Opinion on 7 shot S&W Revolvers

[LSMFT]

Any negatives on 7 vs 6 shot revolvers, particularly the 686? I am looking to purchase a 686 and see that they now come in 7 shot configuration. Are they inherently weaker in the cylinder? No difference? Bigger cyl diameter? I haven't seen anything either way about the 7 shot pistols. I've owned several 686's and all I know is that I like the 6 shot and would have to buy new speed loaders! I mean, except for that one extra round, is there any other advantage?

 

[bamabiker]

I don't think there is any other big difference. Of course, that one extra shot could mean a BIG difference in a life and death situation.

 

[westczek]

I have the 7 shot 686 with 6 inch barrel and there is no difference other than the extra charge hole. I actually setup a second 6 shot cylinder to run in it for USPSA competition, because they only allow 6 shots in the game. I use the 7 shot cylinder for Steel where I am allowed the extra shot. The easily swap in and out and the same holsters work.

My 2.5 inch snub 686 has a 7 shot cylinder, because it is not setup for games.

I have fired all sorts of magnum ammo through the seven shot cylinder in both barrel configurations and no ill effects.

Westczek

 

[retired 302]

six vs seven

I'm from the old school six is good only need one for defense

 

[jt1]

Either cylinder will handle full power 357 loads with no problem at all. The seven shot may be a little stronger, since the stop notches aren't right over the chambers. I haven't checked the outer wall thickness, that would be interesting to do someday.

Personally, I like the seven shooters. I picked up a 5" seven shooter off GB last week, got it today, and it's a real sweetheart. I don't see any disadvantage to the sevens, and the extra shot may come in handy.

John

 

[StingrayG4]

Given a choice I'd take a 7 shot over a six shot every time. That's just me though.

-S

 

[DRYHEAT]

I have a 3" PC 681 7-shot. Love it.

 

[5Wire]

Given a choice I'd take a 7 shot over a six shot every time. That's just me though.

-S

Same here. My first 7-shooter was a 686 Mountain Gun. I liked the 7-shots and the platform so much I got a 686P 2-1/2 inch barrel.

 

[Truckin]

I have a 6 shot with 8"+ barrel that I hunt with and a 7 shot with a 4" barrel for defence. Love them both and noticed no difference except for that extra shot.

 

[cjcutter1]

Seven is more than six, have a 3" 686+ great gun.Only disadvantage it's not eight.

 

[Iggy]

It just ain't natcheral!! Seven gun don't have the same ring as Six gunl!!

 

[westczek]

I don't like the idea of wasting room in that cylinder... 6 shots in an L-frame is arbitrary, based on constraints that do not apply.

7 rounds .357 mag
5 rounds 44 special
6 rounds 41 special (can't stop thinking about that one).

Westczek

 

[shawn mccarver]

The 7 shot is the only way to go, in my opinion. One extra round, and a stronger cylinder, at least according to S&W Product Manager at the time Herb Belin. The reason he gave when I asked him at the SHOT Show is that the locking notches are offset in the thickest part of the cylinder between charge holes, instead of directly over the thinnest part as on the 5 shot.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Being a old timer I like the six shot, but I qwn 7 shot 686's and have nothing against them. Each to his own, in plates they are great, in Bulleye they are a pain. I'm a Bullseye type of guy.

 

[Jhawk412]

To me, it boiled down to what kind of speedloaders. I don't like HKS speedloaders at all even though they make a 7-shot loader for the 686. I grew up using six-shot Safariland speedloaders and the only ones they make are for six-shooters. It was a deal breaker for me. I even tried moon clips in the 7-shooter. Too wobbly. I sold the lovely 3" 7-shot and am now all six-shooters. If you practice reloading, six or seven shots shouldn't matter.

 

[Allen-frame]

Bought this from my friend the other day.
Had to have it after I shot it.
Of course it's like that with most Smith revolvers for me.

Regards , Allen Frame

 

[sixshotjarhead]

I've owned several 686's, one was a seven shot and I loved it, I carried it for security work and sold it soon after changing jobs. One piece of advice, if you're used to six shots, and carry more than one revolver, remain mindful of which weapon is in your hand! It's bad enough to be at the range and hear the dreaded empty "click", no one wants to be on the street or in the woods and have the same problem!

 

[Stainz]

I have had a couple of 5-shooters, lots of 6-shooters, and, if you don't count the 1895 Nagants, but one 7-shooter. I never could find a 686+ MG, so I had to wait for the partially-lugged '04 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' to find a 686+ I would buy - I just don't like full-lugs. The 5"-er has been fun - but has languished - grown cobwebs - since the new 4" 627 Pro arrived here 5/08. I found something better than a 7-shooter - an 8-shooter.

I'll admit, the HKS #587 Speedloaders aren't lightning fast. Also, a moonclip of .45 ACP ball ammo loads in a 625 as if on a tractor beam, while the 8 round 627 clips are a tad flimsy - and slower to align and load. Still, I like the moonclips - and 8 beats 7. It's pretty nice in a .22 rimfire revolver - like my 5" 63 - too. Of course, a ten-shot 617, like my 4"-er, is pure fun - makes me ignore the full lug!

More is better... but the partially lugged 620 has had my eye since it came out - a proper 7-shooter.

Stainz

PS I have a number of 'other' 7-shooters... those Nagants!

 

[sheriffoconee]

I view 7 or 8 shot revolvers the same way I would if all of a sudden women came with three breasts....
they may be very useful, but I will never get used to lookin' at them....

 

[StingrayG4]

I view 7 or 8 shot revolvers the same way I would if all of a sudden women came with three breasts....
they may be very useful, but I will never get used to lookin' at them....

I'll bet these must really drive you nuts then!

-S