686 6 shot VS 7 Shot

[nipperdog]

I just Bought Used a 6 Shot 686-6 on GB. Although most of the 686 Revolvers listed were of the 7 Shot variety I chose a 6 Shooter. Aside from Tradition, I felt that the 6 shot Cylinder would be Stronger because there would more Steel Between Charge Holes. Since this Revolver will not be a Carry Gun the extra round Capacity did not matter to me.

 

[bigwheelzip]

This thread on that subject was interesting.

6 vs 7 shot cylinders: any effect on hot reloads?

 

[shocker]

This thread on that subject was interesting.

6 vs 7 shot cylinders: any effect on hot reloads?

Summary:

The 7 shot is stronger due to offset locking notches, according to Herb Belin, S&W's Chief Engineer at the time the 7 shot L frame was introduced.

 

[rubiranch]

I have 686 8-shot. It must be stronger than the 6 and 7.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I have 686 8-shot. It must be stronger than the 6 and 7.

It must be a 7 shot 686 with one already chambered in the barrel?
[emoji848]

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[ctxcummins]

It must be a 7 shot 686 with one already chambered in the barrel?
[emoji848]

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......wat?

 

[junglefighter]

7 Round=686+=L frame

8 Round=627=N frame

 

[Lou_the_welder]

......wat?

Its obvious there isn't an 8 shot 686......so, it made me chuckle a bit. Couldn't resist.
But, in all seriousness.
I've heard the 7 shot cylinders are stronger? Who knows? But, what I do know, is how much better unfluted cylinders are to lessening percieved recoil. Something I dont hardly hear discussed. I have unfluted 6 and 7 shooters and when it comes to magnums; they have a much better time soaking up felt recoil. Stability as well.
So, there's my 2 cents worth of internet wisdom.
1. I couldn't say IF a 7 shot cylinder IS more stronger than a 6 shot. To me they "feel" the same. Sort of. I haven't blown up either to tell which one was stronger!
2. I could most definitely feel the unfluted cylinder variety in either do feel like they soak up more recoil. Maybe the added material to the cylinder itself? Regardless of cylinder notch positioning.
6 shots or 7. There isnt really a bad choice. Do you need the extra round? Range or protection? Which speedloaders do you already have? Usw.

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[HorizontalMike]

Its obvious there isn't an 8 shot 686......so, it made me chuckle a bit. Couldn't resist.
But, in all seriousness.
...[snip]...
So, there's my 2 cents worth of internet wisdom.
...[snip]...

Ah, buttz what about us 686 lovers who wanted the 8-shot capability?... I also bought a 627PC 2.62" to feed THAT need...

BTW, my two no dash 686s are of the 6-round variety...

Life is good.

 

[shakyshoot]

I resisted the 7 shooters because I'm target shooting oriented. For the most part I usually load 5 rounds in a 6 shooter anyway, since bullseye strings are 5 rd. I finally bought a 5" 686-6+ in the 3-5-7 series, only because I wanted it. It just happened to be a 7 shooter. Now that I have it I like the idea. It usually sits on the bookshelf next to the bed w HST 38+p's, and I do carry it around the neighborhood some, in case I meet a javelina or coyote. I know this thread is primarily about the relative strength, just throwing out some random thoughts.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Wait, wait.....!

L frames have recoil?

I never noticed; must be a new improvement.

 

[Wee Hooker]

To each their own. My 1/2 doz or so L frames see a main diet of 38 special so strength isn't an issue. While I admittedly own a couple of 7 rounders, what I dislike about them is that it forces me away from the Safariland Speed loaders that I've become accustomed to over the last 25 years. This old swamp yankee didn't see the need for an extra round or a new style speedloader. Yet, here we are.... I'm a sucker for L frames.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Ah, buttz what about us 686 lovers who wanted the 8-shot capability?... I also bought a 627PC 2.62" to feed THAT need...

BTW, my two no dash 686s are of the 6-round variety...

Life is good.

You are right!
Life is good! [emoji16]

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[junglefighter]

I also wish Safariland would make more speedloaders for different revolvers,especially for the Charter Arms/S&W 69.