New found respect - the 4" 686

[Kamerer]

I took delivery of this lovely machine a month or so ago. I honestly bought it just to let my girlfriend shoot it to decide what she wanted to use as a "woods" gun, a 2.5" 66, a 4" 19/66, or a 4" 686. I had no interest in it myself.

I figured she could keep the one she liked, then I could sell the one or two she didn't like at break even and basically do a "free trial." Renting and shooting at the range doesn't help - you need to try different loads, different grips, tote it a bit to see how it rides, etc. I don't mind tying up 400 or so for a month or three in a "trial" if it helps me find the gun I like.

I tell you what, I'm not "disinterested" in this gun anymore. I've been a k-frame fanatic for years and years, but I didn't know what I was missing. The smooth action, the steady handling that full lug gives - toss the ugly, ubiquitous goodyears these things normally come with and put on some nice wood, and she looks a little more like a prom queen than a street walker.

I love the way this thing just swallows, I mean just swallows, full-power loads - especially with a set of oversize targets on it (I haven't shot it yet with these grips).

I have a 4" 28 arriving next week (again, basically for a "free trial"). I cannot wait to put the two head to head with various loads and grips.

I know we all own lots of nice guns, but I just never hear this work horse getting it's full due. I know this isn't the prettiest gun around, but dang does it WORK. I am beginning to think I might try to find a "pretty" one in blue as a serious keeper.

 

[Kamerer]

I took delivery of this lovely machine a month or so ago. I honestly bought it just to let my girlfriend shoot it to decide what she wanted to use as a "woods" gun, a 2.5" 66, a 4" 19/66, or a 4" 686. I had no interest in it myself.

I figured she could keep the one she liked, then I could sell the one or two she didn't like at break even and basically do a "free trial." Renting and shooting at the range doesn't help - you need to try different loads, different grips, tote it a bit to see how it rides, etc. I don't mind tying up 400 or so for a month or three in a "trial" if it helps me find the gun I like.

I tell you what, I'm not "disinterested" in this gun anymore. I've been a k-frame fanatic for years and years, but I didn't know what I was missing. The smooth action, the steady handling that full lug gives - toss the ugly, ubiquitous goodyears these things normally come with and put on some nice wood, and she looks a little more like a prom queen than a street walker.

I love the way this thing just swallows, I mean just swallows, full-power loads - especially with a set of oversize targets on it (I haven't shot it yet with these grips).

I have a 4" 28 arriving next week (again, basically for a "free trial"). I cannot wait to put the two head to head with various loads and grips.

I know we all own lots of nice guns, but I just never hear this work horse getting it's full due. I know this isn't the prettiest gun around, but dang does it WORK. I am beginning to think I might try to find a "pretty" one in blue as a serious keeper.

 

[sigp220.45]

Very nice, especially with the smooth targets. I've never owned an L frame, but I'm going to grab the next decent one I see.

 

[SJshooter]

Nice post. In my opinion the 686 is the finest production .357 of all time and is clearly the benchmark by which all other .357s are judged as better or worse. That gun loves hot loads. Loves 'em.

 

[Dale53]

SJshooter says it all. I have been a fan of the 686 4" since getting my Treasury job many years ago. The absolute BEST platform for the .357, EVER!!

Dale53

 

[hittman77]

You are 100% correct. I feel the same way about my 686-4.

 

[sabre]

Nice 686, I'd hold on to that one.

I only have a few L frames, but I've noticed that the DA trigger pull is uniformly smooth and just feels nice on them. Maybe I'm just lucky.

Mind you I still like my K & N frames, but the L frame guns are good shooting, solid revolvers and should be a part of any S&W accumulation

Bill

 

[Kamerer]

Yeah, Bill, one of my reasons for buying one was I had heard many comments about the smooth action. I think it is a consistent feature with them - though why I don't know.

I am going to have a tough time liking the 28 after this. I was surprised to see that the weight on each is identical. Given the more compact design of the 686, it appears it should have the edge in my thinking.

How does the 2.5" version compare? I do not find a large difference between the 2.5" and 4" 66. Is the difference as small between the two L frames?

I may need to part with a 66 or 19 2.5" and get one of those, too.

 

[Bladeswitcher]

Here's mine, a one-time Missouri Highway Patrol issue weapon with the MHP shield stamped on the side:

 

[Nframe357]

Gorgeous pic! I also love the 4" 686, my first duty weapon when I started out in LE back in the early 90's, before the days of the bottom feeders, yuk!

 

[sabre]

I think you'll like the 4" 28 just fine. My 4" 586 and 4" 28-3 are both great shooting guns.

While the weight is the same the balance is different - the 586 has a more muzzle heavy feel while the 28 kind of sits back into your hand and feels more lively & pointable, if you know what I mean.

I haven't shot the 28 all that much (something I need to work on) but it has impressed me with it's accuracy so far. And it does look cool, in an "Indiana Jones" sort of way

Although I've wanted one since the 1980's I've yet to pick up a 2 1/2" 686 (something ELSE I need to work on!) so I can't comment on a comparison with a 4" L frame.

Bill

 

[davel686]

you just can't go wrong with a 686.
that is a very nice looking 4".
right now all i have is a 6" 686, but plan on adding a 4" 686 to my collection sometime this summer.
I'm a big fan of the K frames also. I carry a M65 4" k frame daily and when i get a 686 4" i will be carrying it also. its worth the extra trouble it takes to carry a 4" revolver when you feel as confident in them as I do.

 

[sw44spl]

great gun you will love it i have 4 686s and 1 586.and i too would like a 2 1/2 incher also.

 

[4864]

I have one L Frame. Its a 6 inch 686 with un-fluted cylinder. Great gun! I want a plain jane 4 inch real bad. Local shop has had a few come in this past summer. I was foolish and passed on them.

 

[roundgunner]

I use a 686-6 as my IDPA gun. It points great and is smooth as glass.

 

[moonclip]

I have a 4" 686 that I really enjoy shooting, like a lot, and will probably never sell. The best .357 platform? Not quite. The 27 and 28 are THE .357 platforms. If you've spent any time with the 27 or the 28 you'll lnow what I mean.

......moon

 

[Massad Ayoob]

And Roundgunner's good with that, too!

Been there, seen that.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

It sounds like you have found a winner, the L-frames are great revolvers.

 

[cd228]

It's a wonderful revolver, solid and dependable.

 

[chevypilot]

Can we revive this 586/686 lovefest?

I just acquired my first 586 today, a 6" 586-3 with targets. I haven't shot it yet, but it's the first gun I've brought home that my wife said, "wow, that's pretty, I like this!" PROGRESS!! I also have a 4" 686-5 coming in the mail!!