686 PC

[old pipefitter]

How nice are the 686 PC 2 1/2 Inch barrel revolvers. I had it in a .44 mag and never shot it but in a .357 is peeking my interest. Chime in if you have one and what you like about it. I own .357 snubbies so im not afraid of recoil and blast

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Whats your purpose for the gun?
Im sure many will disagree with me but J and K Frames are slightly better for carry and L frames are greater for range fun and accuracy IMHO

 

[ImDrRich]

I have one. Love it. Does that help?

 

[old pipefitter]

I carry a J Frame sometimes. but want something for fun shooting besides a 327 TRR8. Thinking the 686 or maybe an older 27 w 3 inch barrel that would probably be the smart way to go. Get more of my money back when its time to sell.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Santa left one under the tree.
Smooth action.
Too narrow and slippery grip. Replaced with Hogue Bantam.
Short extractor rod leaves spent brass hanging sometimes, unless moonclipped.
My 3" 686 Plus is my preference. It balances and shoots slightly better, ejects brass reliably, and is quieter.

 

[ImDrRich]

Whats your purpose for the gun?
Im sure many will disagree with me but J and K Frames are slightly better for carry and L frames are greater for range fun and accuracy IMHO

I'm a somewhat larger-frame guy and I am of the belief that you can carry any S&W frame if you have the right clothes. As long as that holster hugs your body, you can carry anything. I can carry my 629-6 .44 magnum all day long.

 

[dr. mordo]

I have one. It failed to fire 1-2 bullets per cylinder when I got it used but unfired. The springs had not been replaced, because the trigger was the heaviest S&W trigger I have felt.

I replaced the springs with Wilsons and the firing pin with a Apex, and since then it at least has been reliable. That said, it's my least favorite revolver and stays in the safe. My 3" M629 gets carried every day.

The 686 is like a hunchback K frame. There's something off about it. My 686 is like my Glock 19 - I keep it mostly to remind myself why I don't like them.

 

[rwsmith]

I know that I really like my 686......

...but as a range gun, not to carry around.

 

[jnichols2]

I carry a J Frame sometimes. but want something for fun shooting besides a 327 TRR8. Thinking the 686 or maybe an older 27 w 3 inch barrel that would probably be the smart way to go. Get more of my money back when its time to sell.

If the highlighted statement means something in addition to a TRR8, the 686 PC may be what you are looking for.

If it means instead of a TRR8, try to shoot one. The TRR8 makes an incredible range/shooting fun gun.

 

[rock doc]

I bought one as a fun gun, for the range. It's a little too heavy to carry. The appearance of the non-fluted cylinder, barrel, and grips sold me. The weight makes .357 ammo manageable. I plugged the hole on mine.