First Revolver, First Smith!

[pctchevy11]

hey all im a new member and soon to be yet another proud owner of a Smith&Wesson!

Im buying a revolver because i want to be able to take it deer hunting with me as well as target shooting/self defense.

That being said im looking at a S&W stainless 686-6 in .357 with a 6'' barrel and rubber grips.
the only thing i really dont care for is the grips, my father has many smiths that all of which have wood grips. i like the look and feel of wood over rubber.

the gun shop wants $595 bucks. it is used (very little) and has very few if any scratches. (my intention is to polish it anyway)

what do you think is this a good first handgun?? i know .357 is a tad light for deer hunting but i figure ill actually use it more if i can plink with .38s and secondly when im away for buisness in an emergency situation the Mrs. could use it if she had to. .38s of course

i started doing alot of research on the 686-6 and the only thing im finding wrong is the internal lock. im not fishing for a bash here im simply asking if this thing is actually going to be a problem.

any imput is great guys and im happy to be in the smith family!
-Jake

 

[Neumann]

Congratulations. You're going to love shooting a Smith revolver, particularly the 6" 686-6. Don't underestimate it's power as a hunting weapon. A hard-cast 180 SWC will shoot through an elk, end-to-end, and you'll feel something "special" at your end too.

.38 wadcutters are a bit nicer to shoot, but won't save you a lot of money unless you reload. But then, full loads still cost about the same on the bench. I've been there and done that, but not recently (like 40 years recently). What's the fun of shooting without all the roll and thunder. That sting in your hand translates to testosterone.

Out there, lurking in the shadows of your LGS or on the web, is a 4", 3", or 627 8-shot. A 6" barrel is not particularly amenable for carry, other than in a western style holster. How about a pair of Ahrends coca bolo boots from Top Gun Supply?

Have your wife sew your pockets shut before it's too late

 

[brokenprism]

"...the only thing im finding wrong is the internal lock."

I don't have a post-lock Smith, but there's nothing 'wrong' with them. It's just a different phase of design and engineering in a gun that has evolved since the day the first one was made. I started shooting in the 70s, so my aesthetic tastes are indexed to that period -- I like what have now become 'older' Smiths, but if you're new to this, this is your time and these guns are your 'baseline'. Your reference point. Smith makes the best double-action revolver out there right now, and they probably always did. (The Python is pretty, but the Highway Patrolman will outlive it, and it's sexy in its own way.) Not to be critical, but I wouldn't discount the wife's ability to shoot .357... you winked like we'd all agree that women can only handle 38s but heck, if she's protecting herself with it, give her all the cannon you can, then give her more! ; ) If you have options for barrel length (you bought this, or you're considering it?) think about the 4". It's just ... easier, to handle to holster, to carry, and even to shoot. For me, anything that needs two more inches of barrel to hit is probably too far away. You get a little more velocity and a little more sight plane, but you'll shoot them enough the same that a shorter barrel is probably more practical. Just a thought.

Once you've shot Smiths for awhile, think about cathcing the N frame bug. To my mind, there's just nothing better than a big bore N frame. Enjoy your new gun!

 

[pctchevy11]

I actually want the 6'' because ill have a little better advantage in the woods with it. i dont plan on carrying other than center consel of my truck and as far as the loads i still need to do some research. how about the cost?? is this a decent deal for what im getting? thanks

 

[nawilson]

Welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on your first (no doubt of several) Smith.

The 357 Magnum is a fine general purpose cartridge. Loaded correctly, it should do the job on deer if you do your part. The 686 is an excellent choice for your stated purpose. The 6" barrel should help you attain higher velocities and better results, and it should be easier to shoot than a shorter barrel.

As far as the lock, you will get all kinds of answers on here. If you don't like it, then just take it out. It isn't too hard to do.

Happy shooting!

 

[kenjen]

if you are going to use it for deer hunting i wouldn't be polishing up to much, the last thing you need is a big bright shinny object for all the deer to see. other then that you will not be disapointed....great guns

 

[Whitter]

Hello pctchevy11, This is a great forum full of useful information and varied opinions. I have a 627PC - love it. It has the lock, and it has never presented me with a problem. It has the 5" barrel. A good compromise between the 4" easier to carry and 6" added velocity and line of sight. Just a thought. The 686 is a fine revolver in its own right.

 

[nawilson]

Oh... forgot to add, post a pic! Forum rules...

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum. The 686-6 is the current model, and $595 is pretty close to the current selling price of a new one.

 

[kennyb]

congrats on your choice and a big welcome to the forum!

 

[Lou_NC]

Welcome aboard, Jake. You'll learn a lot here, there are a lot of really nice folks on this forum.

My first Smith and Wesson revolver was a 686-2 purchased new in 1988. It is one of my favorites and I still have it, I'd never consider selling it.

One advantage to the newer production (actuall starting with the 686-4 I believe, but if wrong I will certainly be corrected here) is that the top strap is drilled and tapped (under the rear sight) for easy installation of a scope base. That is nice to have if you think you might ever want a scope or red dot sight.

Lou

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

Good for you on taking the plunge into revolvers! You are really going to enjoy them.

It's a learning experience. Your deal is at least a very good one - the 686 6" is around $700 (OTD) (edit: New) at the cheapest online place. So $600ish is a square deal. If you change your mind, you'll be able to recoup your investment, or most of it, quickly.

Don't worry. Enjoy your new gun. Welcome to the forum!

 

[Gman56]

The 686 is a good first handgun!I love my 686-1! It was a 6in I had S&W rebarrel it to a 4in. I just like 4in barrels more.I have 6in revolver28-2 which feels like a 4in because of the half lug.If I could find a 586 or 686 with a half lug 6in it would be mine!

 

[pctchevy11]

thanks guys, your all a big help. i think i want the newer model 686s because id like at least the option of installing a scope if i ever decided to. although id rather put a scope on a .44 instead. maybe next year...

how does the S&W warrenty work with 2nd owners?? can i get it inspected or something by smith and then have a warrenty again? i doubt it but if something goes wrong i would like to know that i could take it to someone.
Thanks,
Jake

 

[H Richard]

Most S&W's are so well built and reliable I never worry about a warranty. If you buy a current mfg. one, it is covered under a lifetime warranty. The only S&W I have ever had to send in for any work was my early (no dash) 686 for the hammer nose bushing recall back in the 80's. And I own quite a few S&W's over the past 30+ years.

 

[TrailRated]

Fairly new myself, but welcome!

I bought a 686 4" bbl new at my local gun dealer just 2 months ago. It is an awesome revolver and I have spent quite a bit of time at the range with it. I plan to use it to carry while hiking, in fact I had a custom chest pouch made that works great. The gun has the internal lock, but it's not an issue for me and I don't understand why it would be except maybe the principal of why it is on the gun to begin with. Just my 2 cents, but I'd buy the new one for just a little more. You won't regret being the original owner!

PS: Now I am drooling over a 629 Classic 5" bbl .44 Mag - not that I need it - but I' ll still carry my 686 .357 Mag for hiking.

 

[Fat Old Guy]

when im away for buisness in an emergency situation the Mrs. could use it if she had to. .38s of course

When my wife used to go shooting with me, she used her own .357 with Magnum loads in bowling pin matches. Unless your wife is 4'11" and only weighs 85 lbs, don't discount the idea of her using a .357.

I'm a big fan of Pachmayr grips over wood as they absorb much of the bucking and snorting that a revolver does.

Have fun with your new gun.