686 vs ???

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I understand the desire for a do everything revolver. If that's truly what you want, then a 6" 686+ would be my choice. HOWEVER, I like a 45 for a deer hunting caliber. Specifically a Ruger in 45 Colt (a 44 mag would be fine too). And a 3" 686+ (or a 4") for the range and for carry situations. The two gun system is what I went with and what I recommend. To me, that's doing it the right way. Of course YMMV.

 

[Lostaro]

Well like a lot of guys here I own both a 686 and a GP100...
again...hard to pick a favorite as both are excellent guns.
For close range deer hunting the 4" shouldn't hurt you that much over a 6" and the shorter gun can be carried more easily if that role ever came up.
Don't be too concerned about the Ruger's trigger, common wisdom is the Smith will have a vastly superior trigger. I don't see it. The trigger on my 3"GP seems to just be getting better with age.
You won't make a bad choice with either...do what the rest of us do....get both

 

[sshakrr]

Well like a lot of guys here I own both a 686 and a GP100...
You won't make a bad choice with either...do what the rest of us do....get both

Yes on both here too. Well 586 6" and 6" GP100.
Both are great choices.

 

[SeamasterSig]

If you would like to hunt with this particular revolver, I say look for one with at least a 5 inch barrel – especially if you go with a 357 magnum. It is a great caliber and plenty of deer have been taken with it, but there is less margin for error with such a "weak" caliber/small bullet out of a handgun and you will need all the velocity and accuracy you can eke out of the gun. The longer barrel may be a hassle for concealed carry, but not for plinking/target practice.

As an alternative, you should also consider a 44 magnum, for example a 629 Classic with at least a 5 inch barrel. They come pre-drilled for a scope if you're into that sort of thing. A 44 will extend your ethical shot range considerably. And since you mentioned reloading, 44 special is a joy to shoot out of an N-frame, and not so much more expensive than 38 special to be a deal-breaker if inexpensive plinking is a priority.

Someone mentioned 41 magnum. There are more new and used 44 magnums on the market and reloading supplies are also more common, not to mention commercial ammo availability, but if you stumble across a good 41 magnum for sale, don't pass it up without giving it a good hard look, because it will also serve you well.

 

[one eye joe]

.Hi everyone! New member here from VA in the market for a revolver. While it will be my first revolver, I have a number of other guns; 1911, FNS-9, Browning Buckmark, a number of shotguns, muzzleloaders, and I do a lot of bow hunting.

What I'd like input on are some specifics to look for and / or avoid for something that's good for the following:

Use: Possible hunting game up to Whitetails, and target shooting / plinking. Accuracy is important to me. May also carry when in the woods.

Caliber: leaning towards 357. The thoughts is it's a versitle caliber that I can buy / reload for various uses. I also love the fact that I can use .38 Special for plinking or at the indoor range. I live very close to the NRA headquarters, so that's a huge plus and the cost of shooting .38 is also appealing.

Price: Would like to keep it in the ballpark of $600 or so, but can flex a bit. I do not want to go really high end on a hunting / target specific gun that will set me back too much.

Top Choices: S&W 686 and also considering the Ruger GP100. Leaning towards a 4" but keep going back and forth between that and the 6".

So, what recommendations do you have to look at or avoid? What should I pay close attention to when evaluating a used revolver? Any thoughts on the models or are there other alternatives that I should really consider given the above criteria.

Thanks in advance!

A 4" M686, IS ALL THE REVOLVER THAT YOU WILL EVER NEED. I WOULD ACTUALLY PREFER A NICE CLEAN OLDER ONE, FROM A NO DASH, UP TO A DASH 4. THAT WOULD KEEP YOU AWAY FROM CHANGES THAT YOU CAN DO WITHOUT.....

 

[Mikeinkaty]

If you reload and have plenty of 357 brass then I see no reason to load 38 Spl for a 686. I found the shorter bullets were not as accurate. Also, you can purchase an additional barrel later if desired. A gunsmith would have to install it. I have a 686 L-frame but it's just for personal defense and target shooting. If I wanted one for hunting I would get a 6".

 

[rwsmith]

For hunting get a 6".......

You will find that it's easier to find and cheaper to buy a used 686 in 6' than in shorter lengths. I was going to buy a GP-100, except I wanted a Smith and the GP wasn't a Smith.

The trigger, whether in SA or DA is great on my 686.

 

[Mehutch]

I could not decide, so I got all three... over time.
The Ruger GP100 is a damn fine gun, if there was no S&W 686 around. But they are, focus on what you want and settle for nothing less. Shooting is a fun sport with the gun you wanted most, not so for a second choice gun. Enjoy.

 

[Aussie Bruce]

If it was me I would buy a model 28 with a six inch barrel

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Keep in mind if you are having trouble deciding between a 4" and 6" barrel, that S&W makes a 5" 686 as part of the 3-5-7 series.

 

[gehlsurf]

I think lobster picnice is on to something here, juse my opnion. My uncle has a 686, actually 2, a normal one and the newer SSR (I think that's the style) . While I like his guns, I have a TRR8 I use for hunting, plinking, etc. It's literally the most versatile gun I have. It may seem out of your price range, but stay patient and look for one used. My trr8 out shoots my uncles 686, not by much, and maybe because I have a red dot, but this is the point, I can have a red dot, so for hunting it's perfect. I think the shrouded 5 inch barrel is thereason it shoots well, too. I also have a 66-1 4" that I like, but the 4 seems too short for hunting, the 6 seems akward and sometimes a bit long, the 5 inch seems the perfect size.

Also, I can use it for night hunting, or just as backup for night when using my night vision, as I have a Streamlight IR and visits light I sometimes attach. This obviously makes it a great home gun, too. Not just a hunting pistol.

So it's setup for optics and light if you need, but don't have to if you don't want to.

I'd say your correct in the 357 dept for hunting. You can take small game with 38 spl, and up to deer if you know what your doing, which I believe you do. I load my 38 spl to what feels like a 22lr, and doesn't blow up bunnies or coyotes and such, so you can keep the fur. The 357 is strong enough though for pig and deer if need be. I'm an opportunity hunter, meaning, if I see a deer, I may or may not take it. If I see a rabbit, I probably will take it, basically, I love that with my pistol I have choices when out, so never bored or think damn, a rabbit, wish I didn't have my 44!! I have a 44 mag that I haven't seen in a long time since getting the 357's.

Obviously this is all personal opinion, as you need to find something that fits you personally. I will say that my smaller 66-1 feels like it weighs nothing, and many hunters use the 19, same thing but blued. It sits nicer on my hip and very comfortable, but my trr8 gets the pick over my 66 everyone because of its versatility and accuracy. The 686 is a great gun as well, clearly. I have a Ruger super redhawk, but that thing is humungous, and the gp100 is a nice gun, but I do know what Smith guys talk about when they poo poo rugers. I used to just think they were snobby, but having both, I'd choose the Smith's over Ruger.

 

[mick87]

Just ordered 686 plus 3 inch. Going to use for HR218 revolver qualification. Already using MP40c for autoloader.

 

[Buckmark13]

Thanks for the input everyone! Decided to go with the 686; now I just need to find one at the right price. Grabagun seems to be the best bet so far.