686 Plus for next grail?

[grip frame]

686-5 plus 2.5" I would not trade it for any other revision.

 

[500SNW]

^^^ Thanks BB57. Great info. No moon clips. Done! I'm surely opting for the NO moon clip pre-lock version.

Maybe I missed it in the thread above and somebody already pointed this out, but just because a revolver is cut out to accept moon clips...does not mean you HAVE to use them or use them all the time...nor does it dictate that you cannot by choice use speedloaders or load it the old fashioned way by hand. You can have it all three ways...which would be my preference. I think that you have rather quickly written off moon clips...apparently based on two posts here. I think that is a mistake. You really ought to try one out for yourself and make your own decision.

 

[BB57]

Maybe I missed it in the thread above and somebody already pointed this out, but just because a revolver is cut out to accept moon clips...does not mean you HAVE to use them or use them all the time...nor does it dictate that you cannot by choice use speedloaders or load it the old fashioned way by hand. You can have it all three ways...which would be my preference. I think that you have rather quickly written off moon clips...apparently based on two posts here. I think that is a mistake. You really ought to try one out for yourself and make your own decision.

It's a little ironic but I pointed that out in the post he partially quoted stating "no moon clips". He may have missed it so it's worth pointing out again.

In short, he doesn't need to seek one out, but there is no reason to avoid one.

 

[jay72]

For me a 686-4 in a 3” barrel is my grail gun that seems to be alluding me.

 

[Det-Sog]

You guys make GREAT points about the moon clips. You did not discourage me against EVER buying something that accepts moon clips as much as you did encourage me to buy one without moon clips "for now". I've never owned anything with moon clips, so I am indifferent to them. A novelty for me so to speak. Based on what you guys told me, the benefits I "thought" that I might get from something equipped for such was not there. Have I riled out moon clips forever... No. Maybe some day. Remember, I'm going after a grail. THANK YOU again for the points. With that said...

I REALLY want a nice pre-lock 7-shot 4-inch, and now I know that they are out there. THIS is the grail. I think I can find a LNIB or even NIB if I look hard enough. LNIB or NIB pre-lock 7-shot ones seem to be trending anywhere from $900-$1100 +/-.. A little steep, but if that's the market and I cant find one in great condition for less, I'll go there. After all, it's a grail. I will keep shopping for a better deal though. I think I just need to wait a while.

IF I have to get one with a lock... I'll get the Pro that is cut for moon clips. You did not scare me off...

 

[500SNW]

My 627 PC works great with moon clips. Using pointy/tapered nose bullets, I haven't had any of the issues mentioned earlier in the thread. The trick to having success with moon clips is you absolutely must find the correct pairing between the type of brass you use and the brand/thickness of moon clip. I found that the "standard issue" moonclips that come from S&W when you buy a PC product (mine are marked "TK") work absolutely great with some vintage Norma brass I had sitting around. They fit extremely tightly and there is zero wiggle...which works for me as, when reloading my cylinder, I prefer my hand to do the "wiggling." YMMV

 

[Bangler]

I bought a 3-5-7 Plus in 5" and love it! The 4" is probably a better choice if you're ever going to CC it. Moon clips? Not for me. I use speed loaders when at the range. Easy to load the gun and easy to load the loaders too. Happy hunting!

 

[bananaman]

Not that I have fired a ton of rounds through it, I enjoy my 686-6 Pro Series, 5". It just called out to me at the local gun show. + I traded off a poly bottom feeder for it. Win, win! Bob

 

[Det-Sog]

Update... THANK YOU ALL.

So, I found a late model no-lock 686-5, 7-shot, 4" LNIB. Should arrive at my FFL this weekend or early next week. I cant wait to take this out and let some lead fly. I like the -5 for it's mix of classic and modern attributes. As this will be a shooter and not a safe queen, I thought that the best way to go. I'm going to shoot the ____ outta this thing.

Now, would the classic S&W checkered wood target grips look too out of place on these? I like that look, but am also looking at Altamont and Ahrends. I have Ahrends on the 629 and they look and feel great too.

Next Christmas will be another snubbie. Either a 66 or 686. I already have an Unobtanium Air-Lite PD, so it needs a nice SS one to keep it company.

Edited for correct model number.

 

[Shark Bait]

The classic wood targets will require a filler in the back because they were made for square butt guns. There are several options for round to square butt conversion grips though. The Culinas are very nice, but will cost you accordingly.

 

[HamHands]

For a grail, get a pre lock. You can always get a new Smith, but pre locks won’t be around forever. In fact they’re drying up rapidity and are starting to command collectors prices.

This! And moon clips rule. I'd load up 20 clips in my range-bag and hit the range with my old M625... The kind of bullets/profile I use, "Hard Cast Keith's" just fell into the holes for a reload time that exactly mimics my 1911 mag swap time. I sold that Revo to my brother since I got into .44mags. If I had kept it I would have chamfered the charging holes/cylinder and with practice could have maybe had even faster reloading times. It was my Woods-Gun for several years. I'm going to send my carry M629-5 "MBP" cylinder off to have it milled for moon clips. I'd do the same to my M29-3 Lew Horton but I want to keep it stock in the minute chance of ever wanting to sell her. It's much easier to drop in moon clips than any speed strip or any "speed-loader". Of course I have lots of practice with Moons and they are super easy to carry 3 reloads on me without being noticeable or uncomfortable. Of course, YMMV.

Pic of my old Moon-Clip-Equipped M625 "Jerry Miculek" version when it was new, right after I plugged the "Hole" and installed a ramped front sight.

 

[Det-Sog]

The classic wood targets will require a filler in the back because they were made for square butt guns. There are several options for round to square butt conversion grips though. The Culinas are very nice, but will cost you accordingly.

Good point. Thanks. Not worth it for just looks.

 

[Bumpus13]

“next” grail?

 

[runscott]

Now, would the classic S&W checkered wood target grips look too out of place on these? I like that look, but am also looking at Altamont and Ahrends. I have Ahrends on the 629 and they look and feel great too.

Great gun - congratulations.

Here is what mine looked like with a 1980's set of checkered targets. I liked the look and didn't mind the gap at the back, but the rubber grips that came with it felt better.

 

[Tom S.]

Since no one else asked - why settle for 7 shots when you can have 8?

 

[Det-Sog]

Since no one else asked - why settle for 7 shots when you can have 8?
]

At some point it just makes more sense for me to jump to 12, 15 or 17. So, why settle for 8 especially when that eight shooter has a LOCK. Personal preference.