66 vs 686

[Tap Tap]

My local shop has both a 66-4 and a 686-4 and since I haven't fired either of them I'm not sure which I would rather have. Money not being a factor what would you choose.

 

[gumpys]

Money not being a factor, I would buy both of them, can not go wrong with either.If I had to absolutely pick one, I would go with the 66. Pricing would also make my decision real easy.

Eric

 

[windypoint]

Money not an issue. Both, otherwise the 66.

 

[AveragEd]

I agree - they aren't making them any longer and every time one nice 66 changes hands, there are that many fewer out there.

Ed

 

[Marshal Tom]

You didn't mention barrel length but I would assume that you are talking about a 4" barrel. I have owned a 4" 66 but presently own 3" guns in both models. L like them both but if I had to choose between them, my 686 CS-1 would go before my 66-2. Weight and feel are the reasons. Love my 3" 66.

 

[Titegroups]

Just about a complete lack of info on what it's intended purpose would be. If you don't know then I can see where the decision would be difficult. Can you narrow it down some.

 

[Broker50]

For me, given the same barrel length, any need I have for a 357 is best filled by a 686. My opinion only.

 

[gunny4053]

I like them both but if I had to choose between them, my 686 CS-1 would go before my 66-2.

Marshal tom, If it ever comes to that, call me. I'd gladly place your CS-1 in protective custody, and of course I'd insure it was cleaned and well feed. Please

As for the original question, get the 66 for class, and the 686 for good ole hardcore magnum shooting.

 

[Tap Tap]

I'm slightly surprised by the results so far. When I say price doesn't matter It doesn't mean I will just buy everything I meant that the price difference between the two isn't enough to make it a factor in choosing between these two.

When I go to the range I always bring 3 guns with me with one always being a revolver. Right now My only .357 is a 627-0 and I would really like to get two .357's that would be more of a weekly shooter.

I was thinking I would like a model 27 and a 686 but I ran into this 66 and I just wanted a few more opinions on it.
I prefer stainless and I will probably get a 6" in the model 27 and was favoring the 4" in the 686/66.

It would tag along out to our place in the country but would still really be used mainly for plinking and target practice.

It definitely wouldn't be used for hunting or home defense if that matters.

 

[Broker50]

I will say this, to me the L-frame S&W's are the finest 357's ever made. They are the perfect size for the caliber, & will do anything a 357 can. The K-frame Magnums were Bill Jordan's idea for a cop's holster gun, to be shot mostly with 38 Spl, & carried with 357 Mag. The N-frames IMHO are too big for the 357 Mag, they came out in the 30's, when heat treatment wasn't what it is now. N'frames are great in a caliber that begins with a "4". FWIW, but that's just me, personally, I own both a 66 & 686, so my advice is "suit yourself"!

 

[mscampbell2734]

The fact that you already own a large frame 357 and may want to use this as a travelling gun settles it.

Get the 66.

 

[brucev]

My local shop has both a 66-4 and a 686-4 and since I haven't fired either of them I'm not sure which I would rather have. Money not being a factor what would you choose.

I've owned and enjoyed both K and L frames. I will confess my sentimental favorite for the .357 is the N-Frame 4" M-28. But, your question focuses on the 66-4 or 686-4. I'm not sure what are the engineering changes involved with the -4 series. However I have owned -2 and -3's of each type. I think for lots of shooting using a variety of loads, my preference is to the 686 w/ a 4" barrel. I do not care for it with a 6" barrel as I consider it to be simply to heavy for a .357 revolver. That simply reflects my experience w/ the 6" 586/686's. If I will shoot the revolver a lot as well as carrying it, I much prefer the 66 revolver. With a 4" barrel it is in my opinion ideal for use w/ the .357 both at the range and especially in the woods and field.

If you only choose to buy one of the revolvers you mention, buy the 66-4. Later on, if you wish, you will likely be able to find a 686-4 to add to your collection.

 

[Sealevel]

I own both models (686ND & 66-2) in 4" barrels; both of which are used for my enjoyment on the range. I find them both to be extremely accurate and a joy to shoot. The 686 weighs two ounces more which better absorbs recoil when shooting the heavy magnum loads. However, I am partial to K frame .357s despite the often addressed warnings about hot magnums from the lighter frame. Owning other .357 Ks (13, 19 & 65) I purchased the 686 expressly to experience the difference an L frame makes.

All things considered I prefer the model 66. I think its the look and heft I like better. However, I would not sell my 686.

 

[18DAI]

Normally I would automatically vote for the 66-2 over any 686 as the 66 simply handles faster and points more naturally, for me. The 686-4 is widely considered the best of the 686's though. Tough choice.

If the revolver is to be a carry gun I say get the 66-2.

If you just want a fun range gun/IDPA gun or are a collector I say get the 686-4. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

 

[lhump1961]

I will second the opinion of the 66 since it is not being made any longer...but neither are the pre-lock no MIM 686's! I would buy the 66 to have and shoot or the 686 to shoot and shoot some more! I have some of both and am not selling any of 'em! You can't go wrong either way.

 

[steamloco76]

I have both a 66 and 686 in four inch barrel configuration. Since I took the photo below, I've installed identical Ahrends Tactical grips on them. The 686 is the more accurate revolver of my pair whether firing 158 Gr .38 special loads, medium 158 grain 357 Mag loads or full house Magnums. Since my guns are range guns, I'd pick the 686. If I were to wear one on my belt all day, the nod would go to the 66, though not by much.

It is a tough choice because both are among S&W's best revolvers and deserve a place in any serious enthusiasts safe.

 

[fyimo]

The 586/686 was brought out to take care of the problems with the forcing cones that developed cracks with the light weigh 125 grain 357 magnum bullets. So it all depends what you want to shoot in it.

 

[old bear]

If I had to pick one for home defense and ccw it would be the M-66. If I were to pick one to shoot on a regular basis it would be the M-686. The difference between the two when shooting .357 Magnum loads is night and day.

 

[Tap Tap]

As usual you guys have all given me great info. I'm not sure if it really helped me decide but sure gave me more to think about.

 

[Ohioron]

I have both a 66-3 and a 686, The 66 feels better and points better than the 686. But the heft of the 686 insures it will digest the greater mag loads a lot longer.