S&W 986

[AJ]

A friend bought a S&W 986 off of Gunbroker last week. He brought it to the range yesterday. Nice looking revolver. Someone had cranked the rear sight down tight and I mean tight. Took both of us to loosen it up. The trigger pull was on the heavy/stiff side, loosened the strain screw about two turns and the pull is much nicer now. He bought the revolver for a tad under $800. I see on their website ( https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-178055 ) it retails for $1430. Why the difference? Or did he just get lucky? Shot well, even with the heavy trigger pull had the three shots I fired in the ten ring at 15 yards off hand. Pro's and Cons on these?

 

[H Richard]

I previously had a 986, and while I liked it, and how it shot, I did have problems with sticky extraction. I polished the chambers, but continued to have the problem. It was a very accurate shooter, and I had made a custom arbor for my moon clip loading tool. I did eventually sell it off along with many of my other S&W's as I downsized my collection.

 

[TAROMAN]

I have had one for years. It, too, needed some trigger work.
Converted to DAO.
Shot it in steel challenge and other games.
Fair warning, don't mess up the protective coating on the cylinder.
No Hoppes or other strong ammoniated solvents or metal brushes.
I only use Mpro7 and toothbrushes.
Opinions here say it's really a 357 barrel. Never caused any problems for me.
Mine likes 135 grain bullets.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Do yourself a favor...

RIMZ 986.. 9 mm

Not fussy about what brass you use - holds them all rigidly.

I have no dog in this fight.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[bobsguns]

I would think that finding a perfect-fitting leather holster may be a bit of a challenge?