I've been looking at trading a Sig P229R for a 4 inch barreled .357 magnum, and I was mostly looking at getting Ruger GP100s, but was at a gunshow recently and a man had a used but well taken care of stainless 686-6 with a Bianchi leather holster. Felt great in my hand and he offered me a deal that was too good to refuse so now I have the Smith. I'll admit I'm a complete novice with Smiths so I was looking for any info or tips on the 686-6 for me, it seems like a great quality gun, serial number is CEV4XXX, thanks!
S&W 686-6
- Thread starter montana09
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I am a huge fan. I have also been a big fan of Ruger revolvers in general and the GP100 in particular, but after getting my 686-6 I am afraid the GP doesn't get much use. For me the 686 is the perfect size, weight and balance for the most versatile cartridge, and mine is very accurate.
bananaman
Member
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran
The serial number indicates a likely ship date of....
June of 2001.
Though I would not be surprised if the actual ship date was a little later. With a 6/2001 ship it is one of the earliest -6's I've ever seen.
Is there a box?
Rugers are great guns. Smith’s are great too: I like the GP 100. One of my shooting/hunting/fishing pals is a Ruger Guy. I’ve put some mag rounds through his GP Hundo. It’s a solid gun, no question. The trigger is not like a smith. And the build if the gun is what it is. It isn’t any bigger or heavier than an L frame, but it does seem a bit ... ‘cruder’. I notice it less in this model though than between N frames and RedHawks/Blackhawks. My Ruger pal has been more impressed with the trigger and general shooting of my smith N frame in .44 mag. The next gun I buy is going to be a 686 or 586 plus, of whatever dash variant. The best one (trigger) that I have yet felt was off a used shelf but still a -6.
If you have one revolver, it should be a 686, preferably the 7 shot "+" version, with a 4" barrel. It fills the hand, but the pull is short enough nearly anyone can shoot it DA. At 4", the full-lugged barrel has the perfect balance for target or defensive use. It is rugged enough that you won't wear it out shooting. Enjoy!
Bianchi holsters are okay while you wait for delivery of something better. Unfortunately their leather is thin, the initial fit is extremely tight, but gets floppy with use. The belt loops doesn't hold the gun close, and is too loose for a smooth draw without dragging the holster with the gun.
For an OWB, I want a holster that fits tightly, and the right (15 deg) angle, has enough retention (without snap) to hold the gun upside down, but smooth enough for a quick, quiet draw. Anything by Alessi, Ryan Grizzle and a dozen others is worth the wait (3-4 months) and moderate extra cost.
4" is little long for IWB, but okay if you don't mind a mild poke in the butt when you sit down. There is nothing I would consider besides a Sparks VM2 for that job.
Bianchi holsters are okay while you wait for delivery of something better. Unfortunately their leather is thin, the initial fit is extremely tight, but gets floppy with use. The belt loops doesn't hold the gun close, and is too loose for a smooth draw without dragging the holster with the gun.
For an OWB, I want a holster that fits tightly, and the right (15 deg) angle, has enough retention (without snap) to hold the gun upside down, but smooth enough for a quick, quiet draw. Anything by Alessi, Ryan Grizzle and a dozen others is worth the wait (3-4 months) and moderate extra cost.
4" is little long for IWB, but okay if you don't mind a mild poke in the butt when you sit down. There is nothing I would consider besides a Sparks VM2 for that job.
MCorps0311
US Veteran
I have the same s&w 686-6 revolver bananaman.Beautiful S&W revol!
In my observation it is more aesthetics than anything else.
Plus as I understand it, the lock came about as a compromise settlement of a government lawsuit.
For obvious reasons that doesn't sit well with pro Second-Amendment folks.
The -6 is an excellent firearm. The -6 added the lock. -5 changed to MIM parts. One big advantage of the -5 and later is the front sight is pinned and can be changed.
one eye joe
US Veteran
WELCOME TO THE FORUM, montana09. IMHO, THE M686, IS THE FINEST .357 MAG. REVOLVER IN CURRENT PRODUCTION. TO ME, THE 4" VERSION IS THE MOST VERSATILE. IT IS EASILY CARRIED AND CONCEALED FOR SD, IS AT HOME ON THE RANGE, AND IN THE FIELD, AND FOR HD, AS WELL. THE 4" FULL LUG, BALANCES PERFECTLY, BOTH VISUALLY, AND IN THE HAND......
I WOULD SAY THAT YOU HAVE A WINNER ! ! !
I WOULD SAY THAT YOU HAVE A WINNER ! ! !
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I also have a 686..pre lock in 4 inch. It is a nice enough revolver but a bit heavy...compared to a 19 or 66. Have considered selling it lately and even took it to the local gun show looking for something to trade it on. Only thing that I saw that interested me was a M-69 44 mag..But I have a few 44s. I am going back to the show in the morning...and think I'll leave the 686 at home...and take the 66-1 I have to try a trade. It is an in the box gun so it may be worth enough to try trading on the 69. Have a couple of 19s anyway. Are 69s decent revolvers?
Skeet 028, we all have different opinions and preferences, and here is mine. Unless I made a habit of excessive range shooting with full power .357 magnum cartridges, I would much prefer the model 66 over the 686. The model 66 is less bulky and balances so well in the hand.
revolver_ph
Member
My wife and I really like the 686-6 6". This was its 1st outing after sight in. Right target from a rest (me) and left off hand (wife) at 50'.
I picked this 686-6 for several reasons.
1. Its pretty.
2. Its a .357
3. It fits my hand quite well.
4. It was my brothers and might possibly have been one that he carried as a LEO.
Since acquiring it I have learned that it is a Limited Edition.
I am looking forward to putting a few rounds through it.
My brother was a huge collector and loved S&W. I know he was a member here but I have no idea what his user name was.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
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