688+ 2.5" vs 586 4" Classic

[Well Armed]

Between the 688+ 2.5" vs 586 4" Classic, which would YOU personally buy and why?

Slim pickings at local gun shops in my area. These two are in stock along with the 19 Carry Comp. I am just intereted in hearing other members personal feelings on why they would pick on over the other.

 

[DancesWithMoonclips]

I guess it depends on what you want it for. All around, it's hard to beat a 4" K or L frame. That 2.5" 686+ gives you an extra round and is more concealable. If I were buying it to carry, shorty 686+. Range or field use, 586 probably, although I prefer a stainless gun for ease of maintenance I don't see a wrong answer here, they're fine revolvers.

 

[RGPM1A]

If I wanted a carry gun I would get the 686+ (I have one and it is a really nice revolver). If I wanted a good all around revolver - plinking, self defense/carry, and target practice I would go with the 586 (had one of these but replaced it with a 929 for competition).

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

686+
Gets an extra round and 2.5" can fit many jobs.

 

[Dump1567]

Most of my guns are geared towards carry with occasional shooting. So I always prefer shorter than 4 inch barrels. It really depends of what you want the gun for?

I'd probably go with the 686+. as I also like capacity. In fact I sold a 4 inch 686 & kept my 3 inch 686+. But the 19 is no slouch either, & if I ever find one locally, I'll probably buy it.

 

[saemetric]

I'd go with the 586. I like blue

 

[ImDrRich]

686+ all day long. No question of those two.

 

[edubbie]

586 4" for me. I have a 586 6" and love it but like the overall look of the 4"

 

[Goblin]

Just curious, why aren't you considering the ported PC 586? That would easily be my choice over those mentioned, even though I would have no issue with either one of those.

 

[Well Armed]

Just curious, why aren't you considering the ported PC 586? That would easily be my choice over those mentioned, even though I would have no issue with either one of those.

Not in stock

 

[oink]

I agree with what most have already said. It depends on your purpose. A 4" 586/486 is just a pleasure to shoot. If not a carry piece blue looks better and is easy enough to maintain.

 

[Mehutch]

Well I have both 686+ 2.5 (Pre-lock -4) and 4" blue 586+, and both 7 shooters. I carry the 686+ 2.5 most of the time. The 586+ is a beauty and a tack driver. I am very happy with both.

So there you have it.

 

[beach elvis]

Like a lot of the above folks have said, it's kinda mission-specific IMO.
I have a 2.5" 686+-4 and a 6" 586-3.
The 686 is certainly more concealable under certain circumstances (albeit after being used to my Sig P365, I have a tough time considering a 7-shot L-frame to be really concealable. Haha) But regardless, my own opinion is that of all the .357 revolvers out there, those Smith L-frames are the best. (I know, I know…"Colt Python"…awesome wheel gun, of course, but not without its limitations).

To sum up, if the plan is for the more carryable piece, the 686 would be my choice. For just a general have-it-around-for-whatever gun, the 586 for me.

Good luck whichever you pick.

 

[Retiredguns]

Love my 686+ 2.5" I was slightly hesitant about the 2.5"bbl, but was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy. Every bit as accurate as any 3-4" semi auto I have. For carry, what is not to like about a 7 round, accurate, small-(ish) .357 magnum!

 

[lrrifleman]

Personally, I like blued steel and wooden stocks. That said, I have a 686+ DeLuxe (-6) that is my carry revolver.

I would lean towards the 686+ 2.5" over the 586 Classic, but I could have issues with both.

With the 686+, you could have difficulty ejecting 357 empties, since you won't have a full size ejector rod. Not certain how this may impact ejecting 38s. If this is intended as a carry gun, this would be my red flag.

Chances are very good that the 586 Classic that you are looking at has the modern blue finish that doesn't hold up to ammonia based cleaners well, and could result in a damaged finish. While the 586 does have a full length ejector rod, and the 4" barrel could be carried concealed, I'd still be concerned about the finish.

What I can say in favor of the 686+, is that when you are carrying Magnums, you have close to the fire power of a 1911 when you can't carry a 1911!

For the reasons stated, I'd lean towards the 2.5" 686+.

 

[jcs266]

The 686 is my favorite S&W revolver by far. I have both the 4" and a 3" 686+. The 3" in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB has been my EDC for over a year now.

 

[Alpha06]

What it comes down to is what will make you happy and which do you handle more proficiently?

I believe the correct answer is to buy both.

The plus gives you an extra round, but there's nothing like a 4 S&W."

A six round 2 1/2" and 4" S&W here. No regrets.

 

[357 shooter]

I believe the correct answer is to buy both.

Yes, I agree. Have owned a 686-4 seven shot 2.5" for some years now. Bought a 4" Classic 586 a few years ago and then not long afterwards bought a 586-4, a 4" again.

The 586-4 is the best shooter. I sold the 586 Classic this year and don't miss it. The 686s have always been my favorite 357s but I'd probably sell the 2.5" 686-4 plus before the 586-4. Also love shooting my 686-4 six inch.

 

[skeezix]

I don't have a 686/586 snub and don't feel I need one since I have both 19 and 66 snubs.


I bought a 586 Classic for a range toy.

 

[03hemi]

Get both of them and don't look back is what I'd do.