Things a new 686 owner should do or have?

[walterwhite]

I'm waiting on delivery, then paper work / calif. FFL shuffle for a NIB 686 Plus 3" #164300.

I have not been using firearms for about 18 years, so have nothing firearms related. I grew up hunting and shooting all types of guns, and a Vet with some weapons training.

So what would you recommend for a new 686 owner to either purchase or do?

What things should I look for when inspecting my new 686 for the first time?

• I think I'm going to change grips to a round boot flush with bottom of grip frame. Recommendations appreciated?

• Cleaning kit recommendations?

• What about a trigger job? I know the 686 trigger is pretty smooth, I have shot it many times, however I have also shot other 357 guns that had triggers jobs which pulled silky smooth with less resistance. What would be a decent pull poundage?

• Home defense ammo, what do you guys think?
• Range & plinking ammo?

• I know everyone has their personal preferences, but what do you like for a range bag? I expect to eventually have 2 revolvers.

What else should I be considering?

 

[ogilvyspecial]

When it comes to aftermarket grips, my favorite are Ahrends "Retro" Combats.

The type shown below are also nice, which are available through S&W's Store.

Based on my experience using a handgun for "critter control" duty ('Coons, 'Possums etc),
I saw, first hand, the effectiveness of Crimson Trace Laser Grips so all of my
686's that are out in a self defense role have CT Grips on them.

 

[highpower3006]

First off, don't be so hasty to change the stocks. For instance, I have found that the factory stocks are very comfortable for me with the exception of the round butt combat style.

As for the other stuff, you just need the usual cleaning supplies ( pretty nearly any cleaning kit will do), and a decent case to take it to the range.

As to the ammo, I would say that all the factory self defense ammo would do in that role and range ammo for target practice doesn't have to be the expensive type.

The more you shoot it, the smoother it will become. Put a few thousand rounds through it and I bet you will find that it will become smooth as glass.

Consider getting some kind of secure storage for your new gun. A safe (they make small pistol safes) that locks and is bolted down securely would be a very good idea.

Now as to what you will find that you "need" later on. Let me see.....if you shoot a lot it will become apparent that you will need to start reloading. Then of course you will find other S&W's that look interesting and you'll want another one. Pretty soon you will need a (much) bigger safe, more ammo, well it just goes on and on.

 

[kenjen]

lots and lots of ammo... and a cleaning kit...

 

[TrueTexan]

I just change the grips on my 686 plus3" so it would be easier to CCW. I bought the Uncle Mikes round butt grips from S&W online they are on sale. If you are going to conceal carry you might need to change grips otherwise try the grips that come on it first.

As for other things you will need cleaning kit. I would get one of the multi caliber kits.

What ammo to buy for self defense? That will get you as many answers as gun owners. I am using Speer 158gr Gold Dots 357 Mag rounds. I suggest doing a search on the forum and a Google search for 38/357 self defense rounds. Read a bunch and the buy some different rounds to try. BTW I use a Mossberg 500 12ga for home defense.

Now for plinking and target shooting 38spl wadcutters work fine just remember that you will get a carbon ring in the cylinder that will need to be scrubbed out.

For shooting target and plinking get a good pair of electronic ear protectors. This is very important especially shoot magnum rounds. Also safety glasses.

Hope this helps you and good luck with your new gun

 

[Chaosrob]

Lot's and lot's of ammo . I wouldn't modify the gun until you have shot it as is. You may find it is perfect the way it is. Put some rounds through it and see how the action works for you.

Small binoculars, a small tool kit and cleaning kit are always nice to take to the range with you so you can make sight adjustments, etc.

Enjoy your purchase and don't forget something to drink when you go as you will most likely be there awhile

 

[kamloops67]

reloading press. dont let people tell you you have to get a progressive press they are nice, and at least 5 times faster than a single stage, but how fast do you need to be ? i shoot about 500+38spl rnds a week loaded from a single stage rcbs. i also own a dillon but its set for 45acp...
the single stage also makes it easy to make small test batches of ammo for testing ...and if you are careful everything you turn out will be match grade ammo

 

[H Richard]

I wouldn't be in a hurry to change the grips. Shoot it awhile and see what you like. If possible handle lots of other grips before making your mind up. You will need a range bag large enough to carry two handguns, (yes, you will buy a 2nd one within 6 months), ammo for both, earmuffs, glasses, target pasters, wipe down rag, small screw driver to fit the sight screw, a medium sized piece of leather to lay over the shot bags used to bench rest the guns for sighting in (to keep from burning holes in the bags), and maybe a bottle of water as you will spend a fair amount of time at the range (unless your range has refreshments).

I leave the cleaning stuff at home and take care of that when I get home.

 

[BobR1]

You might want to look at Altamont's Boot Grips. For an extra $10 you can get the S&W Medallions installed.
Altamont Company

I have Super Walnut ones on my 310NG, Super Rose Wood on my 3" 66. These are all from S&W without Medallions.
My last set for my 315 Night Guard were Super Rose Wood, direct from Altamont, and I had Medallions installed on them.

I got a second set of Finger Groove Combats for my 617 4" Square Butt, also with Medallions. Both sets arrived in a reasonable amount of time. Then I had a problem. I pulled the Goodyears off the 617, and it was a Round Butt.
My brother has the same Dash Number in a 6". We pulled the grips on his, and it was a Square Butt. He has my nice grips now on his 617.
I will get another set ordered after the first of the year.

You will need a holster. I recommend a Lobo Enhanced Pancake with Optional Inner Hammer Shield for normal wear. If you hike in the rough a Thumb Break might be a good Addition. Ray makes a very nice holster at an affordable price. Delivery is normally 6 weeks.
Infact I need to get on Rays list for a new Enhanced Pancake for my new Barbecue Gun at Like new 2" Snub 15-3. I own 9 or 10 of Rays holsters, and my brother has probably 3. I have been totally happy with every one.
Lobo Gun Leather - Home

You need a Speed Loader or two. With a 7 Shooter you will need to order an HKS, or a 5 Star.

Cleaning Kit with a Brass Rod. I kinda like the GI Brass Rod with screw on Slotted Jag, and some 38 Pistol Brushes. I do not have any kits, I make my own. Midway USA.

Hard to find good Patches. Brownells carrys the Sinclair ones. They are fit to own. Also can be cutout from old Tee Shirts.

Enjoy your new 686.

Bob

 

[JayHutch]

M-686 thoughts

I'm waiting on delivery, then paper work / calif. FFL shuffle for a NIB 686 Plus 3" #164300.

I have not been using firearms for about 18 years, so have nothing firearms related. I grew up hunting and shooting all types of guns, and a Vet with some weapons training.

So what would you recommend for a new 686 owner to either purchase or do?

What things should I look for when inspecting my new 686 for the first time?

• I think I'm going to change grips to a round boot flush with bottom of grip frame. Recommendations appreciated?

• Cleaning kit recommendations?

• What about a trigger job? I know the 686 trigger is pretty smooth, I have shot it many times, however I have also shot other 357 guns that had triggers jobs which pulled silky smooth with less resistance. What would be a decent pull poundage?

• Home defense ammo, what do you guys think?
• Range & plinking ammo?

• I know everyone has their personal preferences, but what do you like for a range bag? I expect to eventually have 2 revolvers.

What else should I be considering?

-------
Hey Walter,

I've only had my 686-6+ for a little over 6 months, but also have a 586 manufactured in 1986. I don't think you can have a better out of the box shooter. You don't really need to do ANYthing to that great revolver. Good choice by the way. I also have a K frame 13-2 that was a lucky gun show find. Those 3 .357 wheel guns, along with two Marlin 1894C's (.357), I'll be eating thru a lot of .357 & .38 rounds over the next few years!

The grip thing is size of your hand dependent. I have a small hand. L frame about as large as I can go, but fits just fine. I've noticed the bigger "Target Grips" seem to push your index finger father away, and at a different angle, canceling the positive effect of the round butt.

Since everyone here seems to like a little gun porn, here's mine with some beautiful "display" rosewood furniture. I apologize in advance for the yellow cast in the stainless from my desk light. But I gotta agree with highpower. When I'm heading out to do some shooting, I change out those rosewood's back to the stock Hogue rubber grips it came with. They shoot very comfortably, even with heavier magnum loads.

Inspecting: If your up to it, break open the case. Don't do it unless you are up to it and read and watch all the video's available. Mine was really dirty inside, and I actually posted a sequence of text/pic's as I cleaned her up. It was nasty in there, but all turned out well. Triggers are good right out of the box, and will even get better with use. Most of the old ones you pick up are that smooth from use, not trigger jobs. If you decide to do a trigger job, the smithy will clean her up inside too.

AMMO: Here is the fun part. From low charge wadcutter target loads to blazing magnum hunting rounds, that bad girl will handle them all. It's really fun to shoot the subsonic low charge loads that make it pop like a .22 on steroids. HD ammo: There are many good choices right off the shelf. You'll get some good choices from others here on SWF who every day carry .357 wheel guns. sorry, got carried away. Done now.

- hutch

ps: DON'T FORGET - to post pic's of your new 686 when it arrives!

 

[ShinySix]

Drink the cool aid and get a 550b. Then wait for starline to do a run of 357 brass.

 

[rimfire22]

I have not been using firearms for about 18 years, so have nothing firearms related. . .

. . . I expect to eventually have 2 revolvers.

LOL. I expect you'll have at least 2 revolvers, a couple of pistols, and a .22 rifle and that's if you don't catch the dreaded evil black rifle disease. And since you're ex-mil, I don't see how you are going to avoid that. Good luck, your wallet has been warned.