686 .. 2.5 or 3 inch?

[casingpoint]

I can't imagine there's a significant difference in velocity with 1/2" of barrel

Yes, there is. By most accounts, about a 10-15 per cent drop in velocity. Not much up front, but when squared for KE, it makes a notable difference on paper. This, and the magnum round ejection issue favor the three inch barrel.

Shooting 38's in a 357 chamber also has a ballistic loss associated with it, although someone opined the other day that has been reduced by improved cylinder design. Sounds a little hoaky to me. I have been unable to gather reliable figures on the prospective velocity drop, new cylinders or old. This drop has been rated at between 10 fps and 50 fps. Maybe somebody here has the facts.

 

[BigGuns]

3" They just are the coolest in every way!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Boriqua:
One last questions... Can the 686 take a steady diest of .357 or is it one of those "practice with 38 and load with .357.

I would probably be firing alot of .357 at the range.
Alex

The L frame guns are made for a complete diet of .357s, so blaze away to the extent your pocket book, your wrists and your ears can stand it. The gun, I predict, can handle all magnums better than most people (not speaking of you here, just generally).

 

[Boriqua]

Uh Bigguns ...that is an awesome collection !!!
I'm 45 yrs old but can I be your adopted son! I had a model ..60? I think it was and it froze up shortly after buying it. Sent it in and they were great but I got a note back in the box that said practice with .38 and carry .357. I had fired about 100 rounds of .357. I like my 629 because I feel just fine shooting .44mag and its not going to break. Good hefty gun and just a blast, literally and figuratively to shoot.
Alex

 

[S&Wcamaroman]

Ditto, Nice collection B G

 

[BigGuns]

Originally posted by Boriqua:
Uh Bigguns ...that is an awesome collection !!!
I'm 45 yrs old but can I be your adopted son! I had a model ..60? I think it was and it froze up shortly after buying it. Sent it in and they were great but I got a note back in the box that said practice with .38 and carry .357. I had fired about 100 rounds of .357. I like my 629 because I feel just fine shooting .44mag and its not going to break. Good hefty gun and just a blast, literally and figuratively to shoot.
Alex

Sure, if I had you when I was 3! Have one gone to college now, so have spare room, too. Turning it into trophy/man/gun/game room at present.

I had all those out in my back yard to take pictures one day, and it started to rain. snapped a few pics before running them insdide.

Always had a thing for 3 and 5" barrels.

So, still voting for 3", though not always easy to find holsters

 

[Titan]

I did a LOT of research and shot a lot of other people's guns in deciding on my first handgun purchase.

I had settled on the 686+ with 2 1/2" barrel and was ready to jump on a new model when S&W announced the return to production of the 3 inch barrel.

I never hesitated!

For the longer ejection rod and the fact that 3" splits the difference between 2 1/2 and 4 inch barrels and is simply a better compromise for CCW and range fun, I went with the 3 inch and have never regretted it.
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