New 686-6 6" is a keeper

[robert1804]

Bought this gun new a month ago. Finally got in some good range time today with 4 .357 loadings and 4 .38 loadings, 240 rounds total. It shot it all well and a few very well. Bench rested with 140gr Hornady XTP's in magnum cases with 7gr of Unique got 6 shots in a 1 3/8" group at 25 yds.. I was having a good vision day (I'm 62), but still have a hard time focusing so there's room for improvement. I'm just so amped to find this gun to be accurate and to find some great indoor range loadings so easily. Tried some magnums in it last week but after just a few shots at the local indoor range I decided to use an outdoor range for that.

After reading these forums and all the problems some folks are having with guns, I am happy to report no problems with this one. It shipped from Smith on 4/1/15. No canted barrel, smooth action and crisp trigger, no scratches, a picture perfect bore and forcing cone and the sights were close. A .040" gauge is a slight friction fit in the cylinder gap. 100 of the 240 rounds today were soft lead in .38 cases and there was no leading at all.

A new model 69 I bought just before this 686 (shipped 4/8/15) is the same condition-wise. Still need to work up some indoor loads for it but it doesn't seem picky about ammo and doesn't lead either.

 

[Helderberg]

Congratulations. The 686 is a fantastic gun and I am very happy to hear you have had a great experience.
Frank.

 

[Larks]

Bought this gun new a month ago. Finally got in some good range time today with 4 .357 loadings and 4 .38 loadings, 240 rounds total. It shot it all well and a few very well. Bench rested with 140gr Hornady XTP's in magnum cases with 7gr of Unique got 6 shots in a 1 3/8" group at 25 yds.. I was having a good vision day (I'm 62), but still have a hard time focusing so there's room for improvement. I'm just so amped to find this gun to be accurate and to find some great indoor range loadings so easily. Tried some magnums in it last week but after just a few shots at the local indoor range I decided to use an outdoor range for that.

After reading these forums and all the problems some folks are having with guns, I am happy to report no problems with this one. It shipped from Smith on 4/1/15. No canted barrel, smooth action and crisp trigger, no scratches, a picture perfect bore and forcing cone and the sights were close. A .040" gauge is a slight friction fit in the cylinder gap. 100 of the 240 rounds today were soft lead in .38 cases and there was no leading at all.

A new model 69 I bought just before this 686 (shipped 4/8/15) is the same condition-wise. Still need to work up some indoor loads for it but it doesn't seem picky about ammo and doesn't lead either.

Great to hear some good news here on a new S&W for a change.

 

[bemisgt]

Good to hear! My 686-6 4" is a real joy to shoot and is about as perfect as I could ask for. Hopefully the 3" that is on its way will be every bit as good.

 

[rwsmith]

Yeah, it's just not right.....

It's just not right to buy a 686 and end up with a less than satisfactory gun. 686s are great guns and it's more than disappointing to get a bum one. Glad you have a good story. If anybody asks me what to buy, I say, "Get a 686." and I don't like being wrong.

 

[robert1804]

Good to hear! My 686-6 4" is a real joy to shoot and is about as perfect as I could ask for. Hopefully the 3" that is on its way will be every bit as good.

I was at an LGS in Austin last week ordering a Model 67. There was a young guy there examining a new 686 4". He was a pistol guy interested in a first revolver. I commented on what a beautiful it was and he bought it right then. I've been thinking about one since then.

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

In my very humble opinion the 686 for me is the very best all around gun ever made. So much so...it's the very last one they will pry out of my cold dead fingers. The one I bought in 1993 w/6" shall,with God's blessings remain all the days of my life...versatile darn thing and tough.

Enjoy,you chose well!

 

[jstanfield103]

Congratulations on getting well deserved gun

 

[govt 380]

i read so much here about how good the 686 is. as a newbie in revolvers, with no desire whatsoever to ever shoot 357's, is there any reason to choose a 686 over the 67?

 

[robert1804]

i read so much here about how good the 686 is. as a newbie in revolvers, with no desire whatsoever to ever shoot 357's, is there any reason to choose a 686 over the 67?

In your case, the main advantage of the 686 might be the different barrel lengths available. If a 4" is your choice length and .38 special your choice revolver round, a 67 is your gun. I'm waiting on a 67 I ordered to come in. The classic look and feel of a K frame .38 are hard to beat. The 67, being lighter and more compact than the L frame 686, is easy to learn revolvers with. Plus, I think they have a cool factor at the range since you don't see them often in a sea of automatics.

.38 ammunition is easily available in many variations and is not too expensive. Since it's so easy to save your brass, reloading is a realistic option. .38 special is the easiest and cheapest handgun round to reload.

 

[robert1804]

In my very humble opinion the 686 for me is the very best all around gun ever made. So much so...it's the very last one they will pry out of my cold dead fingers. The one I bought in 1993 w/6" shall,with God's blessings remain all the days of my life...versatile darn thing and tough.

Enjoy,you chose well!

Well, when the bring the Acme Cold Dead Finger Spreader for me, they'll have to do both of my hands. This 686 in one hand and a 14-3 in the other.

 

[jimbo-indy]

The 686 is a beautiful thing. My favorite revolver was a 686 -8 3/8" with adjustable front sight that I ordered back in the late 80's. Shot like a dream. Had to sell due to medical bills but sometime I will find another. Also had a Custom Shop 686 Hunter but I couldn't replace the 8 3/8" for me. Had several pistol guys watching me the other day at the range: cutting the center out of the targets with my 19-3, 6" using 38 SPL wadcutters.

 

[Mark6005]

I too am very happy with my new 686 4 inch. Not a flaw just a nice gun and soft grips make it manageable. Did see a new 586 6 inch last week at lgs. That blueing and wood stocks are beautiful also

 

[BillR1]

I just traded for a 4" 686-6 on Saturday. The test fire date is 12/10/14, so it's nearly new. It's a sweet shooter!

 

[Freedomfirst]

I have S&W 686's in 4" and 6" barrels. I am a "revolver guy". I just always liked the look and feel of revolvers. I shot all kinds of .357 Magnum rounds through both guns up to 158 gr Hornady XTP's and Fiocchi Extrema's. Great guns to shoot ! I think you made a wise choice.

 

[Racer X]

Great to hear. I am torn between a 686 or a Ruger GP100.

Anyone own both to compare and contrast?

 

[rleigh]

I picked up my 686-6 4" on Tuesday. Can't wait to take it to the range. It sits in the safe with my 19-2 4", 60, 66-4 2 1/2", and 66-4 6"

 

[billhman]

A gun you will never get tired of.

I can read these 686 posts with great pleasure because I know what's it like to have a 686. I've had my 686+ 6" since April 2013 and have never got tired shooting or even looking at it. It is truly one great gun.

 

[wx7b]

Agreed, my 3in Dash-6. Balances well, shoots full house 357s comfortably, and looks great. Nice carry gun too. When I get brave I shoot the 60-15, but always go back to its big brother.

 

[Magnum-Krazy]

I also have no complaint's with my 686 6" either, great gun.

 

[Jboutfishn]

Great to hear. I am torn between a 686 or a Ruger GP100.

Anyone own both to compare and contrast?

Before I bought my 686 6", i shot both. the Ruger is a solid gun but there is no comparison in the triggers.

 

[The Norseman]

686

Here's mine.
357 Magnum, Smith & Wesson Model 686-3 Stainless Steel, 6 shot Hand Ejector,
circa Nov 1992, 6 inch barrel. Paper Target hole puncher, and Pop-can plinker.

Been reloading some old DEWC's, 148grs. Unique 3.6grs/ CCI Small Pistol #500 /
Win Nickel or Midway cases/ FPS 750? / crimped at cannelure.

I was given 8 pounds of Red Dot so I've been trying that; Lead DEWC 148grs./
Alliant Red Dot 3.0grs/ CCI Small Pistol #500 / Win Nickel or Midway cases/
FPS 750? / crimped at cannelure.

Both reloads are very accurate.

Boolits are tumbled lubed with Ben's L.L. (Liquid Lube).

When I do my part, this Revolver is very accurate. Here's one of the many groups
I gotten with the Red Dot powder, at 40 feet.

 

[joecatusmc]

686 no dash

I have had a 686 no dash 4in for quite some time and it is a great gun ...I also have a 696 no dash 4 in....I tell you that they are both GREAT guns
Good luck with yours
Joe Cat ,Semper -Fi

 

[jstanfield103]

I have both the 686 Competitor 6" and the Ruger GP100 in the 6".
The trigger is better in the S&W and the finish is more refined. The Ruger is built stronger and can take more powerful loads. Even Buffalo bore ammo states Ruger is one of the guns that can handle the pressure.
I use the S&W for facture loads and reloads of 38 special also lighter loads of 357 Magnum. really just not the very heavy loads of 357 in the S&W. The Ruger I will shoot anything in.
I love them both but that 686 is really a fine shooting revolver and shots smoother than the Ruger.

 

[dakota1911]

Glad to hear the new ones are good. I bought one back in the 80s. I ended the Ruger thing by buying it also. Both in 6 inch.

 

[merlin9800]

Robert, I have a 686 also. The 686 is a fine revolver. However! My model
19 combat masterpiece will out shoot the 686 all day long. I also have a 6 inch Python which will also outshoot the 686. The shooting test was with a Ransom rest at 25 yards. The test was with reloads 158 gr Keith and red dot. My money says buy a good 19 or Python.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Congratulations. 686-6+ has been on my list for a while.

 

[Englishrob]

Good to read your posting. The 686 has to be one of the all time greats. I was also pleased to hear from a 60+ yr old shooter that has the same bad vision days that we older shooters seem to be afflicted with from time to time... I, personally, intend to stick with open sights... resisting red/green dots until I have no option.

 

[SgtBill]

Smith & Wesson 686

Well it was nice reading about you young guy's and your exp. with a 686. For the record I am 69 years old. I have a 686 that I purchased back when they first came out in the 1980's. Since then I have had a problem with my children fighting over who will get it when my shooting days are over. It will punch 1 hole groups all day long out to 20 or so yards when I am up to it.

I will admit that I was a N.R.A. Combat 1500 match shooter for many years and a State Champion as a High Master for a lot of them.

As far as the Ruger is concerned it is also a fine weapon but just not as fine as a Smith & Wesson.

Bill

 

[Voyager28]

4" No Dash and a 6" Dash 4. Love my 686s. The 6"er is a bit nose heavy but, it is most certainly a hog getter.

Bob