Not a revolover guy but I might try

[gr7070]

I disagree for one reason, older K-frames don't stand up to a steady diet of 125 gr. magnum loads. I have seen two M19s with a cracked forcing cone.

And you're worried about the self-professed revolver non-enthusiast wearing out a 66 by shooting too many magnums in it?

 

[629shooter]

And you're worried about the self-professed revolver non-enthusiast wearing out a 66 by shooting too many magnums in it?

You've got a point.

 

[H Richard]

I've had a 686 since 1984, and if I was forced to only have one revolver, that would be it. An enhancement of a 7 round cylinder would be an added benefit.

 

[snapdragon8888]

My 686-6 is my favorite gun. It's the best shooter I have.

 

[gr7070]

You've got a point.

If the 686 purchase changes things, then we have a new revolver enthusiast! ; )

 

[HarrishMasher]

I carried the 66 as my duty weapon for years prior to the acceptance of the 9mm semi as standard issue. Love the 66. It is on my do not sell list. The 6 shot is a reliable workhorse of a revolver. Would like to find a good IWB holster for it though.

Check out the IWB Texas Heritage from Tucker Gun Leather. Excellent rig. I use it to carry many K/L frames.

 

[socrates007]

I have three 686s - two 4" barrels and one 3" barrel.

IMO, they are the absolutely best .357 magnum revolvers that S&W makes. They are extremely accurate and a pure pleasure to shoot. They handle full-house .357 magnum loads very well and dampen the recoil. Buy one - you will NOT regret it!

 

[bananaman]

Was given a S&W Model 66 for graduation from High School many years ago by my Grandfather and since then never really liked another revolver or really carried one.

Well the Smith & Wesson 686-6 .357 Mag Performance Center, 7 shot , smooth cylinder is now being made and I really like what I see.

So I still want to put one in my hand.

Is it worth the price ?

Anyone have one? Like it? Thanks

There are a couple of gun shop/ranges near my home. Both of them have house guns you can rent & shoot there. That might be a way for to get the experience. Maybe there is someplace not far from you. Good luck! Bob

 

[Collo Rosso]

I have a 4" 629 and 4" 686 and now want a 4" 66. What does the 66 do that the 686 doesn't do? Nothing...and I don't care! I just want one!
Your Grandfather had an eye for timeless firearms. It took me quite a while but I've developed a taste for revolvers as I've gotten older. Plastic and tactical has its place but steel and wood has a warmth about it I can't explain. In time hope you come to appreciate it too. Sounds like it's starting to.

 

[bigshep85]

Good for you for keeping the 66. Not only an iconic gun but has sentimental value to you and speaks of your grandfathers good taste in revolvers.

I have a few K frames and as much as I love them and will never part with them I also love the 586/686. The K's make the best 2 1/2" while the L's are best at 4" and longer. The 3" is wonderful in either K or L. This can be argued with the model 27 and 28 N frames but I like the grip size of the K's and L's a bit better. JMHO.

Pictures always spice up a thread!

Could we get some info on the Revolver on the FAR right in the picture on the right?
VERY NICE

 

[rwsmith]

I have a 686 and wish....

I have a 686 and wish I had a 66. The 686 is an all time great gun. If you want .357, this is it. An 'N' frame will give a little less recoil with its heavier weight, but the L frame was MADE for .357. Revolvers now are somewhat expensive and will probably only get worse as far as pricing goes. However, I don't know anybody that was ever sorry they got a 686.

 

[muddocktor]

I have a 686 and wish I had a 66. The 686 is an all time great gun. If you want .357, this is it. An 'N' frame will give a little less recoil with its heavier weight, but the L frame was MADE for .357.....

Actually the N frame was the first one that the 357 Magnum was introduced in.

But yeah, the 686 is a nice revolver. I personally rather N frame pistols, but a good friend has a 686 he bought back right about the time that S&W started producing them and it is a darn nice pistol. If I didn't like model 27's so much I probably would go for a 686 myself.

 

[lhump1961]

Could we get some info on the Revolver on the FAR right in the picture on the right?
VERY NICE

K frame model 65-5 Lady Smith. It is the same as the standard model 65 with the exception of the ejector shroud (the reason I chose it) and bead blasted finish. Some don't like the "Lady Smith" script on the frame but it doesn't bother me...it's all .357! Besides, Smith has been making the Lady Smith guns for decades and a S&W enthusiast should have at least a couple.

Thanks for asking...here's a couple more pics. The boot grips are Spegels.

 

[awmp]

Wow now that is a nice collection!

Good for you for keeping the 66. Not only an iconic gun but has sentimental value to you and speaks of your grandfathers good taste in revolvers.

I have a few K frames and as much as I love them and will never part with them I also love the 586/686. The K's make the best 2 1/2" while the L's are best at 4" and longer. The 3" is wonderful in either K or L. This can be argued with the model 27 and 28 N frames but I like the grip size of the K's and L's a bit better. JMHO.

Pictures always spice up a thread!

 

[Tom_R]

The model 66 and the 686 are two of the greatest revolvers ever made for sure.

If you get a 686 you will be very happy with it.

I am not a fan of the slab sided barrel on the performance center version of the 686, but it is still highly regarded. Post some pics of the 66 when you get a chance, we love the 66 on here.

 

[lhump1961]

Wow now that is a nice collection!

Thanks. But while I have a fair amount of stuff it's quite modest compared to what some have amassed. Here's a couple of pics from members of this forum!

 

[at_liberty]

Was given a S&W Model 66 for graduation from High School many years ago by my Grandfather and since then never really liked another revolver or really carried one.

Well the Smith & Wesson 686-6 .357 Mag Performance Center, 7 shot , smooth cylinder is now being made and I really like what I see.

So I still want to put one in my hand.

Is it worth the price ?

Anyone have one? Like it? Thanks

I didn't find such a gun on the S&W site. Got any pics or links?

 

[S&W1006]

I have a 5" 686+ with the unfluted cylinder. It is the Talo edition. I love this revolver. It is very accurate and a blast to shoot.

 

[gr7070]

I find this thread baffling.

The OP already owns a 66. It appears he is, at best, mildly interested in it.

The 686 is *not* appreciably different from a 66! There is no way that a 686 in similar bbl length will change an ordinary shooters feelings about revolvers. They are far too similar guns.

While there are many excellent, knowledgeable individuals on this board, as usual, this board provides the only collective advice it knows: "buy it, no matter the circumstances". Ridiculous.

OP, the 686 is a great gun, but it will not change your opinion on revolvers. Save your money for something else.

 

[jtcarm]

I find this thread baffling.



The OP already owns a 66. It appears he is, at best, mildly interested in it.



The 686 is *not* appreciably different from a 66! There is no way that a 686 in similar bbl length will change an ordinary shooters feelings about revolvers. They are far too similar guns.



While there are many excellent, knowledgeable individuals on this board, as usual, this board provides the only collective advice it knows: "buy it, no matter the circumstances". Ridiculous.



OP, the 686 is a great gun, but it will not change your opinion on revolvers. Save your money for something else.

There's going to be a huge difference between a stock 66 and a 686 PC, mainly the trigger. The 686pc will be much easier to hit with,