How good are the 686-5?

[Frankie2blue]

I know I just asked about the -4 model in another post, but a friend just announced that he may consider selling me a -5 7 shot model LNIB for fairly decent price if decides to sell it. I know it's frame mounted pin and MIM trigger. It it a big step down from the -4 or should I wait?

 

[Frankie2blue]

I know I just asked about the -4 model in another post, but a friend just announced that he may consider selling me a -5 7 shot model LNIB for fairly decent price if decides to sell it. I know it's frame mounted pin and MIM trigger. It it a big step down from the -4 or should I wait?

 

[Guest]

What would you be buying the gun for?
Shooter, collector, investment, museum piece?

I'm not clear on the step down angle, it's the same size in all dimensions. It'll shoot the same ammo in same capacities as the same models in the -4 (standard or plus configs).
The difference is the location of the firing pin and MIM hammer/trigger vrs forged. That's about all.
The M686 is a stout, functional, hard to beat firearm in any engineering change, so your purpose will need to be reviewed to determine if it's less of a gun than a -4 for you.

 

[Frankie2blue]

Well, I like to try to shoot everything I have at least a little,( and shoot the one I carry a lot) and I realize it is not probably a true collector piece but it would be nice to know that the value would continue to rise at least a little. So mostly, its just another gun I don't really need, but want for some reason.I really do try to get the best ones though in terms of desirability and condition though that I can find. The "step down" thing I referred to was really just wondering if the MIM parts and frame mounted pin on the -5 are a big deal in peoples eyes more knowledgeable than I. Every S&W I own predates the -5.

 

[Guest]

Frankie2blue,
It's somewhat academic to me.
If you are looking at a shelf full of M686's in the right configuration, all with a different engineering change, then I'd go for a -4 if you can find one first, just because it has features that appeal to me from an aesthetic and functional level (there's nothing non-functional about a -5, just less pleasing from an aesthetic point of view to my traditional eye).
Now, if I was looking for a hell stout revolver in 357 Mag with all sorts of K frame models on that same shelf and one M686-5, it would be a tough call since the M686 will give you much more flexibility than the K frames and longer service life with stout loads.
There is no "one answer" for everyone, only your requirements will matter when it comes to spending your money.
If you are looking to put your money into something that will ensure value/worth growth by itself, then I wouldn't be looking at M686's for that.
These are fantastic workhorses, and some are collectible from a scarcity standpoint, but for just plain robust shooting the -4 and -5 will probably rate side by side over the longterm.

 

[Frankie2blue]

Thanks for the assessment. Thats pretty much where I was at. I have a chance for a 686-4 with combats in really good condition, no box etc. or a LNIB 686-5 7 shot both in the 2 1/2 configuration for around the same price. Everything was telling me to go for the -4 because of the aesthetics, but the LNIB and the 7 shot were pulling me a bit the other way. Anyway, I certainly appreciate your time and input.

 

[Guest]

Just another angle, given the choice of two virtually identical revolvers, one 6 shot and one 7 shot, I'd go with the 6 shot, so the -4 wins in your scenario hands down.
Again, just a personal thing.

Not a 2 1/2", but a 6 shot -4....

 

[Frankie2blue]

Interesting. It must the the aesthetics of the 7 shot.It was a lot easier when I got my 66-3 3" and my 686 CS-1 3". I didn't have to think a second on those. Nice looking 3" there.

 

[Wayne M]

Although different the actual quality of the gun is equal to any of the others in every way regardless of which you might prefer. For a heavy use, heavy duty shooter that will last it's a great gun.

 

[LOBO]

I have a 6 shot, 4", -5. It is a great gun with no flaws that I can see. MIM....yeah, but anything man-made can break.

Here is some "porn" of my -5 w/ Ahrends

 

[Bob79]

I've got 3 686-5's, and they are all 7-shots. I like having the extra capacity in the cylinder. I have never had a problem with any of them.

The -4 will always be more "collectable" than the -5, but the -5 also has no lock it. Just sleep on it a day or two, and get whats best for you.

 

[jefats]

Here's my M686-5 Mountain Gun. I like the light weight and 7 shot capacity. Shoots real accurate with all loads.