My next revolver purchase is?

[Norb]

Currently have a 686 Performance Center .357 with the 2 1/2 inch barrel.
I love the way it shoots. I have enough semi-auto's at the moment.
Revolvers are cool and I need a new one.
Any suggestions on what to purchase? Do I double up on another .357 or go for something else?

 

[Carrier]

You got a .357 now get a 44 magnum. Especially if you reload.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Welcome to the forum.

I have several 686+'s, including the one you have. Love the platform and the caliber. For carry, I like the 3". The 4" is spooky accurate at the range. I'm considering the 5" Performance Center version, because it's set up for target shooting, but the barrel design makes it weigh less than the 4", for less tiring range sessions.

Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

There is a new design that does not yet seem to be available that looks interesting.

Performance Center(R) Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

 

[ContinentalOp]

*cough* J-frame *cough*

 

[UncleEd]

You might consider the K-frame 66 with 2.75 barrel, a handy
package with full length ejector rod and the new lockup in
the yoke.

See other threads in this 1980s to Present section.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

J-frame Centennial, in particular a Model 640 Pro. Same ammo as your 686, but easier to carry.

 

[Neumann]

I have a 686 PC, 2.5", and I agree it is a very nice shooter, well balanced and accurate. It is one of the pieces I like to carry, and have a set of Crimson Trace grips on it.

For sheer joy of shooting, it's hard to beat an N-frame .357. My favorite and most accurate is a TRR8, with an aluminum frame, 8-shot steel cylinder, and 5", two-piece barrel. It's a little long for carry, so my next favorite is a 627 PRO, with a slab-sided 4" barrel. Both have an exceptionally smooth DA trigger, 8# and 10# respectively, from the factory.

 

[Neumann]

I have a 686 PC, 2.5", and I agree it is a very nice shooter, well balanced and accurate. It is one of the pieces I like to carry, and have a set of Crimson Trace grips on it.

For sheer joy of shooting, it's hard to beat an N-frame .357. My favorite and most accurate is a TRR8, with an aluminum frame, 8-shot steel cylinder, and 5", two-piece barrel. It's a little long for carry, so my next favorite is a 627 PRO, with a slab-sided 4" barrel. Both have an exceptionally smooth DA trigger, 8# and 10# respectively, from the factory.

 

[Benchrest1]

44 mag makes a nice big brother.

 

[apollo99]

I also say the .44 mag with a 5" barrel. Then the next revolver has to be a N-frame .357 magnum with a 4-5 or 6" barrel either a 27 or a 28. That'a a good start right there.

 

[Norb]

Thanks guys for the advice.
Watched a video on the TRR8 this morning, impressive.
May have to checkout a .44 the classic looks nice.

 

[Targets Guy]

Get a Model 13.

 

[markeb]

Get a Model 13.

Or two, in 3", maybe the 65 3" also is a good choice.

 

[murphydog]

Are you looking only for new/current production guns? If you are open to older guns a nice J or K frame .22 would be a good choice. For more power a .44 Magnum is a good choice. Or you could become like us and buy every single neat S & W that you run into .

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Breakaway500]

"Watched a video on the TRR8 this morning, impressive."

Love my TRR8.It has become one of my favorites.At 48oz with the 512 on board,it is pleasant to shoot even with hot .357s. and no problem with sights and old eyes.. 50 yard targets once again are easy to hit.

 

[loknload]

My next recover purchase is the next good deal I find and right now I'm not looking hard!

 

[jmr986]

I've got 5 .357s and a 586 L Comp on the way.

I do like the look of the new 686 PCs with the non-fluted barrels and extended release. Already checked with S&W to see if I could get one of those barrels for my 686 Pro (no). If you want another .357, and who doesn't, but want something different. Go 627 V Comp, or Korth.

 

[bronco45]

4" 69. Great way to learn the 44 caliber. Love mine, have had it since 2014.

Mine shoot great and easy to pack compared to N frames and Rugers

I handload and a 245 Keith at 1100 fps is adequate for anything that I need to plink with a handgun. Carry a 308 Scout Rifle in bear country.

 

[dubshooter]

A model 10? 4" for nightstand. 2" for carry?

Model 38 for pocket carry?

A 640 or a 66 for options on belt carry?

They're going to multiply anyways. The only question is in which order you will acquire them.

 

[JH1951]

Welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania, Norb....
What will be the purpose for the new S&W revolver? That will help us make suggestions with a purpose in mind.
If just "to get another revolver", I would consider a pre-model number K-22, or a Model 49 .38 Spl.
That's my opinion with no real target to aim at......