New 686 performance center

mlazarus

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Has anyone seen in real life, or handled one of the new 686 performance center revolvers. The ones with the ribbed barrel.
 
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New 686

Yep-one of our shops here in CT had one of each. A 4" and a 5" . Great triggers, nicely balanced and cool looks. I loved the hi viz Orange front blade. If I didn't already have 2 686-5's (2 .5" and 4" ) i would have bought the 4" .
 
I have a 686 SSR, but want one of the new ones. Really like the barrel and extension. Plus I NEED a 5"er. I figure they are different enough from my SSR to justify it to the wife.

Range report please Capttjk1!
 
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I have a 686 SSR, but want one of the new ones. Really like the barrel and extension. Plus I NEED a 5"er. I figure they are different enough from my SSR to justify it to the wife.

Range report please Capttjk1!

^^^^what he said, altho no justification is due on this end. :) Only wish the 5" bbl were available on the 6-shot model as I am not a fan of the "Plus" concept from personal experience. Don't know why, but new models rarely arrive here in the valley. If you don't place an order, you don't see it and I would prefer a "hands-on" before buying. I figure this new model may quell my desire for a 327/627. Good luck with that.

Let's ALL do range reports! Good shooting all!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
Looksee....

The new Model 686 and 686 Plus revolvers feature premium Performance Center enhancements for a competition-ready package, such as a speed release thumbpiece for quick reloads, interchangeable sights, and a Performance Center tuned action.

Built for competition, these revolvers include a Performance Center speed release, interchangeable orange front sight, and a Performance Center tuned action. These revolvers also feature a unique visual design, including an unfluted cylinder, vented ribbed barrel, and a chromed custom teardrop hammer.

Chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P, the new Performance Center Model 686 revolver is equipped with a 6 round cylinder and 4-inch barrel, while the Performance Center Model 686 Plus revolver features a 7 round cylinder, 5-inch barrel and features a cylinder cut for moon clips. Both Performance Center Model 686 and 686 Plus have an MSRP of $966.

 
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I can tell you guys & dolls I will own one of these!!! Back when I was in my teens, I wanted a Python. To me this looks like a Python, with Smith & Wesson quality. Sounds good to me.
 
Glad Smith continues to expand and vary
its lineup of .357.

But, yup, a but, I don't like the unfitted
cylinders. To me that is just a way for Smith
to "cheapen" out on its manufacture. Flutes
help a lot in fast reloads.

Also, in a way, it seems like the 4-incher is
but a variation on the SSR which I think
made/makes a lot of sense just as does the
GP 100 Match Champion.

I've been thinking of a new 686 but I believe
the SSR will win my heart. I know, the SSR
has been around for years now but I'm slow. :confused:
 
I was also wondering if a person could take a SSR and have the vents cut into the barrel by a smith or machinist.
 
I was also wondering if a person could take a SSR and have the vents cut into the barrel by a smith or machinist.

I wouldn't, even if it could be done, which I doubt. Leave it for what it is: close to perfection. The SSR is a wonderful revolver; it is my best revolver, period.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
kaaskop49, you are absolutely right about the SSR. As far as I'm concerned the SSR is perfect. I have got mine "tuned" and it shoots better than I can. That was a stupid idea on my part!!!
 
Very interesting! I like what I see. I have the 5" TALO, and this new one, even though barrel is tapered and ribbed, weighs an ounce more. I figured this new 5" would weigh less. Anybody know why it weighs more? Its just an ounce, but you would think it would weigh less with those enhancements.
 
The unfluted cylinders are a bad idea for fast DA shooting, due to more weight and inertia hitting the cylinder stop every shot. It takes more of a trigger pull to get it started every time too. That's probably why it weighs more. I like the idea of the vent rib, but their execution looks crude compared to a Python. The orange front sight looks cheesy, but that is easy to change.

I really wanted to like these guns, great idea, just not very well done. An SSR with Python style vent rib would be nice though.
 
The unfluted cylinders are a bad idea for fast DA shooting, due to more weight and inertia hitting the cylinder stop every shot. It takes more of a trigger pull to get it started every time too. That's probably why it weighs more. I like the idea of the vent rib, but their execution looks crude compared to a Python. The orange front sight looks cheesy, but that is easy to change.

I really wanted to like these guns, great idea, just not very well done. An SSR with Python style vent rib would be nice though.

Thank you, Toolguy, for the interesting analysis, especially the mechanics (physics?) of the unfluted cylinder. Never been a fan of these. As to the rib, if enough folks share your opinion, it could be a "one-and-done" for these guns. Perhaps I should stick with my dearly loved SSR and continue to look at/for the 327/627 which are impossible to find here in the valley. Annoying. Thanks again!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
Neat guns, but worthless for IDPA or USPSA. Better options available for steel or ICORE.
Pizza Bob

I'm with Bob. The 7 shot is a ******* child for competition. 8 shots rule for USPSA and even steel and pins, unless you never miss.

[EDIT: Oh that's a first. I used a no-no word, which I thought was a normal conversation word in the right context. So the ******* you see substituted by the forum is "fatherless".]

For ICORE Classic it's 6 shots, but I'd want a 5" or 6" barrel not the 4".
For ICORE Unlimited you need 6 or 8 shots, but with moon clips.
And of course, for ICORE Unlimited-8 & Open, you need 8 shots.

If the 4" makes grade for IDPA, well okay, but other than that these aren't for competition.

And as toolguy pointed out, heavier cylinders really aren't the best idea for rapid double action shooting.
 
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Neat guns, but worthless for IDPA or USPSA. Better options available for steel or ICORE.

JMHO

Adios,

Pizza Bob






That is what I was thinking. If it was an eight shot; like the 929 I would be all over it. I shoot a 929 in USPSA and would like to get a similar "competition" revolver as a back up.
 
Not for IDPA...

I laughed when I saw these new guns announced. IDPA specifically bans the Hogue "speed latch" for revolver class which is exactly what those thingies are. Tony Miele runs the Performance Center and has a penchant for creating guns that have trouble fitting into the various gun games categories. I think he does it on purpose but I can't imagine why. The 686 SSR is actually very usable in IDPA with light loads(I use 158 gr LRN and 3 gr of Clays).

Of course a new owner could replace the Hogue thumb latch with an ordinary one.?????
 
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