I haven't fired one, but love the looks and handling characteristics of the 686SSR. What do you guys think of it as a full size carry gun? I carry a Model 29 MG on occasion now, so the size doesn't bother me.

I haven't fired one, but love the looks and handling characteristics of the 686SSR. What do you guys think of it as a full size carry gun? I carry a Model 29 MG on occasion now, so the size doesn't bother me.

Roger, I think it would be a fine choice.

I've owned both the SSR and the 66 and I prefer the 66. It's really subjective on my part and I can't give any logical explanation for it except to say that the 66 points better for me and I can shoot it measurably more accurately. No question about it, the SSR is a an excellent gun and it looks totally cool but I prefer my 66.

i have carried a 686 snubby for a long time...love it!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I carried a 66 40+ hours a week for years. I later carried a 586,then a 686. I still have the old 66 but also have a 686SSR now. Were I to go back to carrying a revolver, I would not hesitate to carry the 686SSR. I don't like the internal lock but it has never caused a problem. I did have S&W recrown the barrel under warranty, but otherwise, the 686SSR has been a real solid,trouble free gun.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

If you can carry it and conceal it, go for it. With the right defense load you will be well-protected. I ocassionally carry a 2.5" 686+, but my usual attire doesn't permit me to conceal a large belt gun everyday.

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I do carry my SSR frequently especially when the weather is a little cool allowing proper cover garment. But I have carried it under an Aloha shirt too.

Living in Michigan, I can carry a full sized gun 9 months out of the year with no trouble. A wool coat makes a full sized 1911 or a 4" N frame disapear. I love 4" Smith's...the SSR has really caught my eye.

It would make a great carry gun.

I've been wanting an SSR for a while now, will probably pick one up sometime in the not-too-distant future. In my case I was thinking more in temrs of IDPA competition, which is why it was made. The SSR division of IDPA is pretty much dominated by, and was essentially designed for, K frames like the 19/66.

As far as considering it for a carry gun is concerned, if you're okay with a gun of that size for carry (and if the 29 works, the SSR surely will), then it's a go. OTOH, I wonder whether a 4" 686 might not be a little better with the one extra chamber, or even a 627 (or 327) which holds 8 rounds. In a carry gun we want every advantage we can get.