Considering a S&W Revolver

[SWFan27]

Either an L frame 686+ or a K frame model 66-8 which is a 6 shot 357 Mag.

 

[senecaap]

I would suggest a 686+ in 3,4 or 6" barrel length, ditto if you run into an N frame you like. I've never cared for the lengths beyond 6" in any frame. You should have no problem with .38's if you do a minimum of cleaning, and really .38 may fill all your needs.

 

[sheppard]

Seven inch barrel in the 686, does such a configuration even exist?

IMHO the 586/686 is the ultimate revolver.

 

[JonE406]

I don't have a 686 yet, but love my 586-4... the 686 7" will give you great target practice.

 

[My5HTS&W]

Thanks for all of the responses here. I did end of getting the 686 + 7 inch. I've been trying to figure out (thread/internet searches) what ammo I should be shooting, in terms of .38 spl and 357 mag. Mostly outdoor target shooting, some indoor shooting, paper/metal targets. Having never fired a 357 mag round, I'd like to start with something that might be lower on the recoil side. I did pick up some ammo locally:

PMC Bronze .38 spl 132 gr 917 FPS
HSM Cowboy Action 357 Mag 158 gr SWC
Remington 357 Mag 125 gr SJHP 1450 FPS

Good choices? Bad choices? Any other ammo recommendations for my 686 +? I'll post a few pics of 686 + within the next few days. Thank you all again!

 

[Dougaz]

The better question is what are shooting Now?

 

[Biggfoot44]

The " Cowboy Action " .357 is essentially a .38Special loaded in a .357 case ( because they feed better in some lever action rifles ) . The R-P 125 JHP is the quintessential Full Power Duty/ Defense load from back in the Revolver Era .

If YOU like the balance and weight of the 7 inch , good for you and enjoy !

 

[AlHunt]

Thanks for all of the responses here. I did end of getting the 686 + 7 inch. I've been trying to figure out (thread/internet searches) what ammo I should be shooting, in terms of .38 spl and 357 mag. Mostly outdoor target shooting, some indoor shooting, paper/metal targets. Having never fired a 357 mag round, I'd like to start with something that might be lower on the recoil side. I did pick up some ammo locally:

PMC Bronze .38 spl 132 gr 917 FPS
HSM Cowboy Action 357 Mag 158 gr SWC
Remington 357 Mag 125 gr SJHP 1450 FPS

Good choices? Bad choices? Any other ammo recommendations for my 686 +? I'll post a few pics of 686 + within the next few days. Thank you all again!

You have a whole range there, mild to wild. You could work right up that ladder as listed. The 125gr have a reputation for forcing cone erosion (in K frames, anyway) over time. A box isn't going to hurt, but that would be my last box of those. Apparently the shorter bullet means more hot gases when the bullet crosses the barrel/cylinder gap.

I'd stick with 158gr loads in both 38 and 357. I don't really have a recommendation since I'm one of the wiseacres who always chimes in with "Well, I reload, so ...". So, I'll just point out that you can reload pretty much anything you'd want for $20 or $30 per hundred, less if you cast your own bullets. Not for everyone, but those magnum revolvers are pretty much the gateway drug to reloading.

 

[AzShooter]

You have an L frame, so shooting the 125 grainers is not a problem.

Now a days if you reload primers cost about $100 per thousand which really increases your cost. Look around and you will find loaded ammo cheaper than having to reload.

 

[Old cop]

The 686 is a great gun but I'd carefully consider how dense your neighborhood is. If houses are close together, or you live in a condo/apartment, load w/.38+P. I'd take it to the range w/a box of .357 AND a box of .38+P to see which shoots better (accuracy/recoil tolerance) for you. Best of luck.

 

[oink]

With a 7" 686 recoil won't be an issue with any spec .357. Stay away from swagged or cast bullets that aren't jacketed, plated or powder coated. That's just for the sake of easy maintenance. The plain cast and swagged bullets won't hurt anything. I've shot untold thousands of them but it's your first revolver there's no point in taking on that cleaning chore.

I'm partial to 158gr myself but for general range fodder I'd take a deal on any quality manufactured ammo. Just keep notes on which ammo you try that your gun seems to be most accurate with. Use that for your precision target work.

For general self defense practice at appropriate targets at realistic self defense distances any safe well manufactured ammo will be fine. Precision accuracy not necessary. However something with similar recoil and POI to your chosen defense ammo is recommended, if reasonably feasible.

For general practice and plinking I'll shoot the deal.

Have fun.

PS: As for reloading, 38/357 is one of the easiest to reload should that interest you.

 

[AlHunt]

You have an L frame, so shooting the 125 grainers is not a problem.

Now a days if you reload primers cost about $100 per thousand which really increases your cost. Look around and you will find loaded ammo cheaper than having to reload.

Not to subvert OPs thread, but if you can point me at 357mag ammo under .30/round, I'd appreciate the heads up.

If we're going to have a conversation about the cost/merits of reloading, let's start a new thread and I'll be happy to participate.

 

[wproct]

Congratulations on your 686+, that is an excellent revolver! I was going to suggest a 5 inch barrel for home defense and target shooting, it's an excellent compromise. I know that we are on a Smith & Wesson forum, but my favorite 5 incher is my GP100.

I have owned .357 magnum revolvers for all of my 60 years of shooting and have not fired over a box of .357 magnum ammunition in all of that time. I use primarily .38 special target loads for target shooting and .38 special + P for home defense purposes.

 

[My5HTS&W]

The better question is what are shooting Now?

Up to now, just 9mm. First 357/.38.

 

[My5HTS&W]

Went to the range for a quick 50 round test. I also ran 9mm rounds with my M&P9 M2.0. All .38 special, 132 gr FMJ through the 686+. Love this revolver. Comfortable in my hands, accurate(although I'm not very skilled) and minimal recoil with the ammo shot. Still open to ammo recommendations. Thanks for all your help. Good bunch here! I'm headed back to the range later this week, when I have more time.

 

[bananaman]

A 686-6 Pro Series 5" could work for you. It is a 7 shot. Action is very good for out of box. Bob