686 Pro Series

[Bodyguard]

I am thinking of purchasing a new 686 Pro revolver and I can't decide between the 4" or the 5" models. The 5" feels better to me but would I not be able to use this gun in IDPA, or would I? The 5" model also has a 7 shot cylinder and is moonclip ready, which I like, but this would limit me even more when it came to competition. I would like to try IDPA and Icore. Any thoughts? Thanks. I really hate the fact that they changed the forged hammer and trigger for the MIM parts.

 

[Badkarma 1]

According to IDPA rules the 5 inch model would put you in the "Enhanced Revolver Class" just over the moon clip thing. And I'm not certain if a 5in. barrel would affect your classification as I don't shoot IDPA, but I do stay up on the rules.
The 4 inch revolver was expressly made for "Standard Service Revolver" class.
My personal thoughts are, get the one you like best and run it past the guys running your local match and see what they say.
Happy Holidays. Dale

 

[OKFC05]

5" revolver barrel is illegal in IDPA, and you must load ony 6 rounds.
The 4" , 6 shot 686 is the IDPA/SSR gun. Use speedloaders.
http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

If you want to shoot IDPA/ESR or USPSA revolver, get a 625 .45 ACP if you want to be competitive.

 

[Stainz]

Since all of the revolver-friendly competition, including SPC, has fizzled at the range I attend, I am glad I obey the rules I adopted... which are - none! In my 'competition' - where I can play with myself - my 627 Pro is 100% legal, moonclipped 8-shot that it is. Some days, I limit myself to <4" barrels - and out comes the 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. Some days, I require major power factor - out comes the 625JM. Then there are the 'rimfire days', where my 617 is required. I don't seem to argue as much when I am competing against myself. I also always win in my revolver competitions - and outlaw rude case-tossing/evil bottom-feeders!

Stainz

 

[epj]

I gotta give the 627 Pro a big thumbs up also. Apparently it is considered the hot ticket for ICORE, but there are no ICORE matches in our area that I am aware of. I too have to compete against myself. Strange how I always win.

 

[westczek]

A four inch is required for IDPA, but a five inch would be ok for ICORE, Steel Challange and USPSA. However, take a seventh shot in USPSA and move from Revolver division to Open with the race guns.

1. Four inch Pro for IDPA and ICORE retro division with speedloaders, works for USPSA too.
2. Five inch and seven shots for ICORE and USPSA (if you can count to six for the reload). Pickup a six shot cylinder for it for USPSA. You can swap them.

If you are set on IDPA go with the four inch and speedloaders.

Westczek