The dreaded 66 vs 686 question

[jc2721]

I bought both a 4" 66 and a 6" 686 just before the lockdown. Since our local range opened 2 weeks ago I've put a couple hundred .38s through both guns and I find I like shooting the 66 more--it's noticeably lighter and I find I shoot it a bit better because I am less fatigued at the end of the sessions.

My lgs just got in both a 4" 66 and a 4" 686+, so I checked them out side by side. The 66 had an extremely heavy DA pull and the whole front of the cylinder window had rough machining/tool marks (it looked like the surface of a rasp, it was that rough!). The 686 action and finish was much better, but the 7 shot action felt weird to me. Both were priced within a few dollars of each other. If I had to choose between the two I'd buy the 686 but as it is I passed on both.

If I had to choose between my 66 and 686 I'd choose the 66 but fortunately I don't have to make that choice--I'm keeping both!

 

[raljr1]

So 66 it is! (Fingers crossed)

If it's really that much of a toss up, I suppose aesthetics win out.

I never warmed up to the underlug on a Smith & Wesson...give me the Model 19 or the 66 over the 586/686....I would have been al over the L frames if not for the python imitation.

 

[MP-5]

Wow! This one was resurrected from the dead! Zombie post!

Welcome to the forum Chrisyounts!

I guess talking about K & L frame Smiths is a timeless discussion.

I find it interesting that some did not notice the difference in recoil between the 66 & 686. I guess recoil is a subjective thing.

I own a 4" 66, a 4" 686 and a 4" 686 SSR (as well as a number of K & L frames) All are excellent revolvers and the SSR has some added touches that I believe are worth the money. The SSR is a little more refined but lacks the full underlug of the stock 686. I can feel the difference in weight and in recoil in all three of these guns, especially with full house 357 ammo. Each one handles just a bit differently imo.

You can't go wrong with a 66 especially the newest iteration with the "new" lockup system. It is the strongest version of the k frame yet! I classify the 66 as "lightweight" handy revolver perfect for an outdoor carry piece, as well as an urban protector.

A classic Smith which is always a good place to start! Over the years you pick up another one, then another. Pretty soon you own half of the S&W product line!

I'm with you jc2721-I'm keeping all of mine as well.

 

[flockdance]

66 4" vs 686 4"

Hi, I was trying to decide between the two as well. In terms of aesthetics, I think I prefer the full lug but I am concerned about weight and distance to trigger. I'd say that for a women, I have medium sized hands ., maybe medium large. I'm almost 5'7" and weigh about 128 to 130 .., not the strongest wrists and hands. I want a 4 inch that can shoot 38's but has capacity to shoot 357 magnums. I did see a 66-1 pinned and recessed in great condition but pricey at $1100, probably made in the 80's although in beautiful condition, at least from pictures. Meanwhile, most dealers have little to no inventory of new 686 or 66's in the 4 inch só when local dealer got in a 686 in 4 inch, I jumped in and bought it today but it's on hold till my permit comes in. They say I can cancel order up until my permit arrives and now I am wondering if I made the right decision cause I don't see myself getting multiple revolvers. This would be my first one and then I own a 12 gauge mossberg shotgun that I bought for looks and now realize that I probably should have purchased the 20 gauge. I think I've shot it just a couple of times when I first bought it. Anyway, I am new to all this ., learning and do not want to make the wrong decision. Unfortunately I can not handle the 66-1 I found and it is not returnable or refundable. Do I stick with the 686? Do I cancel that order and buy the 66-1 pinned and recessed that I found in great condition, but sight unseen. Help ., any input would be appreciated. Thank You.

 

[gr7070]

No. The 686 is great.

There's not enough difference between then to matter, not practically anyway; and almost certainly not unless you compete.

The trigger reach should be identical.

Lastly, you should want an *auto* shotgun. Unsure if that's what you have. An auto 20 would be great.

A pump 20 gage you might find plenty unpleasant, too. Used guns hold their value reasonably well. Sell that pump, if that's what it is.

 

[DeafSmith]

I'd get the 686+ Seven Shooter! Holds up better than a K frame and holds one more shot.

 

[gnystrom]

I wear XL gloves. The K frames bang up my knuckle. The L frame makes me smile because it doesn't.

 

[murphydog]

flockdance, welcome!

I think you will be fine with a 4" 686. With regular handling and range time I suspect you will not notice the difference in size/weight between this and a model 66. Start with standard pressure .38 Special and work up from there, and enjoy your first S & W!

 

[flockdance]

66 4" vs 686 4" (thanks)

flockdance, welcome!

I think you will be fine with a 4" 686. With regular handling and range time I suspect you will not notice the difference in size/weight between this and a model 66. Start with standard pressure .38 Special and work up from there, and enjoy your first S & W!

Thanks. I guess my biggest concern was length of trigger pull because that felt like a bit of a stretch for me. Is the 686 4" also a widely used gun by women? I know ., I'm so excited! My first
S & W. Revolver !!

 

[flockdance]

No. The 686 is great.

There's not enough difference between then to matter, not practically anyway; and almost certainly not unless you compete.

The trigger reach should be identical.

Lastly, you should want an *auto* shotgun. Unsure if that's what you have. An auto 20 would be great.

A pump 20 gage you might find plenty unpleasant, too. Used guns hold their value reasonably well. Sell that pump, if that's what it is.

Hi, thanks .., not sure what you mean by pump. It's a mossberg mariner 500 12 gauge shotgun. I was thinking of selling it but someone said I should hold on to it. My local dealer offered to sell it ok consignment but they take 30%. Well, selling it would dedicatedly help towards paying for my revolver but I figure it's good to have a shotgun in the house cause it's hard to miss with that. When you say unpleasant you mean recoil? One of the sales guys at Ramsey Outdoor said you can tuck it under your arm when shooting as opposed to having it right up against your shoulder. He said that s' was affective as well. Any thoughts there?

 

[Boudiepitbull]

There is only one correct answer here...you need both. Simply accept that fact now and be done with it.

 

[Texas Star]

M-66 is smaller and lighter than M-686. Unless you'll fire many full .357 cartridges, M-66 is adequate.

M-686 is a medium heavy service .357 meant mainly for male cops. NO, it is not popular with women, who usually prefer smaller guns.

Most women I dated, and my ex and daughter were your height, but 115-125 pounds. Most preferred guns weighing not over 36 oz. My daughter has a M-60-4. Plus P recoil in that is about her limit.

But I knew Jo Anne Hall when she was both a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and world champion action pistol champ, ladies div. She was an artist with a Colt .45 automatic. But generally carried a Colt .380...

 

[Boudiepitbull]

If I had a Mossberg 500 Mariner in 12 ga it would be the last thing I'd ever consider selling. I've lusted after one of those for years! Hold on to it and learn to get comfortable with it. Maybe start with lighter target loads till the 12 ga recoil is no longer a shock or a surprise. I don't know what to think about the "tuck it under your arm" advice. Learn to shoulder the firearm properly, use your upper body, your stance, and ask someone experienced about aim and forming a good cheek weld. That thing can become awesome in your hands. A shotgun that you know how to use combined with a competent handgun compliment each other and make for quite a formidable home defense.

 

[flockdance]

66 4" ve 686 4"

M-66 is smaller and lighter than M-686. Unless you'll fire many full .357 cartridges, M-66 is adequate.

M-686 is a medium heavy service .357 meant mainly for male cops. NO, it is not popular with women, who usually prefer smaller guns.

Most women I dated, and my ex and daughter were your height, but 115-125 pounds. Most preferred guns weighing not over 36 oz. My daughter has a M-60-4. Plus P recoil in that is about her limit.

But I knew Jo Anne Hall when she was both a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and world champion action pistol champ, ladies div. She was an artist with a Colt .45 automatic. But generally carried a Colt .380...

I think you have answered my question. I should go with the lighter gun. I plan to shoot 38's so the 66 will do. Does it matter that it is not the new version. This one is pinned and recessed in excellent condition and seller is now making an exception to accept return if I don't like it. Thanks for the input.

 

[flockdance]

If I had a Mossberg 500 Mariner in 12 ga it would be the last thing I'd ever consider selling. I've lusted after one of those for years! Hold on to it and learn to get comfortable with it. Maybe start with lighter target loads till the 12 ga recoil is no longer a shock or a surprise. I don't know what to think about the "tuck it under your arm" advice. Learn to shoulder the firearm properly, use your upper body, your stance, and ask someone experienced about aim and forming a good cheek weld. That thing can become awesome in your hands. A shotgun that you know how to use combined with a competent handgun compliment each other and make for quite a formidable home defense.

Thank you! I will keep it and learn how to use it. The store was low in ammo and only had Remington 12 gauge 1oz, 2 ¾ length slugger lead Slugs. Have no idea if that's a light load. Can you recommend a light load ammunition I should use? Thank you.

 

[gr7070]

Thanks. I guess my biggest concern was length of trigger pull because that felt like a bit of a stretch for me. Is the 686 4" also a widely used gun by women? I know ., I'm so excited! My first
S & W. Revolver !!

The grip frame is the same. Distance to trigger should not be different.

 

[gr7070]

Hi, thanks .., not sure what you mean by pump. It's a mossberg mariner 500 12 gauge shotgun. I was thinking of selling it but someone said I should hold on to it. My local dealer offered to sell it ok consignment but they take 30%. Well, selling it would dedicatedly help towards paying for my revolver but I figure it's good to have a shotgun in the house cause it's hard to miss with that. When you say unpleasant you mean recoil? One of the sales guys at Ramsey Outdoor said you can tuck it under your arm when shooting as opposed to having it right up against your shoulder. He said that s' was affective as well. Any thoughts there?

Like any used item selling it through a dealer will cost you a lot more. Party to party you'll make a lot more.

500 is a pump. Google pump vs auto. Yes I'm talking recoil. That would be the only reason you'd suggest going from 12 to 20???

Tucking a shotgun under your arm is absurd. That salesman is a moron. If you want to hit your target proper technique goes a long way, especially if under extreme duress.

At 5'-7 a full size shotgun should fit??? Maybe a youth gun???

Sell that shotgun and get one that fits you. I'd stay away from that store. Talk to a knowledgeable shotgun salesman to fit you.

If you only want this gun for self defense I suppose a pump is fine. However, if you don't practice with it I'm not sure you'd pump it if needed. An auto should be as reliable as a pump on the first round.

If you plan to use it recreationally you need an auto if the pump recoil is an issue.

 

[laterider]

There is only one correct answer here...you need both. Simply accept that fact now and be done with it.

Wow, this thread has been 'revived' a couple times, I see why its a real good subject!

Since dusting off a 66-3 4" and learning how much fun they are I agree. I want a 686, maybe a + in a shorter barrel. Many thanks to the forum!!!

 

[gr7070]

Thank you! I will keep it and learn how to use it. The store was low in ammo and only had Remington 12 gauge 1oz, 2 ¾ length slugger lead Slugs. Have no idea if that's a light load. Can you recommend a light load ammunition I should use? Thank you.

They sold you slugs? I would never go back to that store. Sporting goods stores here have plenty of shotgun shells.

If recoil is an issue get an auto. 20 ga even.

I hope you have someone to teach you proper and safe use of these guns. Do not load these guns if you do not know what you are doing.

I do not think the 2 oz. Weight difference of the 66 vs 686 would matter to you.

 

[Texas Star]

They sold you slugs? I would never go back to that store. Sporting goods stores here have plenty of shotgun shells.

If recoil is an issue get an auto. 20 ga even.

I hope you have someone to teach you proper and safe use of these guns. Do not load these guns if you do not know what you are doing.

I do not think the 2 oz. Weight difference of the 66 vs 686 would matter to you.

Why do you think the difference is just 2 oz.? Weigh loaded guns of both models with four-inch barrels.

The slug loads have heavy recoil. A female FBI agent turned novelist said she dreaded qualifying with those in shotguns.

Trap and skeet loads kick less and are better for beginners with shotguns.