S&W 686+ .357 Magnum.

[TNZ71]

Neither of mine are seven shots but the 686/586 681/581 Line of Revolvers are what I'd say are the Apex of Smith and Wesson Revolvers. The full sized frames with full under lug are tough, absorb felt recoil but are sleeker than say a GP100.

 

[MCorps0311]

Yes One Eye Joe, I could not have said it better. The 586 and 686, 686+ is a weakness for me. I have five or six in total. I am weak enoughttp://smith-wessonforum.com/images/blue_style/editor/separator.gifh to buy another one, or two.









and this Model 65-1

Wow you have great collection,I like them all but that 586-5, 6" Blue stand's out for me.

 

[inspcalahan]

As stated above, the 686/686+ (depending on your likes regarding capacity) are likely the best wheel gun going, if you ever had to just pick one. Shoot .38s all day long for fun, shoot all the .357 you can handle and when carrying for defense or hunting, stuff it with whatever load you like.

In my opinion, the late 90s 686+ Mountain Gun is the best of the pack for a carry and shooting gun! It's profile cuts a few ounces off and the trigger is oooohhhh so smooth right from the box. I absolutely love mine and while I don't carry it much now, it will likely never go away until I do. Never know when the bug will bite to strap it back on or send some lead downrange.

 

[richcory]

I looked at a 686+ 3" yesterday that was $659. Got me thinking

Cory

 

[blues7]

I looked at a 686+ 3" yesterday that was $659. Got me thinking

Cory

That's about what I paid about a year and a half ago for my 3".

Great gun.

 

[richcory]

I think I'd prefer a 4"...but

Cory

 

[one eye joe]

My first Smith was a 686+ 6" and when I purchased a 617 I was disappointed as it was no where near the smoothness of the 686. There is nothing wrong with the 617 but the 686 just outclass it as well as every other handgun I have ever owned. Like others have said it will be the last one that goes.

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, Teep. THE 617 IS NOT EVEN IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THE 686---JUST NO COMPARISON.....

 

[MCorps0311]

I made that move today,I changed my mind about the S&W 686+,and went with the S&W 686-6.I want to think all for your opinions.Here she is.

 

[snowman]

I made that move today,I changed my mind about the S&W 686+,and went with the S&W 686-6.I want to think all for your opinions.Here she is.

MCorps: What dash number is the Plus model you were looking at? As I mentioned earlier, my 686-6(dash 6) IS a Plus(7-round) model, as is my 686-4. I'm not sure I understand your post; it seems to be saying that a 686-6(dash 6) is different than a 686+, when in fact the 686-6s came in both the six round or seven round("+") configurations. Can you help me out here?

At any rate, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new gun; the 686 is one of S&W's best designs, in my view.

Regards,
Andy

 

[MCorps0311]

MCorps: What dash number is the Plus model you were looking at? As I mentioned earlier, my 686-6(dash 6) IS a Plus(7-round) model, as is my 686-4. I'm not sure I understand your post; it seems to be saying that a 686-6(dash 6) is different than a 686+, when in fact the 686-6s came in both the six round or seven round("+") configurations. Can you help me out here?

At any rate, I'm sure you'll enjoy your new gun; the 686 is one of S&W's best designs, in my view.

Regards,
Andy

The 686+ I was looking at didn't look nothing like the one I bought, and it was a 7 shot.This is my first and only 686-6,I don't know what tell you.I'm sure you know more about the 686 series than I.Mine is a 686-6 Pro Series.

 

[snowman]

Not that important, MCorps; I was mainly interested in learning exactly which plus model you were looking at. Thank you for responding, and enjoy shooting your new gun.

Regards,
Andy

 

[A.J.R.]

Congratulations, you bought a fine revolver.

 

[SLT223]

The indoor range I frequent has 686-6 4" as one of the rental guns. the round count is north of 10k. It's been cleaned maybe once or twice, if at all. The trigger quality, largely due to the round count, feels like a top shelf action job. Still a bit heavy in the springs, but shockingly smooth for a gun with no action work.

I have a couple earlier 686's. My first S&W was. 686 no dash, which I still have. I've been meaning to get 3" 686+ for a while now. Just can't find one used.

 

[tonyquart]

I have three S&W 442-2,638-3,M&P BG .38 SPL.+P Sunbies, and I have a S&W 1911CT .45 Auto.I been eye balling a S&W 686+ 357 Magnum 4". I would like to here some what opinions you all may have about the revolver, good and bad before I make up my mind?Thanks

I have a 4" and a 6" Magnum and after all these years, I prefer to use the 4" one. It is just my personal choice. I think it's easier to use than the 6" one.

 

[MR.G]

Have owned and shot a lot of revolvers and the 686 Plus 4" is my favorite.

 

[41special]

I had this exact 686+ in the same dash 5 version, mine was a round butt his looks square unless he found some conversation grips. It was a solid preformer, handled even the stiffest 357 Magnum loads with apomb.

I'd say perhaps my only complaint would be that the double-action pull wasn't quite as smooth as some of my older Smith's. Kinda chunky for a .357, but that Keeps the recoil down with the hot stuff.

Should you choose to get one I think you'll be well served by it.

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