OP
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Great replies... Really appreciate the thoughtful answers and not razzing the Newbie.... Excellent. I'll report back what I find.
HELP me Pick My First S&W 686
- Thread starter gmcjetpilot
- Start date
HOUSTON RICK
Member
I am partial to the 7" barrel with non-fluted cylinder 686+, but you cannot go wrong with a 686. A lot of folks believe the 4 inch barrel is the most versatile, and they may be right, but I am partial to longer barrels. Enjoy whatever you choose!
gmcjetpilot;
The three and four inch CS-1s are the collector 686 guns. These are stamped CS-1 in the crane above the 686 stamp.
The three and four inch CS-1s are the collector 686 guns. These are stamped CS-1 in the crane above the 686 stamp.
Wee Hooker
Member
I wouldn't get too wrapped up in dash numbers for a first gun. You won't see any difference for your intended use.
Just shop for a good deal on a any 686 in the 3" to 6" range and see how it feels in your hands . Personally I think the 4 and 5" are the sweet spot for balance in a "do all" range gun.
Also, don't get too amoured by nice wood grips, if you want to shoot 357 (vs 38 spl) your going to want rubber grips on whatever you buy. ( They run $20-$30 aftermarket if you need to buy them after the fact.)
Personally, if I could only have one 686(EGADS!) it would likely be the 5" pro series 696+ or a 4" SSR. I like the ease of interchangeability of the front sights on the pros (and often upgrade to a fiber optic sight for my use.). The 5" + version is a 7 shot and is cut for moon clips which can be an entertaining option in itself.
Just shop for a good deal on a any 686 in the 3" to 6" range and see how it feels in your hands . Personally I think the 4 and 5" are the sweet spot for balance in a "do all" range gun.
Also, don't get too amoured by nice wood grips, if you want to shoot 357 (vs 38 spl) your going to want rubber grips on whatever you buy. ( They run $20-$30 aftermarket if you need to buy them after the fact.)
Personally, if I could only have one 686(EGADS!) it would likely be the 5" pro series 696+ or a 4" SSR. I like the ease of interchangeability of the front sights on the pros (and often upgrade to a fiber optic sight for my use.). The 5" + version is a 7 shot and is cut for moon clips which can be an entertaining option in itself.
HorizontalMike
US Veteran
As nice as the 686 IMO
I have had my my 4" 686 No-Dash 6-shot since mid-1986. More recently I have purchased a 3" 627PC 8-shot that weighs in less than an ounce more than my 686 with both loaded. In other words equal kick, which I find easily comfortable in the hand.
I find the 627PC to be as accurate as the 686 at any distance within the personal protection range. Obviously, if you are desiring to shoot beyond 15yd or so in competitive shooting, then by all means choose a longer barrel length.
I have had my my 4" 686 No-Dash 6-shot since mid-1986. More recently I have purchased a 3" 627PC 8-shot that weighs in less than an ounce more than my 686 with both loaded. In other words equal kick, which I find easily comfortable in the hand.
I find the 627PC to be as accurate as the 686 at any distance within the personal protection range. Obviously, if you are desiring to shoot beyond 15yd or so in competitive shooting, then by all means choose a longer barrel length.
The use you want it for should dictate which one you acquire. Since you state it wouldn't be for "carry", that eliminates the need for a shorter barrel. You do mention some range time, and the pain of shooting .357's in another gun. All of this would point to the preference for a 6" barrel, with the full underlug it will soak up recoil much more than the 4". Also, the 6" being a little "nose heavy" aids holding it steady to aim, and muzzle flip when shooting. I have had a 686 (no dash) since 1984, and it has been used for multiple types of competition, PPC and silhouette and bullseye, and bowling pin. I have never regretted getting a 6".
Douglas8860
Member
DD357
Member
Just goes to show you. I think the balance of the 4 is MUCH better than the 6" and also think the 4" is more versatile.
TAC
Member
I recently sold all my 9mm semi-automatic pistols, and went back to revolvers.
My choce:
SW 686 Plus 2.5" barrel, for vehicle carry
SW 686 Plus 4" barrel, for the home/range
And while not being a 686, I opted for t SW 640 2-1/8"" , for pocket carry
I couldn't be happier with my choices!
I've owned 586/686's over the years with 6" and/or 8-3/8" I found them to be muzzle heavy, clumsy, and just not balance or handle as well as a 4" I don't think you gain much at all when shooting .38 SPL with anything longer than a 4" barrel. It's even questionable with .357 Magnums. The difference in velocity/energy isn't enough to worry about.
My choce:
SW 686 Plus 2.5" barrel, for vehicle carry
SW 686 Plus 4" barrel, for the home/range
And while not being a 686, I opted for t SW 640 2-1/8"" , for pocket carry
I couldn't be happier with my choices!
I've owned 586/686's over the years with 6" and/or 8-3/8" I found them to be muzzle heavy, clumsy, and just not balance or handle as well as a 4" I don't think you gain much at all when shooting .38 SPL with anything longer than a 4" barrel. It's even questionable with .357 Magnums. The difference in velocity/energy isn't enough to worry about.
TAC
Member
Note:
Recall
In 1987, seven years after the release of the Model 686, there were reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition for L-frame revolvers manufactured before August 1987. S&W put out a product warning and authorized a no-charge upgrade to make modifications to the revolver, and as such all recalled and reworked guns were stamped with an M marking signifying they had been recalled and fixed, and thus its known as the M modification for all 686, 686-1 and 586 - 1 and 2 Revolvers in the firearms world [9]
[source]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_686#Recall
Recall
In 1987, seven years after the release of the Model 686, there were reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition for L-frame revolvers manufactured before August 1987. S&W put out a product warning and authorized a no-charge upgrade to make modifications to the revolver, and as such all recalled and reworked guns were stamped with an M marking signifying they had been recalled and fixed, and thus its known as the M modification for all 686, 686-1 and 586 - 1 and 2 Revolvers in the firearms world [9]
[source]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_686#Recall
chuck perry
Member
DD357
Member
Certainly agree with you about them being muzzle heavy and clumsy. Now while I still have 2 autos left I too have gone back to wheel guns for carry and in the house. I still like them as range guns and have no plans to get of them, however I can't guarantee I wouldn't be tempted for the right K frame.!
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