I wouldn't say the SSR was easier to press than the regular 686. It was just smoother. I felt like the regular 686 was quite "grind-y" in its trigger pull. The SSR was as smooth as my bottom many (many) years ago.
About to buy my first gun... ever! Help! :)
- Thread starter WilliamG
- Start date
I wouldn't say the SSR was easier to press than the regular 686. It was just smoother. I felt like the regular 686 was quite "grind-y" in its trigger pull. The SSR was as smooth as my bottom many (many) years ago.
nebmike
Member
What more could you ask for?
Honestly its a preference thing. The 8-round capacity and the 4" slab-sided barrel profile are the reasons I bought that particular gun. I really struggled between this and the 327 M&P R8, but the 5" barrel on that one is what pushed me away (same for the 627 PC)... it just dosnt look or feel right to me.
The 627 is a little larger than the SSR, being built on the N-Frame, so there is a small amount of additional weight to help tame recoil.
I was never a big fan of moonclips (because I'd never used them before getting this gun), but I am completely sold on the concept now. I can load this thing using single rounds, speed strips, speed loaders or moonclips (and moonclips are 'very' fast).
Well, we didn't win this country in a limp-wristed slap fight.
Firearms are a cornerstone of our nation. We haven't had to fight a traditional military battle against a foreign enemy on our mainland in over 100years and if we ever did (God forbid) small arms for civilian resistance would be plentiful.
Firearms are a cornerstone of our nation. We haven't had to fight a traditional military battle against a foreign enemy on our mainland in over 100years and if we ever did (God forbid) small arms for civilian resistance would be plentiful.
surfdog76
Member
"...Bossed mainsprings provide a trigger pull that is 20 percent lighter than in standard L-frame revolvers..." Smith & Wesson 686SSR
Also be aware that S&W now offers this in a 5" 7-shot (obviously not called the SSR, because it does not meet the competition specs).
NOT trying to dissuade you from the SSR. But understand we are a VERY litigious society. IF (god forbid) you or your wife were forced to use a firearm to defend yourself... you will be sued,. What ever gun you use, you can count on hearing in court that; "... You are a novice who 'wrongfully' shot someone". With an SSR, add "with a 'hair-trigger gun designed for competition". I'm not saying the opposing lawyer is going to win... I'm just saying you can count on hearing that argument in court, while you're paying your lawyer $300+ per hour to defend yourself.
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Lightfoot4
Member
Try before you buy! There are gun stores/ranges where you can rent guns to try out. There use to be a gun range in Lynnwood that you could pay a single price on Sunday and try all the guns you wanted. Of course, I haven't been there in over 15 years so I'm sure some things have changed. 
But I'm sure you can find something. I've bought from Wades and I think they are still in business. They can advise you.
On storing at home, I have Vline safes for my firearms that I keep loaded.
But I'm sure you can find something. I've bought from Wades and I think they are still in business. They can advise you.On storing at home, I have Vline safes for my firearms that I keep loaded.
Yes I saw that! The 5" barrel isn't so appealing to me, though...
Try before you buy! There are gun stores/ranges where you can rent guns to try out. There use to be a gun range in Lynnwood that you could pay a single price on Sunday and try all the guns you wanted. Of course, I haven't been there in over 15 years so I'm sure some things have changed.
On storing at home, I have Vline safes for my firearms that I keep loaded.
I'm definitely going to try out some guns at Wade's, though I know for sure my first will be a wheel gun due to the wife+slide issue with semi-autos.
I'm scared I'll buy the SSR no matter what! Hah! Must resist if it's not good enough/doesn't suit me!
Lightfoot4
Member
I bought my wife's S&W 442 revolver at Wades. She's not a big shooter, so she liked the simplicity of a wheel gun. I'm currently carrying a CS9 but I still love my wheel guns!
I like Wades, but they refused to budge on the price of a display-model 686 SSR. It has some scratches all over it, including the wood grips, and the orange front sight has a chip out of it. And they still want $949 + tax for it, and won't budge!
OK an update!
I went to another shop, and had them talk to me about guns for the missus with her weak wrists (slide issues).
They showed me a Mosquito which I didn't like (felt like a child's toy). Then we were shown a Browning Buck Mark, which had the easiest slide in the world, but there's something... not special about .22 rounds.. But it's definitely something we'll be renting.
But THEN we tried an M&P 9mm and an M&P Pro 9mm. I definitely preferred the Pro for the range, for sure. And my wife could pull the slide! Yay!!!
We both REALLY liked the M&P. It felt nice in the hands, the changeable grip sizes are awesome, and it just felt *right.*
So, after our handgun class on Monday night, assuming all goes well, we're going to do some renting of a few guns. I definitely feel more comfortable with the feel of quite a few guns.
PS The wife is ALSO now in love with the Remington 887 Nitro shotgun with the short barrel length of 18.5". She's only 5"4' so this shotgun looks like it works really well for her!
Pump Action Shotguns - Model 887 Nitro Mag Tactical - Remington Shotguns
This is going to get expensive! How did THAT happen?!
I went to another shop, and had them talk to me about guns for the missus with her weak wrists (slide issues).
They showed me a Mosquito which I didn't like (felt like a child's toy). Then we were shown a Browning Buck Mark, which had the easiest slide in the world, but there's something... not special about .22 rounds.. But it's definitely something we'll be renting.
But THEN we tried an M&P 9mm and an M&P Pro 9mm. I definitely preferred the Pro for the range, for sure. And my wife could pull the slide! Yay!!!
We both REALLY liked the M&P. It felt nice in the hands, the changeable grip sizes are awesome, and it just felt *right.*
So, after our handgun class on Monday night, assuming all goes well, we're going to do some renting of a few guns. I definitely feel more comfortable with the feel of quite a few guns.
PS The wife is ALSO now in love with the Remington 887 Nitro shotgun with the short barrel length of 18.5". She's only 5"4' so this shotgun looks like it works really well for her!
Pump Action Shotguns - Model 887 Nitro Mag Tactical - Remington Shotguns
This is going to get expensive!
How did THAT happen?!Update!
Went to the gun class tonight, and just got done. We had a ... blast!
Learned all about correct revolver/semi-auto safety. And then we got to fire some pistols.
We fired the 686 with 22 rounds, which was fun, and then we got to put .38 specials and .357 Magnum rounds through some. VERY nice! My wife and I both really love the 686, further solidifying my decision to buy the 686 Pro.
Then we fired some Ruger Mark III .22, which the wife quite liked, though I tend to prefer the Browning Buck Mark.
Then we got to fire a Glock 17 9mm, which I absolutely hated. Awful ergonomics. Bah! I'm sure it's a workhorse etc etc, but I didn't like it.
Then we fired a .45. I'm not sure what it was, to be honest. It had Crimson Trace grips on it, which I thought were fun!
All in all, a fun evening! Nothing was too hard for either of us to fire, though I shot the best with the S&W 686, hah!
I also got to hold a Remington 887 nitro mag, and the wife found it hard to hold and pull the trigger, so we held a Remingon 870 compact, which was perfect!
So now... I want lots of guns!!!!!! Gaaah!
I want my 686 SSR, an M&P 9mm Pro, a Buck Mark 22, and a Remington 870 compact.
Too much?
Went to the gun class tonight, and just got done. We had a ... blast!
Learned all about correct revolver/semi-auto safety. And then we got to fire some pistols.
We fired the 686 with 22 rounds, which was fun, and then we got to put .38 specials and .357 Magnum rounds through some. VERY nice! My wife and I both really love the 686, further solidifying my decision to buy the 686 Pro.
Then we fired some Ruger Mark III .22, which the wife quite liked, though I tend to prefer the Browning Buck Mark.
Then we got to fire a Glock 17 9mm, which I absolutely hated. Awful ergonomics. Bah! I'm sure it's a workhorse etc etc, but I didn't like it.
Then we fired a .45. I'm not sure what it was, to be honest. It had Crimson Trace grips on it, which I thought were fun!
All in all, a fun evening! Nothing was too hard for either of us to fire, though I shot the best with the S&W 686, hah!
I also got to hold a Remington 887 nitro mag, and the wife found it hard to hold and pull the trigger, so we held a Remingon 870 compact, which was perfect!
So now... I want lots of guns!!!!!! Gaaah!
I want my 686 SSR, an M&P 9mm Pro, a Buck Mark 22, and a Remington 870 compact.
Too much?
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Bob R
US Veteran
William,
It is good to see such enthusiasm now that you are in a country that values its personal freedoms very much.
One thing I haven't noticed is whether or not you have become a US citizen (your wife also). If not you will have to obtain a Alien Firearms license here in WA. WA State Licensing: Requirements - Alien Firearms License
If you are a citizen, good on you. This country was founded and continues to grow because of people who value their freedoms and are willing to take a stake in the country by becoming responsible citizens.
If you ever get to the east side of the state I would be glad to show you some hospitality and some range time if at all possible. Just keep it in mind in case you ever get over here.
bob
It is good to see such enthusiasm now that you are in a country that values its personal freedoms very much.
One thing I haven't noticed is whether or not you have become a US citizen (your wife also). If not you will have to obtain a Alien Firearms license here in WA. WA State Licensing: Requirements - Alien Firearms License
If you are a citizen, good on you. This country was founded and continues to grow because of people who value their freedoms and are willing to take a stake in the country by becoming responsible citizens.
If you ever get to the east side of the state I would be glad to show you some hospitality and some range time if at all possible. Just keep it in mind in case you ever get over here.
bob
cantpickone
Member
Thank you, Bob, for the offer!
Also, I'm a permanent resident so I get the same treatment as a citizen.
Yes. You are allowed gun for defense, in lieu of a telephone for defence.
William,
Just wanted to chime in and say hello from a fifth generation Washingtonian. Don't let the pseudo-liberal vibe in Seattle scare you--people in the Puget Sound region are serious gun nuts, even the aging hippie types. We've had "shall issue" concealed carry since 1961. I got my concealed pistol license the day I turned 21, before I had my first legal drink, and I've never carried a gun a day in my life. It's just part of the culture.
As far as the 357 goes--a 6" 686 was my first handgun, and an SSR was my last handgun (last week). Trigger pull is still about 10 lbs on my SSR (when I actually tightened the strain screw--thanks S&W), but I have to agree with you it is pretty sweet, a lot better than any Performance Center guns I've handled, weirdly. Internal lock or no, it's my new favorite revolver--you could do a lot worse than the SSR.
Brian
Just wanted to chime in and say hello from a fifth generation Washingtonian. Don't let the pseudo-liberal vibe in Seattle scare you--people in the Puget Sound region are serious gun nuts, even the aging hippie types. We've had "shall issue" concealed carry since 1961. I got my concealed pistol license the day I turned 21, before I had my first legal drink, and I've never carried a gun a day in my life. It's just part of the culture.
As far as the 357 goes--a 6" 686 was my first handgun, and an SSR was my last handgun (last week). Trigger pull is still about 10 lbs on my SSR (when I actually tightened the strain screw--thanks S&W
), but I have to agree with you it is pretty sweet, a lot better than any Performance Center guns I've handled, weirdly. Internal lock or no, it's my new favorite revolver--you could do a lot worse than the SSR. Brian
Oh, and make sure to check out the Washington Arms Collectors gunshow down in the Puyallup Fair Grounds, if you haven't all ready. They have one every month and you'll get to handle a lot of guns you wouldn't otherwise see anywhere else. I always kind of took the WAC show for granted growing up, until I saw what passes for a gun show in the northeast!
samuelrp
Member
The 686 is of course an excellent handgun. I would just say to really think about how you want to use your first gun. Every gun is a compromise. Short barrels are not as accurate, larger frames are heavier to carry all day, and harder to conceal. If you plan on carrying concealed, a smaller weapon might be a better first choice, especially in 100 degree August heat. As soon as you purchase one, you'll be wanting another. I believe 3 handguns are required to fill basic, general requirements for the average person. This is just my opinion.
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