Saw a nice Performance Center 3" 586+ in black finish at the LGS, but I am also considering a 3" or 4" 686+ in SS. The 586 has ported barrel, trigger stop, and a few other features. This will be for occasional carry and practice shooting. Is the 586 PC worth $385 more ($1,195 ask)? It is certainly a cool revolver, but the action honestly didn't feel very different to me, but I'm am no expert. I actually like the sights on the 686 better, and the rubber grips felt much better that the wood on the 586. The 586 also has a very sharp hammer that seemed like it would tear a shirt from time to time. The cylinder on the 586 PC seemed recessed for moon clips, perhaps? I'm am not familiar with moon clips or their purpose.

Your opinions would be appreciated.

3" 686 Plus would be my choice for carry/range use.

I was certainly leaning that way myself. The difference would buy a nice holster, lots of ammo and range time. I was just hoping that a Performance Center advocate would help me understand what makes them special.

You don't have to use moon clips. If you do, reloads are faster and you can load up a bunch of moon clips at home and spend less time loading at the range, more time shooting. The down side is that the clips are tedious to load and unload, and you'll burn up ammo faster than you can afford it.

IMO the most important difference is the port and sights, which you know about, and that the 686 is stainless steel, so it's less prone to rust. Could be important for either concealed carry or a range piece. The port will reduce muzzle flip, but at the cost of more noise reaching you ears.

Hopefully Harrismasher will weigh in, he raves about his 586 PC as one of his favorites. I, like you, question whether it's worth the extra money over the 686.

Price not being in the equation, without hesitation I would buy the L-Comp
Mine is now 15 years old and I would not give it up for $1,200

As to price, only you can decide if it is worth it to you. Have you tried negotiating price on these yet?

BTW, the L-Comp came with two sets of grips, Ace Secret Service grips and the Hogue Bantams all packed in an aluminium case with 2 or 3 moon clips.

The 586 is a 7 shot. I find moon clips and long cartridges don't work all that well. Wobble too much.
The actual effective barrel on the 686 may be a bit longer due to the comp on the 586. Check the triggers on both guns. My L- comp had a great one. I have seen some that were terrible. My 586 is very accurate. The hammer is very sharp by intent. The front night sight is worthless and I painted mine fluorescent red. I notice no extra noise and have no problems cleaning the comp.

Should be two sets of grips with the 586. Gray PC plastic box. I carry mine in a Milt Sparks OWB holster.
Overall, both are fine guns and I would go with the one that talks to you when you handle it.
BTW, mine is as fine a revolver as I could ever want.

Agreed. The alignment of the seven long .357's in a 686 Plus, especially hollow-points, works better for me from a speedloader, which holds everything more rigid than moonclips, for better alignment. In a stress situation, it might be even more exaggerated.

In a concealed carry scenario the advantage of moon clipped 357 Magnums is not on the reload, it is on the ejection of empty cartridges.

There is a 100% certainty that all seven will exit the cylinder and 0% chance of one or more getting caught by the short ejector stroke.

Personally my spare ammunition is i a speed strip. Some folks like speed loaders, but they are bulky

I was recently in the same predicament. Looking at the price difference between the two, and looking at the pros and cons, I actually decided on a 686+ Talo edition 3 inch. With the unfluted cylinder it gave a aesthetically "different cool factor" look and was barely more expensive then the standard version. I have no doubt that either will serve you well.

__________________
Silence is the virtue of fools

Now I hadn't considered the Talo version with the unfluted cylinder, but that sounds like a great compromise between the two. Where did you find it? LGS or online?

I actually found it on Davidsons Gallery of Guns website. Got a good deal on it and they had it shipped out to my FFL within 24 hours.

__________________
Silence is the virtue of fools

The 3" 686 Plus being discussed has the full length ejector rod. My 3" always fully clears loose loaded spent brass.

I agree about moonclips clearing the spent brass better on my PC 2.5" 686 Plus, with the shortened ejector rod. Loose loaded .357 brass often hangs up, especially since I don't smack the rod very hard.

Is it harder to find a holster for the 686 Talo with the unfluted cylinder?

No difference from fluted cylinder.