686 Plus with 2.5 inch barrel

[rogo123]

Am interested in one of these. Please let me know how you folks like yours. It will not be a CC gun, but will be for plinking, load testing and poking around in the woods.
Thanks

 

[Neumann]

I have a 3", which has a full length extractor. Other than that, and an extra 1/2" barrel, it's the same revolver.

I do like it. It's compact, easily concealable and accurate enough at 10 yards. The weight is enough to cushion even the hottest .357 loads. Mine is wearing a pair of Ahrends boot grips, which disappear under light cover.

You won't be disappointed, except it's not well suited for plinking and target shooting due to the short sight radius. A 4" is much better balanced, and a lot easier to carry in the woods than the 6" barrel. Some states require a barrel longer than 4" for hunting.

The 686 is the right size for most of us - a K frame grip with a somewhat larger frame and cylinder. The 7 round cylinder is actually stronger than the 6, because the notch falls between the chambers.

 

[Maximumbob54]

If this is really not for CCW but you prefer the shorter barrel then I would buy the three inch barrel model for the full length extractor rod.

 

[stmry]

I have the six shot version. Its one of my favorite pieces. They just have "business" written all over them. If at some point you do decide to use it for ccw, you'll be good to go. Three and four inch models are very nice as well. Can't go wrong with any 686 in my opinion.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

For the uses you state, I think you'd be better served with a 4 or 6-inch barrel M686.

 

[guskody]

i used to own one.

very very nice revolver. wonderful to shoot.

i think it will be perfect for your wants of "plinking" and "poking around in the woods"...not knowledgeable about load testing, so I can't attest to that.

 

[lhump1961]

I'll agree with others that for the uses you've listed a 4" would be a better fit, BUT...the 2 1/2" will do those things too if your set on that size gun.

I have a -1 so not a 7 round but find it to be a great gun with the engineering characteristics that I like. I have nothing against the new guns at all...I just get caught up in the "they don't make 'em like that anymore" syndrome sometimes. The 686 is a fine gun in any configuration.

I do hand load and for sure I load the snubbies different from the 4" and 6". Funny you should mention that as my 2 1/2" 686 is my test gun for snubbie loads before they go in the K's. It's a stout little bulldog and I agree that it looks like serious business! Let us know what you decide.

 

[rogo123]

I have read previous posts on this and other forums about quality issues, parts breakage, timing problems etc. Have these all been corrected by S&W now? (2014)

 

[Knigge]

I`m very satisfied with my 586, 6 shot