620 or 686?

[Tom 38]

I bought my first Smith this week, a 642. I went to the local indoor range and shot a new LCR; it was ok. But upon looking at the 642, with its quality and workmanship, this was the gun I purchased. Very well pleased with it. I'm looking to buy another revolver, either a 620 or a 686 what’s your opinion on these two?

[617fan]

IMHO, a 4" 686 is hard to beat as an all round gun.

[Anthony333]

I really like my 586 ( Blued 686 ) and think it is so easy to use and shoot well with.
Dont know what a 620 is...lol, so i cant compare

[panamajack310]

Hands down the 686. It has a full rib and 1 piece barrel over the new 620 that has a half lug and 2 piece barrel. This is a weaker design.

My advise is look for a used S&W as the older models were built much better.

[roaddog28]

Originally Posted by panamajack310

Hands down the 686. It has a full rib and 1 piece barrel over the new 620 that has a half lug and 2 piece barrel. This is a weaker design.

My advise is look for a used S&W as the older models were built much better.

I have a 686-3 4" and I love it. It is my best all round shooter. I agree with panamajack. Try to find a nice used one in the 1985 to 1990 range production year. Mine is a 1989 production and I don't see any weaknesses in the gun.
You will not regret buying a older 686 in good condition.

Good luck,
roaddog

[18DAI]

+3 Find a nice used pre lock 686. There is a nice 686-5+ for sale in the classifieds here! Regards 18DAI.

[Stainz]

The 620 and 4" 686+ have the same frame, lockwork, and cylinder. The 620 has a two piece barrel/shroud - which keeps the barrel under tension, enhancing accuracy, some would insist. It is also a partial lug vs the 686's full lug, a personal choice in style. They both take the same grip, too. The 686+ is 2 oz heavier - all out 'front' making it muzzle heavy - the 620 'points' better/more naturally. That extra mass does keep muzzle flip down under heavy recoil. I'm not sure if they are SS or hard chromed, but the 620 has both a silver looking hammer & trigger, too.The 620 has an MSRP of $893; the 686+ of $932. My choice is the 620.

Sadly, when I went to the local pusher's to get a 620 5/08, I saw the 627 Pro - then $80 more in the display case than the 620, which they were temporarily out of. I saw the 'extras' the 627 Pro included - 8 shots, moonclip ready, springloaded front sight, etc, and it came home with me. A best buy - even at it's MSRP of $1,059. I still want a 620... a 4" to go with my oddball 5" 686+ half lugger from a few years back. Go figure.

I buy new - there isn't a thing wrong with any of my new S&Ws now - or when I bought them. All new ones were made '01 or later - and most have 'the lock'. I have shot many, many rounds - from wimpy to blood curdling - from .38 Special to .45 Colt/ACPs. My .44 Magnums have ranged from embarassingly wimpy to SAAMI maximum wrist snappers. Modern S&W revolvers are well made - and dependable. My EDC pocket protector is generally a 642-2 with the IL. A new S&W has a lifetime warranty available via an 800# call. Buy used - or, as I call it, 'Someone else's problems...', and it's on you. New likely will have the latest endurance enhancements/improvements, too. YMMV.

Stainz

[PT-Partners]

I guess I follow the trend and would think the 686 is a good choice as versatile and reliable. I am very fortunate and just found a CS-1 686 in three inch after being referred by one of the forum members.

Well made solid revolver.

Best in your quest.

[tlr16]

686 I own a -0, -3, -5 if you like the 620 go with a 66

[Wayne M]

Scroll down until you come to the poll. Be sure to read the replies.

[18DAI]

I BTT'd the thread Wayne is talking about for you. Regards 18DAI.