686-3 or 686-4?

WalkingCat · Apr 13, 2020

Hi everyone. I'm a sport-shooter from Europe and looking to buy my first .357 with a 6inch barrel, which is the length we normally use here for 25 mtrs target shooting. So, after extensive reading and discussion with other members at my club, I've decided on either a -3 or a -4. There is not much difference in price here between the two models when the condition similar is, so I would greatly appreciate any knowledgeable comments and experience that anyone has.
Thanks a lot and stay healthy and home!
WalkingCat.

CH4 · Apr 13, 2020

The -4 is drilled and tapped for mounting an optic and has color case hardened hammer and trigger. For competition shooting being able to mount an optic may be important.

Shark Bait · Apr 13, 2020

I prefer the -4, but there's nothing wrong with a -3.

OLDSTER · Apr 13, 2020

The 686-4 is considered by most to be the apex of the 686 evolution. But any 686/586 is a world class revolver for sure.

Mehutch · Apr 13, 2020

S&W 686-4 in 4" six shooter is very close to my Holy Grail gun, same gun but as a 7 shooter. Any 686 or 586 is gold in hand. You can't go wrong.

Chukar60 · Apr 13, 2020

Lots of back and forth in Smith circles about which dash of any model is the best.
I have owned both -3 & -4 model 686. From a shooting stand point, you won’t notice any difference. Both are great guns.

CH4 · Apr 13, 2020

OLDSTER said:
The 686-4 is considered by most to be the apex of the 686 evolution. But any 686/586 is a world class revolver for sure.

Iam one of those people

Benchrest1 · Apr 13, 2020

Another vote for the -4.

OLDSTER · Apr 14, 2020

686-4 round butt that I've owned for many years.

357 shooter · Apr 14, 2020

In my late 50s I can no longer achieve a clear sight picture with the traditional Smith orange insert front sight and really appreciate the 686-4 with factory drilled and tapped frame. With a Vortex Venom I am still able to shoot as good or better than I did in my 20s and 30s.

I have a 6" and 2.5" in the 686-4 and also a 4" 586-4. If my eyesight was great there would be nothing stopping from buying a 686-3.

leonardocarrillo · Apr 14, 2020

Welcome to the forum, if you think of a 686-3 or 686-4, most likely you will have to choose between used weapons, for that reason I would look for the one that is in the best condition and if you have the possibility to test it with the best group .

ladder13 · Apr 14, 2020

Since I have no need for D&T, my -3 suits me fine.

Dieseltech56 · Apr 14, 2020

I have both dash variations. I like the looks of the dash 4 case hardened hammer and trigger but I have no use for optics on a revolver. I’d pick whatever gun checked out visually and mechanically the best.

wv109323 · Apr 22, 2020

IF and I say IF you are not going with an optic I would suggest a model 14.
The model 14 is a .38 special and blue finish.
With target loads in my 686 it groups high. So high that with the sight bottomed out it is about 3"high at 25 yards.
The front sight is solid to the barrel and can not be changed for a different height. So unless you are going with full power .357 loads you may want to reconsider for target shooting.

686-3 or 686-4?

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