Replace 686+ with 66-8 combat magnum??

Electraclyde

Electraclyde

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I have a model 69, L frame in .44 magnum. I also have a 686+, L frame in .357 magnum with 3" barrel. I really like the model 69 but cannot "like" the 686+. Been considering selling/trading it for a 66-8 combat magnum. I had a model 66-??, 2.5" barrel a few years ago and was offered more money than I thought it was worth so I sold it. Now wish I had it back. The new, 66-8 has very strong appeal to me.
What say those of you that have either or both? Not at all concerned about locks.
 
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The internal lock is a non issue with me, and probably with most... I like the 66-8 combat magnum. I'd sell the 686 & get use the dough to get the 66 combat. keep the 69 because everyone needs a 44 magnum.
 
I am probably the wrong person to reply since I cannot "like" the 44 Magnum in any configuration. Meanwhile, I REALLY LIKE the 686+ in any configuration - I have a 2.5", a 3", and a 4". Moreover, I find the .357 Magnum a far more useful gun than the .44 Magnum for almost every purpose.

I know. Blasphemy. Sacrilege. It jus' beez dat weigh. :D (And I see the comment above mine is completely opposed to my theory!)

That said, a Model 66 is an extremely versatile firearm. It's lighter weight makes it more convenient than a 686 if you're toting it around on your person although I don't have an issue with any of my 686s in that respect. Nonetheless, I sure don't try to carry them concealed. A short barreled 66 would be easy to conceal.

I have no 66s but I adore the original blued version, the Model 19; I have two presently, a 4" and a 2.5" and, eventually, I will acquire a 2" rarity. I know who has it and it is promised to me. So I can easily recommend a 66 as long as you don't beat it up at the range shooting too many full house magnum loads.
 
Dear Abby;

I have a blonde but 'cannot "like" her.' The new freckled red head "has very strong appeal to me." No body is married. What should I do?

Satisfying likes is not a technical question about engineering changes. However, unlike women, you can keep the 686+ in the back of the safe for day you get tired of the 66-8.
 
k22fan said:
I have a blonde but 'cannot "like" her.' The new freckled red head "has very strong appeal to me." No body is married. What should I do?

Satisfying likes is not a technical question about engineering changes. However, unlike women, you can keep the 686+ in the back of the safe for day you get tired of the 66-8.
Click to expand...

Trade the blonde for a new gun.
 
I have a 2 1/2" 66-7. Similar to the -8 except for the detent lockup and a slightly different two piece barrel. I also own a 686+ PRO in 5". I really like the 686+ but the fact is I like my 66-7 more. At 25 meters I shoot it just as well as the 686+. It's lighter and easier to carry (woods carry not concealed) and maybe because of the shorter sight radius I find I get back on target much faster with the 66-7. Now then, having said all that I will add that if I had a 3" 686+ instead of the 5" I might like it more.
 
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I have every barrel length between 3"-7" in a 686.
I'm currently shooting a 66-8 4.25" with a red dot and it may actually be more accurate than a 686. I'm actually shooting it again this weekend. I like all its features; tensioned 2 piece barrel. Ball detent. K frame. 36oz. + the weight of the scope. It's a 6 shot. You don't mind shooting 6 accurate shots. 9mm 124gr 38 short colt cases. Starline brass.
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Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
Electraclyde said:
I have a model 69, L frame in .44 magnum. I also have a 686+, L frame in .357 magnum with 3" barrel. I really like the model 69 but cannot "like" the 686+. Been considering selling/trading it for a 66-8 combat magnum. I had a model 66-??, 2.5" barrel a few years ago and was offered more money than I thought it was worth so I sold it. Now wish I had it back. The new, 66-8 has very strong appeal to me.
What say those of you that have either or both? Not at all concerned about locks.
Click to expand...

Buy the #627PC 8-shot with AT LEAST the 2-5/8in barrel. I DID. You will not regret it. Geeeezz. it almost has me rethinking my "bought new" 4in #686 NO-DASH from 1986. I really think it is that good, as long as you can get past the possible QC issues that S&W seem to be having with new guns.

Just my opinion,... since I had to DIY my last two S&W purchases in the past 3-4yr (one the PC and one from the retail side). Once DIY'd they seem great, just be prepared for the needed/necessary DIY tweaks... :eek:;););) FYI, the DIYs were basically lube/trigger jobs.

Yeah, yeah, I am biased... Love my S&W #686 No-Dash from 1986... :D:D:D

OH, and finally, I CHOOSE to ignore your political references... :mad:
 
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Electraclyde said:
I have a model 69, L frame in .44 magnum. I also have a 686+, L frame in .357 magnum with 3" barrel. I really like the model 69 but cannot "like" the 686+. Been considering selling/trading it for a 66-8 combat magnum. I had a model 66-??, 2.5" barrel a few years ago and was offered more money than I thought it was worth so I sold it. Now wish I had it back. The new, 66-8 has very strong appeal to me.
What say those of you that have either or both? Not at all concerned about locks.
Click to expand...

In mid-size .357 Magnum revolvers, my preference is in the following order:

1. 686 Plus Mountain Gun (out of production)
2. 66-8
3. 686 Mountain Gun (6-shot version) (out of production)
4. 686 Plus
5. 686 standard 6 shot
6. Earlier 66s

As the 686 Plus Mountain Gun is no longer in production (bad move, S&W), the 66-8 seems the logical choice over the heavy barrel 686 Plus.
 
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You know both; you don't like the 686 you own; you miss the 66 you sold. So, what are you waiting to the deal?
 
Yeah, go for it. Life's too short to shoot guns you don't want to shoot.

But out of curiosity, what don't you like about the 686?

A 2.5" 66 would be a gun most of us would miss. So I feel your pain.
 
I have both and I am glad I don't have to decide which to keep. The 2.75" 66-8 is lighter, but I shoot the 3" 686 Plus a bit better in quick fire (the little extra weight seems to help steady the gun) and I like having a 7th shot.
 
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