I am looking at 2 pistols very close in price. A model 66 2.5" and a model 686 2.5". Is there much difference in performance and durability?
Any advice and opinion will be beneficial in making my decision.

Performance wise they are probably pretty close, but the 686 definately has the edge in durability. Conventional wisdom is that .357's should be used sparingly in the K frame 66, while the L frame 686 can digest them all day long. The L frame was supposedly developed as a compromise between the K and N frames because the K frames experienced problems with a steady diet of full power .357 loads.

The debate about the durability of K frame magnums is sort of like 9MM vs. 45ACP, or Ford vs. Chevy, it has been going on forever. The 66 was supposedly designed to shoot 38 specials and carry magnums, while the 686 was beefed-up, designed from the ground up to handle plenty of magnum loads.

You will find plenty of posts on the subject. IMHO, unless you are shooting hot magnum loads in large quantities, the 66 should be fine. What are you going to use the revolver for? Since you are talking about the 2.5" barrel, I will assume carrying?

In that case, I would definitely go with the 66. It is svelter and carries much better in my opinion, although some people have no problem carrying the 686. If you were talking about taking it to the range and putting hundreds of magnum rounds through it per week, then I'd say the 686, but that doesn't seem to be what you're after.

The combat magnum (19/66) is probably my favorite revolver ever. I like the 686 very much but it has always seemed a bit clunky to me in comparison. Then again, everything is a trade-off. As I said, I'd go for the 66 in that barrel length for carry.

__________________
Aaron Terry

+1 to Aaron Terry's comments. Unless you plan on shooting a whole bunch of full-house magnum ammo through it, I would go with the model 66. You can always find another 686 down the road.

Make sure you check the forcing cone of the 66 for cracks. The bottom or "6 o'clock" position is where it will be prone to cracking.

Good luck and happy shooting!

i would go with the model 686 but that is just my two cents

I believe the K-frame S&W models had problems with the 110gr and 125gr fire-breathing .357 Magnum rounds. The L-frame was designed to correct this problem.

Therefore, if you plan on shooting the 140gr or heavier .357 Magnum loadings, you're probably fine with the M66. However, if you want to shoot the lighter weight (110-125gr) bullets at "full magnum" velocities, I'd recommend the M686.

I have a Model 66 and a Model 686 and the 686 is heavier and like they said slightly bigger. I really am not a big fan of K frame 357's because I'm in my mid 60's and the recoil is a lot more then with the 686 with the same loads.

They are both great guns but I shoot my 686 a lot more and better for whatever that is worth.

I must plead ignorance . What and where is the forcing cone?

The forcing cone is the back end of the barrel that sticks out of the frame close to the front of the cylinder. When the cylinder times into place on each shot the charge hole lines up with the forcing cone (barrel). When the shot is fired the bullet "jumps" the gap between the cylinder and the forcing cone and down the barrel it goes.

Thank you for the info. Very much appreciated!

For carry, the 66 is lighter, and will conceal better, IMHO.
The 686 is fantastic at the range, as felt recoil is less.

My vote is the 66, but I'm spoiled to mine.

+1

Have them both - The 66 is far easier to carry but the 686 shoots a lot easier.

With that said I will never part with my 66.

Hi,

I have both a 66 and a 686. While the 686 is a very good revolver for shooting 357s the revolver feels muzzle heavy for me. I also can't shoot accurately with one hand with the 686. My 66 I have no problems shooting accurately with one hand. Also, I feel the K frame magnums are the best handling revolvers S&W has ever made. Revolvers like the 586/686 or even the 27/28 N frame are not the best option if you are going to consider carrying, the 66 or 65 would be a better option . I agree to stay away from the full power light grain ammo but the 66 will be fine with a medium power round. Remington Golden Saber 125gr HPs are one of the better SD rounds. There are more also. These won't hurt a K frame magnum. And last but not least, any K frame magnum will have better resale value and be more desirable in my opinion. K frame magnums are not made anymore. 686s are a dime a dozen. They are still being made.
Good luck with your decision,
Regards,
roaddog28

My carry gun is a 2.5" 66. At the range it sees .38's, with a few .357's to keep me on my game. It's a great revolver. As you can tell, you're going to get varying opinions. You can't loose either way, only you can decide.

I'm going to vote for the 686 for 2 reasons:

1. The 686 tends to be "worth" more than the same barrel length as the 66
2. The 686 is more stout and robust

If you pass on the 686, please PM me and i'll buy it. I do not have a 686 snub.

Thanks to all of the responders. I have enough info to make a decision. I will buy both, for different reasons.

Excellent move!