Hi all. Just registered for the forums in anticipation of a purchase I plan to make this evening. I'm planning on buying the 686p this evening. I already have a 1911 5" that I use at the range, but I wanted a revolver that I could rely on for home defense. At the same time, I plan to shoot competitively. Last week, the dealer did have the 5" in stock, but he guided me toward the 6" which he had to order and it is supposed to come in today (he didn't require money down, so hopefully he wouldn't be too upset if I do go with the 5", after he had to order the 6"). Now I'm having second thoughts whether the 6" will be too big for home defense (no carry), especially since my wife may use it as well. (I plan on using .38 rounds for home defense). Thanks for your advice!

zswma,
I can't imagine that in the heat of firing to protect your life across the average room either you or your wife will be able to tell whether you are shooting a 5" or a 6" barrel. I would make the decision, in this case on which feels better in your hand and if the dealer will give you a price break on either one.
Bob

The 5" barrel Mod 686 is a well balanced gun and will weigh a little less than the 6". For home defense and a gun that reside in a night stand drawer I think the 6" barrel will be harder to manage.

I would go with the 5" barrel since it will also easier for the wife to handle. Personally, I prefer the 4" or even the 3" barrel for home defense but I take it that you want a longer tube for competitive shooting.

Most people would probably consider both a 5" and 6" too long for an ideal HD gun. Something 4" or less (probably less) would typically be preferred. Not that a 6" couldn't perform perfectly fine.

What competitions? I'm not sure 5" or 6" or the Plus model are ideal for competition either.

Depending upon the rules both the barrel length and the 7 rd capacity could present problems and even make it outright illegal for certain sports (IDPA for example).

For all around use, like HD and competition I'd recommend a 4". I also prefer the 6 rd capacity, not just because I shoot IDPA. If I were to vary from 4" it'd probably be to 3" not longer. About the only all-around activity you significantly lose out on is minimum bbl length laws for hunting in some states.

You might still find you prefer the Plus and 5"+, but give your purchase a little more thought for each application and you might change your mind.

4" 686 for $590!

Thank you for the feedback so far. I wasn't aware of the IDPA rules, and the dealer guided me toward 6" when I mentioned competition. I just had a look at the rules and they state, like you say, 4.2" barrel or less. While they do mention 6 round capacity max, you can use a 7 but just not load it up (from the 2005 rules: "Seven (7) and eight (8) shot revolvers are permitted, but may only load six (6) rounds."). Aside from having an extra round then, any advantage/disadvantage of the plus? A buddy of mine said that the plus has a stronger cylinder. Not sure if that's true or if it even matters.

The 5" I have balances really well. I think in a side by side comparison you will see that the 5" is better all around.
As pointed out, you will not know the difference between a 5 or 6 inch barrel when you are in a SHTF moment.

True, but you'll have an empty chamber. That empty chamber will slow you down. It'll either come up in the middle of shooting (which I can see being a mental pain as well) or you have to take the time to close your cylinder so the empty cylinder is last. Both would be a pain.

I have no idea of other sport's rules. You may want to check them out as well if interested.

I have no idea if the following applies, but I suspect finding speed loaders and/or moon clips (moon clips not a concern for IDPA) may be more difficult, or more expensive, or have fewer providers. This may or may not be an issue.

I would be very surprised if that is true, and I doubt it matters regardless as an argument for either one.

I assume they use the same grade metal for both cylinders and that the cylinders are the same size. If true the 6 rd. is going to be stronger. I don't think that's an argument to get the 6 rd gun either. Either gun should function just fine in this regard.

I don't know how much you intend to compete and in what sports or how important 7 rds is to you for HD, but it's just something to be aware of when you make your decision.

I'm going to an orientation for the pistol and rifle club that I'm interested in joining, and see that they are an IDPA affiliate, so I'm thinking that you just saved me a ton of trouble I'm hoping the dealer is just happy to make the sale, and not too upset about the preorder.

Check out the link in my original post and bring that to the dealer too. See if you can get him to match it or close. That'll save you some more "trouble". ;-)

If he mentions it's an online price tell him that's a brick and mortar store and that's their price for web or in person sales.

Can't hurt to try.

Yes, an odd number of chambers places the cylinder indexing slot "between" chambers which will makes the cylinder stronger.
baldeagle8888

Eagle, that mirrors what my buddy said, yeah.
I just called the dealer and he has the 4" in stock. He said the 6" plus came in, but no big deal whatever I choose.

Has the indexing slot and strength of the chamber ever been an issue on the non-plus model? Or is the distinction more just theoretical?

I have 686s' in 3, 4, 5 and 6" in both 6 and 7 shot. Each fills a notch in the shooting world, it's just a matter of narrowing it down what's most important to you. Cylinder/gun strength is a non-issue with any 686, so skip that one. Longer barrels give maximum performance for any given load and easiest to sight with the longer sight radius. Best choice for handgun hunting or bullseye competition. Shorter barrels better for quick shooting and HD/CCW use. You find any competition will dictate certain rules that require a certain type of firearm. IDPA and USPSA offer a couple of classes for revolvers depending on features. We try not to get caught up in a equipment race and allow people who just want to come out and shoot to use longer barrels and load 7-8 rounds as long as they only shoot 6. If they get into it that much they'll buy the proper equipment and go on with it. The last thing we want to do is tell someone they can't play because they don't have the "right" equipment. I'm guessing the 5" is one of the new Pro Series which is a nice gun with the lighter slabside profile barrel, changable front sight and is cut for moonclips which you don't need to use if you don't want.

What handgunner356 said......

Don't get caught up in trying to find any revolver that's all things to all people.. Consider your primary needs and go from there.

IMHO, the most desirable 686 for me, if I were to own only one, would be the 5". But I'd have to confess 5" S&Ws are my favorite barrel length with all the frame sizes.

You don't plan to CC with it. The balance of a 5" is about as good as you will find...

Handle them all before you finalize your decision.... You may surprise yourself with what you'll chose....

Not sure where you stand as a collector/shooter, but I think it's worth considering that the 686+ in the 6-inch length is a fine complement to the 617 10-shot. They weigh and balance just about the same, which permits a lot of practice with .22 rounds (as opposed to .38) for improved performance with the 686.

Anyway, it works for me.

Agreed.

As things stand now, OP's stated primary needs are HD and games. A 5" and 6" are far from ideal lengths for those items, and one is specificaly not allowed (at least in the game they've expressed interest in).

With that knowledge, anything > 4" length would be a bad recommendation.

Unless the OP comes up with other needs for the gun or specific games differing from IDPA a 5" or 6" gun really isn't an option.

Nope, HD and competition. Since the same model suites both purposes well, 4" is the right decision. On top of it all, I was able to handle both the 6" and 4" at the dealer, and I liked the 4" better. Would like to get the 6" one day simply for the accuracy, but for now, I am a proud owner of the 686 4" and am very grateful to everyone, especially g47070 for the discussion! I started the thread only considering 5" & 6" and ended up with 4"...whoda thunk it?

Well, shoot. If I'd a known you were open to suggestions, I'd a recommended a Glock

Bob

Funny you should mention that. I've got one more permit and I'm planning on rounding out my collection with a Glock 17. 1911, Glock 17, 686. Not bad for a newb, right?

You got a great gun, and one well-suited for your initial intended uses. It'll fill a few other needs reasonably well if they come up.

Hard to argue with a 1911 and a Glock, too. What 1911 did you get?

Kimber TLE RL Custom II. It's beautiful. But I'm loving the 686 too. No regrets about either one.

Kimbers are nice. I have a Springfield, pretty similar quality and pricing.

I was mostly a 1911 guy, but prefer to shoot wheel guns now.

I don't own any plastic, but will some day. Glock is an option, but without doing much research at this moment I'd probably lean towards an M&Pc. If I were to go Glock it'd probably be the 9mm subcompact, a 26?

Enjoy the new 686, will be tough not to.