629 PC (snub) vs 686 PC (snub)

[mchom]

My 2 cents

I will suggest the 44 magnum. Unless I missed it you don't have one. It may not be the most logical choice but 44 mag is just plain cool.

 

[madmikeb]

I have both and also the 627 version, I had the 629 cut for moonclips by TK Customs and that is what I've been carrying this winter with .44 Spl equivalent loads for what it's worth! I really like all 3.

 

[Beju]

Having shot a 629 snub with .44 Magnum loads before, I have no desire to do so again.

Sure, you could shoot .44 Special through it, but I don't think you'd be gaining any objective performance over .357 Magnum or maybe even.38 Special +P, and be using a less available, more expensive round on top of that.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have the 629-10 PC with the 2 5/8" barrel since 2017 and really enjoy it!

My current ammo is 44 mag brass with a cast 240 grain Kieth Tip over 11 grains of Unique. Very accurate and very manageable in my post Covid weakness.

I like DeSantis' 3" N-Frame holster so much I bought one in Black and one in Tan. I use a 6 round speed strip in a belt carrier (only have black). I have heavy 1 1/2" leather belts, and no issues with "Belt Roll" and the revolver stays tight against my side.

I SOLD my 4" 686 no dash soon after I got the PC, and still have a 4" 28-2, I just prefer the N-Frames.

In my opinion, 357 will do, but 44 will do it much better!

Ivan

 

[686PC]

I used to own the 686PC you're interested in and it's a sharp looking gun. However, I don't see any value in the slabbed barrel in a magnum revolver. It makes the gun difficult to control in follow up shots. I sold mine very fast after shooting it next to a 19 Carry Comp that I purchased afterwards.

If you go the 357 route, I would recommend you look at the 586 L-comp over the 686PC. The comped barrel makes a noticeable difference when shooting hot magnum loads, you get the 7-shot cylinder, and a non-sleeved barrel (the 19 carry comp has a sleeved barrel, as well as the 686PC and the 629PC, I believe).

If it were me and I was set on getting a 44 magnum snub, which I may do now that I've started reloading, I would hold out for a 3" 629-4 or 629-5, which is pre-lock and has endurance package.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
686PC

 

[Model19man]

What do you recommend sans the lock? You mean new model Smiths? I just haven't seen any without lock besides some J Frames. Either case, "lock delete" would be done.

I'm all ears.

I have previously owned a SP101 WC 2.25, as well, so, open to suggestions.

Thanks everyone for the responses so far!

S&W only makes them - now - with the lock. You can still buy brand new ones on GI, GB etc that do not have that feature. You will have to work harder but in the end it will be worth it to not have that ridiculous feature.

 

[jglsprings]

Love this cloud of snubs!

 

[Magnum_PI]

I have both and also the 627 version, I had the 629 cut for moonclips by TK Customs and that is what I've been carrying this winter with .44 Spl equivalent loads for what it's worth! I really like all 3.

That is a nice collection right there!

I guess let me muddy the waters a little more. Haha.

Between the 627 and 686, which do you enjoy more?

 

[Magnum_PI]

Thanks everyone for the replies, thus far!

It's giving me a lot to ponder.

Due to not currently reloading and already stocking 38/357, the caliber would be the logical choice. 44 is cool and certainly no slouch and would be fun, but I have no "practical need" at the moment, and the ammo cost gives me a little pause there, until I reload.

Also on my want radar is a 340 M&P, also 38/357, or maybe even a 442 UC... see the trend here on caliber? Haha.

So, I'm pondering even just forgoing looks and getting a "standard production" 686 because let's face it, they'll both do the same, and trying to slip a 2nd gun into the mix with the money saved.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The Logic of logistics! That should take the cake every time>

Ivan

 

[madmikeb]

That is a nice collection right there!

I guess let me muddy the waters a little more. Haha.

Between the 627 and 686, which do you enjoy more?

I would be hard pressed to pick between the two. They both have their benefits. The 627 holds one more round but the 686 is a touch smaller.

So I guess it's a toss up. I know, pretty noncommittal on my part!

 

[Well Armed]

I used to own the 686PC you're interested in and it's a sharp looking gun. However, I don't see any value in the slabbed barrel in a magnum revolver. It makes the gun difficult to control in follow up shots. I sold mine very fast after shooting it next to a 19 Carry Comp that I purchased afterwards.

Lol the barrel is 2.5". The make up of the barrel isn't going to make much of a difference.