Model 36 Chief Special VS 686 plus 2.5 inch

[Davidzamb79]

OPINIONS

So I have a 686 plus 2.5 revolver that I bought brand new for conceal carry. I love the gun, and I only shot 50 rounds through it. It is heavy though. I am not tall person at all and have a medium build and still I feel it’s too bulky/heavy for me. Thinking of trading it in or selling it for the Model 36. Would I be insane for doing this? The Model 36 is a beautiful gun as well but never shot one. I do realize that you do get the extra couple shots from the 686 plus. So you see my dilemma.

 

[old bear]

Sir, your trying to compare apples and oranges. Both the 686and the model 36 were developed for very different uses. The 686 does an excellent job of shooting ,357 Magnum rounds. The model 36 is a great revolver to have so you can have a gun just in case. Shooting way hot ammo in a model 36 is not a lot of fun. I think the felt recoil when shooting hot ammo in a model 36 is about as notable as shooting .357 Magnum ammo is a 686.

Now my best suggestion, keep the 686 and buy a model 36 to go along with the 686.

 

[imakmst]

I own a 656 2.5 and a 642. Two guns for two things. One in the pocket, one on the hip. I shoot the 686 more accurately due to its weight and recoil control. The 642 is carried more often and practiced with more as matter of course.

 

[Housepuss]

Have you ever considered purchasing a Model 49 for concealed carry? Never have to worry about any clothing snagging on any part of the revolver. And a plus is they are so ugly they're beautiful. I' have both models and much prefer carrying the 49. Just a thought By all means keep the 686.

 

[Davidzamb79]

Never thought about purchasing the Model 49. The Model 36 and 686 plus always caught my attention. But I appreciate your input. My problem was that I wanted to just keep one firearm, to have at the house and to take it along with me when I’m out. But I think I’ll just keep the 686.

Thanks!!!

 

[tgmr05]

For keeping just one, the 686 is a great choice. Easier to shoot well, holds a couple extra rounds, and sights are easier to use. With a good holster, not that much harder to carry.

Plus, you already have the 686.

 

[Davidzamb79]

Yes, all good points!

Thanks!

 

[ABPOS]

You could split the difference and do a 10/64 2". Would be a bit lighter. But I think a 36 an 49, 649, 640 are all good choices. And more.

 

[Kiwi cop]

What holster are you using? And what belt?

Obviously a 686+ will not go into a pocket but a decent belt and holster should spread the weight and make carrying much easier.

 

[lrrifleman]

@OP,

I currently have a 36-6 3", and I love it. Because it was supposed to have been manufactured in small numbers, I have purchased a 686+ 3" for concealed weapons carry. Perhaps it is because I am numb from my accident injuries, I don't notice the weight or slight increase in size.

My suggestion would be to retain the 686+.

 

[oink]

The best CCW gun is one you'll actually carry. Keep that in mind. But I vote for two guns.

 

[one eye joe]

OPINIONS

So I have a 686 plus 2.5 revolver that I bought brand new for conceal carry. I love the gun, and I only shot 50 rounds through it. It is heavy though. I am not tall person at all and have a medium build and still I feel it’s too bulky/heavy for me. Thinking of trading it in or selling it for the Model 36. Would I be insane for doing this? The Model 36 is a beautiful gun as well but never shot one. I do realize that you do get the extra couple shots from the 686 plus. So you see my dilemma.

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, DAVID ! ! !

UNLESS YOUR FINANCES SERIOUSLY PROHIBIT IT, I WOULD KEEP YOUR BRAND NEW M686+. IT IS A VERY DESIRABLE GUN, THAT IS VERY VERSATILE. I SHOOT MINE AT THE RANGE, AND CARRY IT WHILE WOODS WALKING, CAMPING, OR FISHING. ITS MY EDC WEAPON, THAT I USE FOR HD, AS WELL.....

I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU EXPERIMENT WITH HOLSTER STYLES. I FIND THAT A SHOULDER RIG ALLOWS ME TO CARRY EVEN AN 8 3/8" REVOLVER, ALL DAY LONG, IN COMFORT. I CARRY MY M686+ IN A CROSSDRAW OWB FROM BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS. CHECK OUT THAT LINE OF INNOVATIVE AND TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS.....

WHEN YOUR FINANCES PERMIT IT, YOU CAN ADD A M36 TO YOUR ARSENAL, AS WELL. SEARCH FOR A CLEAN USED ONE. THEY HAVE BEEN IN PRODUCTION FOR MANY YEARS. TYPICALLY THEY ARE MUCH CARRIED, AND SELDOM SHOT. YOU CAN USE IT ALONE, FOR EDC, OR CARRY IT AS A BACKUP TO YOUR M686+.....

MY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS THE NO-DASH M686 BELOW, FITTED WITH A 7 SHOT CYLINDER BY S&W, WHEN I SENT IT IN FOR THE "M" RECALL. I BACK IT UP WITH A NO-LOCK M642-1 WHICH I CARRY IN A MIKA POCKET HOLSTER. THE M642 WEARS SET OF CRIMSON TRACE LG-405s, WHICH FEATURE A MOLDED IN AIR CHAMBER, ON THE BLACKSTRAP. THEY SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF GUN CONTROL, SHARP RECOIL, AND POOR IRON SIGHT PICTURE......

I STUFF THEM BOTH WITH SPEER, GOLD DOT, .38 SPL+P, 135GR JHP, FOR SHORT BARRELS. I CARRY 2 BIANCHI 6 ROUND SPEED STRIPS, WHICH ARE EASILY CARRIED, AND GIVES ME A COMPLETE RELOAD FOR BOTH GUNS, SHOULD THE SHTF BIG TIME......

 

[rwsmith]

There is a precedent....

My 686 is my favorite range gun. The 36 is carryable and concealable and it's still fun to shoot. It takes some practice to be able to handle a small snub, anyway.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Never thought about purchasing the Model 49. The Model 36 and 686 plus always caught my attention. But I appreciate your input. My problem was that I wanted to just keep one firearm, to have at the house and to take it along with me when I’m out. But I think I’ll just keep the 686.

A J-frame snub nose is a perfectly reasonable personal defense choice and the model 36 is among the best of the J-frames. A very classy gun that travels easily however you want to carry it. The all-steel construction is still light enough that it won't weigh your pocket down and goes a long way toward soaking up recoil. And because it's easy to carry, you're more likely to take it along. If you're concerned about self-defense against primarily two-legged threats, then 38 special is powerful enough for peace of mind – especially the +p variety. Whatever you practice with, load it with ye olde FBI load for serious business: 158 grain Lead Semi-wadcutter Hollowpoints. You can't do any better than Buffalo Bore's heavy 38 special (+p) round.

Having said that, the 686 snubby is a highly desirable revolver and gives you more versatility at the obvious expense of size and weight. As others have noted, you won't even notice the weight with a proper gun belt and leather holster. It's not difficult to conceal, but you still have to work at it a little more than with the J-frame. As others have said, having one of each will maximize your options. However, if you really only want to have one revolver, it's a tough choice and no one can make it for you. On the one hand, you already have the 686; it can do everything the 36 can and then some. On the other hand, a 36 is powerful enough for self-defense and small and light enough that you are more likely to have it when you need it.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Welcome to the forum ,my vote is 2 guns you picked a good one with your 686 it is a fine revolver in a great caliber but if I may suggest a 638 .It is a light and easy to carry revolver.Mine has become a constant companion but the model 36 is a good gun I have my eyes on one now because my wife has been eyeballing my 638 so I might as well prepare for what's coming.

 

[ABPOS]

I would just let go of the 1 gun requirement if you can afford to. 686 for HD and winter if you choose, and 36 for regular carry. You can't go wrong with a set up like that. 2 is 1 and 1 is none and all that.

 

[Rpg]

The 686 is a good handgun IF you aren’t planning on regularly carrying it on your person for more than an hour or two at a time. It’s just fine as a bedside hd gun.

The 36 is MUCH more likely to actually be carried than the 686.

The extra rounds in the 686 sound great, but are of no practical benefit in civilian self defense unless you plan to miss a lot. The extra rounds just add size and weight, which make the 686 unlikely to be carried and therefore unlikely to be available if needed.

J frames such as the 36 are much more difficult to shoot well than the 686 due to both size and less user friendly sights. Practice and instruction can overcome that difficulty, but this is a very real concern. If you aren’t already an accomplished handgun shooter, you need to plan on investing the time and practice.

 

[raylan007]

Maybe consider a M15 or M10

My vote/recommendation for a snub nose would be a M10 or M15, besides the extra round they are one handsome "K" frame snub nose .38 special. They come with a round or square butt for options and I believe loaded are just under 32 oz. They will run a bit higher due to availability but should be easy to find on one of the online auction houses. Here are a couple of examples, a M15-4 and a M10-5. I picked these up for around $525 a price I was happy to pay especially on the M15.

 

[yep380]

Save up for however long it takes and buy the M36. If it takes a year, then it takes a year. Keep that 686.

Recommend you look for an older, no-lock one though. I have an M36 from '76 and it's one of my favorites. You can't go wrong with a solid Jframe.

 

[kbm6893]

I had a mint 686 no dash 2” that I stupidly traded for something of far less value on this very forum. Even had Combat grips. It’s one of the few guns I really regret letting go.