Looking to buy my first revolver

[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.

 

[inlandtaipan]

Aside from a defective yoke screw that just sheared on me, I will put in a word for the 686+ pro series. With a 5" barrel the balance feels just about right. And it is not that bad OWB carry. The inch off of a 6 inch is noticeable when sitting, etc. But if this pistol is primarily carry or concealed carry, then yeah, the shorter barrel may be the way to go. Still too much of a chunk for carrying for this guy, but YMMV.

 

[sdb321]

Can't Go Wrong

Long barrel, short barrel, as long as it's a S&W!!!!!

 

[KalamazooKid]

You will love the 3", and if you are considering a J frame as well, I highly suggest the 640 Pro.

I have the 3" 686 and a 640 Pro - both incredible shooters. Can't go wrong with the 4" either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nachogrande]

IF YOU LIKE A K FRAME.

A S&W mdl 10-6 4" heavy pinned barrel really floats my boat, but is a 38 only and you may still be able to find a police/military returned/refurbished for 350$ ISH. Later dash models shot 357's I believe. It's much lighter than a 686 or 681, but MY TIMES are an rch faster with the 681.

 

[oddshooter]

Old school.
Forget defense. Go for fun ! You need a real hawgleg.

Instead of the 686, how about its twin brother in blue:
A used 586 with an 8 3/8" barrel. $650
A used 14 or 15 with an 8 3/8" barrel. $650 (38 specials)

Great triggers. Great accuracy !
Beautiful, fun shooters. They are already collectibles.

The dudes at the range are shooting 10 or maybe 25 yards.
You shoot 100 yards plus. Get the J frame scandium for carry.

I know the question was about 3" or 4" 686. Great gun ! I like mine.
I personally love to check the balance like anybody. Tilt it forward, tilt it back and feel where it falls by gravity. I also think that test has little to do with my shooting accurately. As a rookie, I didn't like heavy guns. As a more mature shooter, I totally appreciate the controllability of a revolver with more weight, especially at the barrel end.

IMHO, Triggers are the most important element for accuracy. Sights/sight radius is the second.

 

[mjt29]

Boy this is tough, all the comments are leading me to the 4", but when I look at it versus the 3". My eyes want the 3" without question. That's the gun I want, just not sure if I should I buy it!!

 

[riverrat38]

If you decide on the 4 inch version, be sure to check out the SSR model. A very nice 686 six shooter.
If you think you might like the 3 inch version, watch this guys youtube video:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn2XX81_kPU[/ame]

I have had 6, 4, 3 and 2.5 inch versions, and I prefer shooting the shorter models, plus I carry the 3 inch and 2.5 inch model , but the longer ones are hard to conceal. I am sure that you will enjoy shooting any of the M686 revolvers.

Best,
Rick

 

[Wee Hooker]

Doesn't matter, your gonna buy one of each in the end anyway.
Revolvers are like that.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Boy this is tough, all the comments are leading me to the 4", but when I look at it versus the 3". My eyes want the 3" without question. That's the gun I want, just not sure if I should I buy it!!

Gun buying is 95% about want. Buy what you like and enjoy the feeling of a decision well made ( and an itch well scratched .

 

[one eye joe]

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!

WELCOME TO THE FORUM mjt29. IMHO, THE MOST VERSATILE VERSION OF THE 686, IS THE 4" MODEL 686+. IT HAS PERFECT BALANCE, AND EXCELS ON THE RANGE, FOR WOODS WALKING / HUNTING / CAMPING, ETC, AND FOR SD /HD IT HAS NO EQUAL. ITS EASILY CARRIED CONCEALED IN A SHOULDER RIG.......

AS YOU INTEND YOUR REVOLVER TO BE A RANGE GUN, PRIMARILY, THE BIG ADVANTAGE TO YOU, COMES IN THE INCREASED ACCURACY AFFORDED BY THE EXTRA INCH OF SIGHT RADIUS.........

I HAVE OWNED THE 686 IN ALL LENGTHS AVAILABLE, FROM 2 1/2" TO 8 3/8" THE ONLY VERSION THAT WILL NOTICEABLY OUTSHOOT THE 4" IS A BENCH RESTED 8 3/8"......

IF I WAS RELEGATED TO OWNING JUST ONE REVOLVER (GOD FORBID) IT WOULD BE A 4", MODEL 686+.....

BTW--AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PIC BELOW, MY "GO TO" BARREL LENGTH IN REVOLVERS IS A 4". I MAY HAVE OTHER LENGTHS OF A PARTICULAR MODEL / CALIBER, BUT I ACQUIRE THE 4" VERSION FIRST, TO GET ALL THE BASES COVERED......

 

[lrrifleman]

@ mjt29,

You are getting a lot of advice, but "snowman" is correct, in order to provide reasonable advice we need to know your ultimate intent.

What do you perceive as a range gun? What do you plan to shoot with it? Are you looking at punching paper, shooting steel (plates or a dueling tree) or bowling pins? And then at what distance?

My first range revolvers were bought about 40 years ago, with the goal of shooting bullseye at 25 and 50 yards. That evolved into steel and pins, and for a short period, metallic silhouette out to 220 yards. Those revolvers were mostly 6", and an 8 3/8" barreled 357. I acquired a 3" Chief's Target Special in the mid '80s, and can shoot it quite accurately out to 25 yards. THAT model 36 is what I am super comfortable with as a carry revolver. Because my 36 is roughly one of less than 700, I am purchasing a 686+ 3" for concealed carry when I carry a revolver (a virtual larger twin to the 36-6).

You really need to resolve where you want to go with this revolver. As I see it, a 4" barrel is a compromise barrel for carry. If you want to buy only one revolver (ever), get the 4". If you think that carry is in your future, get the 3". If you expect to limit yourself to targets, go with a 6" or longer.

As a side note, I have found that I do best with target handguns that average 38 ounces, and a 6" K22 and K38 fit that criteria, as does my Springfield Armory Trophy Match. More information can get you more specific advice!

 

[American1776]

I like a solid 4 inch revolver. If you can swing the money, and if you're buying new, get a performance center gun. The fit and finish is generally much better on those.

 

[reddogs]

KY gun has fair price on 686 ssr right now,2 sets of grips and easy change front sight.6" 686 gobble up 357 recoil better.You will probably end up with both.

 

[mjt29]

My ultimate goal with the gun is to get proficient with revolvers for home defense. I can see this being a bed side piece ultimately as well. With that being said, I am buying it to practice on a full size revolver, rather than the j-frame I plan to get if I decide to carry later. I want something to take to my local indoor range and practice with that is fun to shoot and not punishing while I work on my skills. Standard .38 rounds initially....

So I basically want a j-frame but I don't want to learn to shoot on one.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

What you like and enjoy is what will work for you, but the S&W 686 is probably the most popular revolver on this site. I prefer the 4" as I consider it the most versatile, but that may just be me. Be safe and have fun.

 

[riverrat38]

Another option is a M60-15 J frame. A good all around gun that is fun at the range, and can be carried. It would likely be my choice if I could only have one gun. Comes in standard and a PRO versions. Both nice. For several years, the -10 version was my only gun.

Best,
Rick

 

[Scottastic]

Boy this is tough, all the comments are leading me to the 4", but when I look at it versus the 3". My eyes want the 3" without question. That's the gun I want, just not sure if I should I buy it!!

So much like me it's scary. I agree, the 3" just "looks right" and I was happy to find that (in hand at least) felt right too. I'm not going to even have mine in my hands for about 2 weeks so can't tell you how it shoots yet.

I agree that you should watch Hickok45's videos, I think he misses 5 shots across all 3 of them with the 3". He's obviously scary good but clearly the gun is not a limiting factor in its accuracy.

Sounds like your mind is pretty well made up, you just need validation. So I'll say that if you end up being disappointed in the 3" we'll be together in our pain

 

[Det-Sog]

My ultimate goal with the gun is to get proficient with revolvers for home defense. I can see this being a bed side piece ultimately as well. With that being said, I am buying it to practice on a full size revolver, rather than the j-frame I plan to get if I decide to carry later. I want something to take to my local indoor range and practice with that is fun to shoot and not punishing while I work on my skills. Standard .38 rounds initially....

So I basically want a j-frame but I don't want to learn to shoot on one.

Agreed. Do not get a J-frame for a range gun. I agree with Houston Rick. You are making the case for a 686. Get a 4"-6" and call it a day. You will NOT be disappointed. There is a very good reason that the 686 is so popular.

A 686 will eat standard pressure .38s all day long without breaking a sweat. Very mild and stable to learn on. The nice thing about the 686, is that it will also eat hot +P .38s AND .357s when you get comfortable and want to shoot those. If you stick with .38, it will be like driving a Mercedes 500.

When the time comes and you want a pocket rocket, THEN get a 2" j-frame. You can always find a good j-frame on the cheap later on. Good luck.

 

[silversnake]

So much like me it's scary. I agree, the 3" just "looks right" and I was happy to find that (in hand at least) felt right too. I'm not going to even have mine in my hands for about 2 weeks so can't tell you how it shoots yet.

I agree that you should watch Hickok45's videos, I think he misses 5 shots across all 3 of them with the 3". He's obviously scary good but clearly the gun is not a limiting factor in its accuracy.

Sounds like your mind is pretty well made up, you just need validation. So I'll say that if you end up being disappointed in the 3" we'll be together in our pain

The 3" barrel is plenty accurate, Jerry Miculek has won competitions with a 3" 686.

If all I wanted was a revolver to practice shooting .38 specials and possibly use as a bedside piece, I'd just get one of the many used Model 64s on the market. Will cost less hundreds less than the 686, spend the rest on ammo and training. People seem to be leaning more toward the 4" 686, nothing wrong with that either.

 

[mjt29]

So much like me it's scary. I agree, the 3" just "looks right" and I was happy to find that (in hand at least) felt right too. I'm not going to even have mine in my hands for about 2 weeks so can't tell you how it shoots yet.

I agree that you should watch Hickok45's videos, I think he misses 5 shots across all 3 of them with the 3". He's obviously scary good but clearly the gun is not a limiting factor in its accuracy.

Sounds like your mind is pretty well made up, you just need validation. So I'll say that if you end up being disappointed in the 3" we'll be together in our pain ��

Ok, hurry up and get that thing!!!! I'll hold off until you report.