MODEL 686 PLUS Opinions

[white cloud]

Hi All,

Thanks for reading this. I had not purchased a new S&W until recently. I picked up a new M67 for my wife recently. This is a nice shooting gun. It has the hole but otherwise it seems to be a very nice gun.

So I was in my local gun store tonight and noticed a 686 PLUS with a 3" barrel. This is a very nicely balanced gun with super sights and holds seven rounds. It's role for me would be as a carry gun to replace a P series SIG. You may think I am crazy but it shoots a round I have a lot of confidence in, has super sights and trigger, no magazine and is not much larger than the SIG.

Does this have the two piece barrel? I hope not. I would like anyone's opinion of this gun and my logic. I have a thick skin so let it fly.

 

[Shark Bait]

The 686 is a great gun. I started in law enforcement carrying a 4 inch no dash and have owned several since. I have never had a problem with any of them. IMO, the 3 inch barrel is perfect for the L frame. If I buy a new S&W with the lock, this will be the one. As far as I know they don't make the 686 with a two-piece barrel.

 

[thomasinaz]

My 3" 686+ has a solid barrel. It's a great shooter and carries pretty easily, and you're right about the balance. Seven rounds of 357 Magnum ammo should be sufficient for just about anything, if you can shoot a double action revolver well. The 686 weighs more than the Sig Pistol and holds less rounds, but it's a solid carry gun in a good holster on a good belt.

A little eye candy for you while you decide if you want one...

 

[white cloud]

Tom,

That is a really nice gun. What brand grips and holster is that? You are really really not helping my discipline.

White Cloud

 

[thomasinaz]

Tom,

That is a really nice gun. What brand grips and holster is that? You are really really not helping my discipline.

White Cloud

Thanks WC. The grips are Ahrend's, which I got from Brownell's. The holster is an old Alessi that I had for a long gone 3" K Frame. I dampened the holster and put the 686 (wrapped in plastic) in it for a few hours. Fits like a glove and carries just right. I really like these 3" L frames...

 

[blues7]

The 686+ in 3" is an awesome gun for range fun or concealed carry.

I carry mine AIWB, (when it's called upon), in either a leather Triple K 514 or a JM Custom Kydex "AIWB" holster.

Yesterday I was shooting a friend's 4" version which is a great gun for range fun...but for all-purpose the 3" is hard to beat.

(Mine is one of those terrible versions with the lock. Shhh...don't tell anyone. )

 

[ultratec00]

I have both 3" and 5" 686 Talo. Very happy with both. The 3" has Hogue bantam grips is just enamoring and shoots quite well despite the shorter sight radius. The 5" is more of a woods gun and the 3" can do double duty if need be. My choice of ammo for the 3" is the Barnes TAC-XPD 125 HP. Shoots good, reasonably priced, and I remember reading somewhere it works well in short barreled firearms.

 

[buck460XVR]

Does this have the two piece barrel? I hope not. I would like anyone's opinion of this gun and my logic. I have a thick skin so let it fly.

I doubt it does, but I don't understand why you have a strong preference against it. They can be some of the most accurate barrels S&W makes. Isn't your wife's new M67 two-piece?

 

[jack the toad]

Maybe apples to oranges but the Mtn Gun + in the -5 variety is a good un and prolly my fave 686 + model.

 

[Mehutch]

I have the 686-4+ with the 2.5" barrel. It is a damn fine shooter. I like the looks of the 3" barrel too. But I will not be spending another $800 to $900 bucks for 1/2" more barrel.

The recipient of my Winchester 357 mag PDX1 125gr bonded jacket hollow point wont be able to tell the difference if it was fired from a 3" or a 2.5" gun, or the following six more shot, if needed.

Mine packs just fine as a conceal carry gun. It is one of my bodyguard companions.

 

[brjr51]

Well I REALLY like mine and yes, one piece barrel.

 

[white cloud]

I doubt it does, but I don't understand why you have a strong preference against it. They can be some of the most accurate barrels S&W makes. Isn't your wife's new M67 two-piece?

I may be a fuddy duddy but I like the traditional way of doing things. I don't the M67 is a two piece barrel. The fit and finish on her gun is really nice.

 

[bigwheelzip]

The 3" 686+ is one of my carries. I have full confidence in it, and enjoy shooting it.

 

[WisconsinKen]

A similar revolver that has found it's way into my carry rotation is the 586 L-Comp. 7 shots of .357 with a 3" barrel. Excellent CC piece IMHO.

 

[HorizontalMike]

Too Many Speed Loader Types!

I have considered the 686+ 3in or 2-1/2in, however, after purchasing my 627PC 2-5/8in 8-shot, I don't want the 686+ anymore. FWIW, I have and have had my 4in 686 No-dash since the mid eighties, so I always dreamed of a shorter 686 for many years. My DC is a 642 2in 5-shot.

All that being said above, I now have a 5-shot, a 6-shot, and 8-shot revolvers. THAT alone turns me off of ever owning a 7-shot revolver. TOO DANG many speed loader types, even though the 627PC has moon clips.

At least I have stayed with the .38/.357 caliber, so two of my three revolvers can shoot any/all ammo I have. Just a PITA keeping all the speed loaders separate (and near the particular revolver as needed). At times I have considered getting rid of the 642, but since it's loaded carry weight is just 40% of either of my other two revolvers, I continue to carry the 642 exclusively.

BTW, my 686 and 627PC weigh within 1/2oz of each other, loaded. Maybe someday...

OK, rant over... Just don't like having too many speed loader types...

 

[WisconsinKen]

HorizontalMike.

I as a supportive forum member will be happy to simplify your life and take that pesky 8 shot off your hands with all those speedloaders

I also have 5 shot, 6 shot and 7 shot .357s. Guess I really need an 8 shot to finish my collection, right?

 

[Mikeinkaty]

I got the 3" last summer. Probably 2000+ rounds thru it now. I got the Lee reload kit so I can afford to shoot it! No problems with it at all! Love it. Great personal defense weapon. I can get em all in a 4" circle now at 10 yards.

I did get rosewood grips and a fiber optics front sight to assist my old eyes. Also got a cowboy style holster. By the way, Remington 40-X bore cleaner and a brass brush works great on the front of the cylinder.
Mike

 

[AlHunt]

More weight, fewer rounds. Plus it's probably bulkier. I'd stick with the Sig, myself.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The 686 is probably the most popular revolver on this forum.

 

[kaaskop49]

Bought one and sold it within a year. 3" bbl, 686+ TALO model. Finish was terrible and the cylinder did not lock up solidly when the hammer fell. My understanding is, that the guns with capacities over 6 rounds are more prone to timing issues. Mine certainly was. Sold it to a friend who loves it. For every Jack, there's a Jill. However, my 686SSR with a 6-round cylinder, is the nicest revolver I own.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103