SW 686 vs SW 66
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NFrameFred
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Opinions are like rear ends . . . everybody has their own, but if your's stinks you tend to call attention to it.
Having said that . . . and owning both the 4" versions mentioned . . . for practice and target loads the 66 is a joy to shoot and more accurate than I am.
The 686 is a bit more comfortable if we're talking about magnum loads and, more accurate than I am.
If this is a query so you can choose - I say get both
Having said that . . . and owning both the 4" versions mentioned . . . for practice and target loads the 66 is a joy to shoot and more accurate than I am.
The 686 is a bit more comfortable if we're talking about magnum loads and, more accurate than I am.
If this is a query so you can choose - I say get both
586L-Frame
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I agree with NFrameFred.
The 66 might be more balanced & accurate with .38's and the 686 would be more comfortable with magnum loads due to the full lug barrel and frame.
The 66 might be more balanced & accurate with .38's and the 686 would be more comfortable with magnum loads due to the full lug barrel and frame.
In that case, I'd say neither.
I much prefer an 8" Model 14 for bullseye.
If you can't handle the 8", a 6" is easier to hold up.
The longer sight radius is far more important than the inherent mechanical accuracy of the pistols. From a rest, the K-L frames are capable of 1" at 25 yd with optimum ammo.
The smoothness of the K-L action is mostly a function of polishing and spring setup, and any can be made slick.
TexasSTEP
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Given your intended use, I would recommend starting with a 6" 686. These are extremely accurate (only limited by user input) with any of the loads you may end up shooting now or in the future.
-TS
-TS
586L-Frame
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Have you considered a S&W Mdl 52 Semi-Auto
that's made specifically for .38 Wadcutters.
Just another possible option for target shooting
with only .38 wadcutters.
Here are some photos of a S&W Mdl 52 Target pistol.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=88&t=545556
that's made specifically for .38 Wadcutters.
Just another possible option for target shooting
with only .38 wadcutters.
Here are some photos of a S&W Mdl 52 Target pistol.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=88&t=545556
I used to shoot a Model 52 no dash but had too many issues with it...
I am presently shooting a Taurus Tracker 627 as 357/38 4" barrel and it shoots really well,it is adequate and very accurate...but it does not have that famous SW trigger action...so I want to upgrade and am looking at either a Model 686 6" or a Model 66 in 4"...
I think I am going to start with the M66 and go from there, maybe also a Model 14...
I am presently shooting a Taurus Tracker 627 as 357/38 4" barrel and it shoots really well,it is adequate and very accurate...but it does not have that famous SW trigger action...so I want to upgrade and am looking at either a Model 686 6" or a Model 66 in 4"...
I think I am going to start with the M66 and go from there, maybe also a Model 14...
I agree on the 66 and definitely a Model 14 in 6 inches. After all, besides the Colt Officers Model, the 14 has been a benchmark
target revolver for many, many years.
Another aspect, regarding target work, you might even consider the 22s, the Model 17 or Model 41 in auto or the Ruger Mark III. All joys to shoot and even much, much cheaper than a .38.
target revolver for many, many years.
Another aspect, regarding target work, you might even consider the 22s, the Model 17 or Model 41 in auto or the Ruger Mark III. All joys to shoot and even much, much cheaper than a .38.
Golddog
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I've owned many examples of every Smith revolver model mentioned here. If I wanted one solely for range accuracy at 25 yards with .38 wadcutters, it would be a 6" or 8 3/8" Model 14 - sweet handling and excellent accuracy.
bountyhunter
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NO. Unless somebody does a trigger job on one of the guns.
bountyhunter
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Get the 66. It's perfect for that.
bountyhunter
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Not necessarily. The K-frame 66 has a lower bore axis in hand than the L-frame 686, so felt recoil may actually be less with the K frame due to less recoil leverage twisting the wrist joint. I haven't found the slight weight difference to be significant in that respect.
blairgarber
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Some may prefer heavier, but in general K frames have the edge (all be it a slight one) as shooters. The L frame was designed for durability with magnum loads.
/b
/b
stevieboy
Member
I have a 6" and a 4" 686 and a 6" and a 4" 617. I find that the longer sight radius of the 6" guns makes me marginally more accurate at 25 yards. I do find that the 4" guns are more comfortable for prolonged da shooting, especially when shooting 1-handed.
TSQUARED
Member
I feel that the action of thew K framed 38's is somewhat silkier than those of the L framed guns. I use the K-38's exclusively for shooting bullseye level target loads with 148 and 158 gr. bullets at slightly below 800 fps. You can obtain equivalent accuracy with the L frames but they do have a different "feel".
Well I hate to be the odd man here but to me it comes down to each gun and alignment of that gun. I have two 686 4 inch guns, one is a tack driver and one is fair. I have two different 66 4 inch and the same thing holds true with them. Trigger pull, type of trigger smooth or serrated and how they fit my hand all have a lot to do with how accurate they are or rather how accurate I am.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
I have a 66 with a 2.5 inch barrel that someone did a nice trigger job on. I also have a 686 with a 6 inch barrel and is topped with a Leupold scope. The 66 has excellent accuracy and is a very handy gun to carry. The 686 was purchased when I sold my first one and realized what a mistake that was. I had decided when I would replace the 686 that I would get one with the 4 position adjustable sight just to make things more interesting. Well, the replacement did have the 4 position adjustable sight, but the seller had lost the rear sight. I got it at a very good price, and it is so accurate that I just can't bring myself to sell or trade it. With the scope, I can easily make shots up to 50 yards without any problems. What I need to do now is find a nice 4 inch barreled .357 Magnum in either a 66 or 686.
Best of luck,
Dave
Best of luck,
Dave
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