686-6 4"

[Helderberg]

I grabbed a 686 4" last week and just got to the range today. I have to say that I have never shot and/or owned a gun this nice. I realize there are some that feel the only real S&W revolver will not have a lock or frame mounted firing pin. I personally have no problem with either of these things and having owned older and new guns, this gun is amazing. It makes me look like I know what I am doing at the range and is a joy to shoot 38 spl. rounds. 100 rounds today, ten of which went through my 638, showed me that I will soon be bankrupt due to an addiction to ammo. This is a gun that every revolver shooter should own. I fired a six shot double action group, slowly, that was about 3.5" from 15' away. I love this gun. I might be selling my new 1911 to finance more ammo. I could not be happier that I got it.
Frank.

 

[bamabiker]

Congrats on a nice gun and a nice trio.
If that was my only 1911 I would not sell it. MHO.

 

[Helderberg]

Thanks, I do enjoy shooting both the 1911 and the 686. It was such a rude awakening when I shot the snub. The snap was quite a change from the heavy 357. I am also no where near as accurate with my snub, that is accurate for me, need to put in more range time with it.
Frank.

 

[Neumann]

Factory-loaded .357 is really expensive - twice as much as .45 ACP from Wally World. The answer is easy - start reloading. Jacketed bullets, like Hornady XTP, cost about $18/100. With a revolver, it's easy to hang on to your brass, which is half the cost of reloading. If you only shoot 100 rounds at a time, a single-stage press would suffice, taking only about an hour for that quantity. That's like a 6 month payback - GM should do that well.

If you shoot other calibers, particulary from pistols, think about a progressive press. With a Dillon 550B, you can turn out 400 rounds an hour without breaking a sweat. It takes only 5 minutes to change calibers, maybe 7 minutes if you throw in a different primer size. I toss off 100 rounds taking a break from this stupid computer, for a change of pace.

 

[Helderberg]

Thanks Neumann, I have been looking into this as a realistic option. I would love to be able to shoot a lot more and reloading looks like the answer.
Frank.

 

[ShinySix]

Congrats on the 686; I love mine. Ditto on reloading. I do everything from 125 gr. fireballs (~$13.25/50), 158 gr mid range ($7.05/50), to 180 gr. gas checked thumpers (~$16/50) on a 550B. Most of my loads utilize premium components which accounts for the high cost, but hey, its a fun gun. I even do 148 gr. HBWC in 357 brass every now and then. I dont even waste time with 38 spl brass.

 

[eddie56]

I hope you use 2400 with those reloads.

 

[eddie56]

Might be to much for light loads?

 

[les strat]

Beautiful lineup there!

I love my 686 no-dash. Funny thing is, I went in to buy a Glock 23 - had been wanting a .45 for a while - and ended up walking out with the 686 on a killer deal. Still want a .45, but now leaning towards a 1911 as I tend to like metal more than plastic.

These S&W wheelies are addictive for sure. A good .22 revolver and I think I'll be good.

 

[Helderberg]

Beautiful lineup there!

I love my 686 no-dash. Funny thing is, I went in to buy a Glock 23 - had been wanting a .45 for a while - and ended up walking out with the 686 on a killer deal. Still want a .45, but now leaning towards a 1911 as I tend to like metal more than plastic.

These S&W wheelies are addictive for sure. A good .22 revolver and I think I'll be good.

Very nice Les Strat. I am thinking I am going to have to find some nice grips, something like yours, to set this gun off. Sharp snub also and as far as a 1911 goes, I had a M&P 45 and 9 in FS frame, decided there is nothing like metal.
Good luck and thanks for the reply.
Frank.

 

[Bud11]

Nice gun and glad you like it so much.

 

[Mambeaux]

Beautiful lineup there!

I love my 686 no-dash. Funny thing is, I went in to buy a Glock 23 - had been wanting a .45 for a while - and ended up walking out with the 686 on a killer deal. Still want a .45, but now leaning towards a 1911 as I tend to like metal more than plastic.

These S&W wheelies are addictive for sure. A good .22 revolver and I think I'll be good.

Please tell me about those rosewood grips on the second gun, are they stock?