148 grn HBWCs in M-28 & 686

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You do realize, this ain't the place for a rational opinion on that matter, right? Of course you need to get both. Then get all the different barrel lengths for each variation. Then you need to collect 586s to complement the 686s. And of course you need the Highway Patrolmans. And the 27s. Each dash, each barrel length. Oh, and then there's the variation of stocks...

On the fer real, that looks like some really fun shooting. I personally have a soft spot for the big blued N frames. Shooting bunny fart wadcutters, recoil is so low it almost goes into reverse recoil. The 686 is darn fine to for a working gun. I just don't find the weight difference between an N frame and an L frame to be worth fretting over myself.

Looks like great shooting! I hope ya' get to pick at least one to have some more fun with!
 
Personally the pair of them are both too heavy for 357 Magnum. The 686 is probably closer to the right size so I would lean that way.
 
I don't see how double action patterns at ten yards is going to tell you anything about the guns. Maybe something about yourself, but nothing about the guns themselves. As to the question as to which gun to buy get the 28. More steel where it counts instead of the butt ugly full underlug barrel of the 686.
 
Myself:

I'd take the 686 & leave the m28 where it lays.

That 686 has a better/shorter stroke trigger
A longer cylinder that not only has longer throats. It will handle longer/heaver bullets without have to set them deeper in the cases to get them to work in the m28
The full length underlug is a huge plus when it comes to taming recoil, pointability & getting on target faster for the 2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th shots.
 
Buy both! But if you can afford only one... tough call, but I think L-frame is a better sized 357 Magnum revolver than the N-frame. N-frames, size wise, are better suited for larger diameter rounds.
 
Of course get both.

I like the classic 28-2 but remember that the 686 is the best thing S&W did in the last 40 years. I carried both as a cop and highly recommend either.
 
Having shot just about every weapon from 106mm to the M-16, not much is new to me. Have many S&Ws that I've reloaded for and shot since the mid 70's and Colts. At my age less is better thus the question. BTW the 28 was new unfired but no box. Will decide and ask my son if he wants to buy whatever I don't. 28 need to be broken in and very fine tuning but 686 is very easy. Decisions, decisions……Perhaps I'll ask my wife?
 
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I would need some lead 158 and a few 125 JHP 357 loads through both, before I made that decision.

Glad that you found those two great revolvers, to maybe add to your stock.
 
You seem to have shot the 686 a bit better...but put a set of somewhat smaller goodyears on the 28 and I'll bet it shoots better for you. I admit I like the classic 28 look...buy both just for you. I just got a 27-2 5 inch that was a bit rough looking hut cheap...came with Pacmayrs... As the old song said....she might be ugly but she sure can cook.... have had 5 or 6 586/686s all gone
 
If you don't have a real preference and can only have one always get the older gun. Hate to say it, but sounds like maybe pass on them or find someone that will appreciate them.
 
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