Help! Can’t decide on what revolver to get!

[raisedin99]

Are these the same as the 586 and 686 but with fixed sights?

Thanks!

I believe that is the only difference

terry

 

[The Mighty S&W]

Thanks for the very detailed reply!

I am pretty new to carrying, I got my CCW last year and I carry a G19 or a Springfield hellcat pretty much every day, however I am super new to revolvers so you got that right!

Very cool how you described the 66-8 as a fighting revolver. When I held it at the gun store it just gave me the impression that is was lean and mean and ready to do business. However the 686 is only slightly larger so maybe that is just in my head.

Your comments about the 686 really fit my requirements. It really does seem to be that all-purpose, last you 1000 years revolver. A 6 shot 4" barreled version of the revolver would be ideal for me I think.

You are right about the Model 27 being huge. I got to look at a model 29-2 at my local Gunstore today. Might be the most beautiful gun I have ever seen in person but I don't see myself carrying that anytime soon so I think I can eliminate it at this point.

Again thanks for your comment!

With a dedicated gun belt, and a quality holster, a K or L frame can be a good carry gun assuming that you are willing/able to dress around it. If you can carry a Glock 19, a K or L frame is do able for you. Go grab you a 686, then train with it, carry it, and create memories of all the things you use it for. Let every scratch/wear mark add to its charm. You can focus on acquiring pretty guns as collectibles later. But, right now it sounds like you need a working gun, and I don’t know that you can do much better than a 686 for that purpose.

 

[chief38]

IMHO it is virtually impossible that any one gun will do everything perfectly! That's why there are so many different sizes and models.

If you're looking for a revolver to carry for SD then a vintage short barreled J frame or small K frame would probably be the way to go. If you are looking for a target revolver, a M15 or K38, M17 or M18 is hard to beat! For woods carry a 4"+ barreled K, L or N frame in your caliber of choice would be great - just mind the size and weight depending on how long you intend to carry it. A revolver left home because it's too large or heavy is useless!

Being "into" revolvers and owning only one is forbidden here - LOL!!

 

[Rock185]

The posters above have given some good advice. I might as well chime in with my 2¢ worth. I have owned the big N-Frame 357s, K-Frames and L-Frames. All excellent revolvers and I like them all. I carried a 66 for several years, then a 586 and 686 for several years after that. But the K and L-Frames were carried on a uniform belt. Were I intending to CCW a S&W, I would choose the smaller K-Frame gun. I have seen a K-Frame or two, and a Python, with damaged forcing cones, The 125 grain Magnum ammo we were issued for years was believed to be the culprit. I have read that the newer 66s have been reengineered for increased durability with Magnum ammo. So perhaps forcing cone damage with the newer 66 you're considering is a non-issue. The more beefy L-Frame is my favorite. More rugged than the K-Frames, but the trade-off is that the all steel L-Frames are significantly heavier than the K-Frames. IIRC, my old 4" 66 weighs 36 Oz., while my 4" 686 weighs 41 Oz. Doesn't sound like much, but that 5 Oz. makes a difference when carrying for hours at a time. The Ruger SP101 has been mentioned; beefy little revolvers that I admit I like a lot. A bit easier to carry weight and size wise than even the K-Frames, but a 5-shooter. Always trade-offs, no matter what you pick..

But chief38 is right, you can't own only one

 

[pantannojack]

This is a very solid point. If only I could find the one revolver to rule them all.

A K frame 3" will handle +P 38 or 357 Magnum and still be carry able. A 4" 13, 19 or 65, 66 if more readily available. L and N frames are heavier and OWB holster guns.

 

[dvanncvann]

Take a look at the model 69. 5 shot 44 mag on an L frame.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

If I can some day carry CCW, it's 13-4 3" or 66-2 2,5" from my safe. We have now commie gun law, we can't

K-frame .357 Magnum is carry revolver, L-frame is range revolver

 

[Darkenfast]

The argument can be made that the 686+ with a 4.125 inch barrel is the current "most versatile" wheelgun around.

A point about the weight: While the L-frame is considerably closer to the K, than it is to the N-frame, the WEIGHT has actually been more like the N. This is because of the heavy barrel. The weight is in a different place. It's enough to make the six-inch models a bit sluggish in handling (my old 585 weighed in at 46 ounces, I believe). The four (or 4.125) inch models, seem to be a lot handier for most people, and that is why S&W sells more of them - it's what the customers want. Now, if you get the current + model, there's been some evolution in the design. Between the round-butt frame and the extra chamber, the current empty weight of the 4.125 is (I believe), just under 39 ounces, or about what a 1911 weighs (if I may mix types!). You're most likely to find that version in gun shops (at least where I live), and there's really no reason to go with the six-shot version unless you are shooting in a particular game that requires it.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

A 629-6 Deluxe 3" bbl. Carry 44 Spl. Buy a good belt and holster and it will do anything you desire. HKS and Safariland both make speedloaders and it will conceal well if you wear the correct clothing. Weight is okay with a good belt.

I have a 629-10 2 5/8" PC while this is 44 mag, the same thing in 357 mag is a 627-? PC and weighs about the same. DeSantis makes a few holsters for N-Frame 3" gun. I liked the "Thumb Break" so much I nought one in Black and one in Tam. I have nice stiff Amish made gun belts, (you will need very heavy duty leather goods!) I wore mine 16 hours the other day and the first 10 were a piece of cake, but the last four were very noticeable!

Speed loaders and Speed Strips for reloads are very standard (and common), while I own both I carry Speed Strips. Use Bianchi's brand, they hold up to years of carry use! International Handgun Leather makes nice belt pouches, up to 8 round, for 357 speed strips. I carry a 8 rounder for CCw with my J-Frame, it will fit 6 44 Specials too.

Ivan

 

[Thuer]

Did not read all the comments. I do shoot for several years, read many years a L frame 686 Target Champion. It work and gave me a lot of prices. I do shoot only .38 special loads in it. It works also great with full loads of .357 mag. I love this revolver.

 

[smithra_66]

Hello All!

I need help! I am having difficulty deciding on what revolver to get! after over a month of intensive study and isolation I have managed to narrow my choices down to the three below.

Any input is super appreciated!

Thanks!

S&W 686 6shot
S&W 686 7shot (not sure about this one because speed loaders and it’s not a 6 shooter!)
S&W 66-8
S&W 27 classic (not leaning towards this one because it is so large and I want to CCW however this gun looks so sweet)

I am open to other suggestions as well!

If you are looking for a good carry gun, I'd recommend a pre-lock model 19. Pinned and recessed if your budget allows.

That would be my choice over all of those.

 

[ppeeks]

No need to choose. Get them all. No need to get them all at one time.

 

[xfarfuldog]

When I was a cop I carried a 4" Python. When we were finally allowed to have stainless, I used a 686. I found it too heavy and bought a 66 instead. If you carry it you will see a difference. Now as much as I love revolvers, I carry a plastic gun.

 

[jaguargolf]

There are speed loaders for 7 shot 686’s

 

[The Mighty S&W]

When I was a cop I carried a 4" Python. When we were finally allowed to have stainless, I used a 686. I found it too heavy and bought a 66 instead. If you carry it you will see a difference. Now as much as I love revolvers, I carry a plastic gun.

It’s always interesting for me to see the way we all develop our own path through life. I entered LE work just a tiny bit too late, and spent my entire career carrying autoloaders. Now that I’m on my own time, and free to do as I please, it is a revolver on my hip even though I own a lot of autoloaders both plastic and otherwise.

 

[SWOLVOLVER]

If I can some day carry CCW, it's 13-4 3" or 66-2 2,5" from my safe. We have now commie gun law, we can't

K-frame .357 Magnum is carry revolver, L-frame is range revolver

Very sorry that you cannot experience the same freedoms we have here in the US. I did not know that you could own guns in Finland. Is it similar to Switzerland where you can own rifles and such?

Are you guys allowed to own Ar-15/AK platform rifles?

Thanks for the reply!

Just curious, thanks!

 

[SWOLVOLVER]

Of the ones on your list, get on older 686 with a 4" barrel. You can make it work for just about anything. After that, add additional weapons for specific tasks.

Those pre-lock 686s look real nice. I haven't been able to find one at my local gunstores, if I do I will most likely consider this one. Unsure about ordering a used model online because I've read that the S&W warranty is not applicable to 2nd hand purchases.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[SWOLVOLVER]

When I was a cop I carried a 4" Python. When we were finally allowed to have stainless, I used a 686. I found it too heavy and bought a 66 instead. If you carry it you will see a difference. Now as much as I love revolvers, I carry a plastic gun.

Does the cylinder on the 66 get super hot when you use it a lot? Idk if this is a legitimate concern though.

 

[prescobd]

You may want to consider a model 619 if you can find one. It's a 7 shot L frame. It has fixed sights and a bit lighter than a 686, since it doesn't have a full lug barrel.

 

[Paul105]

I have or have had all of the above plus many others. What ever you choose now, you will most likely find something different to your liking in the future.

Don't buy anything that doesn't have adjustable sights.

Extra weight adds up to discomfort over long periods of time or difficult terrain or a combination thereof.

Paul