I will try to make a long story short. I own a 686+ 2 1/2", a 686+ 6", and a 617 6" ( shoots .22's and weighs within a couple of ounces of the others and is good for targets, though the others will shoot 38 Spl which is easier on my hands than the magnum shells). In the early 2000's the only firearm I owned was a 50 year old Winchester lever action .22 rifle which I plinked with in my college days. I am a physician, and around 2003 a patient threatened my life. I cannot go into details about this at the advice of the local police department (though the story is fascinating!), but suffice it to say that this individual had access to a large number of (legal) weapons. I consulted with police officers in Plainfield, NJ (where I had my office), and in Chatham, NJ (where I lived). These are two cities as different as night and day in terms of crime statistics. Interestingly, both officers were concerned about safety at my office, and at home where my wife and son lived. They both made the same recommendation for protection in these venues. First, a revolver, not a pistol - more reliable, and easier for someone like me who had rarely seen let along ever shot a handgun. Secondly, they both STRONGLY recommended the S&W 686 (or 686+) with soft tipped shells which they provided for me. This took out my worry that if I had to use the firearm, I could shoot through the walls of my home and hit a neighbor in their home. The police also told me that getting a carry license in NJ was impossible, even under the circumstances. They decided that confronting the individual would only aggravate him. They told me to go to a range and shoot once a month until I was comfortable. The Plainfield police officer went with me the first time to orient me to handgun use. I kept the 2 1/2" revolver in my desk at work for a few years, and the 6" gun at home in my night table (my son was 21 y/o so little risk there). Thank God I never had to use them for protection. But I was hooked, and ever since I have often gone a range to shoot one or both of them (I find the 2 1/2" barrel a challenge, the 6" hits whatever you aim it at). Years later I bought the 617 for plinking and for when my hands began to hurt at the range. I have since shot many varied revolvers and pistols, from .22 to 44 mag (even one of those monster 50 cal S&W's). I find the balance, feel, and accuracy of both .357- S&W's unmatched. I have shot thousands of rounds in the 686+ 6" and it is as solid as the day I bought it. I have never had a misfire! I would recommend any/all of these revolvers, but for true protection and some "kick" at the range, the 686's are wonderful! Good luck - hard to go wrong in my non-expert opinion.
I'm shocked, SHOCKED, that nobody has yet said:
