Looking for input concerning 7 and 8 shot

[ColumbusJBR]

I’m trying! lol. So with the internal lock inserts, should be no worries with malfunctions? And which ILS insert do you recommend I go with?

I've plugged a few of my new Smiths. I've used kits from both Original Precision, and TK Custom. I've been happy with both.

Anyone with a least a little mechanical skills and access to YouTube can install the kit quite easily. Of course some basic gunsmithing tools are needed too. I've had zero issues post-install with either.

 

[dolefee]

yessir, chatted with that member late dec, local to me as well. was hoping for the unfluted option, but that’s not looking good. appreciate the lead though

S&W did make a pre-lock, 7-shot 686 with a 2.5" barrel; cylinder's fluted, however.

There's one currently for sale on the same forum where you chatted with Smith_586.

 

[dolefee]

definitely taking a closer look at this option…is the performance center version worth the add’l $200? i know it’s a 2.5” barrel vs the 3” on the 3-5-7, and the grips look similar aside from color. Any input would be much appreciated, thanks again

If you can stomach the lock, you can save a bit of money as what you describe is a current production gun in the 3" 3-5-7 series. 7 shot, 3" barrel and an unfluted cylinder. I love mine.

 

[BillyMagg]

I bid on one

yessir, chatted with that member late dec, local to me as well. was hoping for the unfluted option, but that’s not looking good. appreciate the lead though

there is a 627 that scratches all your itch currently? so no link as per forum rules,, currently under 2 grand, I was out at just under 1700 bucks, very pretty gun, but I would rather have the fluted cylinder.. I do have the 627-0, and it gets shot at the farm quite a bit,, a nice gun, but I sold the first one I owned 30 years ago, lol

 

[dolefee]

yeah i cant justify paying that much for a firearm just because it was shown being held by a hollywood actor. not looking to collect, wanting to shoot and carry. not like i can afford that anyways, especially after the recent holiday expenses.

there is a 627 that scratches all your itch currently? so no link as per forum rules,, currently under 2 grand, I was out at just under 1700 bucks, very pretty gun, but I would rather have the fluted cylinder.. I do have the 627-0, and it gets shot at the farm quite a bit,, a nice gun, but I sold the first one I owned 30 years ago, lol

 

[Smith_586]

yeah i cant justify paying that much for a firearm just because it was shown being held by a hollywood actor. not looking to collect, wanting to shoot and carry. not like i can afford that anyways, especially after the recent holiday expenses.

Technically they came out before the movie was made, reason why they are worth what they are was the limited run of only 444 made. It’s honestly the best snub carry revolver made in my opinion, the performance center back then actually cared about hand fitting parts and making sure they were top notch.

 

[ladder13]

I wanted a 3” 681 so bad but didn’t want to pay the piper. So I sacrificed one of my 681’s.

Cut down to 3”, slabsided, round butted, 7 shot fluted cylinder, FO sight. Work done by Mark Hartshorne.

 

[ruger 22]

I believe that the 7 shot guns have the cylinder notches over the thick metal areas versus on the 8 shot guns the notches are over the chambers. That makes me prefer the 7. Just my personal nutties.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Let's all get back to dolefee's original question...yes, there are 7-shot (L-frame) 686s with 3" bbls and unfluted cylinders. There are also slightly larger (N-frame) 8-shot PC 627s with 2-5/8" bbl. and unfluted cylinders. I have both, and they are some of my favorite snubbies! Mine both have the Internal Lock ("Hillary Hole"), but I tend to just ignore the hole. I may someday buy and install plugs, but it's not high on my list. The newer 686-6 Plus revolvers in the 3-5-7 series have those features, as do the PC 627s. The 686s are just a few ounces lighter than the 627s so there's not much difference if you intend to CCW. Both are a lot of fun to shoot and recoil is very manageable. Enjoy!

 

[dolefee]

Appreciate the pics and everyones input so far…Hawg Rider, if i go the hillary hole route, would it be worth spending a couple hundo more to go with the performance center 686 vs the “3-5-7” 686 model? i have narrowed it down to those 2 models, IF i can get past the ILS bit. Thanks again

Let's all get back to dolefee's original question...yes, there are 7-shot (L-frame) 686s with 3" bbls and unfluted cylinders. There are also slightly larger (N-frame) 8-shot PC 627s with 2-5/8" bbl. and unfluted cylinders. I have both, and they are some of my favorite snubbies! Mine both have the Internal Lock ("Hillary Hole"), but I tend to just ignore the hole. I may someday buy and install plugs, but it's not high on my list. The newer 686-6 Plus revolvers in the 3-5-7 series have those features, as do the PC 627s. The 686s are just a few ounces lighter than the 627s so there's not much difference if you intend to CCW. Both are a lot of fun to shoot and recoil is very manageable. Enjoy!

 

[mikeruns]

There’s this current option from Ruger, 8 shot .357, non-fluted, (44 oz) 2-3/4”….

www****ger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5051.html

I have this in .41 magnum (6 rds in 41/44 mags no longer available)and like it quite a lot.
Not a great choice for everyday carry in warm weather unless you are trail bumming with good leather-but very cool….

 

[ladder13]

There’s this current option from Ruger, 8 shot .357, non-fluted, (44 oz) 2-3/4”….

www****ger.com/products/redhawk/specSheets/5051.html

I have this in .41 magnum (6 rds in 41/44 mags no longer available)and like it quite a lot.
Not a great choice for everyday carry in warm weather unless you are trail bumming with good leather-but very cool….

I’d be getting that one.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Appreciate the pics and everyones input so far…Hawg Rider, if i go the hillary hole route, would it be worth spending a couple hundo more to go with the performance center 686 vs the “3-5-7” 686 model? i have narrowed it down to those 2 models, IF i can get past the ILS bit. Thanks again

Well, that's an interesting question. I am a fan of PC revolvers, and in the case of the PC 686 you'll get a PC tuned revolver, chromed trigger, and crowned muzzle. Does that justify the extra expense? To me, no. I think the 686 Plus 3-5-7 is a fine revolver and sold at a fair price. I actually bought mine used for $750 OTD which included 4 sets of stocks, and the previous owner had already installed a SDM fiber optic front Super Sight (which I really like; $30). I don't think that you can wrong with either choice, it all depends upon your taste and budget. If you can't stomach the ILS, TK Customs and Original Precision sell plug kits for about $40. Of course you'll have to remove the innards from your revolver to install the kit, but there are a few good videos on YouTube with do's and don'ts. Good luck with your decision, and please keep us posted.