6" 686

[richcory]

I came across a 6" 686 today, that really has me thinking. I was thinking about being in the market for a 2.0 M&P45, with all the promotions & rebates, but...

It was about $650 if memory is correct. I also didn't take any photos, but I has what I believe to be the original wood stocks on it. Square butt & a no dash. Has been shot & the double action felt very smooth.

Cory

Here are the photos. I'll do a search for it, because I have seen them on this forum elsewhere, but I didn't see the "M" stamp.

Cory

 

[richcory]

In hindsight, I just realized I didn't look for the M stamp or look under the stocks.

Cory

and some more...

Cory

 

[bananaman]

The "M" would not matter to me. I have a 586, 4" no dash. It will probably never be modified. My 686, is a -3. Good luck with your decision. Bob

 

[Voyager28]

I have a 4" 686 no Dash without the M and have never had even the slightest of issues with it.

I also have a 6" -4 that I dearly love.
IMHO, if it's in decent condition at that price you can't go wrong.

Bob

 

[Eddietruett]

I have a 6" 686-1. It is hands down the most accurate gun I've ever owned. I shoot a lot of .38 148gr wc and 158gr swc and it doesn't seem to matter if I use lead or coated. Lately I've been shooting a lot of fairly hot .357 at 50-75 yards and again the 686 shines above all of my others. I've heard a lot here say the full lug makes the 686 muzzle heavy, but for me it balances perfectly. It also helps a lot with the full loads. I gave $650 for mine and wouldn't take $1000 for it. My latest quest is to get a 686 in all barrel lengths.

 

[rwt1405]

I have a 6" 686-1. It is hands down the most accurate gun I've ever owned. I shoot a lot of .38 148gr wc and 158gr swc and it doesn't seem to matter if I use lead or coated. Lately I've been shooting a lot of fairly hot .357 at 50-75 yards and again the 686 shines above all of my others. I've heard a lot here say the full lug makes the 686 muzzle heavy, but for me it balances perfectly. It also helps a lot with the full loads. I gave $650 for mine and wouldn't take $1000 for it. My latest quest is to get a 686 in all barrel lengths.

I'm working on getting all lengths of the 686 also, so far I've gotten a 2 1/2", 3", 4", and 6" (yes, I sold out on the 3", just really wanted one).

 

[Telecaster]

That's a good price. Before I went all Smith, I bought a 6" GP100. Somehow it came, brand new, with an ultra smooth and crisp trigger and it's the last Ruger I'd trade away if it ever came to that.

 

[islamoradamark]

I like the 686 smooth ,accurate, reliable and fun

 

[richcory]

I have to stop on base today & it's nearby so I'll look at it again probably today.

Cory

 

[revolver_ph]

That is a good price if a closer inspection reveals no issues.

My wife and I just got back from a pistol match. She took 1st place with our recently acquired 686 6" shooting a 98 and a 97 at the NRA B-3 50 foot targets.

The photo below is from a few days ago and was the revolver's 1st trip to the range. My wife shot the target on the left off-hand at 50 feet. I shot the target on the right from the bench after sighting in the reflex sight.

 

[richcory]

As if to make the decision more difficult. Stopped into a pawn shop on the way to base & found a nice 17-5 6". Same condition as the 686, but the listed price on this was about $780. I realize that might be negotiatable but...

Cory

 

[Eddietruett]

Easy decision. Buy them both! Problem solved.

 

[richcory]

Ha, I wish it was that easy. Good thoughts though.

Cory

 

[g-dad]

Good price on both, maybe a little better on the 686. Which gun will better suit the purpose you have in mind?

 

[richcory]

I have wanted a 686 just because of the it was made for full time 357 so I'm leaning that way.

Cory

 

[g-dad]

The 686 was my 1st Smith purchase. Easy to shoot and very accurate. Being able to fire .357 and .38 is a bonus.

Did you get it yet?

 

[Scott B.]

Cory my 6" .357 is a Stainless GP100 TALO Unfluted but I think everyone can find good use for a 6" .357 so I say snag it and post up those pics!

 

[richcory]

I'm trying to talk myself out of it, by watering the yard & working in the house. Plus 75Vette is telling me about a PC 44 that I want also.

Cory

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

In my entirely unscientific survey, The 686 is the most popular revolver on this forum. Enjoy.

 

[Scott B.]

I'm trying to talk myself out of it, by watering the yard & working in the house. Plus 75Vette is telling me about a PC 44 that I want also.

Cory

Which one would fill a hole in your collection better? That is what it comes down to. What is your toolbox missing?

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

If you can afford it, buy it, I have a 4" 686 that I bought new in 1986. It has never let me down, I have noticed though that I can't shoot it as accurately now as then. A friend had bought a 6" about the same time. He still has it. The action is so smooth it's unreal. I only shoot .357 loads in it, have a Mod 19 that I shoot mild loads in.

Get it, you won't regret it.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[WaywardSon]

I sold a 6" 686 no dash yesterday for $800 OTD...had a box with only the vapor paper, correct stocks...gun was high 90%...

 

[ridgewalker]

As if to make the decision more difficult. Stopped into a pawn shop on the way to base & found a nice 17-5 6". Same condition as the 686, but the listed price on this was about $780. I realize that might be negotiatable but...

Cory

I picked up a slightly used 6 inch 686 about a year ago to fill a hole in my collection and it has become one of my most shot guns. Just about a perfect gun for everything except concealed carry. Accurate and fun.

I like the sound of that 17-5 though. Those are fun plinkers and will help you become a better shooter.

But listen to 75vette. He knows 44 magnums.

Seems like you better eat PB & Jelly for a couple months and get them all.

 

[richcory]

It's looking like the PC 44, then I might see if the 686 is still there

Cory

 

[ridgewalker]

Cory, Which barrel length and model variation is the 44PC?

 

[richcory]

7.5" in a Hunter

Cory

 

[75Vette]

Cory, I hope you get the Light Hunter, cause if you don't I probably will. It'd be a nice back up!!

 

[ridgewalker]

Like this one? Here's mine which I shoot and like quite a bit.
See I told you to listen to 75vette. Watch out, you are going to catch 44 fever.

 

[richcory]

Yep. I like the big guns. Haha

Cory

 

[okiegtrider]

Were it my choice to make, with out hesitation i'd say grab that 686. There are no more of those early L-frames coming out of the factory. 2.0 M&P's are plentiful. Plenty opportunity later on to grab one.