Hello everyone,

First time poster here and looking to purchase my first pistol. I have been doing a lot of research and I think I would like my first gun to be a revolver and I think I'm stuck deciding between the 686 plus and the model 60 both in 3". I know the model 686 has a bigger frame to support the .357, but I know both can take it. There is about a $90 difference that I have seen and trying to figure out if it's worth it. Just wanted to get someone else's opinion. Probably will be using .38 special for now but still like the option. I'm using the weapon mainly for home protection and maybe some occasional shooting at the range on weekends. Not looking to conceal and carry at the moment. If anyone knows what's a good price range to pay for these new that would be great as well as all I can find online is MSRP.

The new M60's are 357 Magnum also. Since the mid 1990's.
The larger frame of the M686 will make shooting Magnum's much more tolerable. The M60's are more of a concealed carry gun, but I like shooting them with 38 SPL ammo. Plus P is fine. I have only fired a few Magnum rounds from my M60. Even with the 3 inch barrel, it is a punishing experience for me. Others will disagree. It would be good if you could shoot both at a range. The M60 is a 24 ounce gun, the M686 is about 38 ounces. A big difference. Most people would choose the M686 for range and home defense work.
I think both guns normally sell for about the same price. $730 at my gun store. If one of them is a Pro model, it would cost more. The S&W website shows "suggested" prices. Real prices are about 10 to 15 percent less, depending a lot on location and availability.

Best,
Rick

I just checked the S&W website and it looks like the M60 is less. It has been a while since I bought one.

Product: Model 60

Its hard to give someone else advise on how much to pay, but I don't think I would let the price difference be a deciding factor. If you like what you buy, you can enjoy shooting it for many years, and then it will still likely be worth what you paid for it. I bought a new 3 inch M60 in 1998, and sold it a few years ago for more than I paid. The cost of shooting is much more than the cost of the gun, if you were ever to wear one out. Even if you reload like I do. They should be good for very many thousands of rounds. Even tens of thousands. Ten thousand rounds would cost me $1700 for reloading components. I shoot about 2000 rounds a year in my three revolvers.

Best,
Rick

The model 686 will be much more enjoyable for range shooting. The additional weight and smoother trigger will result in better accuracy for a newer shooter. Even if you were planning on an occasional carry, I would still suggest the 686 for your first revolver. And welcome to the forum, you found a good place to get input...

Will

A couple of things to consider. If you are truly talking about a 686+ that means it has capacity for 7 bullets versus only 5 in a Model 60. If you going to get a .357 you will probably want to shoot them sooner or later, otherwise you might as well get a 5 shot Airweight revolver that can shoot .38s and .38+Ps but will cost less than the Model 60. That being said, anything you buy you should become proficient with and shooting a 686+ will be much more enjoyable at the range. I have a friend who is an experienced shooter and he never shoots .357s with his Model 60 because it is just too uncomfortable. Therefore, I would spend the extra and get something you like, can shoot and has greater capacity in a self defense situation. I have a 686+ Pro with a 5" barrel and it is a pleasure to shoot and is one of my favorite and most accurate gun. Regards, Jim

First off welcome to the Forum!

As much as I love J-frames for your intended purpose the 686 plus is the better choice. As it will handle recoil better and have a better trigger pull out of the box.

I see the 686+ as the leader in this horse race and that 's where I'd put my money. Oh yea...I already did.

For all the reasons stated above, you will be much happier with the 686.

My 686 PC is my favorite gun and my EDC. Love it. Very accurate. 7 rounds. Love the fast extraction and loads with the moon clips. Excellent trigger and the PC guns are much more sexy. Plus, a three inch bbl would require me wearing a rediculously long shirt. My PC carries great in an OWB holster with a good thick gun belt.

One thing not related to which gun to get is where you should purchase your gun. I live in a town where there is a very large gun shop that does enough business with S&W to get really good deals from time to time that they put on specials. There is also a Cabela's here and while I like the store, they can't compete on price with the large gun shop. Many times Cabela's will be 10% or more higher. So whatever you decide, be sure to shop around. Regards, Jim

WELCOME TO THE FORUM. IMHO, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BUY THE 686+ FOR YOUR INTENDED PURPOSES. FOR SELF DEFENSE OR HOME DEFENSE, THE 2 EXTRA ROUNDS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE…..

AT THE RANGE, YOU WILL ENJOY SHOOTING THE HEAVIER 686 MUCH MORE THAN THE MODEL 60. THE 686 WILL HAVE A MUCH NICER TRIGGER THAN THE 60. THE 686 WILL HANDLE THE RECOIL OF .357 MAGNUMS, IF YOU EVER WISH TO STEP UP. SHOOTING .357 MAGNUM ROUNDS OUT OF A J FRAME IS NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE……….

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Those are 2 excellent guns you are choosing from. I agree with the consensus and would advise you to choose the 686 plus. I would further recommend that you consider a 4 inch barrel length. I think you will find a 4 inch barrel easier to shoot well and thus more enjoyable. Good luck and always be sure of the background before you fire.

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Accuracy supercedes Speed

There really is only one advantage to the 60 and that is
the ability to conceal it. Since that isn't a consideration in your intended use. I think it makes it a no brainer to go with the 686 plus.

I wouldn't let the cost difference sway you. It's only about the cost of 3-4 boxes of ammo. IMHO not enough money to be saved on the 60 to give up all the advantages mentioned in other posts of the 686 plus. Again with your intended use.

The 686 plus 3" is $719 at my LGS. Seems like a reasonable price. That is considered a sale price. The 60 is listed at the same but not considered on sale. In my experience there, $80 off of the 60 would probably be doable if you asked for it.

I agree about the 4" barrel, and think, once caliber is decided, a general rule of firearms selection is to choose the largest gun with the longest barrel that is otherwise suitable to your purpose. So, the L, or perhaps larger N, frame 357 with a 4", or even 6", barrel is your best option. If budget allows you can buy a more suitable carry option later should you decide to start carrying.

I agree that the 686 is probably a better choice for you purposes. I do want to say, though, that all Model 60s are not equal. Shooting Magnums (especially mid-range ones like Golden Sabers or Gold Dots) out of a 3-inch, full-lugged barrel Model 60 with good hand filling grips is no big deal. Shooting magnums out of short barrel 60s with tiny grips is miserable, and even worse out of light framed J-frames. All J-frames are not created equal!!!!

Thanks everyone for all the great input. Honestly didn't expect that many replies and makes me feel a lot better now about my decision. I think I will be purchasing the 686+ as soon as I get a chance to hopefully try one out. Again thanks for all your comments!

John

Good choice in the 686+ for your intended purposes.