looking into a revolver & narrowing my decision

[rosader]

Be sure to look at the new 686 Plus pro series. Very Cool, same everything, and a neat barrel profile

Smith and Wesson 686+ 357Mag, 4 Inch, Stainless Steel, White Outline Red Ramp Adjust Sights, 7rd
This is the one I'm looking at. This is the plus pro right???

edit: Ok never mind I looked up the plus pro series. Is the only difference the sloped lug?

 

[Doc TH]

686

Most reviews have concluded the S&W is smoother and has a better trigger than the Ruger. For what it's worth it's also more attractive. Ther single action trigger on the 686 is superb, rivaling the best of target pistols. The L-frames are not small, and even in 4" barrel the revolver is a handful, but I have fired the 4" and 6" bbl lengths, and both are excellent. The decision as to barrel length really boils down to what is most appealing to you, and what purpose you have in mind.

 

[MR. IHC]

i like 6" model 28's . had a 4" ,but like 6" so much better. to each his own i guess.

 

[Model29Lover]

I would go with the model 29, but the 629 is the next best choice!!! Load down to 44 special if you like or choose not too, a great dilemma to have!!!!!! The same could be said about the 627 as far as 38 special or 357, but I like the power of the 44!!!!

 

[jpargo]

I just got two new S&W 357's...the 60 Pro and the 686 SSR. I really like both guns for different reasons but if I had to choose one and I think that what your looking for consider the 4" 686 SSR...it has some out of the box features from the performance center. It shoots great and the trigger is like butter. I think you would be very happy.

 

[jwk]

I have owned a bunch of 686s and 681s (fixed sight version of the same revolver) over the years as well as a couple of GPs. I have never been afraid to hand a revolver to a gunsmith and tell him to rework the trigger. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TRIGGER ON A GP THAT WAS AS GOOD AS ONE ON A S&W L FRAME. Enough said in my opinion.

 

[Reevolvers]

Smith and Wesson 686+ 357Mag, 4 Inch, Stainless Steel, White Outline Red Ramp Adjust Sights, 7rd
This is the one I'm looking at. This is the plus pro right???

edit: Ok never mind I looked up the plus pro series. Is the only difference the sloped lug?

No. The SSR has a slightly better trigger, and is generaly more refined as it is the pro series. The performance center is the top shelf the pro series is the middle shelf, and bridges the gap between the stock and performance center goods. Check them out at your local gun shop. The basic 686, is an AWESOME GUN!!!! In my opinion the SSR is slightly better.

 

[WVfishguy]

I had a 686, currently have a 586, and also own a GP-100.
586 no dash

GP-100:

The GP locks front and rear, and has lots of steel. When I test HOT loads, I use the GP.
The 586 and the 686s I've owned/fired have had great triggers. But when it comes to actual shooting I've found it makes little difference.
The extra cylinder hole in the 7-shot Smith kinda creeps me out. I like lots of steel around my .357, which is a very high pressure hand gun round, and a 7-shot does not have as much steel as a 6 shot. That does not bother me for target practice, but...
If I wanted a woods gun, I'm going to want a revolver stuffed with full power magnums. I'd have to give the nod to the GP-100.
What I'd really want is an N-frame Smith, like this 28-2:

You can beat a critter to death with it if you run out of ammo.

PS - Obscenity kind of bugs me too, even obscene Internet abbreviations. But then again, I'm old, and it's a free country. So far.

 

[bobelk99]

I vote for Smith 4".

You may be posting in the wrong forum if you are leaning to the Ruger.

 

[649 Bodyguard]

The Smith & Wesson 686 is a fine revolver to own.

 

[VictorLouis]

For the needs you describe, the 686 in 4". I've not really been able to warm-up to the 7-shotters, but I wouldn't diss your choice.

 

[Stilch]

I got in on this one late; Rosader, have you
acquired your new revolver yet?
I've owned a 4" GP100 & still have a 6" 686,
I'd have to recommend the 4" 686 for the needs
you described.
Rugers are good guns, but the only Ruger revolver
I truly love is my 5 1/2" stainless .357 Vaquero.

 

[CWO USN]

Hands down...no contest! The S&W 686 is the way to go. Well made and well backed by the manufacturer.

 

[.357 Magnum]

You can't go wrong with any 686!!! I own both the 2 1/2 inch and the 3 inch 686 and love them both. What ever 686 you get, do yourself a favor and get the plus model that holds 7 rounds.