Personal Opinion...686SSR or 686+???

[cybersnow]

This may be in the wrong section, but I am trying to decide between two of the 686 models. The 686+ carries 7 rounds. The 686SSR purports to be an "upgraded" 686, but is not a pro or competition grade weapon. I guess my question is on the increased accuracy of the SSR vs the ability to actually shoot the 7 rounds of .357 mag at the range.

Would appreciate any data, anecdotes or opinions.

 

[OKFC05]

686SSR purports to be an "upgraded" 686, but is not a pro

The SSR IS a member of the Pro series.
Pro Series - Smith & Wesson

It is made specifically to fit right in to IDPA/SSR rules, which have a 6-shot limit, and weight limits.

I never noticed any particular mechanical accuracy difference between the SSR and any other 686, just has the trigger job, chamfered chambers, and specific features for IDPA. I do find the SSR easier to shoot rapidly and accurately with .38 loads than the basic 686.

As always, it depends on your intended use of the revolver.

 

[amazingflapjack]

IIWM-I would buy an earlier production-pre lock 686.

 

[twodog max]

I have both and the SSR is my favorite but I am not a competition shooter. I carry, shoot and have fun with mine and the SSR is easier to carry . For me 6 shots is always enough.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The key is your planned use. If you're not competing with it then why buy the competition model?

6 shots should be enough......but 7 is such a nice bonus......

 

[bigggbbruce]

I prefer the barrel profile of the 686+ over the flat sided SSR..

 

[Gryff]

The SSR is the better-looking gun, to me. The 7th round of the 686+ doesn't matter, since the gun is not what I use for home defense.

The SSR isn't more accurate, per se. The trigger is slighty better than the regular than the standard 686, but both models will benefit significantly from the $20 Miculek spring kit from Brownells.

MICULEK REVOLVER SPRING KIT | Brownells

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
The 7th round is for "evil".............

 

[Ranger514]

I don't know much about the SSR. I've never handled one, but I love my 686+. I guess I like its traditional look and feel. My factory trigger suits me just fine. Unless you're competing, I think it's purely a matter of aesthetics. Having a seventh round available is a bonus.

 

[Rpg]

You might search this forum for issues with timing on the seven shooters.

Seems there are more timing problems with the seven shooters than the six shooters.

 

[686 SSR]

This may not be important to you, but I really like the easily interchangeable front sight feature of the 686 SSR. It has a spring-loaded mounting system that allows the sight to be changed in 5-10 seconds. I put on a .250" SDM gold bead front sight on mine and it's now perfect. I am partially color-blind and the factory furnished red ramp sights do not work for me.

 

[cybersnow]

I like the idea of a 7th round. While I wont be competing, I do want an accurate gun.

 

[snowman]

cybersnow,

I wouldn't worry about any problem with accuracy with a modern Smith revolver. I have two Plus models and they are both superbly accurate. In fact, you can see a target used with one of them on Rastoff's "gauntlet" thread elsewhere on the forum(under "Concealed Carry and Self-Defense"). I believe you'll find it on page 3 or 4(using the 40 posts per page option). I fired it double action, freehand, and it scored near the top. Granted, that doesn't prove that all Plus models will do that well, but I believe that it is representative of the model.

Regards,
Andy

 

[bigwheelzip]

686P for me. A fan of the looks of the full under lug and extra round.

 

[Gitagun]

You didn't say how you intended to use the gun. You did say something about shooting a seventh round at the range. Why would you be worried about that? In my mind, the only reason for a 7th or 8th round is to stay in a gunfight after you've fired your 6th round. At the range, this is irrelevant.

If you want to compete in revolver competitions, get the six-shooter because the other is not allowed. If you want extra margin when defending home and hearth, get the 686 Plus.

I went through this exercise a few years ago while deciding what to buy. I complicated matters by also throwing the eight rounder, the 627, in for consideration. I found the 627 too bulky for anything but night stand duty. Someone should check me on this but I believe the cylinder size is the same for the 686 and 686P but the 686P has less material between chambers. Thus, the 686 and 686 Plus should carry the same with the same barrel lengths.

If you buy the SSR, it only comes with a 4 inch barrel which is fine for general purpose. For home defense and concealed carry, I favor shorter barrels in the 2 to 3 inch range. This makes it much more difficult for an assailant to grab the barrel and wrench the gun away from you.

I decided not to buy any more internal lock revolvers and I ended up buying a nice used pre-lock, pre-MIM 686 with 2.5" barrel and I'm very happy with it.

 

[cybersnow]

I am buying the revolver to carry around my new home (under construction starting late May, in the very back country in the mountains Norrth of Boise ID. My current carry weapon of a shield in .40'is probably too small to do łmuch good.

 

[hd-dude]

I have both the 686 SSR and a 686+Pro series. I purchased the + pro for range and home protection and the SSR for competition in IDPA. They are both great guns and I shoot them both very well. The + pro has a 5" barrel thus a slight accuracy improvement at distance.

You can't go wrong with either in my opinion!

 

[Bastogne71]

Just to confuse you more, there is the 686 Pro Plus to consider also. It's the SSR with a 5" barrel, seven shots, and cut for moon clips.

You're asking a blond, brunette, vs red head question. Any of the 686's will do fine but I can't tell you which one you prefer.

 

[BAMac]

I have the SSR for range use. Looks cool and shoots great but I am considering adding a plus. Except in competition settings 7 beats 6 to me.

 

[cybersnow]

That solved my dilemma, ok...will go order a 686 pro plus. Only question I have left is where do I find the 7 shot moon clips? I have questions on the finding a good quality OWB holster and spare clip pouches, but will ask that on another thread. Thanks all for your great advice, I learned a lot about the 686 series!