686 SSR

[fljr]

Overall thoughts?

 

[Kalison]

Going to be picking up my 686 SSR next week.

Having both a 66 and 686 both in 4"... both wonderful revolvers from the 80's... the 66 was lighter and faster to point and handle... the 686 being slightly larger soaked up recoil like a champ.

My belief with the slab sided barrel with the SSR is to bring weight down just a bit and improve the point-ability and handling... while still keeping it in the L frame family. Just from the quick handling in the gun shop, I believe this to be true... although its still and L frame and its still larger than the K frame... it helps.

The trigger on the one I put on layaway was very smooth and was on par with my 80's 686 and my 79 66. Chamfered charge holes... well I don't know if they help yet... but, I will find out. I will be bringing it to my IDPA comp this month.

Also... I love the looks. Its honestly a love it or loath it; in the looks department.

For only being about 150 more (around here), than a standard 686... I think its worth it. Just based on the looks, slight tuning and the bead blasted finish... you also get wood and rubber grips......... for your pleasure.

 

[629shooter]

I haven't shot a SSR but, I am no stranger to 686s.

I handled a used SSR a few weeks ago the trigger was nice and, it seemed to handle well. I thought about buying it but, I was able to convince myself that I didn't need it.

That said, 4" K/L frames are hard to beat.

 

[686 SSR]

As you can tell from my log in name, I really love this revolver. I have an early SSR with the forged hammer, forged trigger and trigger stop. I do not know if the current production models have these features as I haven't looked recently. In any event, it's really accurate and a joy to shoot. The single action trigger pull is like the proverbial "breaking a thin glass rod." Clean, crisp and predictable. The double action trigger pull is light (for a revolver), smooth and satisfying. The wood grip is perfect, the rubber one, not so great. That's okay as I never will use that one. Do I recommend a 686 SSR? If mine is representative of the SSR you are considering, then absolutely yes. What are you waiting for? Buy it. It's looks are incredibly sexy, but more importantly, it's a shooter.

 

[kaaskop49]

I underline the comments by poster 686SSR. It is a magnificent revolver. However, I removed the wood grips and replaced them with SB rubber grips since the scar tissue in the web of my hand will no longer tolerate round butts or wood. It is not a Performance Center gun, but it absolutely reeks of 'pride of ownership.' Buy it.

BTW< welcome to the Forum. Always great to have new members.

 

[plat0]

I really want an SSR... But being in CA doesn't make it easy to make that happen. I hope to score one in the coming months.

 

[MattJames]

My lgs has one in their used case and it's been calling me...must resist.... must resist.

 

[fljr]

Also... I love the looks. Its honestly a love it or loath it; in the looks department.

This is my problem! Trying to sell myself on the looks. And in my neck of the woods, the SSR and even the new 66 was not as pricey as the regular 4" 686. Thanks for all the feedback in regards to it's performance though.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I shoot a 586 in IDPA SSR all the time. Fine weapon.

 

[Kalison]

This is my problem! Trying to sell myself on the looks. And in my neck of the woods, the SSR and even the new 66 was not as pricey as the regular 4" 686. Thanks for all the feedback in regards to it's performance though.

If you're stuck on the looks, then don't buy it. ESPECIALLY if its a plinker.

Last thing you want to do is drop quite a few Franklins on a gun that you can't stand every time you pick it up or look at it.

If you are digging the looks of a classic full under-lug 686, do it. Even though the SSR has a few features that the standard 686 does not have... you won't miss them all that much, and some of those can be done to a standard 686 after the fact.

 

[Hunter8282]

So what really does "Stock Service Revolver" mean or imply?

 

[fljr]

Thanks Kalison. I need that full under-lug. Even the classic 586 is very attractive but never owned a blued steel revolver.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I used to follow IDPA and IPSC closely but after I got into CAS I didn't pay too much attention to the other games. So I have to ask the same question - what makes a revolver an SSR? Does any 4" barreled revolver qualify as long as it's not significantly modified? Model 27, Model 10, Model 19, are they all SSRs as well as a 4" 686 or 586? What about a Colt Diamondback or Python?

Just wondering......

Gracias.

***GRJ***

 

[DMSC]

So what really does "Stock Service Revolver" mean or imply?

This version of the 686 is meant to be used in IDPA's SSR (Stock Service Revolver) division.

It includes features that enhance it's performance within the IDPA rules.

 

[DMSC]

Differences ESR vs SSR:

Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR) – Has to be 9mm (.355″) or larger caliber making a power factor of 165,000. Maximum 6 rounds in the cylinder, barrel length 4.2,” and a maximum weight of 50 ounces unloaded. Speed loaders and moon clips are cool.

Stock Service Revolver (SSR) – .38 caliber (.357″) or larger, ammunition
MUST be rimmed and no moon clips are allowed. Ammunition must have a minimum power factor of 105,000. Other than that, with the exception of the weight (42 ounces maximum) the rules are the same as ESR.

 

[gunhobbit]

Very satisfied with mine - especially the smoooooooth trigger out of the box. And I am one of those who likes the odd look to the barrel.

Hogue wood grips on it, though.

 

[Kalison]

Thanks Kalison. I need that full under-lug. Even the classic 586 is very attractive but never owned a blued steel revolver.

I LOVE blued revolvers... know what I hate? Taking care of them! Okay, its not that bad... however, they do require a little more attention when storing and cleaning. If you live on the coast or Midwest with high humidity or salty air; just be aware of this.

Any blued revolver I get my hands on from here on out will be a looker and a shoot rarely gun. My stainless guns always get to go out and play in the mud and rain.

 

[Kalison]

This version of the 686 is meant to be used in IDPA's SSR (Stock Service Revolver) division.

It includes features that enhance it's performance within the IDPA rules.

This is true. Some of the modifications can be considered to be outside the rules of IDPA. However, since S&W does these at the factory, as a full product line run... its considered a stock revolver... hence its completely legal to use in IDPA.

 

[nyeti]

As you can tell from my log in name, I really love this revolver. I have an early SSR with the forged hammer, forged trigger and trigger stop. I do not know if the current production models have these features as I haven't looked recently. In any event, it's really accurate and a joy to shoot. The single action trigger pull is like the proverbial "breaking a thin glass rod." Clean, crisp and predictable. The double action trigger pull is light (for a revolver), smooth and satisfying. The wood grip is perfect, the rubber one, not so great. That's okay as I never will use that one. Do I recommend a 686 SSR? If mine is representative of the SSR you are considering, then absolutely yes. What are you waiting for? Buy it. It's looks are incredibly sexy, but more importantly, it's a shooter.

I would agree with most of the above. Mine does not have the forged parts or trigger stop......I really wish it did. Also, I prefer the rubber grips. Other than that......and the lock, it is a great gun.