Explain the difference between a new model 620 and 686

[G-Mac]

Originally posted by WJM:
Thanks for the responses! So now all need to know is what a "2 piece" barrel is?

One of those "technical innovations" that engineers employed by "the new S&W" would have you believe is an improvement, but we traditionalists think is just a further bastardization of a once-great handgun...

(Note to Wyatt Earp...My flame-retardant suit is now on...)

 

[stevieboy]

Want a 686 with less than a full underlug barrel? Consider the 686SSR. It has a 3/4 underlug barrel and weighs about 8 ounces less than a comparable 4" fully underlugged 686. It's a little pricier than the standard 686, but it comes with a factory trigger job and chamfered charge holes, plus a second set of grips.

I've got one which I like. I removed the fancy "ergonomic" grips and replaced them with the second set, Uncle Mike's round butt combat grips. It's a great shooter, feels made for my hand, and I really appreciate the 1/2 pound less weight.

 

[Stainz]

Well, if you are going to spend $150 more MSRP than the 620 costs to get the 686SSR, a 6-shooter, consider the 627 Pro. It lists for the exact same amount as the 686SSR. What you'll get is an N-frame 8-shooter - ready for moonclips and with all of the other pluses of the 686SSR. Okay, the cheesy Hogue rubber grips joined their brethren in a very full drawer here, but that's the only negative - and it was remedied. Besides, the wood on the 686SSR grips sides feels like sandpaper - they'd be 'modified' quickly, if they were mine. The 627 Pro is S&W's 'deal, a deal, a deal' for the year, IMHO.

The 620 was my 'next' purchase - great feel and 'pointability', although a grip change was required. The 66's squared fg-ed UM's Combats were far better - but no longer available. Fortunately, I had a spare set destined for said 620 - so I was at the pusher's to relieve him of said 620 when I saw said 627 Pro for a C-note more. It didn't matter - I'd just put all of my spare moola in a bucket for the IRS - any purchase was to be on plastic. What's another hundred to my plastic? I left with the 627 Pro.

When I got home, panic set in... I'd never spent that much on one S&W... and, that card had a zero balance - before I stopped at the pusher's! I listed four Rugers for sale. Three went for $1200 - the fourth for a new .32 Seecamp, for my wife, and a C-note. I went back to the pusher's - left with an ANIB 4" 64-8. Life is good!

Here is my 627 Pro now, with a HiViz (~$28) and JM grip (~$65) added. It didn't work, however... I still want a 620!

Stainz

 

[andyo5]

The increasing cost of S&W models is why I have lately been looking at Ruger revolvers. They are the same weight as comparable Smith models, built like a tank, and much less expensive. I'd still prefer a Model 627 but the lowest I can buy one for is $750. And even then, the distributer does not have one and can't say when he can get one.

 

[SW357Addict]

The 620 is a great gun. I have had one for 2 years. It shoots great. Is accurate. It is relatively light weight but still has enough mass to be able to shoot magnums without being punishing. It does balance well also. And it is 7 shots.

But I also agree with Stainz. For a little bit more you could get a 8-shot 627.

Or do like me. Get a 620. And then get a 627.

 

[duckloads]

Think of 460 XVR's and two piece barrels at the same time

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
The 686+ and the 620 are the same exact firearm except for the barrel.

I much prefer the way the 620 looks but not the fact that Safariland doesn't make speedloaders for them.

The ideal would be a 620 with Safariland speedloaders. Barring that, I wonder if a 620 barrel can be fitted to a 686? The frames got to be identical.

Better idea - get one of the 6 shot 620s. CDNN had them in stock as of a few days ago. Or, if you cannot find one of those, have the 6 shot 686 cylinder fitted to your 620.

 

[scooter123]

I've been kicking around between the 620 and the 686+ for my first 357. I've decided to get the 620 for two reasons.

One is that I don't like the look of the full lug barrels.

The second is because back in the 70's I really lusted for a Dan Wesson 357 kit. Couldn't afford it but really wanted it. Ask any silhouette shooter who has been around a while. The suspended barrels in those old Dan Wesson revolvers produced superbly accurate guns. Now, S&W is finally adopting a suspended barrel design they turned down over 35 years ago and, as a result of this, are producing a 357 that can group well under an inch at 25 yards. So, while I won't be able to swap out the barrles like could be done with the DW revolvers, I also expect that they won't require a complete overhaul before they work properly. There were times with the quality of a DW revolver left a LOT to be corrected after purchase. I have shot a 620 rental at my local dealer and it works perfectly with a great trigger. As does the brand new one that's waiting in their showcase until I have enough saved up to buy it.