686 3-5-7 or 686-4 or ???

[srings]

Howdy friends and fellow handgun fans,

I'm a noob to the revolver world and looking for some advice. I'm looking to buy a .357, but not sure what to get. I'm looking for something with a barrel 4-6" long. I'm looking for a Smith & Wesson. After my initial research, I was leaning towards the 686 3-5-7 Magnum Series or a classic 686 (I read that the -4 are some of the best). I'm looking at the $800ish range give or take.

So my question is...of the two I'm looking at is one better than the other (or is it all preference and feel like other handguns)? Is their another Smith & Wesson .357 that I should be looking at that I have not discovered?

Thanks for the help. I'm stoked to read your responses, insight and expertise. Hopefully it'll clear my decision up for me. Peace and late!

 

[guskody]

.357 revolver choices

srings,

you've mentioned some nice choices amongst the many great S&W .357 revolvers.

IMO, you can't make a bad choice, but still handle and preferably shoot as many models in different barrel lengths as possible to see what feels and points best for you. That's what it all comes down to.

Might as well try some K frames, L frames and N frames in the 2.5" to 6" range. Frame size fit depends on hand size and what's a comfortable fit for you. Barrel length also affects weight and balance and what feels right to you.

But if you plan on shooting a ton of .357, you'll probably want to focus on the heavier L and N frames. The 686's you mentioned are L frames.

For up to $800 you can buy just about anything except a 5" Performance Center N frame. Or for about $800, you could come close to buying 2 nice used revolvers and have a blast.

Other than how it feels, depending on whether this is for range, home defense or carry, you might lean to one barrel length or another.

3 inch barrels are going for premiums as of late due to the overall suitability for carry, full length ejector rod, and long enough sight radius for most shooters.

Even though most sights can be changed out or modified to suit you, notice which combination is best for your eyes. Black FS and black RS without white outlines doesn't work for me.

My personal favorite at this point in time is the 686-4 PLUS (7 shot), in both the 4" and 2.5" barrels. But I love them all.

have fun.

 

[AveragEd]

I lean very heavily toward the older guns and many think the -4 is the best 686 ever made. I have one in 4" that I never shoot - I prefer 6" guns for the paper punching I do most of the time. It's pictured below with my other 686s.

If you don't plan to continuously feed your new gun full-house loads, you might also consider a Model 66. They are lighter and to some, just "feel better" in the hand.

You have to buy the one you like best but remember that new-production pieces will be available for a long time while the older square-butt revolvers with grooved grip frame straps, forged parts and no locks are no longer made and the supply of nice ones to be bought becomes smaller every day. And that goes in spades for the Model 66.

Ed

 

[fyimo]

I would either get an L frame 686 or an N frame and in an N frame the Model 28-2 is a great choice and the Model 27-2 is even within your budget. The Model 28-2 and Model Model 27-2 are both the same revolver with the Model 27-2 having the high luster blue and the checkered steel top strap while the Model 28-2 has a mat blue and no checkered top strap. The Model 28-2 and Model 27-2 will also hold their value in the future and the L frame won't.
Model 27-2 6 inch

Model 28-2 6 inch

 

[mag318]

There are so many good S&W 357 Magnum revolvers choosing which one to buy can be challenging. First I always recommend the earlier pre lock, pre MIM versions. Second if you're going to be shooting a lot of Magnum ammo through it I opt for a 686, a very practical revolver. Now the N frame Model 27 like pictured above is the Cadillac of S&Ws. The heavy N frames never seem to were out and they are just beautifully made and finished. The Model 28 is just as good as the 27 quality wise with just a more utilitarian finish. The K framed 357s are more for only occassional use of Magnum loads and I shoot mostly 38 Specials through mine. With so many choices I'm sure you'll find a S&W to your liking.

 

[handgunner356]

If you can find a nice one a -4 either 6 or 7-shot would be my first choice. If going new I would look at the Pro Series 686 or 627. Slighty lighter than the standard models of each with slabside profile barrels, cut for moonclips and interchangeable front sights. Top picture is a 6.5" PC627, 5" 686 Pro and 4" Pro 627.

 

[slickracer]

I purchased the Talo 3 5 7 686+ with the 5" barrel because; 1- it's not something you see everyday and 2- it balances beautifully. And the unfluted cylinder is nice as well.

 

[VaRecon]

I second Fyimo, the N-frame 357's handle phenomenally.
I had an L-frame 357 and IMO it didn't compare.
They are great guns but the N frame is simply more fun.

 

[kinar]

personally I prefer the -3 586 & 686 revolvers. Probably just me but I think they have the best factory trigger over all. All the ones I have are keepers.

 

[Dave T]

Of your two choices, the 3-5-7 series or a 686-4, I would absolutely recommend the dash four, given my extreme prejudice against anything with a "I" (some say "internal" others say "idiot") lock. If you don't agree feel free to disregard the above. (smile)

Dave

 

[srings]

Thanks, all...some seriously awesome feedback. I really appreciate it. I'll keep checking back as others-like yourself-with more experience than me might have some other insights and perspectives. Gotta figure out a day to hit the range, rent some .357s, and do some test driving. Should be fun. Can't wait to find the right fit!

 

[srings]

Well, all, I took the plunge and purchase a S&W 686-6 5" Talo edition. Sweet gun at a fair price (Used/NIB/Never Shot) for $710. Looks great...now to get some Hogue RB rubber grips...can't wait to get it to the range! Thanks, again, for all the input. I think the next buy will be the Model 27-2. Gonna have to keep my eye out for that...just don't know if I want to go smaller (3-4") or larger (6"+). Then after that I might start looking for smaller or larger 686-4. Can you tell I've caught the wheel gun bug?

 

[fredg19]

Hard to beat a pre-lock 686 4". Not to big like a N frame can be for some (me as I have smallish hands) but much stronger than the K frame.

My son has a 686-3 6" made in 1992 (I think). I don't care for the 6" but a super sweet gun and solid as a rock. I read somewhere that the 686's made in the early to mid 1990's were some of the best built to ever to come out of S&W, handling my sons 686 sure bears that out. It is much better built than my 1971 Model 19 K Frame, if his was a 4" barrel I would be trying to talk him into swapping for my 19!

 

[TrueTexan]

I have a 3 inch and 6 inch 686 plus with the lock and shot 100 of rounds both 357 and 38 with out any trouble. So I would not worry about the lock. I don't like it but have had no issue with it. The 6 inch is barrel heavy but both guns are tack drivers. Can't go wrong with a 686 plus.

 

[18DAI]

Another vote for the 686-4. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't.

Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

 

[MP1518]

I really like the 686-4.

I also heard that the PRE LOCK -5's were REALLY GOOD guns.

 

[M3Stuart]

You made a great choice and I hope you are very happy with it.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions made above.