I always preferred the look of the Python to the 586/686, so I have more Pythons. Back when there was little price difference it could come down to looks, although a lot of people bag on the Python as being delicate. That hasn't been my experience. Having said all that, I'd say you have the best S&W, because I only see the 27 and 28 as being bigger, not better. And if I were you, I wouldn't consider moving to a Python, as I don't see them as better, just better looking for my tastes. At today's prices, the looks of the Python would no longer lure me past the 586/686. I don't like the lock, so I'd say you have one of the finest revolvers ever made, but you could always customize it with an action job or sights to suit you.
How does the 686 rate among other SW revolvers?
- Thread starter mjblazer
- Start date
HYPURR
Member
Even an amateur like me knows this is one of the best 357s. I purchased my 686 No Dash (1st wheelgun) December 1984 for $ 249.84!
Shot and loved, now retired back with its never been on wood grips. I also have a 66 No Dash (1974) to go with. These 357s are hard to beat...
Shot and loved, now retired back with its never been on wood grips. I also have a 66 No Dash (1974) to go with. These 357s are hard to beat...
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Rick_A
Member
It's the most practical choice in a 357, me thinks.
I like the SSR and 3" TALO edition.
The Mountain Gun version is quite nice as well.
Just not a fan of the standard full lug barrel.
I prefer the feel and balance of a tapered barrel N frame, but that's largely preference. It won't do anything better, and is a bit less carry friendly.
I like the SSR and 3" TALO edition.
The Mountain Gun version is quite nice as well.
Just not a fan of the standard full lug barrel.
I prefer the feel and balance of a tapered barrel N frame, but that's largely preference. It won't do anything better, and is a bit less carry friendly.
Oh goody, another chance to post mine. I inherited this no dash when my dad passed, he bought it new and I have the box, docs/tools and even his receipt (Sept, '81). He had an action job and beadblast done to it and it's an amazingly accurate, fun gun to shoot. It will one day go to my grandson (now 13 months old).
This gun spent 10 years on my dad's hip during his horseback rides in the desert around Tucson, while fishing, near at hand at home-generally always close by. All these thousands of rounds and years later it's still a fantastic shooter. I really need to take a new pic with the prop rod turned the correct way LOL.
This gun spent 10 years on my dad's hip during his horseback rides in the desert around Tucson, while fishing, near at hand at home-generally always close by. All these thousands of rounds and years later it's still a fantastic shooter. I really need to take a new pic with the prop rod turned the correct way LOL.
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at_liberty
Member
Seems intrinsically about trigger locks. We are too coy about whether we refer to current production, post trigger lock introduction, versus older models from the used, bought long ago, and inherited world.
I have a number of .357 Magnums, as you might imagine since I list collecting .38s/.357s in my profile. My 686+ happens to be a 2.5" flavor and if I had to keep just one .357 it would probably win over my 2.5" M19 or 4" M27, just to mention a couple of other S&W .357s. If, when I bought that 686, it had been a 4" instead of a short barrel, it is very likely that I wouldn't have bought the 4" M27. Not that there is anything wrong with the M27; it's a Cadillac of firearms, equal to anything anyone else ever made as far as I am concerned, but I was mentally replacing a blown up 4" .357 Magnum which, had I already replaced, would likely have resulted in a different S&W handgun at the time I bought the M27 Classic. In sum, don't look for what ain't there - your 686 is way ahead of the rest of the field. Reasonably sized, easy to shoot, it's also a Cadillac...........
***GRJ***
***GRJ***
wildenout
Member
One of the best revolvers Smith makes! I SERIOUSLY CAN'T BELIEVE I SOLD MINE LIKE AN IDIOT!!!
mike from st pete
Member
My not too humble opinion; only the 681 is better.
The only .357 better than a 4" 686 is a 3" 66.
If I could have only one .357 and knew I could not get another; it would be my 4", round-butted w/ Spegel extended Boot grips...... 686-nutin.............
I would love a 6 shot, round butt, 686 Mountain Gun...................
If I could have only one .357 and knew I could not get another; it would be my 4", round-butted w/ Spegel extended Boot grips...... 686-nutin.............
I would love a 6 shot, round butt, 686 Mountain Gun...................
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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.
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.
BingoFuel
Member
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):
B
(sorry for the iphone-quality pic)
B
(sorry for the iphone-quality pic)
