How does the 686 rate among other SW revolvers?

[Neumann]

The 686 is probably the most popular S&W sold, and certainly one of favorites. The 4" has really nice balance with the full length lug. I have the 7 round "plus" version in both 4" and 3". The shorter one is a couple of ounces lighter and easy to carry in an IWB (Sparks VM2) holster.

The Mountain version has a tapered (pencil) barrel and short lug. It's about 2-1/2 oz lighter than the standard model, making it an outstanding woods gun.

I seldom shoot anything but full power magnums in mine. No problem, because it has the mass and large grip to distribute the recoil.

 

[randy_68]

I really like my 686. It is a 1996 model with a 7 shot unfluted cyl and 5" bbl. It handles great and everybody that shoots it wants one. But mine is not for sale.

 

[BingoFuel]

If I was looking for a 686, I'd likely choose the 7 round model. That said, the OP has a very fine piece. The only thing it needs, if it hasn't already made the trip, is a treatment by Clark Guns. They do extraordinary work. In fact, they worked on both of these (yea, I like N-frames):
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(sorry for the iphone-quality pic)