Model 66-2 or 686 Plus ???

[rowdyraven]

Hey folks I've been looking at getting another revolver to carry in the field and a backup while hunting. I have a 66-2 with a 4" tube that does very well, however I was looking at a like new 686 Plus with a 3" tube today. That 686 is one sweet looking piece of equipment!!! I really can't swing just a straight purchase, so I need to trade in the 66 if I go for the 686.
So do I stay with the tried and true 66 or go for the 7 shot 686? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rowdy

 

[TAROMAN]

For your mission I would stick with the Model 66 - as long as 110 and 125 grain JHPs aren't your ammo of choice.
Weight should be close between the two.
Longer sight radius of the 66 tips things.
7th shot is of little significance.

 

[hoppes-no9]

686+

I think the extra shot is worth it.

Load it up with 158 JSPs and you are GTG

 

[wx7b]

I love my 686 3 inch plus model, but would have a hard time giving up the 66.

 

[tattooo]

I'm partial to the 686 but thats just my opinion

 

[Ashlander]

I have both a 4" 66 (no dash) and a 3" 686 Plus. Both are great guns, but the 686 Plus is my favorite by far. The balance and shootability are unreal.

 

[5Wire]

Dirty Harry with a 686P, "I know what you're thinking, punk. Did I fire five shots or six."

 

[S&W Fan]

Ever since I got my 66-2 my 686 just sits in the safe. I've run enough 158gr JHPs through it to know where it hits and have confidence in my abilities with it but most range sessions are shot with .38 rounds.

It's certainly lighter on the hip.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

I'm partial to the 686 but thats just my opinion

Me too! I have a 686 6" Bbl. purchased new in 1993. Last Saturday at the range several people (all w/semi-autos) came by to see what was poking the yellow plastic target at 50 yds.

I explained about being a real simple old man to them. Hey to each their own. Plastic ain't fer me

It's my baby...plain and simple; the last one they'll pry from my cold dead fingers. When we were driving home I told my wife to never ever sell it. (She will outlive me). She's been shooting it and said "Are ya kiddin' me?"

JMHOP

 

[SeamasterSig]

The balance of both the 4 inch 66 as well as the 3 inch 686+ is outstanding. However, since the intended use is as a back-up piece for hunting, I would go with the 66. A 4 inch K-frame is not any more difficult to carry or much less handy than a 3 inch L-frame, especially considering that the 686+ is slightly heavier and the longer barrel on the 66 means a longer sight radius and should provide slightly better velocities. Lightweight super fast bullets aren't much use in the field anyway, meaning the primary advantage of the L-frame will be of little use to you. The 686 is cool, no doubt. But I see no advantage in it for your intended purpose. On the other hand, if you were talking about trading the 66-2 for a 629 MG, the choice would be much more difficult.

 

[DD357]

For your intended use I'd just stay with the 66. You should be using a heavier bullet than the 110/125's so no issue there.

 

[AveragEd]

There are a lot more 686+ guns out there than nice 4" Model 66s and that number is steadily increasing so you may already own the more valuable gun. If the 686 is a -5 or newer, you also have a gun with forged parts and, if it is a -6, no lock. To some people, that's important while to others, it's not.

For a woods carry gun, I cannot imagine any 686 being better than a 66 and I own twice as many 686s as 66s, so I bear no malice toward the 686.

Ed

 

[Engine49guy]

The only chink in the 66-2's armor is the flat spot on the forcing cone,
As others have stated stay away from lighter 357 loads and your GTG.

I have a 66-2 and its a great shooter but is Non P&R as all 686's are Non P&R as well,
If the 686 is dash 4 or older its tempting, If its a 686-5 Mountain gun that gets my vote, The 629 Mountain gun is a whole different beast.

 

[gnappi]

My 66 won me a bunch of matches, it was one of the few handguns I regretted selling.

That being said, my 686+ is a fine revolver and if you could have both I'd say go fer it, but since If you already have the 66, the 686+ won't do anything for you other than have an extra round.

 

[scruffy]

It should all come down to which one feels better balanced and point more naturally in your hand. I compared both and went with the 686+ with 3" barrel. No regrets at all. My favorite ammo in that gun is Federal Personal Defense .357 magnum 125 gr SJHP. Most accurate .357 ammo I've ever used.

 

[walkin' trails]

Unless you got a really sweet deal - like them paying you to make the swap, I'd stick with the 66 and save my money for a 686 Plus. Remember that you're likely also going to have to buy a new holster and new speed loaders or strips to change guns. For what it's worth, I know the Ks weren't designed to take a steady diet of magnum loads, but I wouldn't be totally afraid of using a good 125 for a carry load. For hunting, however, you'd be good with 158 gr JHPs.

 

[stmry]

This is almost too tough to call. However, given that it will be a back up as stated, might as well stay put with the 66. Can always make the change at a later date if so desired. You really cant lose either way.

 

[oberlin1]

I agree with walkin' trails...you will always be able to pick up a 686+ at some point...the 66-2...I don't think so.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I carry a 4 inch 686 at work. I karry a 3 inch K-frame for kasual komfort. Keep the 66, and save your money for the 686+.

 

[BCDWYO]

If starting from scratch I'd probably vote 686+, but like others I wouldn't trade a nice 4" 66-2 for one! You'll want that 66-2 back some day and they don't make them anymore! Use the 66-2 for now, save your money and get a 686+ in the near future!