Smith & Wesson Model 686P or Model 627?

[mtscout]

This place is a bad influence.
But, I do have a birthday next month...

 

[.357magger]

Now THERE is a question and you might ask Stainz what he thinks too.

But, for me, the 627 had THE BOMB of a trigger right out of the box. Smooth, no stacking, crisp let off, and just a joy to pound out fast accurate shots. The 686 took a bit of shooting and dryfiring to get it to where it is now. (reminds me of the old J. Miculek comment about, "If you want my trigger job secrets, dry fire about 10,000,000 rounds, then come back and ask me if you still want a trigger job ).

The previous comment about the 8 shooter being "faster" to shoot is correct in my experience. So much so that it almost requires a different cadence to shoot as opposed to a 6 shot. Not worse or anything, just different and yes I agree that it's due to the speed at which the cylinder brings up a new round. That is also true, to a lesser extent, with the L frame. Just lots more noticeable, vs a 6 shot, on th N.

Here's something else to consider, and frankly it is THE reason I got the 627 in the last place (the first place is that it's a sexy lil beast imo ). With this model you have 8 shots, same as a 1911, on tap with significantly more power per round than the 1911. Anyone ever argue that a 1911 can't get a defensive job done? (only Glockenweinies). So...as many as my fave auto loader, more powerful, more reliable imo (theres just very little to go wrong on a revolver, things can, but usually don't) and it's a hoot to shoot.

Hmmmm...darn, this thread makes me want to leave the 686 at home and repack the 627. Again, not a bad problem to have.

Did this help?

 

[WSCJonathan]

.357Magger, it helps a lot.

In fact I am going to call up the S&W Store (one of the only things about liking guns and living in this state) and see if they have one in stock and start pricing them.

Hope to have my first revolver soon. Everyone has been a huge help and when I pick it up, I'll make sure to take some pics at home and the range as a thank you to everyone for their advice/input. I hope it is my first S&W revolver of many!

 

[WSCJonathan]

I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to help answer my questions, especially .357Magger and Stainz. It took some calling around and a special order but I was able to find one for a great price. $769 before tax and it has a crown that looks great and doesn't need to be sent back for some touching up.

Thanks again for all of the help. You guys make this an awesome community. Now it's time to get the next one on the list. Haha...

Now it's time to hit the range!

 

[.357magger]

Where's the pics Brah?

If you don't "shoot it", it didn't happen (or so I was told once or three times anyway).

 

[WSCJonathan]

Fixed:

 

[epj]

Good choice. I have both and prefer the balance of the 627. 686 had a better trigger out of the box, but they ate now equal.

 

[.357magger]

Nice lead slinger there Brother. Makes me wish I hadn't sold my Pro.

Ooooops. Here I go again. How I got into trouble the last time.

 

[nebmike]

I'll have to put in another vote for the 627. I ended up selling the 686 I'd had for over 20 years once I got the Pro Series back in January.

I bought it specifically for carry / self-defense use and have been pretty happy with it so far... I installed C&S extreme duty sights, a new old-style cylinder release and I stippled the backstrap to give a little more traction under recoil.

 

[Stainz]

I had my 5" JM PC627 V-Comp when I bought the '04 Stocking Dealer Exclusive half lug 5" 686+ in '04 b- for $10 less than an adjacent regular 4" 686+. That PC627 had the best DA trigger of any revolver I have ever owned - it was just 'clunky', had something else to clean (comp or muzzle blank), and I hated that dovetailed front sight. The 5" h-l 686+ came with a HiViz front sight - neat Ahrends grips - and held 7 - it replaced my recently sold 4" 625 SPC gun. Sadly, they suspended the matches about then, so it's extra round was never tested.

I did note that my tie-breaker shots were not always 'enough' to drop the plate rapidly - wimpy .38's, I suppose. I missed my 625, sold in a fit several months previously. Not to worry - early Feb '05 found me perusing the S&W site only to find the then brand new 625JM. It was a Saturday - I opened the Pusher's... he ordered me one for $10 less than his in-stock 4" & 5" 625's. I had it Tuesday - changed the gold beaded Patridge sight to a HiViz and instantly had my 'Deal of the Century' candidate, a monicker it would proudly wear until 5/08 - when I discovered the recent 627 Pro.

The 627 Pro stole the show. I didn't like the front sight... no problem, I borrowed the 625JM's HiViz - wow! Eventually, I got another HiViz for the 625JM... but it had infected me with that JM grip - the 627 Pro soon sported one, too. Sure, there have been temporary contenders... a 4" 617 - the PC627 UDR - and even the 3" 63. This week's range trip saw the 627 Pro come home nasty, as did the still-new Governor and already dirty 617. My PC627 UDR came home clean. That 627 Pro never missed - and proved that shot placement made dropping the tie-breaker a sure thing. The 627 Pro is a great package. Congrats to everyone who has a 'good' one - patience to those who got one made on a Friday afternoon - S&W will make it good for you. It is a bargain. It totally parked my 5" h-l 686+ and 5" JM PC627 V-Comp - which I ultimately sold.

Stainz

 

[WSCJonathan]

Nebmike, I can't imagine carrying the 627. I'd feel like a had a brick tied down to my side all day. I thought about getting a 627 UDR at the end of the year as a winter CCW but I changed my mind once I got the 627 Pro and realized that the UDR is only 5ish oz less.