Q: any reason I shouldn't buy a 686?

[S682]

I have a 629-1, which I love, but I would like to pick up something in the .357 class so I can shoot .38's and save some money (and shoot more often) and I found a nice deal on a clean, used 686.

Is there some reason I shouldn't do it? Is there another model which would be a better way to go?

 

[S682]

I have a 629-1, which I love, but I would like to pick up something in the .357 class so I can shoot .38's and save some money (and shoot more often) and I found a nice deal on a clean, used 686.

Is there some reason I shouldn't do it? Is there another model which would be a better way to go?

 

[tbury]

If you like the full lug style go for it. 686s are usually accurate, sweet shooting guns.

I do love my 4" model 66 for the classic look and pointability.

 

[ladder13]

Originally posted by S682:
I have a 629-1, which I love, but I would like to pick up something in the .357 class so I can shoot .38's and save some money (and shoot more often) and I found a nice deal on a clean, used 686.

Is there some reason I shouldn't do it? Is there another model which would be a better way to go?

A 686 is about as durable as they get, except maybe for a 38-44 HD shooting 38's. The 686 is a great "all around" firearm. What barrel length and "dash number"?

Mike
SWCA 1975

 

[fran m]

A four inch 686 was my first handgun. Smooth as silk after thousands of rounds. One of my never ever let go guns. You won't regret it.

Is it pre lock?

Fran m

 

[Revolver King]

Hummm 686 lets see I think I would recommend one because I like them so well I have 6 of them. Yelp thats a good choice.

 

[S682]

Not sure if it's a "-" model but it currently sports a 6" barrel but it includes the 4" barrel it was built with.

I think I would have the 4" barrel put back on and sell off the 6" barrel.

It might be fun to ship it back to S&W and have them trick it out when they put the 4" barrel back on.

 

[diamonback68]

A: Absolutely no reason at all.

 

[deanodog]

You might ought to get two.....one in 4 inch and one in 6 inch ...just to be sure...then you will be needing a 2 1/2 inch and a 8 3/8.You know how it goes.. I have bought my last revolver many times....It is easy to quit....

 

[dpsix]

A 686 is a Python without the troublesome lockwork.

 

[Revolver King]

Don't forget the 7 shot too.

 

[SJshooter]

Some of the cheaper and less powerful .38 specials are pretty soft in a 686. When you get down to that level of no-recoil, you might want to consider a .22. If you think .38 is cheap to shoot, .22 is a whole lot cheaper. The 617 has a close-to-686 build and it's pennies to shoot vs. $8-11/box. You lose the versatility of occasionally throwing some fire-breathers down the tube, but a K-22 is just great fun.

 

[S682]

Originally posted by SJshooter:
Some of the cheaper and less powerful .38 specials are pretty soft in a 686. When you get down to that level of no-recoil, you might want to consider a .22. If you think .38 is cheap to shoot, .22 is a whole lot cheaper. The 617 has a close-to-686 build and it's pennies to shoot vs. $8-11/box. You lose the versatility of occasionally throwing some fire-breathers down the tube, but a K-22 is just great fun.

True, but there could be a time when I want to shoot .357's......

 

[wheelgun1958]

Only if you see a 696 for the same price.

 

[pred]

Just watch out you might need more than 1, 686.
This one is a no dash 4" Oakland PD gun.
I just got this one for 3 bills, Wasent looking but couldnt put it down until after I got it home, cleaned and looked at the clock work, Then I was able to put it away.

Peter.

 

[Big Foot]

Best revolver I ever had...Been kicking myself for selling it for no apparent reason other than a guilt complex for having something that good....

 

[Black Knight]

I spent many nights patroling as a security officer with a 4" 686. For shear duty use I would put it up against both of my Pythons any day. While I love my Pythons the 686 is only a hair's breadth difference. The Pythons may look aesthetically pleasing, but the 686 is a fine looking work horse. There is no reason I can think of not to buy one (pre-lock model).

 

[flop-shank]

IMO the 686 (particularly the -4 + model) is the high point of .357 service gun evolution.

 

[pace40]

Nope

 

[SJshooter]

Originally posted by S682:

Originally posted by SJshooter:
Some of the cheaper and less powerful .38 specials are pretty soft in a 686. When you get down to that level of no-recoil, you might want to consider a .22. If you think .38 is cheap to shoot, .22 is a whole lot cheaper. The 617 has a close-to-686 build and it's pennies to shoot vs. $8-11/box. You lose the versatility of occasionally throwing some fire-breathers down the tube, but a K-22 is just great fun.

True, but there could be a time when I want to shoot .357's......

In that case, I'll give you reason #2 not to get a 686:

THE 586!!!

The blue steel looks so much cooler.