Questions about S&W model 686 3" revolvers

[lrrifleman]

I am contemplating the purchase of a S&W Model 686 Plus with a 3" barrel for a carry gun. Specifically, I am torn between a 686 Deluxe and a 3-5-7 Magnum series revolver. Both appear to be round butt models.

My questions are:
1. What is the difference (other than a fluted vs non-fluted cylinder and the grips) between the two?
2. Is there a functional difference between a fluted vs non-fluted cylinder?
3. Considering that this may be my first internal lock S&W, does anyone have knowledge of an internal lock failure (either on the range or during a self defense shooting) that has prevented the firing of the revolver?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

 

[UncleEd]

Personally I don't think you'll find enough of a bonus between
the Deluxe, the 3-5-7 and a standard 686+ with rubber grips.
Get the one at the best price.

As to unfluted cylinders, I just think they are a way of cutting costs by not having to do the fluting and also you lose a bit of ability
to control the cylinder in reloads, general handling.

 

[ridgewalker]

There will also be a little difference in weight with the non fluted being a bit heavier.
Mostly it is a matter of looks. Which do you like better?
Personally I prefer the fluted.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Grips and Flutes is the only difference from the regular 686+.
I feel that there might be a small benefit to not having flutes if you are involved in a close-quarters struggle, in that the unfluted cylinder would be harder to grasp firmly and possibly stop it's rotation.
I can't tolerate magnum loads in my 686+ with wooden grips, and replaced them with Hogue Bantams. Great gun choice, IMHO.

 

[regalsc]

I don't own a non fluted cylinder revolver but I do like the way they look. As stated in the above posts I don't think you will notice any difference between the two. If you get to see your gun before you buy it check for properly aligned barrel & especially check the timing on all chambers. If you do find a functional problem later S&W does have the best warranty.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Personally I don't think there is anything better looking then a 3" S&W with an unfluted cylinder. Obviously it's personal preference, but I love the way they look and handle. I have two 629s and a 686+ in this configuration and will add more if I can.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

SKU # 164300

S&W 686+ 7 round 3" barrel with hogue rubber grip.

List for $849 but can be found online for a lot less.

Check out BUDSGUNS.com ($715 cash price) usually best buy and free shipping on some guns.

I own one for three years now and really like it. Very well balanced.
Removed the internal lock and replaced with plug found here on this forum.

 

[Texas Star]

See also the thread in this forum about my son buying one of these. He plans to replace The Lock with a plug.

Velocity is higher with three-inch barrels than many think, with Winchester's 145 grain Silvertip running right at 1200 FPS in published tests I've seen. It's a very lethal defense load. A detective here checked some results in police shootings and he told me that the round is almost overkill on humans. I find that reassuring. There are even milder loads that should do well by you and recoil less.

If you can shoot short barreled .357's well, I think you'd like this gun. But try rubber grips, what some here refer to derisively as "Goodyears." They usually don't even capitalize Goodyear, which is a proper brand name. They'll lessen the shock of heavy recoil. These guns come with S&W rubber grips. I've used Uncle Mike's and Pachmayrs, in both the Signature and Gripper versions. If you don't like the factory grips, those are options.

I presume that you plan on mostly concealed carry. But those reading this who wear a revolver openly, maybe on a uniform belt, may want to note that rubber grips don't get scuffed or dinged on car doors or in struggles where you may be wrestling a suspect on pavement, inc. sidewalks. You can hurt those grips, but it's harder than scratching or denting wood or cracking ivory.

Good luck with your gun. Do perform a CLOSE inspection before purchase. Really, that applies to any firearm.