First time S&W Owner! Did I make the right decision?

[Moritsuna]

Hey guys, yesterday I purchased a barely used 686-6, and I'm really excited. I was debating for weeks the gp100, match champion, and this gun, but after seeing the 686 in comparison I had to have a smith. It feels great and it's already been "broken in".

I am a relatively new gun owner, my only other gun is a beretta that I had for a few years. I had to have a revolver after trying my friends Taurus. Did some research and came upon smith and wesson of course.

Now, there is one thing that is bothering my "OCD" mind, and it's that lock. I have heard reports of people firing "J-Frame" revolvers with hot loads which have cause the IL malfunction. Now, I have an appropriately sized "L-frame' revolver that has been used for about 1000 rounds.

Did I make the right decision? I bought it out of the feel of the trigger, the fact that is already been slightly used (not a lemon), and the legacy of smith and wesson.

I might go ahead and buy a ruger match champion in a month or two, but with smith selling their guns for so many years WITH locks, I am thinking this gun will last me for many years alone.

 

[75Vette]

And here we go.....

 

[snowman]

Welcome to the forum! I have a 686-6, made in 2002. The lock has never given me a problem and I don't expect it to do so. I doubt if there is any documented case of a lock problem with this model, though I haven't sought to find out. My gun is very well made and very accurate. I would guess that yours is as well. I encourage you to relax and enjoy shooting the gun.

Regards,
Andy

 

[Moritsuna]

Thanks, I do enjoy shooting it alot. Smith is my preference over other brands just in general.

 

[trigger945]

Congrats on the purchase. I believe you made the right choice. Although adding a Ruger Match Champion is never a bad idea. The more yhe merrier!

Based on my personal experience, the lock on my revolvers have never been a problem. My preference, however, is to not have them. But as you know, most newer Smiths come with them. They can be removed if so desired.

Enjoy your 686 more. It is definitely a fine revolver.

 

[petepeterson]

You made a great choice. The only better option was "both"

 

[b_san]

Friends don't let friends buy Rugers... just sayin.

 

[Targets Guy]

You made the correct choice.

Welcome to Smith and Wesson!

 

[Old cop]

Ya' done good! If the lock bothers you one of the members here sells a plug for the frame once you remove the lock. FWIW I had a 638 w/the lock, several hot +P rounds down range and not a single problem. I swapped it out for something I wanted more but the lock, aside from detracting from the looks (IMHO), was never a problem.

 

[sw282]

Likely your 686 will need a MAJOR tune-up @ forty-nine THOUSAND rounds

 

[SilentKnight]

Good choice. S&W revolvers are like peanuts. You can't just have one. S&W owners are smitten with all things S&W. You have been bitten... welcome to the club.

 

[hogblue]

You made the right choice. Only thing that would have been better is a no lock with forged internal parts. As for the GP100. Buy it if you have a boat, they make great anchors.

 

[Redlegvzv]

I have two GP100s and a 686+ 4". All are great firearms. You made a fine choice. But don't believe the Ruger bashers -- those are good guns as well.

I also have several other S&W revolvers. Love 'em all.

 

[fdw]

go ahead and get a match champion too... you will like it.

 

[Irn-Bru]

The 686 is a great revolver. Congrats and enjoy.

 

[rwsmith]

One of the best.....

The 686 is one great pistol in S&Ws stable of very good pistols. Tougher than a K frame for heavy loads and lighter than an N frame. It's purpose-built. I have a 686 no dash model.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Did I make the right decision?

Go to your local ammo supplier and buy a large assortment of .357 and .38SP. Take at least 300 rounds to the range and shoot them. Then go home and re-read this thread and see if you know the answer. We do.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[mak1965]

Yup, smiths are the best, I have 3. Started with just 1, and that was all I needed! Ha

 

[jtcarm]

Can't go far wrong with a 686, unless you need a different caliber.

 

[jtcarm]

Yup, smiths are the best, I have 3. Started with just 1, and that was all I needed! Ha

Ha, the only "one" an S&W an revolver owner needs is "the next one".