How does the 686 rate among other SW revolvers?

[mjblazer]

I have a SW 686-3 4" revolver that is like new. It is IMO a great revolver. However, is there a general consenus that I could still trade up for a better SW revolver? I don't want want to get into the Colt Snakes, I'm talking more simply does SW have another revolver a step up that might cost slightly more that I may want to consider before prices put it out of affordable consideration? If the consensus is just a matter of personal taste I am perfectly fine with what I have. I appreciate others opinions and experiences. Thx! (Edited - forgot to include I'm inquiring about .357 mags only).

 

[Laketime]

Well it was the first to do away with the pinned barrel,opting for a crush fit system.More durable then a k frame .357,without the added Bulk of an N frame .357.That being said a great line of revolvers.Ive owned many over the years ,but traded them off each time due to the underlug style. I always preferred the tradional barrel.The gun did make more sense to me then my 27's and 28's.

 

[saemetric]

I have a SW 686-3 4" revolver that is like new. It is IMO a great revolver. However, is there a general consenus that I could still trade up for a better SW revolver? I don't want want to get into the Colt Snakes, I'm talking more simply does SW have another revolver a step up that might cost slightly more that I may want to consider before prices put it out of affordable consideration? If the consensus is just a matter of personal taste I am perfectly fine with what I have. I appreciate others opinions and experiences. Thx! (Edited - forgot to include I'm inquiring about .357 mags only).

Only one better is a blued 586.( Or maybe a nickel)

 

[6518John]

Exactly, you have one of the best.

 

[Helderberg]

I can not think of a better .357 as a full sized gun "for me". The only way I believe I could make this gun any better would be to send it to S&W's PC shop and have the gun worked over. I happen to like the underlug but that is a personal opinion. This being my feeling about the 686 line of guns that doesn't mean there aren't others that would serve you just as well. If your gun is inherently accurate and you have a good trigger on your gun I would go to the range and enjoy.

 

[dentkimterry]

The 686 is the best of the bunch for me.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Well if you like the gun generally , and are pleased with the balance of the full underlug , there isn't a "better" gun for a using gun for you.

If you were looking for rarity/ long term collector value , you could get another basically similar 4in L Frame , but in a rarer varient.

Or move to a M27 . Larger , but actually not heavier , different balance. In actual 4in bbl would be a comparitivly newer one ( someone will chime in with date for introduction of 4in bbls ), the older , and more valuable ones would be typically in 3.5 or 5in ( being close to your present gun).

 

[ralph7]

Finding a 686 CS-1 would be a step up on the same platform.

 

[NYlakesider]

686 is a darn good gun. Better is subjective.

You could move up to a heavier N frame, like a 27 or even plain jane decent shape 28, but the 686 is a bit lighter and will handle all sorts of hi powered rounds almost as good.

Of course you can always use another Smith!

 

[kaaskop49]

The L-frame .357 seems to have become the flagship of the Smith line, altho many will disagree. I believe this because there are so many variations of the 686, including Plus, Pro Line, and Performance Center versions, as well as "standard" models.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[at_liberty]

A trigger job isn't that much money, given that Smith triggers are not beyond question, but I would look at Performance Center versions of the 686, if wanting the ultimate Smith 357 carry gun. I will say that if I was not satisfied with the enhancements to my 686-6, I would not be looking at slab-sided barrels. It doesn't bother me in the little 60 Pro Series, but the bigger guns look a little silly with it to my eye. I would go for a half lug version but not a 5 shot. I want a six shooter and might consider a seven shot.

The revised Model 66 is a good concept, but the gun in hand does not reflect the S&W quality look I have come to expect.

 

[lhump1961]

IMHO the 586/686 guns are the best on the market. I have a few K frames as well and while they are different I don't consider them "better" in any significant way...just different (I wouldn't be caught without them).

You mentioned the Colt snake guns. I started a thread a while back about that and the comments were wide and varied. There may be some opinions there that interest you. My opinion is they are great as well but not "better".

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/372529-not-sorry-about-my-python.html

Any way you look at it I don't think you can find a .357 that is as well rounded in design as the 586/686 revolver from Smith! That's not to say that you shouldn't look at K frames or N frames or Colts or Rugers, ect...all have their attributes and advantages...but are you getting a "better" gun? I don't think so. YMMV.

Now go out there and get some other great .357's to add to that 686!

 

[loeman]

Speaking only about guns I like to take out and shoot, you have the best. I think the 4 inch barrel is perfect too! I have two pre 27s, two 686s, a 681 and a 649. All in .357. My favorite is the 681 which is identical to your 686 except for having fixed sights. My second favorite is exactly like yours, a 686-3 with 4 inch barrel. The S&W 686/681, 586/581 line of guns seems just about perfect for me. However, I prefer the stainless steel versions over blued.

 

[Nightowl]

As a shooting gun, it's hard to beat the 686. It is almost as heavy as the model 27, 28 guns and better balanced, and with the K frame grip. If you want to step up on the collector or "finer" guns, for my money, the only way to go is to the Model 27 or one of the variants of the 627, either the 6 or 8 shooters. I like the 627-2, six shot guns and I also like the 627 PC or the 627-5 in 5 inch, 8 shot. All fine guns. Have fun with this.

 

[mjblazer]

Wow, a lot of good posts and re-enforces my love of this gun. I will keep this 686 and think I may try to find a nice 586 some day. Thx

 

[one eye joe]

mjblazer, YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN FOR A 686+ MOUNTAIN GUN. I HAVE A DASH 3 THAT WOULD BE THE LAST GUN THAT I WOULD PART WITH. THE ADVANTAGE TO YOU WOULD BE AN EXTRA ROUND, IN A GUN THAT BALANCES A TAD BETTER THAN YOUR FULL LUG 4 INCH. THEY ARE SCARCE, AND PRICEY---BUT THEY ARE GREAT GUNS. I WOULD HANG ONTO YOUR CURRENT REVOLVER ALSO, IF FINANCES PERMIT. MY 686 MOUNTAIN GUN APPEARS ON THE EXTREME LEFT OF THIS TRIO…..

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The -4 variation of the M686 is often hailed as the "best of the breed", due to it being drilled & tapped, yet retaining the forged hammer and trigger (though they were finished in a kind of muddy case color). However, there is a contingent that prefer the -3 because it has the more attractive forged flash-chromed trigger and hammer, and wore traditional wood Target Stocks. The -4 had Goodyears. If you don't care to mount an optic, the -3 has a lot in it's favor in the theoretical quest for the "best of the breed" Distinguished Combat Magnum.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I had to sell a gun a few months back to fund a 77/357 purchase. The 686 is as good as it gets, but then it's a matter of personal taste. I sold my 686 no dash and kept my 28-2. I will get another 686 one of these days, but I looooove my 6 inch 28-2.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Collectibility aside, you really can't beat a 686/586 for a 357 mag. If using it in real life is your intent, I would keep it.

Now are there "better" 357 out there?? Arguably, yes. But it is my opinion "better" really doesn't mean much more than higher value as a collectible. Functionally, the only 357 tougher than an L-frame is the N-frame m27 and 28.

Bottom line is, aside from collectibles and PC pieces, you have one of, if not THE best 357 chambered revolvers ever produced by S&W.

 

[pesty3782]

My first duty weapon I bought in 85 was a 4 inch 686. To say I love that gun is an understatement. It has saved my bacon on a few occasions.

I now have 2 four inch 686's 1 six inch and 1 two and a half inch. My oldest is getting out of the marines next year and one of the 4 inchers will go to him. The other 4 inch will go to my other son when he is old enough.

Can't think of a better gun to start their collections with.

My range master and I love to shoot the 2.5 inch at 50 yards. The old 65 year old goat still beats me every time. Doesn't help he competes in the crusty cridder age bracket, but one day I will beat him!

Tony P