Advice on a .357

[roaddog28]

I like the 686-3 4 inch. I had one for a long time but traded the revolver for S&W 5903 third generation 9 mm. I wanted a 9 mm handgun but I admit I miss my old 686. The early ones are great.
Howard

 

[silverbear123]

Looks like a local member and I may be doing some business tomorrow on a no dash 586 in nickel. That was fast!

 

[Stainz]

Another choice - and they were $40-$50 cheaper, MSRP, than a 4" 686+ - a 620. They have the same frame and cylinder as a 686+ with a partially lugged barrel - and replaced the 4" 66 in their line up. Only an ounce lighter - but that metal was out near the muzzle - the 620 'points' better. I like it's partially lugged look better, too. Good luck!

Stainz

 

[Jason68]

Just got a 586 no dash 4 inch myself...

I have been looking for a nice .357 in 4" for a while now. Early this week a local big-box store had a very clean 686 pre-lock 4" with Hogue rubber grip, box & papers for $599, and they had a 4" nickel 586 no dash, original grips, no box/papers for $525. I was in love with those wood grips & shiny nickel. I went back yesterday and it was still there... I had to have it - now I do. Oh, happy day.
I think the 4 inch is a great compromise - compact enough to carry, long enough for real accuracy and velocity - here in Iowa you can hunt deer with a 4 inch barrel too. I now have 7 smith wheel guns, no locks on any. I feel like a wealthy man! When my kids get a bit older, they will get to shoot them too!

 

[AZ Desertrat]

Another vote for the 686....I use a 4 and a 6 inch.....one gets carried sometimes....the other is for hunting or HD.

 

[silverbear123]

I have been looking for a nice .357 in 4" for a while now. Early this week a local big-box store had a very clean 686 pre-lock 4" with Hogue rubber grip, box & papers for $599, and they had a 4" nickel 586 no dash, original grips, no box/papers for $525. I was in love with those wood grips & shiny nickel. I went back yesterday and it was still there... I had to have it - now I do. Oh, happy day.
I think the 4 inch is a great compromise - compact enough to carry, long enough for real accuracy and velocity - here in Iowa you can hunt deer with a 4 inch barrel too. I now have 7 smith wheel guns, no locks on any. I feel like a wealthy man! When my kids get a bit older, they will get to shoot them too!

Very nice!

I came home with the 586 no dash nickel today from forum member jpwhel today. Just like yours but with the stock grips. The gun just called my name the second I saw the picture jpwhel sent me.

Hit the range on the way home, adjusted the sights, gave her a clean, polish & wax and am good to go!

Enjoy your 7th no dash S&W!

 

[ab4ka]

I've got a 686+ 6" and I absolutely love it, but to be honest I enjoy shooting my 686 2-1/2" even more. There's just something about that little chunk that is incredibly fun to shoot.

 

[jpwhel]

Very nice!

I came home with the 586 no dash nickel today from forum member jpwhel today. Just like yours but with the stock grips. The gun just called my name the second I saw the picture jpwhel sent me.

Hit the range on the way home, adjusted the sights, gave her a clean, polish & wax and am good to go!

Enjoy your 7th no dash S&W!

Silverbear123 - glad I could help a fellow forum member out and am happy the 586 is working out for you. I gave this one up because I recently picked up two 3" revolvers, a 65-3 and a 686+, from another forum member in Houston. It will become an addiction.

Enjoy and happy shooting.

 

[Ken NC]

Recall on early 686s?

The early 686s might have been subject to the recall discussed here abouts. You might look for either one that is stamped "M" on the crane, for "modified," or a 686-3 or above, which as I recall wasn't subject to the recall.

I have a 686-3 and think it is great.

 

[silverbear123]

Thanks for the head's up. The 586 from jpwhel had the recall work done and has the M stamp plus the receipt from S&W.

 

[sbcman]

I would think for the intended purposes of home defense and range use there's no better choice in a 357 handgun platform than a 686. I own a 686p 4" and it is a very well balanced revolver that has enough heft to swallow up recoil for hotloads, but not so much heft that its burdensome to shoot in long range sessions (or even for carry). It is also a very durable revolver and can probably handle more rounds than any of us will shoot through it in a lifetime- mine is currently running on 5000+ rounds. I can only speak to my own, but my 686 is laser accurate as well- due in part, I think, to its excellent trigger.

I would personally look more towards the 4" models. They give you all the barrel you need for mag performance along with more options for ease of carry, if you choose to do so in the future. I have found my 686 to be the most versatile revolver I own- good for carry iwb (with a good belt and holster and undershirt), good for the nightstand, good for owb when fishing and in the woods, good for the range and even good for introducing new shooters the true mangum rounds. I've yet to find a con about the 686.

 

[Hank783]

Hi,

Have never seen a 686 that did not shoot exceptionally accurate. Same goes for the 586. My favorite range gun is a 686 - 8 3/8 silloute which is unbelievably acurate. 585 4 inch is a great carry gun also but love the stainless steel.

 

[5Wire]

Nothing wrong with the dash fives. Here's one I like:

Nothing wrong with the dash six either, as far as I'm concerned, even though it has the much disparaged internal lock. I have a 686-6 Plus 2-1/2 inch barrel which is quite nice and has been very reliable.