I joined this site a few years ago because I've always liked S&W revolvers. Extreme poverty and sheer chance led me to own only one gun however, a classic Browning Hi-Power (hey, life does have some nice consolation prizes sometimes!). Anyway, another sheer chance may give me the opportunity to acquire a 686Plus. All I know at this point is that it has "a long barrel". Years ago I owned an early 586 6", so I've always had an interest in L-frames. Some questions:
1. Can anyone here offer some general pointers on what I should look for when I examine the gun?
2. Assuming the "long barrel" comment is correct, have these revolvers ever been made with anything longer than six inchers? I would've liked a four, can live with a six (or five!), but I'm not really interested in anything longer.
3. Since the Plus was introduced ('96?), what changes have been made, and are certain variations any more likely to be more accurate than others (two-piece barrel vs. old-style, etc.)? I'd like to own a really accurate revolver again. I have no idea how old this one is.
4. Other than competition rules (such as IDPA), are there any disadvantages to the seven-shot cylinder?
Thanks in advance, and thanks for a great forum!