Getting ready to buy my first S&W revolver...I have a few questions

[stickman428]

I have just recently started shooting revolvers and am currently looking for a 4 inch 357mag. I really like the 686 and was wondering if S&W ever made it in the 7 shot configuration without the dern lock?

Are the 7 shot 686s very hard to find?

Is the 686 a good all around revolver? I am looking for something for fun on the range, camping and maybe home defense.

 

[stickman428]

I have just recently started shooting revolvers and am currently looking for a 4 inch 357mag. I really like the 686 and was wondering if S&W ever made it in the 7 shot configuration without the dern lock?

Are the 7 shot 686s very hard to find?

Is the 686 a good all around revolver? I am looking for something for fun on the range, camping and maybe home defense.

 

[18DAI]

Yes, the 686-4+ was the first 7-shot 686. It was made for one year, IIRC, before the 686-5 was introduced.

The 686-5 which has MIM parts and a frame mounted firing pin, but no lock, was the last 686+ without that particular "innovation".

686-4+ while not plentiful, are still available for less than the price of those new 686's. Good luck with the search. Regards 18DAI.

 

[cptdco]

The 686 is a great all-around revolver..all the L frames (including the 686) are, in the opinions of many experienced shooters, the perfect platform for the .357. I have a less-common 5 inch 7 shot without the lock, and I'm sure they were available in 4' also. But I have a bunch of earlier 686s in various barrel lenghts and I don't think I have any less fun at the range with a 6 round capacity vs. 7.

 

[stickman428]

Pardon my lack of knowledge; do all 686-4 and 686-5 revolvers have 7 shot capacity?

 

[20nickels]

Originally posted by stickman428:
Pardon my lack of knowledge; do all 686-4 and 686-5 revolvers have 7 shot capacity?

No, they continued producing the 6 shooter and added the 7 shot to the line-up.

 

[surfdog76]

I'm researching a 4" 686 myself, and will be interested in the advice of experienced shooters on your questions...

But as a newbie, perhaps I can add a couple of points of interest:

1) The 686 is a very close replica of my 4" 617 22LR (hence my 686 interest). The 617 is a very substantial, high quality revolver and is a blast to shoot all day long on the cheap. I've been under the side plate to study the internal workings, replace a couple of springs, and to perform some light stoning (under the guidance of a knowlegeable friend), and I'm very impressed with the quality, fit, and finish.

2) I've enjoyed competing in Action Pistol events with semi-autos, and plan to do the same with a 686 (IDPA SSR class). Might want to look into that as it's a Blast! and good training. A 6-shot 686 is more common here (you can use a 7-shot, but can only load 6 rounds).

Which brings up a question on speed-loaders, if you choose not to compete. I'm sure there must be 7-shot speedloaders, but you'd want to verify that.

Good Luck!

 

[20nickels]

Originally posted by stickman428:
Pardon my lack of knowledge; do all 686-4 and 686-5 revolvers have 7 shot capacity?

The -1, -2, -3, etc. denotes a change from the previous model.

 

[surfdog76]

Originally posted by surfdog76: I'm sure there must be 7-shot speedloaders, but you'd want to verify that.

Yes, 7-shot speedloaders are readily available: http://www.midwayusa.com/eprod...ct?saleitemid=495585

 

[panamajack310]

Hi, I have a 686-4 7 shot 2.5" I love it it is very accurate and is fun to shoot. the revolver will take what ever kind of ammo I feed it. I like the 7 shot BUT when I qualify I only use 6 rounds so I end up dumping one round on every cycle...but I still love the gun. I changed the grips on the revolver to a set of Ahrends boot grips They are very comfortable...The 7 shot speed loaders I have are HKS they work like a charm...