I have been eyeing this revolver for some time. For those that have one how do you like it?
Are the enhancements worth the extra money over a stock 686?
How is the trigger compared to a stock 686?
Thanks for any input.

(PS I know they have the IL. I can live with it. Please don't make this a IL, new S&W thread. Thanks! )

The changes in the 686 Pro Series aren't that great.

The chamfering done is quite mild and needs to be increased compared to good competition guns.

High-hand-hold grip might help, but if one holds the gun properly the high-hand-hold can be had with any grip.

A bossed mainspring is about a $10 value.

I cna't comment on the bbl and crown. I have my doubts on the amount value this provides, if any.

I'm also not a fan of the sloped barrel profile aesthetically. Though the less weight could help in competition slightly.

S&W claims no improved trigger on the Pro (other than the $10 mainspring). If they could market a better trigger they certainly would. They don't. Tirgger is no different.

Having said all that, there is not a large difference in price. Understandably, as there isn't a large difference in value provided.

There is one big benefit provided, and it likely is worth the added price - the interchangeable front sight. That's a wonderful option and can save a nice bit of money and/or hassle. Wish this was on my regular 686.

Thank you for your input. Especially the info on the trigger. Been debating a SSR or a 586 classic this may lean me to the classic seeing I will need to do trigger work on either gun anyway.

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I had the same dilemma as you. I even started a thread on here asking opinion on which is better the ssr or the 686+.

I went into the LGS several times cash in hand eyeing up a 686+ and a 686 SSR. I actually walked out several times because I just couldn't decide. I saved for too long to make the wrong decision. I wound up going for the 686+. I couldn't be happier with the gun its self (after S&W corrected a minor grip issue).

Its said the 686ssr has a better trigger I really couldn't tell the difference in the store and I really can't tell at the range. my trigger is very crisp. I think its like when you stand in the store one tv looks a little brighter than another, but only slightly, when you get it home it looks like any other tv. Same thing.

The SSR really is pretty but I don't think it is worth the extra $$$. But that was just my conclusion after months of torturing myself. Like I said I am really really happy with my 686. I don't think you can make a wrong decision.

here is a pic.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG]

Is that a Talo version with a wooden grip? Sorry my phone makes the pics kinda small.

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I snagged an SSR when they first came out, which, at that time,
had the forged hammer & trigger.

I did like the way it balanced, which was more like a 3" 686 than a 4-incher.

After I got a 4" M66-2 the SSR didn't see much use since I tended to fall
back on my regular 4" 686 (no dash) for .357 Mag range time and the M66 for
.38 shootin'. The reason I chose to use my standard 686 over the SSR was because
it has been worked by Pistolsmith, Teddy Jacobson and the trigger is sweet.

I have since sold the SSR, and the M66 for that matter. Now, for .38 spl
shootin' I rely on a 4" M64-1, which has also been worked by Teddy.......

Bottom line, in my humble opinion, if you can only have one 686 the SSR
isn't a bad choice. Like I mentioned, it balances more like a 3" 686,
or a 4" K Frame, than it does the standard 4" M686.

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Ogy

I have had one for several years as well as the Performance center 627 8 shot, and the model 60 pro. In my view the 686 SSR is the best balanced of them all. It is prolly my favorite hand gun. It is unbelievably accurate, and has an awesome action. Just my experience.

I have both and a 586. the triggers need to be done on all new Smith's. I think the 686 is better than the SSR for high power loads. The SSR is better for low power compitition. I do like the easy change front site on the 686. You can also polish/pimp out the 686. The lighter front end of the SSR does feel a bit like a 3".
Good luck on whatever you decide.

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren

I agree with Rivers2K. A fantastic shooter. Smooth as silk. One of the gun shop owners was amazed on the fit and finish of my 686+. He said that not all S&W's are created equal and that I had a great one of the "assembly line".

In my opinion the best thing about the 686SSR is the interchangeable front sight. I stick with a plain Patridge mostly but it is nice to be able to swap. Other than that, it has nothing on the other 686s.

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N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member

I went into my local pusher's some four years with every intention of leaving with a new 686SSR. I left with something that I liked more - for the same price (They still share the same MSRP: $969.) - a 627Pro. Sure, it's an N-frame... it weighs in at 2.9 oz more than the 686SSR. But... it holds eight... and has the same attributes, save the wooden grips of the 686SSR, which I didn't like. Moonclips are a plus, too. I quickly got it a .250" tall HiViz front sight, same size/type as my 625JM took - great fast target acquisition for my 'mature' eyes. It had a very good trigger right out of the box - I made it better - at the expense of marrying it, like my other .38/.357M's, to Federal primers.Here it is with my more recent Pro purchase - a 60 Pro:



If you aren't limited to 6 rounds due to using it in competition, consider the same price buying a 4" 627. It'll come with the usual Hogue rubber grips. Just a thought!

Stainz

Yes it is. I love it.

My SSR has a fantastic, smooth trigger and perfect balance. I prefer the sloped lug as it gives me a 686 that is closer in profile to a 66.

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63, 640, 65LS, 66, 1894C

I have looked at the 627's I do like them as well. At this point though I am looking for more of a mid sized revolver. But who knows what the future may hold I may end up with a 627 as well.
Man I need to win the Power Ball!

Love the 627...Mr. Wilson