First post, 1st 686

[bigben55]

Hi. I just today bought a 686-1. I owned an old 19-3 for years and stupidly sold it 12 years ago(for 1/2 of what it's worth today). I've been shooting Glocks, still do, but have been wanting a 686 6" barrel for years and finally got one. Paid $600, which seemed like a fair price(is it?) It does have the M stamp, so we're good there. It passed all the normal used revolver inspection tests with flying colors. Hope to shoot it soon.

questions: I'm guessing it's a 1987? Is there a way to serial number date it? Are there any factory ammo offerings that this model seems to prefer? I need to buy some. Are there loads/brands to absolutely avoid? I want to buy a few loads(some Buffalo Bore hard cast, a good defense load, deer hunting load, some good target/range loads in both .38 and .357. Recommend me some. Any bits of info that I might not have researched about this model?

I'd like to get a black leather holster that can ride either at 3 oclock or crossdraw. Any recommendations? Thx

 

[Coastie762]

Welcome to the forum! Your serial number can be used to help pin down the date. It will be in an alphanumeric format (ABC1234). Post your 3-letter prefix and the mfg date can be narrowed down pretty well.

If you have the original box with a legible label provide the "Spec Ord" number. This is generally recognized as the ship date in a Julian date format.

Regarding holsters, two commonly recommended makers here are Lobo and Simply Rugged. I have examples of both and will attest to their quality.

If you get a chance, post some pictures of your new piece. We love pictures! Here's a photo of my 686-3 I purchased new in the early 90s.

 

[jcs266]

Congrats on your 686! A truly great revolver by all standards.

 

[gfors]

Congrats, and welcome!
My 686-6 shoots American Eagle .357 158 grain JHP, really well, and is pretty good with any 158 grain .38 Special.
I believe the guns are regulated for 158 grain projectiles, but others are more knowledgeable, on this.

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome from Illinois...enjoy the ride, it will probably shoot most ammo well.....mine do

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W forums!

The Model 686 is a fine revolver and quite capable of shooting full power 357 Magnum ammo for a long time. I would still be careful with full power ammo with 110 and 125 grain bullets, they tend to cause gas cutting and erosion faster than loads with heavier bullets.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome from Va.

 

[bigben55]

AWU are the letters in my S/N.

How does this gun shoot with the big, hot Buffalo Bore offerings? 180 gr. Any potential "harm" in shooting some?

 

[jcs266]

Congrats on your new 686 and welcome to the forum!

 

[MrMoose]

AWU = 1987, I believe.
Inexpensive holster in nylon - check out Uncle Mikes.
Fancy black expensive leather - check out Alfonso’s on eBay.
In-between cost but excellent - check out Simply Rugged pancake.
686-0 & 686-1 subject to recall for firing pin, bushing & related parts. Check for “M” stamp indicating it was performed or you may want to send it in to S&W for the recall work to be performed for free.
Enjoy your excellent classic revolver and welcome to the forum

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Welcome! The 686 is likely the most popular revolver on this forum. May it serve you well.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Welcome to the Neighborhood and congratulations on the 686!

 

[daddio202]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your 686. Your old model 19 was made on a smaller frame than your 686 ( K frame vs. L frame). No problems shooting any ammo with your L frame though lots of light weight bullets aka 125 grain with full house loads are tough on any revolver the higher bullet weights 158gr., or 180gr. are better as far as erosion is concerned. They are like tanks compared to the model 19's but I am sure you can feel that in it's weight in hand. Take some pictures of it for us and shoot away to enjoy that stainless beauty!! AWU- 1987 as for year.

 

[MCorps0311]

Sweet 686 revolver.Welcome!

 

[hittman77]

Welcome to the forum from Illinois!

My first S-W revolver was a 686-4 in 4 inch. A fine gun for sure.

 

[bigben55]

Can you post pics from s Smartphone?

 

[jcs266]

​

Can you post pics from s Smartphone?

Yes. Click on that Paperclip you see in the icons above to attach a pic. (Select “advanced” to make the response, there is where you will find the paper clip to make an attachment).

 

[bigben55]

686

Here is my new .357

Pic

 

[lhump1961]

AWU are the letters in my S/N.

How does this gun shoot with the big, hot Buffalo Bore offerings? 180 gr. Any potential "harm" in shooting some?

Hello and welcome. I'll give my standard response to shooting the hottest loads in any firearm...why? You own the gun and can shoot whatever you like in it but if you want more "bang" than a good standard .357 load they do make larger magnums. Any firearm will show the wear of punishing loads. I can put the pedal to the floor of my truck and it won't hurt it, but if I do it all the time then that's different. I don't even like standard .357 loads in my snubbies, not because they can't shoot them, but because I don't enjoy it. 38+P for the 2.5 inchers is good for me. On the other hand I love shooting .357 loads in my 6" 586 but I stick with 158g bullets. A few Buffalo Bore from time to time is fine but I wouldn't do it regularly. You asked so there's my take. Others will have a different opinion and that's fine.

Congrats on a fine revolver and we will expect a range report!

 

[bigben55]

Oh, I wont be shooting LOTS of Buffalo Bore/ Underwood. I'll probably buy a box of the hot heavy hardcast and the hollowpoints, shoot half(12) and save half for hunting/black bear defense, and never buy more. I'll stick to 158gr factory .357 loads, but will shoot more .38s than anything else.

 

[PatriotX]

Welcome, and nice purchase !

 

[The Norseman]

S&W 686 357Mag

Congratulations on your new S&W Model 686 357Rem Mag.
It appears to be in Great shape and Price was right.

Welcome to the Best Smith & Wesson Forum in existence.
Accept no substitute. You will find a wealth of Knowledge.

Thanks for Sharing your story and the Best to you.

 

[oink]

If you ever considered getting into reloading that would be a nice gun to reload for. Great guns.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Oh, I wont be shooting LOTS of Buffalo Bore/ Underwood. I'll probably buy a box of the hot heavy hardcast and the hollowpoints, shoot half(12) and save half for hunting/black bear defense, and never buy more. I'll stick to 158gr factory .357 loads, but will shoot more .38s than anything else.

My only suggestion, would be to stick with .357 loads in this weapon. Why?... When you start alternating between .38 and .357 loads, it will affect how the cylinder builds-up/burns-in crud that will affect .357 cambering. NOTE: A simple online search will show other examples of this.

 

[lhump1961]

My only suggestion, would be to stick with .357 loads in this weapon. Why?... When you start alternating between .38 and .357 loads, it will affect how the cylinder builds-up/burns-in crud that will affect .357 cambering. NOTE: A simple online search will show other examples of this.

Absolutely right. If you don't mind some extra cleaning then no big deal. Some choose to avoid that by shooting only .357. I don't mind so I will go back and forth from .38 and .357 but I clean my stuff every time I shoot. Very good information to know so you don't blame the gun for .357 loading/extraction after a bunch of .38's.

 

[oink]

And if shooting jacketed rounds it's not much of an issue at all. However, I've shot a bazillion lead 38s out of my magnum revolvers. Elbow grease applies.

 

[bigben55]

Finally got out to the range with the 686. Ran flawlessly, shot great. Awesome single action groups at 10 yards, decent double action groups. It's been a while since I've shot double action revolvers, I can use some practice. Shot a box of PMC .38 Special and a box of PPU .357 158gr. Was able to hit a hanging steel plate 3 out of 6 shots at 60 yards! Cant do that with my Glock 9MMS!

Next purchase will be a Galco DAO Outdoorsman holster and a HKS speedliader.

 

[jdlii]

Fantastic revolver at an equally impressive (very good) price!

Congratulations on the acquisition.

My 6" Mod. 686 is a "no dash" that did not go back to the mother ship for the modification. No issues thus far with any of the fired rounds. All of my reloads have run flawlessly.

Stick with name brand, U.S. manufactured ammo and you will have no problems.

 

[bigben55]

I didn't realize .357 was so hard to find right now! We were just on vacation last week and I bet I stopped in 10 stores in Northern Michigan looking for some 158gr .357 before I found 3 boxes in an Ace Hardware in the UP. 2 of PPU and one of Seller and Benoit. Bought all 3. I had the .38(have a Taurus 85 snubnose). I got tons of 9mm and .223/5.56; will have to start stockpiling .357 now!

 

[MattJames]

Congrats! Years ago I got rid of a 8" nickle Python for a price that I'm too embarrassed to say. To make up for it, I bought this 686-2, added some ebony Culina stocks and promptly forgot about that Colt...