My next target Revolver
- Thread starter S&W357
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Northwoods Trader
Member
A 686 is a perfect "do all" revolver, especially in a "4 barrel. If I had to choose just one, this would be it, namely a pre-lock / pre-MIM like a 686-4.
M3Stuart
Member
No. No there is not anything better.
I was always leery of .357 Magnums firing .38 wadcutters. Just seemed improbable that they would keep up with a .38-chambered gun. In my limited experience, it never seemed to work out that way and I got over the notion.
I'd probably prefer a blued gun myself, but a good 686 with proper sights, trigger, and stocks should do just about anything 99%+ of the shooters can do with a revolver.
Probably the most accurate .38/.357 revolver I ever fired was a friend's 6-inch 586. That thing was not just a "killer" - it was a murderer!
I didn't know revolvers were capable of the kind of accuracy that one was. It was an early one - with the black patridge blade front sight.
I'd probably prefer a blued gun myself, but a good 686 with proper sights, trigger, and stocks should do just about anything 99%+ of the shooters can do with a revolver.
Probably the most accurate .38/.357 revolver I ever fired was a friend's 6-inch 586. That thing was not just a "killer" - it was a murderer!
I didn't know revolvers were capable of the kind of accuracy that one was. It was an early one - with the black patridge blade front sight.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2006
- Messages
- 19,804
- Reaction score
- 31,657
Try to shoot a few different models before purchasing if possible. I own a bunch of different 38 and 357 models (all different barrel lengths and sight configurations too) and the one I shoot the absolute best is my 4" M15. Even better than the designated target models - why? Who knows........ but you should shoot a few different models and barrel lengths if possible to see what you shoot better.
stevehart3578
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2012
- Messages
- 43
- Reaction score
- 23
586, not 686.
In my opinion revolvers should be blued with walnut stocks.
That being said you would be hard pressed to find a more accurate gun than the 686.
In my opinion revolvers should be blued with walnut stocks.
That being said you would be hard pressed to find a more accurate gun than the 686.
Would you consider a Model 19-3 or 19-4??
Target revolver? Easy! 686 w/ six inch barrel in .357 Magnum. Shoot it w/ .38 Special ammunition till you get tire of pulling the trigger. You'll find the .38 Special to be a marvelously accurate round that is very easy to shoot well. The 686 is just about ideal for extended ranges session with the .38 Special... or the .357 Magnum. The six inch barrel will give you a slight advantage in on target results as well as giving you a bit more velocity for those times when you just want a little more juice on the bullet!
silentflyer
Member
K38 with 8 3/8" barrel....
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,020
- Reaction score
- 7,100
For the use indicated, nothing beats the K22/Model 17.
ridgewalker
Member
You must decide on the cylinder size and barrel length.
For some action shooting sports you will want a 6 shooter. For that you should consider the 686 SSR. Other action shooting sports allow 8 shot cylinders. There is a 627PC with a 5 inch barrel that would probably be pretty sweet. I have a 627 Pro with 4 inch barrel that I can have a lot of fun shooting at targets with.
I have had my eye on a 686 Pro with 5 inch barrel and 7 shot cylinder. I haven't been able to justify buying one but I think about it. It's not practical for action shooting sports though.
Sorry I can't comment about 9mm. Have fun.
Stainz
Member
Firstly, I no longer compete with anyone but myself. My firearms must provide personal enjoyment and pride of ownership - and just be fun! I agree re the previous poster's suggestion of the 4" 627 Pro - a great value. It's spring-loaded front sight permits tool-less sight changes while it's being delivered with a reduced effort trigger and being moonclip ready are boons, too. Here it is with my 2 5/8" PC627UDR:
Also above is a Ranch Products blued moonclip and speedloader (5starfirearms.com), both loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, my defensive ammo of choice.
Stainz
Also above is a Ranch Products blued moonclip and speedloader (5starfirearms.com), both loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWC's, my defensive ammo of choice.
Stainz
Lou_NC
Member
Well, this limits your choices significantly.
I would have suggested a model 25 or 625 in .45ACP, a cartridge that has demonstrated a high degree of inherent accuracy for target shooting over the years.
I would also have suggested (as others have) a model 14 in .38spl. That model has historically also been a very accurate target revolver.
If you're limiting yourself to 9mm and .357, you probably already have one of the best guns around, the 686. You may also want to consider rounding things out with a model 66 with 6" barrel. These can be found for slightly less $$ than a 4" version (in my experience) and are also excellent revolvers.
Good luck!
Lou
I agree with all three points. No particular need for another .357 if you already have a 686, and while I guess there are some 9mm revolvers, there sure aren't many, and even fewer suited to target work. My 25-2 in .45 ACP, on the other hand, is probably the most accurate revolver I own, and without doubt the most fun to shoot, followed closely by a pair of Model 14s. If you really plan to restrict the new gun to target shooting, you should seriously think about looking further than 9mm and .357.
boatbum101
Member
I for one don't understand your choice of calibers . You state you want a serious target revolver . What discipline do you compete in ? I'm a bullseye shooter & frankly your choices don't make a great deal of sense to me . I'm trying to help here so I need more feedback from you as to what you wish to accomplish . For most serious ( best accuracy ) work I'd consider other calibers personally as I'm not aware of a 9mm revolver capable of what I'd consider target accuracy . Yes a 357 can be quite accurate as can be a 9mm , but generally they've more recoil ( 357 ) & a lot of PITA loading requirements ( 9mm ) to reach their potential . For a stock revolver I'd consider 22LR , 32 S&W long , 38 special or 45acp . A S&W K22 , Manurhin , Colt OMM , S&W K38 or a S&W 25 / 625 ( stock guns ) would be my considerations . Other disciplines = other choices . For a 9mm to give it's best @ 50yds one needs a slower twist than factory barrels , 32 S&W needs a faster twist , 38 special with 148 HBWC needs a faster twist although the Colt with it's 1 in 16 is better than S&W 1 in 18.75 . Both the 22LR & 45acp shoot just fine with factory twist . A whole lot of considerations depending on your intended purpose . If you shoot at shorter ranges that's OK & you've less to worry about .
I would buy K-22 or a K-38.They generally are far more accurate than we are.
Lobster Picnic
Member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2010
- Messages
- 1,573
- Reaction score
- 998
Find a K-38 with the long barrel and never look back.
