Hello,

I would like to start training for PPC competition. I currently own a 686 6". Practically, is it too long and too heavy for this type of competition? I'm hearing the Model 10 seems to be a favorite among competitors.

BR,

Guy -

This might not be the best answer to your question since I'm only takling about what we use for PPC in Europe. Let's call it information.

For the distinguished match the 686 is the most common gun, and there is just small percentage of K-frames.
The weight is no problem at all, in PPC heavy is good.

The 686 based guns also make up the bulk when it comes to the full match race guns, but there is a lot of K-frames too.
Mine is based on a mod. 15 with a Douglas 1:12 barrel, Nill grips, Aristocrat under lug and tri-step sight. It weighs in at 3,75 lb.
My distinguished gun is a mod. 66, and for service revolver i use a mod. 67. I don't have a off-duty revolver at the time, but I'm walking in circles around a 315 (I know... but the ambition level isn't to high)
As you can see i prefer K-frames, but that is just me. You'll be just as happy with a 686, but try to stay with one frame size for your PPC revolvers, it will save you a lot in the equipment department.

Attached Images

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I think you will do fine with a 686. When I first started shooting PPC I was using a 6 inch Model 19 K frame. You wouldn't think that the light target loads would create much problem but I was amazed at how much barrel whip I noticed. Most everyone down here uses a 6 inch L frame or a custom gun with alot heavier barrels than the 686. Almost everyone uses the 6 inch for the weight and the longer sight plane.

The gun below was built for PPC by Clark Custom. It is a 686-4 frame.

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May God Bless The USA

Back in the late 1970's we built a pistol range at our local club specifically for PPC shooting. It was very popular then and we got a lot of shooters. In those days, most guys used a custom heavy barreled K-frame. When the 686 came out, I bought one with the six inch barrel and patridge front sight and dumped my custom gun. The 686 shot as good or better and I could use it for other things as well. I still have that gun and it still shoots as good as it did 25 years ago.

- -Buckspen

I like K & Ls. Added reflex dot to 586 and shot it yesteday. Grips that fit and a smooth DA makes these fun to shoot.

Tommy

The only problem is the sights, in the old days we used a neck hold. The neck was the little part of the target so you have to adjust your sights for 7, 25 and 50 yards. Heck at 50 yards you could see the bullets hit the target they were so slow. We used 2.2 grs. bullseye and a Zero 148 gr HBWC. Those were the days. Let us know how you do.

I'm primarily an IDPA shooter, so when I had a chance to shoot a PPC match while in KY for an IDPA match, I used my 4" 686 and +P 158gr ammo. The regulars were all telling me what was wrong with my equipment until I won the sharpshooter revolver class.

The 6" 686 is fine for learning the game. Shooting is shooting. Gamey equipment is for later. I didn't have my PPC rig with me at the time, but truth is I'm not sure I would have done all that much better with it.

Thanks all for the pertinent comments. I'll focus on shooting and learning proper techniques, leaving the comments of others as well as expensive equipment for later. Thanks all again. Revolver_King: nice pic!

BR,

Guy -

Guy,

Start shooting PPC with your 6" 686 to learn the game. Then, if you decide this is something you want to continue spring for a used gun already modified for PPC (heavy bull barrel and Aristocrat or other style tri-set sights), or have a gun built. Then your 6" 686 becomes your revolver for the Distinguished match.

That is the same advice I give to everyone who wants to start in this discipline as it is the least expensive way to start.

I know there are a bunch of Quebequois Troopers who actively shoot PPC. I shot against them at the Canadian Police Nationals when I worked on the northern border. You also have a strong pool of shooters in Ontario, plus one of Canada's best shooters Gus Hartl from Toronto Metro. Let me know if you need any contact info for the Canadian Police Pistol Club, I seem to recall they also have a civilian class if you aren't LE.

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Non illegitimae carborundum

Your 686 is fine, it would be great in the dist. match...I'm long retired now but started PPC in the late 60s when it first started. Used a Mod. 10 heavy slab barrel 1-12 twist, Davis rib.... Dist. revolver a Mod. 19 with a high front sight for a neck hold...It was a older 19 with the pinned front sight which could be removed and replaced with a S&W sight(higher)...This was OK with the rules...Good Luck....I might add the custom guns came along later, we didn't even have speed loaders.

This is built on a -4 frame? I thought -4 didn't have the lock and it has the cylinder release like a lock gun and I can see in the pics what looks like a plug in your gun where the lock was.
I could be wrong, just asking...

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Kevin,
S&W686/couple of Sigs

No it doesn't have a lock in it. he is like me and likes the newer thrumb release than the old type. Eyes playing tricks on you, don't worry mine does the same thing .

No lock on this revolver, Never has and never will be. you must have a spot on your glasses.

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May God Bless The USA

Frankly, I don't like k frames for PPC. It seems to me they are much slower to use speedloaders with than the L and N frames. My PPC gun was a Model 27 with one inch custom barrel and Aristocrat rib. It was pretty heavy. It was set up with a neck hold with the 3 position adjustable rib sights. Later, after I got a 586, I would use it stock and did as well with it as I did the heavy custom 27. You will do well with the L frame. Easier to work on, easier to speed load, well balanced, and to me a wonderful gun. I started with a pre 27 and belt loops before speedloaders. I always wished that the 27 had a model 29 style barrel for more weight out front. The L frame fit the bill.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I agree with the other guys shoot your 686.
I did Oregon's version of that around 1980 (called the TRC). I used a 6" Python at first and shot up to Expert with it. Then I accepted what most people knew ('cause I'm a slow learner) that the Smith and Wesson action dominates for a reason. Bought a used Model 10 with a Davis rib and watched my scores jump 15 points. Left the field shortly after and thats where things stayed.
The snake served well though because we would have things like pin matches so I could use full house .357s in it for that.

In both satin and polished version!
No drilling in the gun needed!
Extreme quality! Made by me and a friend here in sweden in stainless 2333 steel.

Revolver King,
Can you tell me the manufacture of the grips on that Clark PPC gun?
Thanks
lbm

I shot up to Master Class with a 686 with just a trigger job and Hogue grips as changes. Used a 121 gr. LRN with 3.3 gr. 231. Held sights to POA on the X ring.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

They are Hogue competition grips.

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May God Bless The USA

A minor adjustment....they are Hogue 'Big-Butt' competition stocks. You can see them on the Hogue website.

Here are some pictures of my 686 PPC gun. It is an original no dash model and shoots awesome. Had it built back in 1995.



http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_0916.jpg

http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMG_0915.jpg

I have used a 686 with a 6" barrel and a 610. I did better with the 610 (shooting .40 cal with it).

I bought a 686 with a 8" barrel to try next.

I am thinking of sending the cylinder out and getting it cut so I can use moon clips with it. I really like the 610 because of the moon clips. Far easier to use than speed loaders.

I haven't shot PPC for some years now, but did so under Illinois Police Assn. rules, 25 yard max range. After 2 K-frames (which were fine) I got a 686 and never looked back.