Smith & Wesson Model 686 - 6inch Barrel

[GLBourbon]

I have just purchased a Model 686 off of Gunbroker, New in box. I paid $699 + $20 shipping. Since the place is in another state no sales tax. I have a couple of questions. This was my first revolver purchase, I have and have had any number of pistols of different caliber and size. My wife carries a S&W Bodyguard in 380. As far as the model 686, I have read a lot of positive information about it and looked at comparisons between the 686 and the Ruger GP100, the Ruger SP100 and the Colt Python. I ruled out the Python due to price and the fact that I am looking for a gun to carry for hunting and for open carry. Cannot afford a $2500 piece of art. I read great things about the Rugers, but went with the Smith & Wesson based on a re-occurring theme about the nice trigger pull on the 686. Did I pay about the right amount for this 686? Also, I would like to find an nice leather
holster for it without breaking the bank. Any recommendations? Lastly, it comes with the rubber grips, if I wanted to switch it out to wooden, where would be the best place to order them? Thanks in advance for any information and wisdom passed on.

 

[daveyc]

i think you did just fine on the price. i have a gould and goodrich leather holster for mine and it did not break the bank. i have also shot both revolvers and do prefer the smith

 

[gr7070]

Yes, good price.

Lobo or El Paso are good options. There's a number of options out there.

Ahrend's grips, but I much prefer the good years for shooting.

 

[wildenout]

I have just purchased a Model 686 off of Gunbroker, New in box. I paid $699 + $20 shipping. Since the place is in another state no sales tax. I have a couple of questions. This was my first revolver purchase, I have and have had any number of pistols of different caliber and size. My wife carries a S&W Bodyguard in 380. As far as the model 686, I have read a lot of positive information about it and looked at comparisons between the 686 and the Ruger GP100, the Ruger SP100 and the Colt Python. I ruled out the Python due to price and the fact that I am looking for a gun to carry for hunting and for open carry. Cannot afford a $2500 piece of art. I read great things about the Rugers, but went with the Smith & Wesson based on a re-occurring theme about the nice trigger pull on the 686. Did I pay about the right amount for this 686? Also, I would like to find an nice leather
holster for it without breaking the bank. Any recommendations? Lastly, it comes with the rubber grips, if I wanted to switch it out to wooden, where would be the best place to order them? Thanks in advance for any information and wisdom passed on.

Great price! Wonderful gun too, you'll have it forever and you can't go wrong. I love mine! As for the grips, I am saving for some also and love Badger Custom Grips looks. Just google them! They are beautiful.

 

[halvenut]

If you're looking for wood grips, you might want to keep an eye on the for sale section of this forum. You could probably find what you're looking for and save a few dollars over purchasing them new.

 

[justintyme]

Lobogunleather.com for holsters. I have several of Ray's holsters, top notch work, you wont find a better priced or faster made custom holster

Ahrends grips, can be bought direct from them, takes a while or look for gripseller on ebay for a good selection that ship right away

 

[GLBourbon]

To all who replied, thank you all so much. I feel much better about my purchase. As I said, I have never purchased a revolver before, but always wanted one. I am also glad to know that this revolver is one I will be able to pass down. What do you think about or is it worth sending this 686 to the performance center for the trigger and performance upgrades? Have any of you had this done? Is it worth the $200 to get it done?

 

[bigtubby]

I would wait and see how the trigger is, and if you want it better get a set of wolf reduced power main spring and rebound spring put those in and you should not need a performance center upgrade.

 

[mc5aw]

Is the 686 IL or no IL?

For woods grips, look at Hogue's offerings, as well as what S&W has available on the Factory site.

Holsters, as has been mentioned, is a two horse race ... Ray @ Lobo and Lefty at BCO, both highly regarded Forum members and expert craftsmen.

A NIB revolver needs to be fired a few hundred rounds before being sent in for "custom" tuning. The S&W packages are cost effective and very practical, but you should let your "new" 686 breathe a bit before deciding to upgrade any components. If it's to a be a range/woods gun, that's one thing ... a comp shooter is a totally different ball game. Technically a 686 with 6" could be a CCW, but it wouldn't be easy. Out of the box, it should fire and cycle flawlessly.

 

[GLBourbon]

I googled Badger Custom Grips and man those are beautiful pieces of art. I am going to have one helluva time figuring out which wood, or I may need to get multiple sets. Thanks for the info!!

 

[gr7070]

What do you think about or is it worth sending this 686 to the performance center for the trigger and performance upgrades? Have any of you had this done? Is it worth the $200 to get it done?

As recommended above shoot it at least a few hundred rounds before having the trigger worked over.

I'd get on the Brian Enos revolver forum and find out who does good trigger jobs and send it there. I had Mike Carmoney do mine, but not sure if he does work any longer.

If you do and it off have the cylinders chamfered and consider having an FO or gold bear sight put on it.

 

[rwsmith]

Personally

Personally, I don't think you could make a better choice and you'll love it so much you won't even think about the price.