Looking to buy a 686

[jrvariel48]

Hi all,
I'm looking at purchasing a Model 686 with a 4" barrel to add to my collection. This will be my first revolver purchase and I want to get some ideas and criticism, if any, about this gun.
Thank you,
Joe

 

[zogger]

My 1st revolver was a 686 6". Very nice shooting gun. Unless you plan to carry the gun, think about a 6" as it will be better for the range.

 

[kenneu]

I went back and forth on 686 vs. 586 as I LOVE a beautiful blued revolver but in the end I went with the 686+ 3-5-7 5". If you are willing to spend a bit more, look at the PLUS version as you get one more round in the cylinder. If you go with a 3-5-7 series you can get it in a 5" which, to me, is the perfect compromise between a shorter, snappier full load .357 and not too big as to be an arm cannon. Top it off with the very nice wood grips on the 3-5-7 and the unfluted cylinder and you have a somewhat unique piece.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've had a 686 since the mid-80s.... IMO if you can have only one, or it's your first, a 4" 686 is the best utility/duty .357 one can own.......

Wadcutters and shotshell to full bore .357s

Grip frame and trigger reach of the K-frame

forcing cone strength of the N-frame

Safariland speedloaders are great for quick reloads

Stainless for easy maintenance and field/duty carry

Over all not too big not too small................

That said a K-frame (2 1/2 or 3 inch) is still a better concealed carry IMO...



Don't forget the
fixed sight....... 681 or 581
Blue version 586

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

I think the 4" is the way to go. Now I prefer the 3", but that's me. It conceals surprising well in a pancake holster and carries easily with a good belt. The one plus it has over the k-frame is having 7 rounds. However, it doesn't sound like this is a carry gun for you, so go with the 4". It should be very accurate and a treat to own and shoot. I think you've made an excellent selection! Good luck.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Depends on what you want to do with the gun. Sticking with the 4" / 6-shot opens up its use to gun games - IDPA and ICORE. Otherwise buy whichever floats your boat - you can't go wrong with a 686/586 of any stripe.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Murphy's Law]

My 686 in 3" is my favorite of all my pistols.

 

[ShivasIrons]

Probably the best choice that you could make for a first revolver.

I gave the same advice to a buddy of mine in the military 25 years ago. I saw him a few year back and the first words out of his mouth? " I still got that 686!"

 

[GTBL]

- you can't go wrong with a 686/586 of any stripe.



Pizza Bob

True, you cannot go wrong with any 686.

 

[jdlii]

My first one was a 6 inch no dash, the second a 2.5 inch, that I finally found a pair of combat grips for and the last one a 4 inch. I like them all and they shoot incredibly well but, the four inch gets more "woods" time.

The search goes on for a 3 inch and if I am not mistaken, there is a 5 inch version that is a cross between a unicorn and the Loch Ness monster when it comes to rarity.

 

[okiegtrider]

Good choice. You might even find one or two threads on this board regarding the virtues of the model 686.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Excellent firearm. A little bulky for concealed carry no matter how short the barrel, but certainly doable at shorter lengths. Longer barrels help you get the most out of 357 mag velocity if not carrying. Good luck!

 

[hittman77]

I'm by no means a S&W authority but folks here tell me I did real good buying the 4 inch -4. Seems many think the -4 was/is the best variation. You really can't go wrong with whichever one you choose.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

My 686 is about to celebrate it's 32nd birthday, on February 12. A best friend of mine's wife bought him a 6" one about the same time. I bought a 4" one. We both still have them. No problems with it, used to shoot it a lot and could hit what I pointed at, now I am old and shaky. I put rubber grips on it to protect the ones that came on it. If I could only have one, this would be the one. Original stocks on it for these dress up photos.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[Shooter Mike]

I picked up my new 686+ with 2.5" barrel last week. It has a very stout trigger so I ordered a Wilson spring kit from Midway that I will install this week.
To dress it up I also ordered the Eagle Combat Grips and a set of Ahernd Combat stocks.
It is to heavy for me to carry but it should be a pleasure to casually shoot at the range.
I also plan to use it for my glove compartment gun on road trips. I bet that you will enjoy your 686.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

For 357 work, I prefer N-frames. I also prefer blued guns. But the 686 is a fine handgun, as good a revolver as is made for the mass market. The 4" vs 6" is personal choice, unless you will carry it more than occasionally. I pefer the 4" in the 686 due to the weight of the revolver, where as I prefer the 6" in the models 19/65/66 (the smaller k-frame no underlug 357 ) and the Models 27/28 (the larger N-frame no-underlug 357).

There are a lot of S&W aficionados that believe the S&W reached it pinnacle before 1980, but even if true, the 686 is still a fine revolver. Some also despise the external lock, but it has never bothered me much, and if it did I know how to remove it or make it inoperative and left in place.

 

[joe44va]

I have 3, 4, 5 and 6. All are great and accurate. I suggest you pick the one that feels best in your hand and see no reason not to get the plus model.

 

[rwsmith]

Let's put it this way.....

I have a 686 no dash and if I were forced to liquidate, it would be the last gun to leave my collection. That means giving up my J frames, A 3rd gen semi, A Sig and several others. The Shield will probably be second from last to go.

 

[sammynomas]

Big fan of the 686/586. The 3" goes wherever I go

Sent from my K88 using Tapatalk

 

[Browns fan]

Find A -3 the best 686 look thru past threads and make up your own mind