Opinion on 686 Plus Pro?

[domyalex]

Tried to search, but couldn't find anything.

I was just wondering what the general opinion is regarding the 686 Plus Pro? Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 686 Plus | Smith & Wesson

I used to have a 627 PC, but could not get to grip it as I wanted, even with slim stocks, so I eventually sold it. I can grip my 586 just fine thou. The 686 Pro has the 5" barrel, which I like (min barrel length in Canada is 4.15"), as well as the target sight (the ramped red front sight in my 586 is its weak point for me).

Are they worth the asking price? Anything to watch out for?

Also, it seems very similar to the "raptor", but gosh, can't stand that dino. Still, the raptor is about $100 cheaper; what's up with that?

 

[revolver686]

Smith and Wesson Raptor? That's a new one on me. Looks stupid, I'd pay extra not to have that dinosaur on the side of my gun.


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[bigwheelzip]

I'd get one, but I'm biased. I love my standard 4" 686, and the "Pro" is lighter, has a longer sight radius, target grip and sights, and the Performance Center treatment. For me, there's nothing not to like.

 

[garystl]

I've got the 686 SSR Pro. Nice to shoot and of course well made.

 

[Ashlander]

I prefer the standard models -- they look like S&W revolvers to me and I don't believe the Pro series is worth the extra bucks (but that may just be me being frugal).

 

[one eye joe]

Smith and Wesson Raptor? That's a new one on me. Looks stupid, I'd pay extra not to have that dinosaur on the side of my gun.


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I AGREE,revolver686. AS A MATTER OF FACT, NONE OF THE SLAB SIDED, LONG TAPERED UNDER LUG, MODELS FROM THE PC APPEAL TO ME. I LIKE A TRADITIONAL LOOKING REVOLVER......

OF COURSE THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG IN THIS, AND EVERYONE'S TASTE IS DIFFERENT.......

 

[muddocktor]

domyalex, one nice thing about the revolver you linked to that is a nice addition is the fact that they use the quick change front sight system as used by the 629 Classics and my 627 Pro. You can easily change the front sight to a model you want in about a minute. And S&W makes a gold bead patridge front sight that is really nice. I installed them on my 629 Classic and my 627 Pro and it makes picking up the front sight so much easier for me.

And one eye joe, I agree that the traditional barrel looks much better than the slab sided monsters, but I didn't let that stop me from buying my 627 Pro. I wanted an 8 shot 357 N frame and that's the only readily available model unless I want to pay through the nose on GB for one of the rare 8 shot 27s you see every once in a while there.

 

[Joe Hohmann]

I admit I'm a old guy, but I like the look of my 20 year-old 686 better...a simple, no frills look, with square wood grips.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I have several 686 and 686+ including the 5" Pro linked ( which I just picked up two weeks back.)
My thoughts:
I personally like the pro profiled barrel. It's distinctive and provides the same basic "feel" as a 4" model but with a 5" sight radius. I think the balance is great. (BTW, I also love the balance on the 5" 627pc)
As Muddocktor mentioned the interchangeable front sight is a real nice feature . The partridge target is nice but mine is already wearing a high viz fiber optic. MUCH improved target acquisition for my aging eyes and it took about 5 min to install with no special tools.
Additionally, I like the ability to run moonclips. I won't run it like this with every range trip but it is fun for speed drills that way.
What I don't like is the plain Jane rubber Hogue grips. For a gun in this price range, they could have done better.
Trigger was decent but not spectacular out of the box. I did a 13# rebound spring swap and some polishing and it's very nice now.

Another alternative in a traditionally barrel profile model would be the 5" 686+ Talo 3-5-7 series. It will save you some $ but the front sight is going to be harder to change at home. They are great shooters though!
Model 686 Plus 3-5-7 Magnum Series | Smith & Wesson

 

[robvious]

been looking at the same one for some time too..

I like the looks and the balance... but I am having difficulty justifying getting one since I already have the 686+ stocking dealer special from a few years back... enough alike to make it tough... and it appeals to the "old school look" part of me...

 

[sdb321]

I bought a pro series ssr in Jan. Changed the trigger return spring and have a 8 pound trigger pull, bought a set of Ahrends off of DevilDog 72 and now I have a "perfect revolver".

 

[Redhawk500]

I have the 627 Pro and it does fine, slab sides and useless trigger lock not withstanding. So far no complaints, understanding your interest was the 686. I had one of the originals and it seemed to bridge the gap between the K and N frames and was more like a Colt Python, except it needs a trigger job or 5k rounds through it to smooth it out.

 

[memphisjim1]

I have a run-of-the-mill, garden variety 686 I bought used 5 years ago because I wanted a "real" revolver. It has turned out to be everything I could have hoped for and all I've had done is a little trigger tweaking. I can shoot .38 Spl. all day long. .357 Mags are a handful but the pistol gets lots of range time and care. I love it.

 

[Barrie]

Domyolax the actual allowable Barrel length here in Canada is 4.1"s which is the shortest allowable here not the 4.15 as you suggest. Anything under this length is a prohibitive class and not a restrictive class handgun here in Canada.

 

[Dirtman]

Bud's Gun Shop

Bud's gunshop.com has a Hickock45 617 22 LR being auctioned right now. Price is kinda high but it is an authentic Hickock45 revolver and proceeds go to charity.

 

[Dirtman]

Bud's gunshop.com has a Hickock45 617 22 LR being auctioned right now. Price is kinda high but it is an authentic Hickock45 revolver and proceeds go to charity.

That's strange. I answer a post about a 617 and it shows up under a 686 post. I own a 686 6" PP and love it, maybe the S & W forum is reaching into my mind?

 

[Mehutch]

Just my opinion but I like the 'old school' look.



Even in blue finish it is preferred.

 

[one eye joe]

domyalex

And one eye joe, I agree that the traditional barrel looks much better than the slab sided monsters, but I didn't let that stop me from buying my 627 Pro. I wanted an 8 shot 357 N frame and that's the only readily available model unless I want to pay through the nose on GB for one of the rare 8 shot 27s you see every once in a while there.

COMPROMISES MUST SOMETIMES BE MADE, muddocktor......

 

[moddler]

6 shot vs 8 shot

Hello - I just picked up a model 627-5 PC eight shot. Was this model ever made in a 6 shot version? Also in terms of future collector value will an older 686 6 shot carry more value than a newer value 686 8 shot? Thanks

 

[domyalex]

Well, here she is =D

I know, I know, not the 686 Plus Pro. Deal went south (seller never replied) and since I already have a 586 I decided to go instead for the K frame 66. From initial inspection, all seems good to go!