Should I take the 360PD or the 686 (or the 10-5)?

[ab4ka]

I've been offered a 360PD and a 686 in trade for a gun I'm trading, and I can't decide which way to go. I've got a 6" 686 and would love to have a 4" to go with it, but the 360PD kind of intrigues me as it would be something different (although I'm really not keen on another J frame). Help me make up my mind

update...now another guy has offered me a gorgeous 10-5 with the 2" barrel which is exactly what I've been looking for. Here's where I am...

360PD Pro: not real common, made from unobtanium, most expensive
Con: not fun to shoot (and I'm a shooter)

686+ 4 Pro: great shooter, would be a great addition to my 6" 686+
Con: I've got a 6" already...why get the same gun with a shorter barrel?

10-5 Pro: I've been looking for a 2" K frame, "pretty" gun, could be considered part of the legendary M&P line
Con: least valuable of the 3

Help

 

[NVBob]

For me, The 360 PD is an excellent gun to carry, but not that fun to shoot. The 686 is fun to shoot, but not good to carry.

I do a lot of running and biking not only in town but in the desert and mountains, and the 360 PD is just perfect for these situations.

I guess it just depends what kind of niche you are trying to fill.

 

[ab4ka]

I don't need another carry gun, I just like to shoot...which makes me nervous about the 360PD. I may not take either one as someone I know has offered me a gorgous 10-5 with a short barrel, which I've been looking for anyway

But, upon further review I think I'm going to go with the 4" 686+. I just like the L frames too much. If the 360 had the night sight I'd be all over it but it's just a red ramp. And as much as I like the 10-5, I can buy a model 10 for lots less than a 686.

 

[Nanook 450]

I took my 360 in for some work, as it was binding when shooting 357s - no problem with the internals, gunsmith installed a longer firing pin made by C&C - I really missed it while in the shop - its light and really does shoot well - hits at point of aim.

 

[devildog66]

"686+ 4 Pro: great shooter, would be a great addition to my 6" 686+"

The beginning and end of the decision for me is the 686 unless the condition is rough!

The 3__ series or airweights aren't really of interest to me as the regular J frame works fine for me. If weight were really the issue, then I could lose five pounds of fat before the 5 ounces of scandium makes ANY difference. The 686+ is very versatile and can be a great home and carry gun in a 4" length.

 

[ab4ka]

I ended up going with the 360PD. I wanted them both, and in the end, although it may sound silly, I went with it as he had the box for it and the guy with the 686 did not.

 

[s3dcor]

I had a 360PD. There was so much recoil that it pulled the bullets out of the cases and the cylinder stopped turning after only three rounds. It actually hurt to shoot. I sold it quickly.

The 686 would be my choice. I think it is the best all around S&W ever made.

The model 10's come around quite often for not too much money and should be the easiest to obtain later on.

Just my .02 worth.

 

[ab4ka]

it appears I may end up with that one too

 

[Wee Hooker]

Value wise, the 360PD was probably the more expensive and hardest to find when you want one. .
686's ain't hard to find and usually priced in the $450+/- range around here.
Mod 10's are also not uncommon and worth the least. ( $350+/-)

FWIW, My 360PD shoots well and is reasonably comfortable with 38 ammo up through +P. I've never tried 357 mag out of it and likely wont bother.. Better grips with a covered back strap help allot. I've got CT 405's on mine and have bobbed the hammer. Near perfect carry piece IMHO.

 

[MikeSteen]

Wee Hooker, I have been thinking about bobing my 386PD hammer, how much did you cut off? Just a little concerned of taking too much and not leaving enough to hit the primer. I have fired 5 rounds of 357 in mine and it took the skin off the bottom of my trigger finger. I figure, I got lots of guns to shoot, I carry 357 in it and I hope I never have to shoot it again, but if I do I'd rather have the 357 and lose that skin and keep the rest of my skin. I will have to look at the CT rubber grips as you think it makes that much difference.

 

[ab4ka]

must be good clean livin'...I got the 360PD, I just got home from trading for the 686+, I found a Bianchi rubber grip with the hammer shroud (which I wanted for the 360PD), and I won an auction for a holster for my model 63...I'm having a good day