume it won't replace the 642 I sometimes pocket carry as it's too big on the K/L frame and too heavy in stainless, but if I have the right holster (suggestions?) could it displace a 4513 (round count is similar) or Beretta PX4 in .40?

After years of pistols, I'm somehow again interested in revolvers again.

That is a great price if it is a -4+. I have one and it is surprisingly accurate considering the barrel length. It's hard to beat a 686.

As for a holster, get a good quality leather belt and holster from Simply Rugged, D. M. Bullard, or other maker. A poor quality belt can make carrying any gun a problem.

I carry my 2 1/2 OWB and IWB, all you need ais a good leather holster.
Go to a actual craftsman and order a good one, life is too short to wear an off the shelf holster.

It says 357 on the barrel but most would say a snub nose is a much more enjoyable shooting experience with 38+P.
I mean shoot some American Eagle 158 gr 357s out of less than 3" barrel and you will see what I mean. Just make sure you've got earplugs under the muffs.
Sure, there are "carry" 357 loads which are considerably milder than full power but what's the advantage if you already have 40 and 45s of similar size, weight, and capacity?

I had one years back.

I prefer the 3" but only because the ejector is full size.

You can't go wrong with any 686.

If I saw one at the GS for $650 I would snap it up.

As for carry get a good holster but also a good gun belt - makes all the difference.

That's a good price for a 7 shot 686...and dirt cheap if it's a pre-lock.
Buy it and enjoy it.

Pre-lock or not, it's a good price.

As far as carrying it goes, I don't think asking others what it can replace in your quiver is going to do you any good. What are you comfortable with? That may not be what someone else is comfortable with. Carry the 686 around the house and think about it; do you feel adequately armed? Whether the answer is yes or no, remember you are the one carrying the firearm, who cares what others think?

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Ban this man,
'89

I have a 4" 686+. It has the best trigger of all my revolvers. It's is also one of my favorites at the range. I don't carry it much because I'm usually carrying my 327pc,340pd,1911 or cz variant, but I do carry it.

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I have a 686+ in 4-inch... It’s a great gun! I would assume the shorter barrel version would perform just as well.

I have a 686+ 3-inch and agree with others that they are very good revolvers. I gave about $50 less than that for mine about six months ago, but thought I got a very good deal. I don't know how much lighter a 2 1/2" barreled version is, but mine is a healthy chunk of gun. So, I'll echo that having a good holster AND belt will be very important to successfully carry it. And, how you feel carrying it opposed to alternatives can only be answered by yourself. Personally I prefer carrying lighter, thinner firearms, but I might occasionally cinch it up in the fall or winter when I can do so OWB and cover it with a jacket, or coat.

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M&PC FS BG Shield+ 642 686+

My all-time favorite revolver. Look a few posts above to see why.

I have one. One of the few "new" revolvers I have bought in the last several years. I like it a lot.

Love mine and carry it every day.

Is this gun new or used? If used, in what true condition is it? I've seen guns at GSs that had been "prettied-up" on the surface, but which had been fired so extensively that they were loose. But with LNIB prices. What type of ammo was fired in it? Has it been "bubba-ed" on the inside? So many questions and potential issues.

There is a post here that describes how to evaluate a used revolver. Perhaps another member can post a link. It is gospel. Not enough to go on price w/o examination.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Good advice for sure. Inspect it carefully and if it's good then you've got a GREAT and classic S&W in any 686. I love my 4" 686 and carry it in a SimplyRugged Sourdough pancake holster. Excellent quality and it hugs the gun up against you very snuggly, making CCW fairly easy with an untucked cover shirt.

I have the 3" 686 + and the gun is an exceptional gun.

I IWB carry it several times a month....sometimes with a 327 PC 2" as a backup.

Somehow 15 rounds of 357 magnum with a redneck reload turns me on.

The 686 is a fine shooting gun. I remember my first shot from mine was dead center from 10 yards.

If the gun is new go for it! If not check it out good and maybe see if you can shoot a test cylinder.

I saw a PC version of the 2 1/2" gun prior to my 3" and somehow I wish I had gotten that one. Would fit in my cargo pants lower pocket.

Might still get it or the 627 2.6 inch.

IMHO, best damn revolver I ever bought.

I have a 3" 686+, and have not handled a 2.5", so I can speak only to the attributes of the 3".

Until I find a handload or factory 357 SD load I am comfortable with, I will be carrying a 38 Special +P load. I will use the 686+ for day trips where I am legal to carry, because I am lazy and not eager to pull over before I cross into NJ and unload 3 magazines. It's easier to dump a cylinder. Loaded speedloaders aren't treated like magazines.

I have both a hybrid IWB holster and an Azula OWB holster for my belt. I like the looks, balance, and flexibility of my 686+.

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Judge control not gun control!