S&W 686 with 4.2" barrel- what do people think?

[nntw]

So up here in Canada, barrels shorter than 4" are not allowed unless you'd owned such a firearm when the rules changed.

S&W will be offering a 686 with a 4.2" barrel, and I'm thinking about it.Any pros and cons I should be aware of?

I've got a new-to-me Model 19 (that complements my Model 17) that might go up for sale as a result of a new purchase- yeah, I know, I should keep both....

 

[gr7070]

S&W will be offering a 686 with a 4.2" barrel, and I'm thinking about it.

Really? Where did you hear this?

I think the SSR would have been a good choice for them to go 4.2", but they didn't.

 

[nntw]

Couple of the dealers up here say their wholesalers are now listing it. Don't have stock yet.

 

[Nick B]

I thought handguns in Canada were a big no no to own ?

 

[nntw]

I thought handguns in Canada were a big no no to own ?

it's...complicated. you need special permits to carry them to and from an approved range, can't hunt with them, have to prove safe storage, various other things.

 

[nntw]

4.2" S&W 686s arriving in Canada!

Badger Arms Supply - Smith & Wesson Firearms

$865 Cdn at one of our retailers

 

[18DAI]

I would not let a model 19 go to fund the purchase of any current production S&W.

The model 19 is a superior revolver to anything currently produced. Regards 18DAI.

 

[nntw]

I would not let a model 19 go to fund the purchase of any current production S&W.

The model 19 is a superior revolver to anything currently produced. Regards 18DAI.

I'm always appreciative of reasons to KEEP my firearms...rather than sell them.

I'd really like an S&W stainless .357, but so far, haven't been able to find a nice Model 66. And I'd like a shorter barrel... but am not 'grandfathered' to own a 4" barrel firearm here in Canada. so, the notion of a 686 with 4.2" would seem to fit the bill.

 

[cantpickone]

The 686 is a really nice revolver. Mine is 4". The size and balance and accuracy are all great in the 686.
.2 of an inch should be undetectable in handling. I think that you would enjoy owning one, MIM or not.

 

[anmut]

it's...complicated. you need special permits to carry them to and from an approved range, can't hunt with them, have to prove safe storage, various other things.

Time to move to the USA my friend!

 

[rz625-8]

Canadian gunlaws say it is ok to have nothing less than a 4.2 inch barrel gun or larger to own in Canada.

 

[stiab]

S&W will be offering a 686 with a 4.2" barrel

They already have. The S&W instruction list that came with my Bangor Punta Model 19 clearly states under the barrel section of "Specifications": {start quote}4 1/8" & 6" with square butt 2 1/2 " with round butt{end quote}. So, it's already been done on the so-called 4 inch K frame.

 

[batmann]

I think Smith is doing what Ruger did, giving the actual length as opposed to just rounding it off to 4".

 

[nntw]

I think Smith is doing what Ruger did, giving the actual length as opposed to just rounding it off to 4".

Either way, I'm happy. As an aside, there ARE people looking for pistols that have been measured, and hence registered, as 4 1/4" as opposed to 4".

 

[handgunner356]

And about the time they start making 4.2" barrels they'll change it to 4.5".

 

[ramptester]

Yesterday, snubnose.
Today, Evil Short Pistol.

 

[goldenlight]

I own the 686 in 2 1/2", 4", and 6".

The one I shooot the most is far and away the 4".

The 'balance' just feels better to me than the 6".

You would think the 6" would be more accurate, but given the distance my old eyes can shoot at, this isn't the case with me.

I would guess that a 6" 686 would have the advantage at 50 yards and beyond....but I can't shoot those distances.

I think you will find that the 4.2" 686 to be near identical to a 4" 686...which is to say VERY nice balance for shooting.

And, as others have said: DO NOT sell that Model 19 to buy a new 686.

You WILL regret it, sooner rather than later.

If you can't afford the 686 right now: save up your money, until you can.

S&W will still be making the 686, when you have the money.

 

[nntw]

Thanks to everyone for the comments and suggestions.

The 19 I have I bought used- pretty good shape, but used.

From what I hear the 686 in 4.2" has limited availability this year.

I don't think I'll have to sell the 19 to buy the 686, so I'll see how it goes.

Thanks once again!

 

[Texas Star]

I believe that Ruger is also now making the GP-100 with the 4.2-inch barrel to please your politicians and sheeple.

Between a current S&W and the GP-100, I'd buy the Ruger, unless they've added a lock recently. If they have, I bet it'll be less likely to cause trouble than the S&W lock.

I'd definitely keep the Model 19. You are presumably aware of the ammo caveats. Keep the barrel throat and bore clean and stay away from light bullet, high velocity ammo in .357. Shoot .357's in moderation.

Can Canadians even defend themselves in their homes? Or, does the nanny culture deem that to be "taking the law into their own hands?"

Oh: if you buy a holster for a 4.2-inch gun, be sure that it fits before you buy. I assume that holster makers will soon begin to make their four-inch holsters to accomodate these longer barrels.

 

[Fishslayer]

I feel somehow safer knowing there are no hoardes of hopped up Canadians running amok with evil short barreled pistols...

Time to move to the USA my friend!

Stay away from the People's Republik of Kalifornistan. Our gun laws are almost as Draconian as Canada's, eh?

BTW... keep the M19.