686 or 66?

[Martial Warrior]

I'd like to hear your opinion(s) on the pros and cons of each. I'd like to get another 4 inch barrel .357 in stainless steel.

It would not be my primary off-duty carry as I have a 640 for that purpose. But for home/car/woods carry I'd like to have a full sized .357.

Your thoughts...

 

[murphydog]

In my opinion, the 686 wins if you will not be carrying it all the time. You cannot wear it out with full .357s, parts are available, and it can use .38s and K frame stocks. It is heavier than a 66, but that is about the only "con".

 

[Harrison]

686 it was made to shoot unlimited amount of hot 357 loads. The 66 is a smaller frame and might have a problem with an exclusive diet of hot 357, particarly in the 125 gr varity. I have both. I carry the 66 2.5" with 357, but mostly practice with 38 special in it. I use my 686 plus for heavy load practice, or a boat gun.

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

Either one will serve you just fine. The 66 weighs less so it will be easier to carry but have more recoil. If you plan on shooting a bunch, especially .357 Magnums, then the 686 will be the best choice.

 

["JJ"]

The 686 wins hands down for the purpose you listed.

The 66 is a great model, but I think the 686 will serve you better.
The extra weight would play against it if it were to be carried all day everyday.
In your case its just gonna make it more comfortable to shoot more!

I read a review once that said while it will handle it, the 66 was not meant to eat a steady diet of .357!
They said it would shoot loose quicker than a larger L or N frame. Quicker may still be many years depending on how much you shoot.
Sure its covered by the best warranty. That isn't an issue.
The issue is how it feels for you to shoot.

I have a Model 60-9 .357. It is a beast with .357 load. A bit to much!
I was looking at a 66 in maybe a 4".
My friend has a 19 & a 28 that I shot a few rounds of .357 through.
The 19 was a lot better than my 60!! But no where near the 28!

While it is not as big as the 28, a 686 would be a much more pleasant to shoot!
PLUS- It offers an extra round with the 686 plus!

Can we shoot .357 in all off them?
Yes!
Would we enjoy shooting a 686 more?
YES!!

Just my $.02! Ok maybe $.04!

 

[RRH]

How does the pricing compare on used "good to excellent condition" versions of the 4" 66 and 686 models?

Thanks.

 

[stevieboy]

I have a 66 no-dash 4". It has the smoothest trigger of any of my revolvers and is as accurate as any handgun that I own. However, I generally do not fire .357s with it as I find it to be somewhat light for that purpose. A 686 would definitely serve you better if you fancy firing some of the hotter .357 ammo.

 

[Yurko]

What fits your hand best? The 66 is a K frame & the 686 is an L frame.

Both are beautiful guns & will withstand a ton & 1/2 of pounding.
The real test is what does it feel like in your hand?

 

[ab4ka]

with both of them using the same grip frame (and grips) I wouldn't think fit would be an issue. I love the L frame guns, but to be honest I have a lot more time with the L frame than the K frame. For me the L frame is a joy to shoot with full-power .357 magnum ammo, I'm not so sure about the k frame.

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

By todays standards, the 66 is not a full size .357. Medium would be a better description-now that I think of it, S&W does call it a medium frame. On the other hand it is somewhat easier to pack all day, and I cannot pry mine from my wifes very strong fingers. On that other hand(is that 3 hands?) she only shoots some pretty hot +P rounds through it.
I vote for the 686, I love mine.

 

[fyimo]

Seeing it's not going to be a carry gun I would definetly go with the 686 because it's a stronger gun and has the same grip size and feel as the Model 66. I love shooting 38 specials out of my Modrl 66 no dash but I don't enjoy 357 magnum sessions. The 686 is stronger and heavier and handles the full house 357 magnum rounds better in the recoil and potential wear areas in my mind.

 

[Person]

That is a tough one. I have a 4" 66 (no dash) and a 6" 586 (no dash). I also just picked up a 2.5" 66-1 but I have not shot it yet. I never really shoot hot .357 loads so either does the job for me. I mainly shoot 158gr .357 or a varietly of .38 rounds.

Personally I would wait for a good deal on either and jump on it as both are such great firearms. Like others have said if you plan on shooting light hot .357 loads then go with the 686. If you do not then buy whichever you find the best deal on. Just my 2 cents.

If you do buy a 66 just make sure you check the forcing cone and make sure it is not cracked or damaged.

Later,

Person

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,
Both are great revolvers. Like most if you intend to shoot nothing but 357s then the 686 or my prefence a 681 would be better. Another consideration would be a M28 in a 4 inch barrel. Of all the 357s I have ever had or have the M28 is the most pleasant to shoot 357s. A lot of your decision should be base on the way each revolver feels in your hand.

For me with my small hands my 66 feels the best. But the 66 is not as comfortable shooting 357s because the revolver is lighter. I shoot mostly 38+Ps and a some 357 158gr target loads once and awhile.

Hey, I have a idea. Get both!
roaddog28

 

[gbw]

I've several of both, for many years.

If you plan to shoot a lot of full-up .357s, and I do mean FULL, then the 686. But it's almost an unnecessarily heavy gun.

For any and all other uses, including occasional full power stuff, I'd prefer a 66 - considerably lighter, faster, more convenient - for all round use the better choice.

 

[MTKTM]

I find it curious that S&W apparently concluded at some point that the K-frame was too light for full 357 loads, thus the advent of the L-frame in the '80s, only to follow that less than a decade later with a spate of J-frame 357s!! Go figure.

I think that either would be a good gun. My own choice is the 66, I just like the feel of it better, and I think it would take a lot of abuse before failing.

 

[Casehardn]

If you are going to run heavy loads through it on a semi-regular basis, the 686 is going to absorb more recoil and last longer due to the slightly heavier frame.
That being said, I enjoy carrying my 19 (blued version of 66) much more because it is lighter and just feels like it points more naturally for me. I find myself carrying 38 special or 38 spl+P quite a bit because it is what I practice with, as the follow up shots are easier for me.
Both are excellent revolvers.

 

[NZshooter]

Another vote for the 686.

 

[rodell]

As you can see, a lot of this is personal preference. I love my 66 in 6", and my 15 in 4" They seem to point and balance naturally for me. The 686's, except for the short barrels, seem to be muzzle heavy.

I have a 5" 627 with a N frame, and, that even seems to balance for me and have more natural "pointability" than the 686's.

Whatever feels right will be your favorite and likely the one you shoot the best.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

686 hands down, the 66 is going to be like a 37 Chevy truck, far and very very few out there. Alot has hit the grave yard from shooting all those 125 gr hot dogs, even the four inch is getting hard to find now days.