1st Range Trip New 686SSR, New to Revolvers

[Howitzer]

So I have been shooting on and off for probably 20 years. Have owned a number of different types of guns mainly glock and 1911 from Sig to Les Baer.

For some reason the looks, reliability and tradition of revolvers kept calling to me. I thought I would get one for use in IDPA and (although I really liked the looks of the 627 Pro) bought a 686 ssr.

Shot 150 rounds of Monarch .38 yesterday at an indoor range.

Impressions:

Very tight groups (although slightly low and right) at 5-7 yards shooting single action initially.

Fit and finish is excellent. Seems like a nice piece of craftmanship.

Front Sight is very hard to pick up for some reason- worked best on black background but my 43 yr old eyes had a hard time staying locked onto the front sight. Would you recommend FO or gold bead?

It seems MUCH heavier than a 1911. Not sure if this is how it fits in my hand (with the weight above and beyond my grip. I like the feel of the grip and hope it will become more natural feeling with more range trips.

I think learning to get good shooting double action will be a fun challenge.

Bought 3 speed loaders and a loader holder... cool gear.

All in all I am happy but do realize that to get GOOD with a revolver it seems like a bit of a commitment... is that accurate or do you think improvement with one of these is a short learning curve?

If I grow to love it... I can see a 627 in the future. Thanks.

 

[nawilson]

Welcome to the forum! Someone more knowledgeable than I will probably be along to provide input.

I know exactly what you mean about revolvers. For the first 25 years of shooting, I was into Glocks, Colts, and rifles, but the six gun bug bit me about a year ago. In fact, last Friday I was looking at the 686 SSR and the 627 Pro, but I went for the 627 instead. I haven't shot it yet, but it is very exciting!

My initial impressions of revolvers were similar to yours. They felt a little top heavy which makes sense given the design relative to a 1911-style gun. The double action trigger also took some getting used to. It has been a blast (pun intended) to learn something new.

Now, let's see what the more knowledgeable folks think...

 

[squidsix]

Dry fire it at the TV.
I sit in front of the TV some nights and dry fire at the thing. Timing, speed, front sight picture.
I do it on long road trips, too, but not "at" anything, just empty wheelgun in hand and dry fire, dry fire, dry fire, etc.
It's the thing that did it for me (getting the SHOOTING part of revolvers more than the LIKING part of revolvers).

 

[scooter123]

Getting good with a revolver does require some effort. In my case that meant shooting twice a week for 2 months. However, the benefit was that when I started shooting semi's again I found that I had also improved a lot with that platform. IMO if you look into the history of any really proficient shooter you'll probably find that they started out with wheelguns or picked it up along the way. You'll also find that they aren't bothered by different triggers, hand them a gun and they'll shoot it well.

 

[Doc TH]

686

The weight with a 4" barrel is a few oz. less than the .45 ACP m1911. The DA trigger pull is not particularly heavy, and is quite smooth. With a little practice it should be fired as accurately, or more so, as a 1911 45ACP. The single action trigger is, to me, like glass. I fired an accurized 45 ACP in military competition for almost 4 yrs and the 686 is just as user-friendly to shoot, but different. One only needs a little time to become accustomed to a different "feel". I find the 686 to be a superb combat handgun.

 

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to the forum.

I started shooting revolvers four years ago after shooting pistols for 45 years and it took me a while to get used to the new feel, different balance and sharper recoil, but the transition wasn't difficult. It just took a little patience and a lot of practice.

One of the nice things about a revolver is the wide variety of grip sizes and shapes available for them, so if it doesn't feel right, look into changing the grips.

Another thing is that your brass isn't launched into low Earth orbit, never to be seen on your reloading bench again.

If a old klutz like me can do it, a young guy like you shouldn't have any trouble at all.

Good luck - Have fun - Be Safe
John.

 

[OKFC05]

If you want to do IDPA, you picked the right gun. The 8-shot 627 is a misfit in IDPA and USPSA, which only allow you six shots before reloading.

Yes, shooting a revolver is more involved than shooting a bottom feeder, especially the reloading. With a revolver you win or lose on your reloading since that's what you spend half your time doing.
Have no fear, practicing reloading with Comp IIIs and your 686 for 20 minurtes a day for a year or so will put you right up there in competition.
A week ago I shot my Model 66 at our IDPA match and had a better score than most of the semi-auto shooters; now that's fun.

 

[Howitzer]

Great responses! Thanks.

Dry firing/ reloading and firing practice... sounds like a fun plan.