The Ideal 686

[computerdynamics]

My personal favorite is the 686SSR. I have a preference for 4" revolvers, and I love the appearance of the slanted underlug.

At least I know what to call it. ; ) Is it exclusive to the SSR?

 

[sodacan]

I have owned several "L" frames and sold them off for various reasons. I have a 6", no dash 686 which is no model 27, but a nice range gun on its own merits. My favorite 686, however, is the 681(and 581).

 

[alfsauve]

I just love the bottom of the grip on your 686!! I have a nice 19 but that is just killer! I make knives and it looks like the grip on a knife. Any more info on it? Oops forgot to include the owners pic. Alfsauve. My bad. ; )

Why thank you. I foolishly bid on a lot of 5 revolvers at a RIA auction, and won. This was one of them. Billed as new-in-box came with both this and a rubber grip. Don't know any history other than that. Swapped out the cylinder, added the apex stuff and put on the fiber front sight. The grip, which I do like very much, came with it. No markings, inside or out. Don't know if it came out of the performance center this way or added by the distributor or the original FFL.

Here is a picture of the original configuration.

 

[StickShift]

I'd say my favorite 686 isn't actually a 686 - it's the 620. The lack of an underlug makes it the best balancing L-frame I've handled. I'm also fond of the 3" 686 for its balance. A 686MG would probably be perfect to me if I could actually find one to hold and shoot. One day maybe...

 

[kschmider]

Actually, my 686-6 and 617-6, both in 4 inch are the best shooters that I have.

Both wearing Nill grips...

Karl

 

[pburnster]

My 686

I have the 2.5 inch, since CA won't let me buy a 3 incher...

Not the best pic....sorry

 

[deanbatt]

Have the 3" and it is in my hands perfect. As I have mentioned in other post, the 3" fits easier in a drawer, car console and laptop bag much easier than larger barrel guns. To each his own and there is no such thing as a bad 686.

Love my 686+ 3" far more accurate than you would expect.

 

[Super Dave]

I have the 2.5 inch, since CA won't let me buy a 3 incher.../QUOTE]
Nice looking set up. What rear sight is that?

As many of you know I'm fond of 686s so of course I must play!/QUOTE]
Wow, that is a beautiful collection. I would love to have a range session with all of those. Nice work!

Don't let the 6" barrel scare you guys off. It's is very accurate at longer distances. A great 25 to 100 yard gun shooting on your hind legs. The weight takes a little time to get used to but that's what the 6" 617 is for.

After thousands of rounds in both the 627 and 686 I have come to prefer the 686. Can't really say why... The 627 is a great gun but I like the 686 better.

Dave

 

[Super Dave]

Just for kicks, this is our 25 / 50 yard public pistol range in Honolulu.

And a 686 photo for good measure.

The thumb nail turns black after a few hundred .22 rounds. The Ultra Dot on a 4" barrel gives the same weight / balance of a 6" 686. The red dot is very helpful to point out errors in your trigger pull that you can't sense with iron sights. Switching between the irons and red dot is very helpful for me at the range.

The 5.5 grains of HP38 with Montana Gold 158 grains is my accurate goto target load for all 357s. 5.8 grains is a little more accurate but 5.5 saves a little powder and has a little less kick.

I have also come to prefer Dawson Precision fiber optic front sights in various widths. .100 wide for snubbies, .110 wide for 5 to 6" barrels and .125 wide for 8". The different widths provide the same amount of daylight around the sight with the various barrel lengths. The fiber optic sight helps me keep my focus during longer range sessions and I lose little in the accuracy department.

The Hogue rubbers provide a consistent grip between guns.

Boom, boom, boom.

Dave

 

[Goodnews]

My 6 inch Classic Hunter. Bought back in 89 (I think) when they first came out. To this day I have never shot a finer gun, of any manufacture or style

 

[Laker2004]

Those who know me on here probably think all I do it bitch about my smith's. I picked up a new 686+ 4" and it is the nicest, tightest, dead nuts revolver I have ever owned. accurate as hell. no issues whatsoever.

 

[Swjinx]

I have the 686 SSR, 4". It was my first and I'm still in love with it!

 

[Joe Hohmann]

I've had my 6" 686 for about 20 years. The 6-round capacity is fine, since shooting range rules limit loading to 5. I use .38 wadcutters only, for target shooting. I also target shoot with S&W .22 models 41 and 617. My main "home defence" is shotguns.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I've had 5 L frames so far.

6" 586ND, 2.5" LH 686, 4" 686-2, 4" 586-1 and a 696ND.

For me, the 4" is the best balance. The 2.5" ejector rod is too short and therefore makes it unsuitable for what it's for without the ability to eject under pressure, YMMV.

I prefer 6 shots in a six shooter, but that's just an old guy that's set in his ways.

Unless it's a 5 shot because the bullets are big like the 696.

I also prefer blue guns over stainless for the overall feel and finish. Personal preference.

No lock for me, no MIM either. Hammer mounted firing pin is my choice too.

So, my favorite 686 would be...

A 4" 586.

That or a 696ND.

These two are what I ended up with and I'm satisfied to keep them.

 

[grip frame]

Mine would be a -3 with 4" barrel and square butt.

Prefer the flash chrome hammer and trigger, wood stocks, square butt and original style rear sight.

The -3 also has all the upgrades made to the line over the years.

 

[rsrha454lv]

The ideal 686 is my 686 mtn. gun.......NO stinkin underlug and a tapered barrel. w/7 shots.

Why no underlug love. I like it

 

[blues7]

Love the 3" 686+. Perfect blend of balance, portability and firepower.

 

[vmumford]

I know its an old thread and I'm reading this at work so I have no photos BUT CCL's are rare in CA. or I would have a 3" so I have a 686+ in a 5in and a 6in. I don't know what it is but I love the 686's and have never really shot one I didn't like. Perhaps I'm sold on the model number how it rolls of the tongue......LOL

 

[BCDWYO]

I've had my 6" 686 for about 20 years. The 6-round capacity is fine, since shooting range rules limit loading to 5. I use .38 wadcutters only, for target shooting. I also target shoot with S&W .22 models 41 and 617. My main "home defence" is shotguns.

That is the silliest range rule I've ever heard! Is there any logic for the rule?

 

[exdetsgt]

Don't currently own a 686, but do have a Ruger GP100 4" Match Champion that's a sweetheart at the range but too big to conceal carry. Use a Shield 9mm for that.