The dreaded 66 vs 686 question

[gr7070]

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

Because the first Google that comes up is a post on this forum that states the difference in weight is 2.7 oz.

Checking S&W confirms 2.8 oz.

If I didn't think the 2 oz. mattered I wasn't worried about typing out the .7.

 

[G-Mac]

"The dreaded 66 vs 686 question".

There really is no question. Plan on eventually owning one of each.

 

[firefighterjohn]

"The dreaded 66 vs 686 question".

There really is no question. Plan on eventually owning one of each.

You're 100% correct on owning both. It is fun to switch back and forth between the two or shooting both at the same time. It's good off-hand practice!

 

[shocker]

I will guess the reason for your interest in guns, and ideally you should have bought a compact or full size 9 mm semi automatic, just like a huge number of law enforcement agencies use. Except all of those are sold out.
Shotgun? yeah, 12 gauge slugs have a lot of recoil. Softest shooting rounds you are likely to find in 12 gauge are game loads in #6 shot, or skeet or trap loads in #7.5 shot.

 

[1911haulic]

I have both Model 66 and a 686+ with 2 1/2" barrels.

As you can see the differences in the frames is minimal.

Weight wise, my Model 686 weighs 36.9 oz while my model 66 weighs 34.2 oz. The 2.7 oz weight difference is not significant when shooting them with full power .357 Magnum loads.

My favorite revolvers...thanks for sharing.

 

[flockdance]

I can't believe the sales man sold me those slugs then. I wonder if he'll take them back. I will look into the lighter loads that were recommended here. And yes, one of the sales men tucked my shotgun under his arm to demonstrate how I could shoot it so I wouldn't feel push back on my shoulder. I think it all depends on who you get at this store. The weight difference of the 2+ ounces, I think for me, makes a difference. I did apply for 2 permits so I could purchase both. I imagine resale value is not decreasing any time soon? I think the 66, being slightly lighter, is a better choice. Now I have to decide if I just get both of them and do I buy the 66-1 in the 4" pre-owned in excellent condition (No box or warrantee) but pinned and recessed or do I wait to find a new one. Thank you everyone for the help. I am a newbie but I want to learn, practice and find someone who can actually teach me the right way. Found this forum by accident and so happy I did.

 

[flockdance]

I will guess the reason for your interest in guns, and ideally you should have bought a compact or full size 9 mm semi automatic, just like a huge number of law enforcement agencies use. Except all of those are sold out.
Shotgun? yeah, 12 gauge slugs have a lot of recoil. Softest shooting rounds you are likely to find in 12 gauge are game loads in #6 shot, or skeet or trap loads in #7.5 shot.

My interest lies in self defense/ home defense and in learning & practicing. My grandfather took me shooting once and fishing s few times and I guess that's the root of it because I like to go fishing as well. I mean you can't carry guns in NJ. But I can practice with them on a range and keep them home for protection and learn how to be good at it through practice. I will try and find those lighter rounds. Thks

 

[rubiranch]

My brother carried this 66-1 the first 10 years he was a Sheriff's Deputy.



He chose this 686 for silhouette competitions.

It has a High Patridge front sight, Millet rear sight and some custom trigger work. Its the most accurate gun I own.

When I carry a revolver for a EDC its my 642-1.

 

[Erocksmash]

Can't say i have ever fired .357 out of any k frame(model66) some people say its wild, I have a 3in 66-3 nib that I love, but thats for my later years....

What I can say is I have fired thousands from the Lframe and its by far my favorite fit feel finish (686 4in) revo I have... as a matter of fact I carried my 686+ last night AIWB in a AnR design holster and it felt surprisingly well did some draw n point, felt really good...

Thats why there are so many flavors of guns find something that works for you.... i would sniff out a 66 and see how it feels

 

[elm_creek_smith]

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 !!

My wife's gun is a 4" Model 681.

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[bigben55]

I had a 1968 model 19-3 6" for probably 15 years. Stupidly sold it 12 years ago. During the time I had it, I shot everything out of it without giving ammo choice a second thought. Thousands of 38s, hundreds of 357s, whatever was on sale at my local gun store. This was "pre internet," so what did I know! That gun NEVER had a single hiccup, with anything, and I'm certain I shot plenty 125gr 357s out of it.

I currently have a 686-1 6" with the "M" stamp. I expect the same level of awesomeness out of it and have so far not been disappointed.

 

[BB57]

Can't say i have ever fired .357 out of any k frame(model66) some people say its wild, I have a 3in 66-3 nib that I love, but thats for my later years....

What I can say is I have fired thousands from the Lframe and its by far my favorite fit feel finish (686 4in) revo I have... as a matter of fact I carried my 686+ last night AIWB in a AnR design holster and it felt surprisingly well did some draw n point, felt really good...

Thats why there are so many flavors of guns find something that works for you.... i would sniff out a 66 and see how it feels

I used to carry a 3" Model 13 followed by a 2 1/2" Model 66 and a 2 1/2" Model 686+ and I now carry a 3" 686+.

The grip frames and trigger reach on the K and L frames are identical, so the major difference is about 2-3 oz in weight at any given barrel length.

I don't find that few ounces of weight makes any difference in shooting a K frame .357 Magnum. Decent rubber grips help a bit with the short ones, but they are not essential like they are with a J Magnum frame with .357 Magnum loads.

 

[rubiranch]

Can't say i have ever fired .357 out of any k frame(model66) some people say its wild,

My 640-1 is the one you want to shoot 125 gr .357 Magnum loads with.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWPfQdzTgqM[/ame]

Here's one of my daughter's firing it with .357 loads.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been shooting both for since the 686 was introduced in the early 1980s.... IMO a 4" 686 is the best utility/duty/general purpose .357 one can own...... that said for everyday concealed carry..... make mine a 3" K-frame. I'm lucky enough to own both 3" Model 66s and 65s.

But nothing wrong with a 2 1/2 inch 19 or 66

I can get by with cc'ing a 4" k-frame but it's an unpreferred option to the shorter barrels.

 

[flockdance]

My wife's gun is a 4" Model 681.

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Oh no .., That's a nice looking gun as well. Is that lighter then the 66 in 4" ?

I was starting think I should just get both revolvers I was trying to decide between . The new 686 in the 4 inch and the 66-1 in 4" preowned in great condition cause it looks old school. Now I have to check out the model your wife uses. lol I thought I had decided. I don't know whether to thank you or not.

 

[Dale53]

I have had a 686 since the S&W Model CS-1 hit the market. It has a 4" barrel. Later I added a 6" model 686. My CS-1 is one of the best Field .357 to ever hit the market. I shoot it extremely well whether shooting .38 Special target loads or full .357's. The issue rubber grips not only fit me perfectly but absorb recoil handily. I can shoot full loads all day long without issue.

In reality, the O.P. Needs only to please himself. Either of the guns he is looking at will work well.

I know I am MORE than pleased with my choice!







Dale53

 

[357 shooter]

I don't find that few ounces of weight makes any difference in shooting a K frame .357 Magnum. Decent rubber grips help a bit with the short ones, but they are not essential like they are with a J Magnum frame with .357 Magnum loads.

For my hands the rubber grips don't help a bit - they help a LOT! At least when firing magnum loads. Some years ago I fired a friends 4" Model 19 with factory wooden target stocks and it was painful at round one. This was firing the Federal 125 JHP magnums.

My own 66 at the time with 2 1/2" barrel had no discomfort at all with Hogue rubber grips firing magnum loads.

 

[BB57]

For my hands the rubber grips don't help a bit - they help a LOT! At least when firing magnum loads. Some years ago I fired a friends 4" Model 19 with factory wooden target stocks and it was painful at round one. This was firing the Federal 125 JHP magnums.

My own 66 at the time with 2 1/2" barrel had no discomfort at all with Hogue rubber grips firing magnum loads.

I don't find Target grips on a K frame to be all that comfortable with .357 Magnum loads as they tend to want to roll up under heavy recoil. However, I like them with .38 Special and have them on my Model 19s, Model 14 and Model 15.

I do like the combat profiled wood grips and I have them on my Model 13. They are not as comfortable as a rubber grip as they don't absorb any recoil, but they are far more comfortable than a Target grip under recoil and are both low profile and non-sticky, which is nice for CCW.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Oh no .., That's a nice looking gun as well. Is that lighter then the 66 in 4" ?

No.

I was starting think I should just get both revolvers I was trying to decide between . The new 686 in the 4 inch and the 66-1 in 4" preowned in great condition cause it looks old school. Now I have to check out the model your wife uses. lol I thought I had decided. I don't know whether to thank you or not.

Just trying ta help!


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[ShootMeStraight]

If you're really considering the 66 why not just get the 19? Much better looking gun!