What is the difference between the 4 inch model 620 and 686? If I wanted a new medium frame S&W, why would I pick one over the other. They are about the same price and weight (except the 620 is a little lighter because it doesn't have a full barrel lug. I think I read that the 620 was a modern model 66, which I thought was a stainless model 19. Is the 686 a more durable gun?
Explain the difference between a new model 620 and 686
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What is the difference between the 4 inch model 620 and 686? If I wanted a new medium frame S&W, why would I pick one over the other. They are about the same price and weight (except the 620 is a little lighter because it doesn't have a full barrel lug. I think I read that the 620 was a modern model 66, which I thought was a stainless model 19. Is the 686 a more durable gun?
i believe that they are both stainless the 620 is a seven shot and like you said a little liter but hardly noticable my advive handel them both and go with the one that feels the best to you some like the 620 over the 686 and some the 686 over the 620 it mainly all a matter of personal preference.
cowboy117
Member
620 has 2 piece barrel.686 is the better gun IMO.Welcome to the forum.
620.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...angId=-1&isFirearm=Y
686.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...angId=-1&isFirearm=Y
620.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...angId=-1&isFirearm=Y
686.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/P...angId=-1&isFirearm=Y
remat457
Member
I thought that the full length underlug was the only difference.
686 is also available (Plus) as a seven shot.
686 is also available (Plus) as a seven shot.
SJshooter
Member
686: Full underlug
620: Half-underlug like a Model 66
686: Traditional barrel
620: Two-piece barrel
686: 6 or 7-shots
620: 7 shots
686: Perceived to be the benchmark by which .357 are judged better or worse.
620: Perceived to be the overweight, less elegant, lock-only version of the more classic Model 66.
Performance - nearly identical.
620: Half-underlug like a Model 66
686: Traditional barrel
620: Two-piece barrel
686: 6 or 7-shots
620: 7 shots
686: Perceived to be the benchmark by which .357 are judged better or worse.
620: Perceived to be the overweight, less elegant, lock-only version of the more classic Model 66.
Performance - nearly identical.
Wyatt Earp
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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.
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.
jmorrell
Member
I don't think that is an option: the frame on a 620 has a tab on the front of the frame that fit into the barrel shroud to keep it from rotating. Unless you remove that tab, you won't be able to screw on the 686 barrel. This is from the S&W owner's manual:
"NO attempt should ever be made to remove the hybrid Barrel Assembly with a standard barrel wrench. To do so will destroy the barrel shroud and possibly the frame of your revolver. As the accompanying drawing (Figure 22) shows, the barrel shroud is keyed into the frame by a metal tab. The stainless steel barrel tube must only be removed by a qualified gunsmith using a special tool available from Smith & Wesson. The barrel assembly is re-installed using the same tool and an accurate torque wrench."
Safariland doesn't make speedloaders for a 7-shot L-frame .38/.357 at all? They'd all take the same one.
I liked the specs for the 620 myself, a few years ago when I'd decided it was time to be a gun owner again.
Until I held one.
Suddenly I understood why gun shows are so popular. They don't make what I want anymore, and used is not the same as "bad".
I liked the specs for the 620 myself, a few years ago when I'd decided it was time to be a gun owner again.
Until I held one.
Suddenly I understood why gun shows are so popular. They don't make what I want anymore, and used is not the same as "bad".
Safariland does not make a 7-shot speedloader. I called them on the phone last year and as of that time they had no plans to start making one either. Seems like they're overlooking a significant market.
Here's a reivew of the 619 and 620:
http://gunblast.com/SW619-620.htm
Here's a reivew of the 619 and 620:
http://gunblast.com/SW619-620.htm
doublesharp
Member
620 reminds me of the short run of 686 mountain guns that were around a few years ago. I like them and they balance well for me. I've shot 2 and both had great triggers right out of the box.
Triggernosis
Member
WJM,
Dude, you wouldn't believe it, but I was on the phone w/ S&W earlier today asking what the difference was.
They said it was the full underlug vs. the 3/4 underlug barrel. Didn't mention the 2-piece barrel - thanks for pointing that out, guys.
Dude, you wouldn't believe it, but I was on the phone w/ S&W earlier today asking what the difference was.
They said it was the full underlug vs. the 3/4 underlug barrel. Didn't mention the 2-piece barrel - thanks for pointing that out, guys.
Triggernosis
Member
Idahoser, I know exactly what you mean - they sometimes look like the perfect bride in the catalog, but when you fondle it things often change.
BTW, what was it about the 620 that you didn't like?
jmorrell
Member
I second what doublesharp said: I held both a 620 and the equivalent 686+ at my local gun shop, and the balance of the 620 is what made me decide to buy it.
Just seemed cheesy. More like a Taurus than a S&W. Along with a couple features I've since sworn off, that even then didn't impress me. (features we don't talk about cause people get their panties in a wad and kill kittens)
jmorrell
Member
Probably the best way to describe it is to go to page 25 on the attached link. Figure 22 shows a two piece barrel.
S&W Modern Revolver Owner's Manual
WJM,
For what it is worth I have had a M620 for about two years now and like the gun a lot. It is my hiking woods gun. I like the weight and balance of it. The M620 replaced a M19-6 that developed the proverbial cracked forcing cone and S&W has no more replacement barrels. For my use I was not disappointed with the M620 for a replacement. A stainless gun is a lot better for a hiking woods gun.
Cary
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They are both L frames. 620 is 7 shot, 686 is 6 shot unless you get the 686 Plus. 620 has a two piece barrel with the profile of the discontinued Model 66. 686 has a one piece barrel, at least it still did the last time I checked.
I think 686's are at the -8 modification now. Don't know if that means a two piece barrel on them or not, rumor was that everything but the N frames would be two piece eventually. I have personally seen enough loose barrel shrouds that I wouldn't have the two piece barrel. Yeah I know you can send it to S&W and it'll get fixed no charge. My concern is that sometime in the future that might not be an option so I want something I can repair myself if needed. Slap a one piece, half lug on that gun and I'll buy it!
