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

[muddocktor]

If that 686 has had 1000 rounds run through it already without problems, then I don't think you have any reason to worry about the lock self-activating. I personally think that the reports of the locks self-activating is a simple matter of tolerance stacking. Everything mechanical has a plus/minus tolerance built into the parts it is made of and in the case of the pistols that have had lock activating problems, the tolerances built up until the lock could activate itself under recoil and jam the pistol.

EDIT: That is why I like the older Smiths better. But I bought a 60-15 a little over a year ago and it is a fine little pistol, lock and all.

 

[Sconnie]

And here we go.....

Stop!


Back on topic. You picked a fine way to start your S&W addiction. Tough gun that will last you a lifetime with .357 and .38 special loads galore.

While I prefer the older models without the lock I would say you won't be disappointed. And adding a Ruger to your stable ain't a bad way to go either. Now you can keep your eyes peeled for a pre-lock and pick that up someday and have two! Of course, you will need one in each barrel length available...and then....well, you get the idea. Congrats and enjoy!

You do know it is fun to spend other folks' money and this forum is full of enablers, you'll see. Welcome.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

686 buddy you are on the right track.

Dirt , grit , water , mud and love with some reading up on disassembly and reassembly every few years WITH the proper screwdivers and tools!! You did well in your choice...mine is 22 years old and has never been back to the mothershp or a gunsmith. It's the last one they'll get.

If they get any. God Bless the USA!!

 

[fkienast]

Wish I had one!

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! You made the right choice by buying S&W over Ruger. Only my opinion. All the Rugers that I have bought are gone. I RARELY get rid of a Smith, unless it is for another. The GP100 I had did not impress me. I have a pre lock 586, 4" no dash, & 686-3, 6". I enjoy them both. Hope you enjoy yours! Bob

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[H Richard]

Welcome to the S&W Forum! I have a 686 no dash in 6" that I acquired in 1984. It has been used quite a bit in PPC matches, and falling plate matches and bowling pin matches. I never dis push really hot loads through it, but it must have around 50,000 rounds through it in the past 30+ years and it will perform as well today as it did when new. I originally liked the Ruger Match Champion when it came out, but when handling it it felt "off balance". I'm sure it would shoot very well as soon as you take it apart and make sure there aren't any machining particles inside and make sure it was lubed well. Ironically I am buying my Granddaughter a handgun for a college graduation present, and after handling and shooting about 7 or 8 similar sized compact handguns, I selected a Ruger LC9 (not the LC9s). Criteria was concealable, big enough to get a good hold on it, 9mm, and safe for a young lady that is familiar with but not well experienced with handguns. The trigger is a little longer, and slightly heavier (6 lbs), and it does have a manual safety. When I tested the LC9s I had an inadvertent double tap, the trigger was too light for a inexperienced shooter. I shot it last night and it grouped about 2 1/2" at 10 yards which what I would expect.

 

[Bugkiller99]

686 was my first S&W revolver. Not my last, though. It's a great one, capable of mild .38 spl loads to hotter then Hades .357 mag loads, and everything in between.
BTW revolvers are lot potato chips, you can't just have one.

 

[steelwheelin]

Enjoy that 686, it started for me when I purchased a model 13 in 1976. When it comes to the action of a S&W revolver its just hard to beat.

 

[joe44va]

Welcome
I shot my 686 enough that I had to replace the barrel. Took a good deal (many thousands) of full house rounds and many years to do it. Glad I didn't have to pick up all that lead at one time. Never had a lock issue on this or my other 5 S&W revolvers with the lock. Relax and shoot it with confidence.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The 686 is a very well liked gun. On many of the Old Guy Revolver inventory lists.

 

[Not So Dirty Harry]

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.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_IlNbsILLE"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_IlNbsILLE[/ame]

 

[Raystown]

It will never stop ..... You bit the apple ....

 

[kschmider]

Did I make the right decision?

Yes and No.

Yes, you made the right decision to get the 686. I have a 686-6 and it is one of my favorite 3 Smiths...

No, if you are like me, you will need to acquire more Smiths. Start saving!

Karl

 

[DevilDog72]

Welcome to the forum......... doom..... doom..... your addiction is sealed. I was a devout 1911 man.... till, I had to buy a revolver to get my CHL Instructor Certificate. I bought a used Mdl19-8 at my LGS..... doom.... doom.... my addiction was sealed. I have 3 now and actively looking for more. A 686 snub is first on my list unless I come across a 586 snub, or.......

 

[CajunBass]

I worry almost as much about "lock failure" as I do falling piano's.

 

[jeeps]

Unburned powder and residue under the ejector star is the cause of most cylinder lock up on all S-W wheelgunss over the last 100years or so. Keep it clean and and enjoy it. The 586 is a workhorse fighting Cannon. Lock or nolock. I like the newer ones better in 7 shot. Never had a problem if cleaned when needed.

 

[Frizzman]

You made good decision if YOU are happy with it...It doesn't matter whether you got the Smith or Ruger. I have Smiths and Rugers and I'm happy with them all. Two of my Smiths have locks...I just ignore them. Neither one has ever spontaneously locked when being fired. I have them because I liked the design of the guns. It seems many people are obsessed wit the lock...I see references to Smith and Wessons that are "no lock or MIM and are P&R" as if that makes them magical. Well, I been around and owned many over the last forty plus years and I can tell you that some of those guns were lemons...I had a few. So if you lke your new gun, enjoy it and to hell with the lock.

 

[Matt Hooper]

Couldn't go wrong either way! I have the 686 Plus Pro and love it. My most accurate production revolver. Great trigger out of the box. I also have the Match Champion. I think they are pretty close but I would give the slight edge to the S&W. A bit better finish and a little better balance for me

That being said, now you know what your next purchase will be!

BTW, almost all my S&W revolvers have the lock. Never had an issue and never thought twice about them.

 

[deaheat]

Get the IL removed and plug it...