Money is down on a 686

[408essj]

Just put a layaway payment do a 686!
Super excited, should finish paying off mid next month.

Will probably put some affordable wood grips and polish sometime later in the new year.

This is my first revolver and I'm in love, my uncle carried a 6" 686 for 30 years as a deputy Sheriff and was some kind of art hanging off his hip if admire when he was around in uniform.

$754 New from my LGS

 

[jpeschken]

I have the 4" version. It's hard to improve on the factory grip, if you ask me. It just feels right, but that's personal fit thing. Wood grips look cool, but I just don't feel like I have as good a grip on the gun and that disturbs me.

 

[gsparesa]

Congratulations. Nice wheel gun.

 

[Green Frog]

Congratulations, 408essj. That should be one you'll be proud to own and shoot. The shape of the grips you are getting is actually pretty good, but like you, I prefer wood. I recently lucked into a 686 that had had its grips removed. Since my example was a bit older than yours, I sought out a set of the old smooth combat grips that S&W used on some of its premium revolvers in the '80s and '90s and used those. While they won't be "right" for yours time wise, they will give it a little more classic or retro look and to me, at least, they feel great. I believe Ahrends makes a very similar pair of grips that would dress yours up while maintaining the original profile you have now. Just make sure whatever you get fits your hand well... that's going to make it more comfortable to shoot, so you will want to shoot it better and more often!

Regards,
Froggie

 

[Redlegvzv]

Yes, grips are a very personal thing. For me the Hogue wood finger groove grips are about perfect and that is what I have on all my S&W revolvers including my 686+

 

[ridgewalker]

Congrats on your purchase of the 686. I think it is the best all around revolver S&W makes.

Of all the different grip styles that S&W puts on all its different revolvers, the one you have pictured on your 686 is the one I like the best. For me it fits perfect and provides a excellent grip. Try it out for a while and then you will have an idea about what you want to look for in replacement grips.

PS. If any of you experts reading this can tell me which wood aftermarket replacement grips most closely match the size of these S&W rubber grips on 408's new 686 I would appreciate knowing so I can order a pair to try out.

 

[skiwesson]

I have the same one,just bought 3 guns over last month, a Gp100,686plus,MP9,I like the 686+,the action is very nice stock,no changes for me,single action is almost hair trigger,the .357 is an awesome round with an awesome gun,probably one of the best revolvers out there.

 

[df06]

I have a 5" Talo with unfluted cylinder.
You will like your 686.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I have the 4" version. It's hard to improve on the factory grip, if you ask me. It just feels right, but that's personal fit thing. Wood grips look cool, but I just don't feel like I have as good a grip on the gun and that disturbs me.

x2, I wrestle with this all the time. a 686 looks like a work of art with the right grips but it's hard to beat (factory and/or Hogue) rubber grips for function. Really wish they would make more color options in rubber though. Seems like we are forever doomed to black , pink and Zombie green :-(

 

[thebusinessend]

Congrats ! I had my 686 for years now and it is super accurate when dialed in. You'll have many years of enjoyment.

 

[408essj]

Thanks guys! I'm really looking forward to bringing her home.

I Have a major dilemma... I can pay it off this week and struggle with gas for my car and pocket change or wait next week and breathe easier.

It be great to get my 10 day wait started.

My wants needs and desires are all messed up.

 

[aimedfire]

Congrats on a great gun.

 

[steamloco76]

You will love your 686! Accurate, smooth, great looks and built to last. The 6 inch is a great all around choice for a revolver as large as the 686.
As for grips, I have wood Hogue or S&W Combat grips on my 686's- just can't stomach rubber on my revolvers.

 

[Harry_Callahan]

99% it is a round butt, so I would look for a nice pair of wood Round to Square CONVERSIONs, like these from Altamont:

they are Super Rosewood, since those grips are well made and the folks from Altamont were so nice with me I bought the Walnut version too(only the 686 is mine)

 

[raisedin99]

I have no idea who made these grips but I can say that for me they certainly feel good. They are somewhat thin and have a palm swell similar to that of cokes.

terry

 

[aimedfire]

Thanks guys! I'm really looking forward to bringing her home.

I Have a major dilemma... I can pay it off this week and struggle with gas for my car and pocket change or wait next week and breathe easier.

It be great to get my 10 day wait started.

My wants needs and desires are all messed up.

I'd say stick to your plan. No need to stress yourself out. Be patient.

 

[408essj]

I have no idea who made these grips but I can say that for me they certainly feel good. They are somewhat thin and have a palm swell similar to that of cokes.



terry

Holy hell! Those are the grips I want! From the shape to the wood shade...
Anyone!!?? Who makes those?

 

[408essj]

I'd say stick to your plan. No need to stress yourself out. Be patient.

I know being a responsible person should edge out the anxious

 

[CatboatWilly]

408ESSJ;
I can only what second what others have said. You're going to like the way that 686 Shoots ! And you paid a fair price for it. I was about $100 less for the four inch barrel but condition is everything. Mine was V.G.

I have a 4" bbl and it is probably the most accurate of all of my seven Smiths. Great repeatability in the target shots. I even amaze myself....LOL

I put Altamonts conversions (Round to square butt) in Rosewood on mine and found them to be a little too thin in the palm for my liking and went back to the Houge's that came with it. I'm still searching for the 'greatest grip' but that's part of the hobby. I'b be interested in seeing how the gun is marked underneath the grips.

But the nice thing about the Altamont's is that they come with a return authorization slip packaged in the box. Therefore, you can trade them in on another set of Altamont's if you don't like the way they fit.
Is your a 6 or seven shot ?

 

[brucev]

Congratulations! You have purchased just about the ideal .357 Magnum revolver! Start looking for ammo. Buy what you can find and pick up some targets. When you've finally got that 686 in your hands, then you can grab the ammo and targets and head for the range! Remember... pictures are always appreciated!