66 Combat v. 686

[sjs]

I am about to order online a 3" SW 357 and haven't yet decided between the 686 and the 66 Combat. I cannot tell from the pictures or descriptions; are the adjustable sights the same on both revolvers or is one a better set of iron sights than the other?

 

[Hawg Rider]

I believe that the sights on both revolvers are just about identical. The main difference between the two is the frame sizes of those revolvers...the 66 is a K-frame and the 686 is a slightly larger L-frame. I don't think that you could go wrong with ordering either handgun, but I prefer the slightly larger 686. I have a 2-1/2" nickel Model 19-4 (the blued version of the Model 66) and it's a beautifully made revolver, but it's just a little too small for my hands when shooting .357 Magnums. I prefer my 3" 686-6+ with unfluted cylinder and 7-shots...but that's just me. I can't really tell any difference between the sights on those guns. Good luck with your decision!

 

[ColumbusJBR]

There shouldn't be any appreciable difference between the sights.

The 686 has a full barrel lug, while the 66 has a partial (barely, in 3") barrel lug. The 686 should be just a tad heavier. If you choose a 686+, you'll get an extra chamber.

Beyond that, I don't believe there's a ton of difference between the modern 686 and 66. Honestly, I'd pick the one that you like the looks / feel of better. Both great options.

 

[Birdhunter6]

66 for carry, 686 if you intend to shoot it a lot, particularly with Magnum rounds

 

[Chrisj357]

I have a four inch M-19 and a 4" 686. I've had the 19 way longer and concealed carried both. Both carried the same. I now only carry the 686 for it being stainless steel.

I think the 19 is more fun (by a tiny bit) to shoot but I'm weird, I like recoil.

In your position I'd go with the 686 any day.

 

[SWFan27]

I have both. My advice would be to get both. You most likely will end up with both sooner or later. Revolvers are kind of addictive.

 

[panamajack310]

Hey I don't know if you are looking at the new S&W model 66 combat. If you are it is a huge improvement over the origional 66. The new models come with a 2 piece barrel that can use the hotter loads like the 125gr .357 mag. The old 66 models you had to use 158gr .357 magnum rounds sparingly. If you shot .357 magnum rounds all the time it would crack the forcing cone. The new model 66 does not have the same issues.

I have several 19's and 66's the -1 thru -4 models. I have replaced one barrel on a 19 because of a cracked forcing cone.

I have a 3"686 and 4" -4 and love it. The 3" offers the slightly heavier weight to soak up recoil, and has a full length extractor that allows for getting all those rounds out quickly and without sticking. Plus you can shoot what ever you want to in the 686. It is an amazing revolvers and are solid as a rock.

 

[SWFan27]

Hey I don't know if you are looking at the new S&W model 66 combat. If you are it is a huge improvement over the origional 66. The new models come with a 2 piece barrel that can use the hotter loads like the 125gr .357 mag. The old 66 models you had to use 158gr .357 magnum rounds sparingly. If you shot .357 magnum rounds all the time it would crack the forcing cone. The new model 66 does not have the same issues.

I have several 19's and 66's the -1 thru -4 models. I have replaced one barrel on a 19 because of a cracked forcing cone.

I have a 3"686 and 4" -4 and love it. The 3" offers the slightly heavier weight to soak up recoil, and has a full length extractor that allows for getting all those rounds out quickly and without sticking. Plus you can shoot what ever you want to in the 686. It is an amazing revolvers and are solid as a rock.

I have the new 66-8 and that thing will last forever, and I have shot thousands of 125 grain 357 Magnum loads through it. My 686+-6 is pure awesomeness and built like a tank as well. I love them both. Picking between the two would be like trying to pick your favorite child.

 

[sjs]

Thanks for the help, guys. I ordered the 686 from Guns.com and now I only have to wait. I have some reloading to do.

 

[stansdds]

It's hard to go wrong the L-frame S&W. The current production K-frame 357's are plenty strong and should not have the barrel forcing cone cracking issues of the previous versions, but with the L-frame you do get one extra round in the cylinder.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Thanks for the help, guys. I ordered the 686 from Guns.com and now I only have to wait. I have some reloading to do.

You'll love it. Take even minor care of it, and that gun will outlast you. Post some glamour pics when you get it! I've been told this forum kinda digs S&W pics...

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Thanks for the help, guys. I ordered the 686 from Guns.com and now I only have to wait. I have some reloading to do.

686 is a true .357 Magnum. I have the 686 Plus so the seven shooter.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

You already decided on the 686 but to answer the ??

686 and the 66 Combat... are the adjustable sights the same on both revolvers or is one a better set of iron sights than the other?

As mentioned the rear sight assemblies are the same but what is different between them is the rear blade's height.

The current 2.75" bbl M66-8 (and 2.75" M69) both have the shortest (height) blade (.114") that I'm aware of & as such has the shallowest notch (.060").

The shallow notch makes quick alignment a little tougher & a little more deliberate.

The redesigned 66-8, while a little smaller & lighter, has a much better forcing cone thickness than the older models which makes them much more durable & I personally wouldn't worry about it handling a steady diet of 357 Mags.

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[sjs]

Got my 686 in today and immediately shot it at the FFL indoor range. As you can see, I did not yet clean it.

Put about 160 handloads through it and could not be more pleased. This revolver with a 3 inch barrel is perfect for my intended purposes. The balance and feel, the trigger; single action, double action and staged, the accuracy and the beauty of this beast are all just fantastic.

I may put larger stocks on it if I think I will be shooting much .357, but maybe not. I expect to shoot it at least 100 rounds a day, 3-5 days a week. I am retired and do not golf, this is my retirement recreation, so I do a lot of it.

So, it will see heavy action, but I still want to carry it on those days when I shoot it. I also want to be able to shoot accurately out to 20 yards so I wanted versatility. Boy, does this gun provide versatility.

I shot only a few magnums and then switched to 38 sp., shooting 125gr SWC, 148gr DEWC and 158gr SWC, using Bullseye and HP38 for loads for each weight. The accuracy with the 148 DEWC and HP38 was incredible. The 125gr bullets did the worst of the three but were still acceptable. The 158gr was only a little less accurate than the 148.

I am more than pleased.

 

[stansdds]

Got my 686 in today and immediately shot it at the FFL indoor range. As you can see, I did not yet clean it.

Put about 160 handloads through it and could not be more pleased. This revolver with a 3 inch barrel is perfect for my intended purposes. The balance and feel, the trigger; single action, double action and staged, the accuracy and the beauty of this beast are all just fantastic.

I may put larger stocks on it if I think I will be shooting much .357, but maybe not. I expect to shoot it at least 100 rounds a day, 3-5 days a week. I am retired and do not golf, this is my retirement recreation, so I do a lot of it.

So, it will see heavy action, but I still want to carry it on those days when I shoot it. I also want to be able to shoot accurately out to 20 yards so I wanted versatility. Boy, does this gun provide versatility.

I shot only a few magnums and then switched to 38 sp., shooting 125gr SWC, 148gr DEWC and 158gr SWC, using Bullseye and HP38 for loads for each weight. The accuracy with the 148 DEWC and HP38 was incredible. The 125gr bullets did the worst of the three but were still acceptable. The 158gr was only a little less accurate than the 148.

I am more than pleased.

You shoot 300-500 a week in retirement? Nice retirement! 125 grain bullets usually have a very short bearing surface and are not usually considered a good choice for target work in 38 Special or 357 Magnum. I've always had better accuracy with 148 and 158 grain bullets in 357.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Got my 686 in today and immediately shot it at the FFL indoor range. As you can see, I did not yet clean it.

Put about 160 handloads through it and could not be more pleased. This revolver with a 3 inch barrel is perfect for my intended purposes. The balance and feel, the trigger; single action, double action and staged, the accuracy and the beauty of this beast are all just fantastic.

I may put larger stocks on it if I think I will be shooting much .357, but maybe not. I expect to shoot it at least 100 rounds a day, 3-5 days a week. I am retired and do not golf, this is my retirement recreation, so I do a lot of it.

So, it will see heavy action, but I still want to carry it on those days when I shoot it. I also want to be able to shoot accurately out to 20 yards so I wanted versatility. Boy, does this gun provide versatility.

I shot only a few magnums and then switched to 38 sp., shooting 125gr SWC, 148gr DEWC and 158gr SWC, using Bullseye and HP38 for loads for each weight. The accuracy with the 148 DEWC and HP38 was incredible. The 125gr bullets did the worst of the three but were still acceptable. The 158gr was only a little less accurate than the 148.

I am more than pleased.

Same here! Enjoy!

 

[38 Specialist]

Can't really go wrong. Each gun has is pros/cons. You won't understand the difference until you've tried both. I love both guns. 686 for magnums. 66 for general purpose

 

[BAM-BAM]

If I "conceal carry" a revolver it's generally a 3" 66-4 or 65-?.
If I expect to shoot "a lot" of magnums, I'll opt for a 4" 686.

Grips are a personal choice...... mine is Spegal Boot Grips for CC..
Round butt Pachmayer Compact's on the 686 for magnums.