First Shots With My First Revolver 686-6

[jnichols2]

First, the S&W 686-6 is my first revolver, at 69 years old. In fact, I only started the hobby five years ago when I retired. Last weekend I decided it was time to own a revolver.

My first six shots were TERRIBLE. I thought "I'll never get used to this gun. Then, on the second load, it quickly settled in. Finally it became a tack driver.

The photo is a 4.5" group at 25 yards, single action. It probably won't impress many of you, but I NEVER did that with ANY hand gun !!!

Double action is more accurate than my other semi auto guns. Single action is incredible.

I wouldn't carry it though, untill I practice speed loading. It takes me a long time to load it.

I also learned to keep right thumb away from cylinder guard when shooting .357 MAG (I'm left handed). No problem with .38 SPCL, but the magnum drove the cylinder guard beck into my thumb. After a quick grip adjustment, it was OK.

This gun may become my favorite shooter.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I have a 6" 686-3, and a 4" 586 no dash. I tend to shoot a revolver better than a bottom feeder. Had my eyes worked on recently, and hope to shoot better. I may be missing something, but see no picture. Bob

 

[Black Knight]

Welcome to the forum. You have discovered one of the reasons the 686 is so well liked. They can be extremely accurate. As for slow loading you may want to look into some HKS Speed Loaders or some Safariland Speed loaders. Both work very well. I have more experience with HKS even though when I first became a police officer the department issued Safariland Speed Loaders for our S&W 64s. I have used both and trust both. The 686 is a big gun to carry but it is not so big that it can not be done. I carry mine quite often (concealed and open). The trick with carrying a gun that size is the holster and a very well designed belt. The belt needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight without stretching too much. The holster needs to be comfortable to wear, close to the body, rapid and smooth on the draw, and retain the gun during rigorous movement. One way to test the retention is to put the gun in the holster while wearing it. Make certain the gun is unloaded. Do not use the safety strap or thumbsnap. Then jump up and down a few times. If the gun stays put you are good to go. If it does not, find a better holster. I'm sure there are a few things I have left out but there are others here who will be more than happy to fill in and bring some of their own ideas and experiences up. I started the journey you are on almost 40 years ago (1978) and I am still finding out things I never knew before. Take care and remain safe.