New Shooter with Little Experience, 629-4 or 686-4?

[TheLeadMachine]

I'm trying to get into the hobby of shooting. I'll be using these mainly for target shooting and for carrying into the woods when I go camping in MN. I've done some research and the 686 is cheaper to shoot because you can buy .38 specials and .357 magnums. For the .44, you can buy .44 specials and .44 magnums. .44 specials are kind of rare is the vibe I'm getting and most people who own a 629 shoot the .44 magnum round. Price is pretty similar on the two as well. I will not be reloading my ammo right away and perhaps down the road I'll give it a shot . Also on forums when reading about which people prefer, most prefer the 629. I'm a little worried about recoil between the .357 magnum and the .44 special. I'll work my way up to firing heavier .44 magnum rounds. I plan on getting a 4" 686 (6 round, L-frame) or a 629 that's 6" (6 round, N-frame). How does the recoil compare in those size gun? What do you guys think? I've shot 9mm and .45 ACP in the past and wasn't phased by either.

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Of the alternatives you mentioned, the 686 with .38 Specials will recoil less than either a full-size 9 mm or .45, and a full .357 will be similar to a +P 9 mm or .45. A .44 Magnum with factory Specials will not recoil much more, but no matter what the barrel length a full .44 load will be fairly brutal.

If you don't already have them, I would suggest getting rubber stocks that cover the backstrap of both guns, practice with the loads you mentioned, and see which ones work for you (meaning you can hit with them consistently without flinching).

 

[MattJames]

I just bought my first revolver, a 686-2 with a long tube, 8 3/8" barrel and a month later a really sweet 629-2 unfluted cylinder with a 7 1/2" barrel. Both are awesome revolvers. Also, I got a nice deal on a 686-6 with 6" barrel.
Observations:
I'm having pretty tough time finding either ammo for the 629.
It's fun to shoot and I think the longer barrel helps with the recoil.
.38 Special is nice to shoot out of both of the 686's and is fairly easy to find (and easier on the wallet).
.357 Magnums are blast to shoot and will give quite a kick. Fairly easy to find.
For contrast, shooting .38 Specials from a small Bodyguard is not fun to shoot for any length of time.

So, I'd recommend starting with the 686...
But take my word, you'll be wanting more...and more.
Good luck, have fun and be safe!

 

[6518John]

One simply cannot go wrong with a 686 with 4 inch barrel. Pick up the .44 on down the road.

 

[PeteMitchell]

I love N-frames, so I'd go with the 44. However, I also have a friend who reloads the caliber so I'm not as sensitive to the cost of ammo. If I were you, I'd get the 686 if you plan on target shooting a lot.

Regardless, I'd let the guns do the talking and definitely try to find a local range that has both (or the equivalent of both) that you can try out. If your local ranges don't have any to rent, maybe someone on here would be willing to meet up.

Either way you end up going, you'll love it... and you'll eventually buy the other one you considered, and more... just because why not? haha

 

[DR505]

As a beginner, get the 686. The 4" barrel is a good size for that revolver. A day at the range shooting mild .38 special target ammunition is pleasurable. You can get Buffalo Bore or similar ammo at heavy weights (example, 180 grain) for hunting or other applications, and there is plenty in between. The 686 is a strong revolver that will be tough to wear out. I have one and enjoyed it a lot, but shoot it rarely these days, as I have other firearms I prefer.

Once you get into reloading (if you do) your shooting horizons will grow exponentially. You can custom tailor ANY caliber to your needs, and loading up a bunch of .44 specials would be a snap. Have fun!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

but no matter what the barrel length a full .44 load will be fairly brutal

N frames are great but I dumped my .44 Magnum years ago. I'm sure that there are plenty of good reasons to own a .44 Magnum revolver and shoot .44 Magnum ammunition. Plinking at the range is not one of them. Even a smallish .357 Magnum, like a Model 19, can be fun to shoot with .357 Magnum ammo. Nothing is really fun to shoot with .44 Magnum ammo if you're talking about a lengthy range session. One cylinder full is entertaining for sure. After that the brutality grows tiresome, even with Pachmayr stocks on there.

For the record, I am not squeamish about recoil, handguns or long guns. I only gave up my .416 Rigby after I tore my shoulder/rotator cuff and to this day I still happily shoot a custom built .35 Whelen against that very same, unrepaired shoulder. I use that same arm and shoulder to shoot handguns.

Shooting an L-frame .357 magnum like a 586 or a 686 is a joy, even with .357 Magnum rounds, never mind an N-frame in .357 Magnum. .38 Specials are kind of mouse-pharts when it comes to recoil in a 686 so you'll have FUN. That's the whole idea - to have fun with it! If you want to pack it in the woods it's still fun - if it's bear country stoke it with full bore .357 magnum loads. If you get a bear charge you'll be very well served with a gun that allows you to get back on target for two, maybe three rounds - unless you're a 100% pro you will NOT get back on target fast enough with a .44 Magnum.

Someone might argue with me. That falls under the category of YMMV - your mileage may vary. My experience in the field (not with a bear, however) and at the range says I am correct.

***GRJ***

 

[mhl6493]

From another shooting newbie, I'd definitely say start with the 686. So many people whose advice I sought out before buying my first handgun suggested that I should start with a 4" .357 magnum revolver. I did (mine was a Ruger GP100, but I still badly want a S&W 686 as well), and I don't regret it for a second.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

A 4"-6" K-frame or L-frame .38 or.357 revolver is ideal for a new shooter. A M686 would be a great pick. I have both of the models you listed in the OP. The 629 .44 Mag is a superb, but I handload, so ammo cost are not a major differentiating factor. Otherwise, for a new revolver shooter I would not initially recommend a .44 Mag. The guns are bigger, heavier, more expensive. It's more specialized, a far better cartridge for whitetail deer. For putting holes it paper it holds no advantage over a tried and true .38 Spl revolver.

 

[S&W1006]

Since you said you are a beginning shooter I have to say get the 686. The 629 is a great gun but like you said 44 specials are hard to come by and the 44 magnum is expensive and it can be hard to find. The 357 magnum isn't as potent as the 44 magnum but it will do the job for all but the largest critters.
Also the 44 magnum can be a handful to a new shooter. While the 44 Special is pleasant fired out of a large N frame the ammo is hard to find. I think you will get more use from a 686. Good luck and post pics when you pick up your choice.

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[TheLeadMachine]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm still on the fence about the two. On one hand I like the idea of being able to hunt with a handgun and the .44 will do the job better and just knowing that I can shoot a more powerful round sounds more enticing. The .357 sounds like it would be better for plinking around and it is, but it just doesn't have that wow factor I'm looking for. Even though it is going to be MY first purchase, my sister has two 9mm and perhaps we could trade those around when we go to the range and save 12 rounds each with the .44 for the finale. I'm pretty excited to get into shooting and to start a new hobby and I think I'll be happy from whichever I choose.

 

[scooter123]

Right off the bat I'm going to recommend that you very seriously look into reloading. It isn't that difficult to do and really only requires the ability to pay attention to detail. As for why, it doesn't matter what caliber you choose, ALL revolver ammunition is relatively expensive. For example the component cost for 9mm and 38 special are just about exactly the same, however when you do some price comparisons you'll find that 38 special costs about twice as much as 9mm. As for why this is the case, it's simply because revolvers ammunitions today aren't sold in the volume that semi auto ammunitions are.

Now, as to which caliber to choose, I would STRONGLY suggest that you try renting a 44 Magnum at a range before deciding on that caliber. Yeah, they are a real powder puff with 44 specials but when you step up to a full powder 44 Magnum you'll be looking at an increase of nearly 4 TIMES the muzzle energy of the 44 special. As a result the recoil forces will increase by the same amount. I expect once you have some actual experience shooting a 44 Magnum you'll come to the conclusion that starting out with the 686 is the wiser path to take.

 

[bemisgt]

I like the .44 mag and love to shoot them, but for a first gun I would seriously consider the 686. Ideally, find a range where you can rent each and see how you like them.

 

[BlueZee]

I've been shooting semi autos most of my life. My first revolver purchase was a 629-5 with 5" barrel. It was really my grail gun. I had wanted one basically my whole adult life and I couldn't be happier with it. I also am kind of a recoil junkie so that doesn't bother me. But I recently picked up a 686-4 in 4" and its really fun to shoot. When I hit the range I enjoy the hell out of the 629 but shoot many more rounds with the 686 and enjoy it just as much. Its easier on the wallet and easier to shoot which helps you learn how to shoot it better. So I would agree with the others who say for your first gun the 686 would be the better choice.

 

[Rpg]

44 mag is a specialist's revolver. Not easy to shoot well and not for a beginner.

Lots of 44's available with less than a box of ammo fired.

Get something you can shoot with 38 special.

357 magnums can also be unpleasant : not for the beginner.

Get something pleasant to shoot

 

[g8rb8]

No-brainer.

The short answer to the topic and main question of choice between a 629-4 or 686-4 is a "no-brainer". Answer = 686-4

The 686-4 seems to be the general consensus answer so far.

The 686-4 is shoot-all-day fun and pleasurable in .38 special and the .38 special ammo is generally more readily available and less expensive (as is .357 magnum ammo) than .44 special or .44 magnum ammo. .357 magnum will have more recoil than .38 special but is fairly tolerable and significantly less recoil than the .44 magnum in the two guns you are comparing.

Last week my dad, son, nephew and I fired my model 29-2 4" .44 magnum with wood target grips. None of them had fired a .44 magnum handgun before. We all grinned ear to ear shooting it but 6-18 rounds was enough for each of us. My son, all 125 pounds sopping wet, had grip indentions in his hand for more than 30 minutes after shooting it. My 6' 2" nephew had a sore shoulder (only mildly sore), I could "feel it" in my hand for about an hour afterwards, and my dad pretended like it made him poop his pants. ------ i.e. LOT'S more recoil in the .44 magnum.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training

 

[M3Stuart]

Not only is the 686 a better gun choice than a .44 for a newbie, BUT, the 686-4 4" is THE MOST desireable variant of the 686 in my humble opinion. You absolutely, positively cannot go wrong with a 4" 686...nor will your kids...or your grandkids...or their kids... That gun will last forever and is a great gun!

Oh, and if you change your mind about the 4" 686-4 after you get it, you can 'unload' it, probably for a profit, in 2 seconds on this forum. So I'd say there is very little risk with that choice.

 

[DR505]

Just buy them both. Just for fun here is a photo of my favorite 629, it is a 629-4.

BTW - I hand load my ammo, so have every power-level of .44 magnum that I want. I have light loads up to 270 grain hog hammers (work well in my .44 lever action too!). Get both revolvers, and get a reloading press, and get to work!

 

[rwsmith]

686...

Beginning shooter?? A 686 is one fine gun. I do reload and when I start getting to the hottest .357 rounds they do smart 'just a little' and I've got big Pachmehr grips that soak up the recoil.

The ONLY reason I'd consider a .44 is for hunting and woods defense, which you plan to do. I suppose you can run into some pretty big critters in MN. That's not so around here and unless I was going after black bears, deer or big hogs a .357 will do what I want easy.

If you DO get the .44 you'd better stick to light loads and work up. There's no use making a new hobby painful enough to be wary of it.

 

[mauiblue]

My first revolver was a Model 686 Plus with a 4 inch barrel. I bought it new about eight years ago. I still have it and it is my favorite gun to shoot. I shoot only 357 magnum rounds through it. Recently I changed out the rebound and main springs with Wolff springs. When I do my part I'm accurate with this revolver. I can shoot it all day with magnum rounds or at least until I run out of ammo ;-).

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