Looking to buy my first revolver

[sdb321]

Or you could buy both.

 

[Scottastic]

I'm a really new shooter does that make any difference in my choice here? Good news is it's seems likes it's hard to go wrong either way.

Have you ever shot anything like an airgun or 22 before or is this really your first time around? I learned some fundamentals with a colt single action 45 and air pistols, so I personally felt more comfortable getting a 3".

If it really is your first I would have to agree a 4"-6" will be a lot more forgiving while you're learning to acquire a sight picture, flinching, etc.

Edit: I wanted to add, if you want a longer barrel but don't like the weight of the 4" 686 (like me) take a look at the 66. I almost got that instead of the 3" 686 when I was going through the exact same dilemma as you!

 

[Rolling]

If you're not going to conceal & carry I would say get the 686 4". IMO better for target practice and home defense. If you're ever in a dangerous situation and run out of bullets you can beat someone over the head with it. I have a J-frame which I carry the most but shoot the least because of the snappy recoil.

 

[mjt29]

Have you ever shot anything like an airgun or 22 before or is this really your first time around? I learned some fundamentals with a colt single action 45 and air pistols, so I personally felt more comfortable getting a 3".

If it really is your first I would have to agree a 4"-6" will be a lot more forgiving while you're learning to acquire a sight picture, flinching, etc.

Edit: I wanted to add, if you want a longer barrel but don't like the weight of the 4" 686 (like me) take a look at the 66. I almost got that instead of the 3" 686 when I was going through the exact same dilemma as you!

I've shot some 9mm and some .38.


BTW, I appreciate every bodies input. Great stuff, thank you.

 

[amazingflapjack]

If you are just learning to shoot handguns, I would recommend a Ruger MK II pistol.

 

[silversnake]

Unfortunately, my local range carries almost no revolvers and their in store revolver stock is also limited.

The 3" interests me too because it's looks better balanced and these are large guns. Maybe that really isn't an issue with the 4" either.

Yes, my intent is to practice on .38 and eventually buy a j frame, but I want larger range gun to practice with.

I find the 3" 686 better balanced too, it's what I would buy in your situation (and I own both 3 and 4" barreled revolvers). If you ever decide to carry your 686 it will be easier to conceal too.

Don't worry about being a new shooter - the 686 is easy to learn on, just stick to standard pressure .38 specials until you get the fundamentals down. Try to learn to shoot in double action too, rather than cocking the hammer for each shot.

I know this is the S&W forum but if you have very small hands you might like the Ruger GP 100 with the 3" barrel, very similar to the 686 but can take smaller grip sizes.

 

[snowman]

Hello everyone. So I'm in the market for my first revolver and this will be a range gun. I'm looking at the S&W 686+ in the 3inch or 4inch barrel. I'm leaning towards the 3inch. Is the recoil noticeably different between these two models? As this will be my training revolver any other considerations I should make?

Thanks!

Sir,

First of all, let me welcome you to the forum; and I'm always glad to hear from new shooters seeking some assistance.

I'm a bit surprised that no one has yet asked you what it is that you're looking to accomplish with this gun. The answer to that question will, to a large degree, answer your question(but not completely). Let me try to explain myself.

There are two major, and very different, uses for a revolver: 1)defensive; and 2)target, or 'bullseye'(Hunting is a 3rd major use, but I'm including it under 'target', since the process of becoming more proficient is very similar for both.). Both require range practice in order to become more proficient, but that practice is much different for defensive shooting.

You posted later in the discussion that you ultimately want a J-frame, which seems to indicate to me that you want a gun for defensive use. Am I correct? If so, then shorter barrels are the order of the day. There's more than one reason for this, but let me summarize it by saying that shorter barrels are more easily maneuvered and retained in the very short-range, rapidly-moving situations a typical defensive encounter entails(And no, I've never experienced such a situation and pray that I never will -but one need not have such experience to know the advantage of a shorter barrel under those circumstances.). If you plan to carry your defensive gun, especially concealed, the advisability of a shorter barrel becomes even more obvious.

Having said all that, it doesn't appear to me that there is really enough difference, for defensive use, between the 3 and the 4 inch guns to matter all that much. I have 4" 686s to defend my home, since a home defensive encounter is more likely to involve a longer-range shot and more warning that something is amiss; and a 2-1/4" Ruger to carry outside the home.

Either of the options you're considering may of course be used for target shooting as well, if one so chooses. But, as has been mentioned already, longer barrels such as the 6" provide a longer sight radius to help make those groups smaller, which of course is the goal of target shooting. All my target guns have either 6 or 8-3/8" barrels.

Well, I'm up way too late and have to wrap it up for now. Others are more expert than I -just thought I'd throw in the above issue if it might help you clarify in your own mind what you want to accomplish.

Best wishes in your choice, and let us know how things go for you,
Andy

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I started out L frames because of a trade. Traded a 3" 65 for a 4", 586 no dash. Really liked it & bought a 686-3, 6". Well 1 thing always leads to another! In March, I traded into a 686-6 Pro-Series. It is a 5". Can't tell you which is my favorite. "Decisions, Decisions!" Bob

 

[Black Knight]

Welcome. For a range gun I would recommend the 4 or 6 inch barrel. For a carry gun the 3 or 4 inch barrel will do nicely. For an all purpose gun the 4 inch barrel is difficult to beat. As a former Private Security Officer I carried a 6 inch barrel Colt Python for about 3 years. I then switched to a 4 inch barrel S&W model 28-2. The 4 inch barrel did everything I wanted and was more comfortable when seated in a chair at a check-in desk or in a patrol car.

 

[Invictus357]

If I had a gun that was just for the range, I can't think of anything better than a 6 inch 686+.

With one gun I can use 38 wadcutters and then end the session with teeth rattling 180gr lfn-gcs.

 

[ScottN]

I prefer a 4 - 5 inch barrel in that size frame. It feels better balanced in my hands. You really can't go wrong with a 686 of any barrel length. Go with what feels or looks best, and you'll be all smiles at the range...guaranteed!

Now I know this is a Smith forum but I'd suggest you also look at the Ruger GP100 Match Champion. It has a 4.2 " inch barrel and upgraded grips and sights out-of-the-box. There is a choice of either fixed or adjustable sights. It was my first large frame revolver and it has been great for me. It takes to Wolff springs very well!

 

[Det-Sog]

Greeting to all. Long time lurker, first ever post.

I was a LEO for 25 years, and started with Smith and Wesson revolver's back in the day when it was still considered normal to see one on a cops duty belt. Been shooting nothing but autos for the last 20 years, and just now got reacquainted with great Smith and Wesson revolver's. I'm going to start collecting.

With that in mind, many people on here are spot on with their advice. Personally, for a range gun I would get a 5 inch or 6 inch. If you can afford TWO, get One of those for the range, hunting, plinking, or whatever, then pick up a nice small J frame for CHL.

If you can only afford one, and have to have a one size fits all, then get the 4 inch. Hard to beat a 4 inch 686.

 

[mjt29]

Thanks for the input everyone, the 4" is beating out the 3".

I did have a look at the Ruger GP100, but seems most people get trigger jobs on them, so that is a turn off. Nice looking revolver as well.

 

[GTBL]

Thanks for the input everyone, the 4" is beating out the 3".

I did have a look at the Ruger GP100, but seems most people get trigger jobs on them, so that is a turn off. Nice looking revolver as well.

Please post pictures when you get. Even though they all look alike, we still still love looking at them.

 

[nachogrande]

BE FLEXABLE IMO

Why paint yourself into a corner with the 686 (fine as it is). S&W & others made some mighty fine guns. See what just may fall in your lap. I know I set out looking to buy a specific gun more than once, and came home with something completely different & better. RE your ? The 4" would be easier to pair up with a 4" 617 22 lr for practice. I'm always surprised at how close accuracy can be with the 3" vs the 4". The 3" would make a better trail gun. My 2 cents anyway. No bad choice.

 

[Will2]

As a range gun, and an introduction to a J frame, I suggest a used S&W Model 64. Centerfire, on-line, has trade-ins for $319.99 plus shipping.

They are 4 inch, K frame, fixed sight 38 specials. I shoot J-frames and a 4 inch 686... my M64 just puts a smile on my face. Simple, accurate, great trigger.

The two I bought from Centerfire needed a good cleaning, but were well maintained. Needed two, because my wife has a habit of adopting my favorites...

Will

 

[mjt29]

The Gp100 is cheaper, going to have to do some more research on it.

I love K frames, would love to own one but I'm not ready to buy used yet.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

The Gp100 is cheaper, going to have to do some more research on it.

I love K frames, would love to own one but I'm not ready to buy used yet.

Ive had two (actually 3) gp100s. HAD. Don't own them any more. And one, i broke.

Why not a 4" model 66 k frame new? They shoot amazingly accurate. I think the m66 and the gp are the same pricewise . And the gp is bulky, heavy and will need a trigger job. Taking them apart is kinda crazy also.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[Det-Sog]

Buy once, cry once.

Pony up and get what you want. I'm hearing that you want a nice S&W, so GET a nice S&W. If not, you will not be happy, and will trade in or sell what you got on the cheap (at a loss) and STILL buy that S&W eventually... Ask me how I know.

Now... K-frames are great, but are a little more snappy if you run magnum ammo through them. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I moved to s 686 and NEVER looked back.

IMHO, a 4" K-frame is great... But a 4" 686 would be much sweeter shooting, IF you every want to run magnums. If you never run anything other than standard pressure .38's then a k-frame is fine. Personally, I'd go with the bigger frame for the option.

Either way... Buy once, cry once.

 

[Kenneth07ex]

I absolutely love shooting longer barrel guns, as the extra weight tames the recoil, while the extra length helps reduce muzzle flip. But they're not really practical for carry. Since you said range gun, I say long barrel. I prefer 6 in. for a good compromise on length.
This hobby is addictive, so a second revolver could be a carry sized. A lot of people do carry a 686 snub. But I believe the market is saturated with 5 shot 38 models for a reason. I have a couple of model 66 snubs, and they'd be a big chunk on your side all day. So you need to be honest with yourself about what kind of use this gun will get.
I honestly don't enjoy shooting my snubs as much, but I have to keep practicing. For fun, I pull out my 6 in. 686. Or my 8 in. Python, now there's a real treat.