Model 686 v. 1911

[qrachel]

Wheel Guns And Sliders

Hello all. This is my first post and I am new to the forum. I purchased my first handgun last September, it is a S&W Model 442, and I really enjoy shooting it. I get out every week, when I am lucky, and every other week pretty reliably. Presently, I am saving up some money to make a new acquisition.

I really do enjoy my 442 and the ease of use of the revolver platform. I want a S&W Model 686+ with a 4" barrel but am also really intruguied by the 1911 platform. I have looked at a couple of Springfield Armory 1911's but would appreciate any wisdom about S&W 1911 options and your opinion on which of the two you would select as a second pistol.

Hi Philo:

I'm relatively new to shooting and have 4 guns now - all bought with previous experience shooting them before buying. First, this is a great place for info and advice and you've gotten plenty here, and there's much where that came from.

Second, here's my thoughts from an admittedly limited knowledge and POV:

- S&W revolvers are uniquely good looking, well crafted, and sweet shooting (Period!)

- The 686 is the finest handling gun all around I've shot so far, though my 617 is a close second. I have a 686+ 4"; you simply cannot go wrong here IMO.

- Semi-autos are great but there is a wider range of opinions about them in general I think. I have shot Colts, Kimbers, and Sigs. The result is I just love the Sig P220 45ACP more than the others; it's simple to shoot and handle, it's well made and smooth, and they have a great reputation - mine is an Equinox and I'm sure in time that I'll get another Equinox or two.

- 1911's: I've shoot two different mfg'rs in 45ACP and I liked both. In the end I found the 1911 just too fussy to handle, but most folks love them that own them. I like the simpler Sig DA/SA approach better. But it's easy to see the 1911 mystic and Browning's magic . . . maybe someday for me.

Keep in mind, YMMV . . . and it's also quite personal and tough to make a mistake if you buy a well respected mfg'r and model revolver and/or 1911. I recommend you seek out some shooting time with each gun before you decide; it has really helped me get to know firearms better.

Good luck and great shooting,

R

 

[DR505]

Old thread...7/31/12 OP said he'd get a 686.

 

[mg357]

Of the two guns mentioned I have experience with both and I prefer the model 686.

 

[DR505]

Old thread...7/31/12 OP said he'd get a 686.

 

[ibewbull]

I just stumbled on this thread.
Well I am lucky for sure.
I picked up two 686s in the past couple of years, one is a 3 inch 7 shot the other a 4 inch. I found both carry about the same. I can not tell the difference between the two. I use the same Simply Rugged pancake for both of them. Conceals great under a shirt. I have $350 in the 4 inch and $550 into the 4.
As for 1911s. We have a Cabelas credit card and after using the cabelas dollars it was $200 olut of pocket.
I use the revolver more than the 1911.
If I pack the wheel gun my 642 is along with it.
The BUG offers more advantage than a reload in my mind.
It can be passed to a friend if need be and I can select from .38 special or .357 158 JHP instantly. Which is a nice choice to have.
If I do need a reload .38 LHP +p works in both from a speed strip.
We all make choices and I can not shake the habit of watching the ejected empties for picking up. I don't need the distraction in an emergency.
The Ruger 1911 in either version looks like a winner if you can find one for a fair price.

 

[fyimo]

In my mind this is a discussion that will draw people from both sides of the gun world because if you have a 1911 that shoots well (most do) the SA trigger is one of the best ever made and the 45 ACP round speaks for it's self a s a defensive round. The 686 is an equally steller handgun and is a revolver with legions of fans and the 357 magnum is a great round.

So I think you have to decide what you want in terms of a platform and number of rounds in a gun. In states where it's legal the 1911 has 9 rounds with an 8 round magazine and one in the tube and the 686 has 7 I guess on the newer ones as mine only holds 6.

My 6 inch no dash 686

My Colt Government 1911

 

[ptgarcia]

I only have 4 handguns at the moment, (3) are Smith revolvers (a M627 Pro, a M37 and polymer Bodyguard 38) and (1) is a Kimber 1911 (Ultra Carry II). I love them all, but I think if I could only have one it would be the 1911.

 

[shil]

It's a tough choice, I know. I am very fortunate in being able to own both. I owned .357's first, a 19 and a 686. Love 'em both. I have two Springfield 1911A1's I acquired later. I like them both and they work quite well. The revolvers have the edge in aesthetics (to me, anyway), reliability, versatility, ammunition choice, and not throwing empty cases I have to collect all over the place (yes, I reload). Plus, I can shoot better with a revo. The 1911's, IMHOP, are more concealable and not as violent with full-power loads (spelled BLAST). If I could have only one, I'd go .357. My choice would be a classic 686 (no lock, firing pin on the hammer where it was intended to be). They're still around.

 

[shawn mccarver]

As the politicians sometimes say, I would like to revise and extend my remarks after re-reading this thread.

There are two guns that every gun owner should have: (1) a 4 inch S&W .357; and, (2) a 1911 in .45 ACP.

Thus, figure out a way to get both to go along with your J frame.

 

[Jlduke]

This is just my opinion and experience.

Unless you are willing to fork out BIG BUCKS ($2000+) for a custom 1911 I would go with the 686. The 1911 platform just does not lend itself well to mass production. Now when a 1911 is built by a skilled craftsman you can get no better. You do pay for it though.

I hate to say it, but that is utter ****. I have a SW1911 and the SW1911 3" Pro Series and not only are both of the mass produced and under $2000 but they both operate flawlessly. Furthermore, Rock Island 1911's (also mass produced and under $2000 by about $1500) have a reputation for being AT LEAST as reliable as virtually any high end 1911 out there.
Sorry, but what you said here is just plain ole gun snobbery.

 

[Fishslayer]

I actually managed to snag my Ruger SR1911 while this thread was languishing wherever it is that threads go to await ressurection.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Or just buy one made by Colt in 1961 that's never been messed with, apart from a trigger job, like I did.

OOOooo... that's a nice one! Glad to see a photo of it.

Sad to see so much pathetic misunderstanding of the great 1911 gun exhibited in this thread that I failed to see when it initially ran.

For the newbie buying into the goodness of the 1911 the best advice is to LEAVE IT ALONE! Just shoot it and get to know it. Don't give in to the temptation to customize it. Don't believe everything you hear or read about what a 1911 "needs" to run right or be accurate. Give the gun a chance in its stock form. Show me a balky 1911 .45 and I'll show you a pistol that has been fiddled with. There's gobs of them out there, lurking in gun shops and gun shows. Or in the gun safes of the bubbas who have monkeyed with theirs and want to offload them on the next unsuspecting chump. If the newest Glocks, H&K's, SIG's, etc. were monkeyed with as much as is the poor 1911, none of them would run right either.

The 1911 doesn't need to be sawed on, changed up, modified, tricked out, full-length guide rodded, balanced and blueprinted, chopped and channeled, rolled and pleated, plumbed for nitrous, stuffed with three kinds of cheese with special sauce dribbled on top, or have Joe Champion's name engraved on it along with some sinister sounding model designation such as "Macho Blaster of Doom" in order to give complete shooting satisfaction and years of service. Spending $2000 to $5500 for a 1911 .45 is just insane! If one has the bucks and wants to, then git 'er done, but don't kid yourself into believing it's required or necessary.

This one was a worn out clunk when it was acquired in 1978 but after a large pile of rounds fired up over many years time it's still giving perfect functional satisfaction and quite reasonable accuracy to this day. It is the 1911 I learned on.


This well-mannered Colt Government Model from 1947 is as flawless in function and satisfyingly accuracy as any stock 1911 gun that may be found.

 

[Badquaker]

everyone should have at least one of each....

 

[22 Short]

Fit and Feel

A lot of good advice from a lot of more knowledgeable people than myself. Maybe I missed it and if so I apologize but I tend to pick my handguns by what I like the looks of and even more importantly the feel of. Like som nay things if it doesn't fit or feel good in your hand you're not going to enjoy it as much as the one that does. Start going to gun shows and dealers and start picking them up to see how they feel in your hand and then if possible rent the one's you like at a range or go to the range with someone who has one of the models you are interested in and bring some ammo and shoot them.

I'm sure many on this forum has a story about a gun they liked that just didn't feel right once they took it home and got out to shoot it.

I've been jonesing for a Colt 1911 for years and am close to putting down the cash for one. I don't care if the Kimber has a better fit here or the S&W a better trigger, etc, etc. I want a Colt and that is the end of it.

Get what really turns your crank and you won't be sorry.

 

[bmcgilvray]

If it's not a Colt then it's a clone.

 

[snubbiefan]

Everybody should own at least one 1911. It's like a 22.....almost un-Amreican not to own a 22 and I put the 1911 in the same category.

I am a revolver nut for sure and have 686's as well, but I will always be caught with at least two 1911's. One in 45 and one in 9MM in as close to mil-spec dress as possible.....and one should be a Colt.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

This well-mannered Colt Government Model from 1947 is as flawless in function and satisfyingly accuracy as any stock 1911 gun that may be found.

That's a beauty.

I agree. Give them a chance without the bells and whistles rather than buying one all duded up, or sending it out for mods. As between one all decked out with the popular mods and my straight up Colt Government Model, I much prefer the latter for all purposes. My 1961 Government Model has yet to trip up on anything I've fed it, either. Of course I haven't tried any "flying ashtrays" through her, and never intend to.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Originally Posted by Fishslayer
Every American should own a 1911 and a .357 Magnum wheelgun. This is one of those Universal Truths.

QUOTE]

Truth!

That said, you have to consider what you'll use the gun for. Target? SD?
Carry? Whatever else?

The 1911 has a learning curve, unlike the 686. The 1911 is considered to be among the finest at what its made for - SD. In as much, it is made to be carried in condition 1, one in the pipe and the thumb safety on.

This is NOT a beginner's pistol. That's not to say a beginner shouldn't have one - far from it - with proper instruction, care and caution, it's a fantastic firearm to own for anyone.

Additionally, there's the potential for jams, which aren't a consideration for a revolver. Class I, class II and class III jams, how to deal with them under pressure, how to disassemble and clean/lube for maintenance, etc. All not an issue with the revolver.

Add to this, the rounds are completely different. The heavy .357 bullets in magnum loadings are considered useful for hunting. Typically the acp is not.

So, consider this information along with all the sage advice above in your decision.

No wrong choices here, just things to be aware of.

BTW, I have a 4" 586 and a DW Classic Bobtail 1911. Love 'em both, but I love the 1911 more. I have bigger revolvers to hunt with so the 586 is a target thing for me.

 

[snubbiefan]

Doin' time with Uncle Sam in the days when they carried a REAL pistol was another way to learn. I do agree....I would never turn my wife (or some like person) loose with a 1911 or any semi-auto for that matter. My 15-year old granddaughter can handle one after a few sessions of help from grandpa.

 

[armenius]

My first handgun shot was a S&W 32 Long of my fathers and I fell in love with fine revolvers.Being a kid in WWII I saw all the movies with the 1911 in action and had to have one,since then I have 1911 in 9,38 Super and 45s stock to Clark Bowling Pin and love 'em all.Bought Kuhnhausens book and a few tools and do my own minor Gunsmithing.
My cousin has the new Remington which looks great.The fit and finish is beautiful,the action smooth and tight lock-up.I didn't get to shoot it yet but hope to soon.Usually a 45 Combat Commander is close by.

 

[Jlduke]

Originally Posted by Fishslayer
Every American should own a 1911 and a .357 Magnum wheelgun. This is one of those Universal Truths.

QUOTE]

Truth!

That said, you have to consider what you'll use the gun for. Target? SD?
Carry? Whatever else?

The 1911 has a learning curve, unlike the 686. The 1911 is considered to be among the finest at what its made for - SD. In as much, it is made to be carried in condition 1, one in the pipe and the thumb safety on.

This is NOT a beginner's pistol. That's not to say a beginner shouldn't have one - far from it - with proper instruction, care and caution, it's a fantastic firearm to own for anyone.

Additionally, there's the potential for jams, which aren't a consideration for a revolver. Class I, class II and class III jams, how to deal with them under pressure, how to disassemble and clean/lube for maintenance, etc. All not an issue with the revolver.

Add to this, the rounds are completely different. The heavy .357 bullets in magnum loadings are considered useful for hunting. Typically the acp is not.

So, consider this information along with all the sage advice above in your decision.

No wrong choices here, just things to be aware of.

BTW, I have a 4" 586 and a DW Classic Bobtail 1911. Love 'em both, but I love the 1911 more. I have bigger revolvers to hunt with so the 586 is a target thing for me.

Gotta agree. I have two 1911's for concealed carry and I carry my 357's as trail guns. I never switch those roles because both calibers perform differently. When in doubt, own both since they're both great.

 

[bbqbob51]

There is a perception by some that to get a decent 1911 you need to buy a high end one with hand fitted parts. I have heard that improvements in mass production techniques in recent years have led to some very nice 1911 that are very accurate and super reliable. The Ruger SR1911 has a great reputation that rivals the hand fitted 1911s for much less cash. The Remington R1 1911 also has a good reputation so you don't really need to spend $2000-3000 to get a decent 1911.
That being said, I am a huge fan of the 686+ and I have one with a 4" barrel. With the 7 rounds vs 6 of a standard revolver you don't lose much firepower at all. The reliability and simplicity of the revolver platform is what really cranks my tractor. This is not to say I am not a fan of the 1911, and I am planning on purchasing one in the next year...after I get myself another 686+ but with a 6" barrel! My advise is to buy both!

 

[10-12]

With only 10 months under your belt as a new firearms owner, go with the platform you are currently learning on. Get the L-frame 686 and enjoy shooting it ... you'll notice a considerable difference between the 686 and the J-frame 442. Once you're comfortable with the L-frame 686, there will be plenty of time to learn the nuances of the 1911, as well as finding a cost effective "starter" gun.

I agree with mc5aw.

Even though I love the 1911 and have been shooting that model since 1952, the question is not about which is the superior piece, the 686 or the 1911, but what YOU should buy at YOUR stage of experience. No offense meant but if someone has to ask whether to buy an auto or a revolver, he should buy a revolver.

Bill

 

[rockable]

I have a Springfield Stainless Loaded 1911 and a 686 no dash that I have slicked up the trigger on quite a bit. They are my two favorite guns and are both more accurate than I am. If I had to give up one it would be the 1911. I love my 686.

Fortunately, I can afford to keep them both.

 

[snubbiefan]

I like Fat Old Guy's comments. Yes....I have two 686's and a few 1911's myself. There are certain brands I won't own, but you can get into a good 1911 for under $1000....$500 if you just want a shooter and to say you have one. Everybody and his toothless sister makes some clone of the 1911.

The 1911 is so butt-simple to disassemble and maintain. The whole thing was designed to be taken apart in the field with no tools required.

I will most certainly agree that the safest and maybe the most reliable of the two (concerning jams, FTF, FTE...etc.) would be the 686. But if I had to shoot more than 6 at a time (7 on some models), the semi automatic is the only answer and the 1911 is about as simple as you can get and one of the few (if not the only) gun still made today just like JMB designed it back at the turn of the century.

 

[M.Cunningham]

Another Zombie thread resurrected by a newbie. First post and he picks a year old thread.

What difference does that make?

 

[joeintexas]

I really dont think you can go wrong with either, I own both a 686-3 and a 1911 45acp, completely different but each really a kick to shoot. I sure didnt spend 2k on my 1911and it goes bang everytime and ejects just fine and is more accurate than I am. Good luck with your decision.

 

[DR505]

What difference does that make?

Unless you are the OP, you should start a new thread rather than dig up an old one. People are now giving advice to a guy that made up his mind back in July of last year and bought the 686. Most don't take time to actually read every post in a long thread. Starting a new thread makes it more relevant.

Edit to add: See the reply directly above this...talking to the guy who made up his mind 11 months ago. THAT is why you don't resurrect old threads and you start new ones.

 

[Rpg]

This is just my opinion and experience.

Unless you are willing to fork out BIG BUCKS ($2000+) for a custom 1911 I would go with the 686. The 1911 platform just does not lend itself well to mass production. Now when a 1911 is built by a skilled craftsman you can get no better. You do pay for it though.

Nothing better than a Colt 1911 (not the series '80).

They do need a little work. You need better sights (Not the ones with white dots, I don't like them), a trigger job and, depending on your hand, a beaver-tail safety - they bite some people. So now you have $500.00 added to the basic pistol.

After that, you can (and I do) do other stuff. It's a little like a '55 Ford: lots of add ons you can get. You can easily go over $3,000.00.

By the way, if the Smith can deliver in less than a year, he's either an undiscovered gem or a beginner.

With all that said, it's well worth it.

 

[rwsmith]

I'm biased but I have a method

I wanted/got a 686 and am adding guns as I go.

But I like variety, so I would buy the semi since you already have a revolver, but my NEXT purchase would be a 686