Thinking of buying S&W 620 357 magnum

[Florida Guy]

If you own this gun, how do you like it?
I know it is a replacement for the model 66, of which I have 2 and really enjoy.
I'm not a big fan of the look of the IL, and am also considering buying a 586 or 686 no-lock versions.
I'm also looking at a model 27 for future purchase.

 

[Dale53]

I do not have a 620 but I do have the Model 520 (mat blued steel frame with a titanium cylinder and the two piece barrel). I also have a couple of 686's.

My 520, as pictured here, shoots extremely well. I have put a Red Dot on mine and really enjoy the benefits of a Red Dot sight. Mine has an excellent action both single action and double action. In my case, I can definitely feel the benefits of a titanium cylinder when shooting double action. However, since I am no longer shooting in action pistol competition, for general use I would probably opt for the stainless cylinder in the 620. Just a thought...

For general range use, I have been very happy with the feel of a double underlugged barrel. For me, at least, the heavier barrels hold better and I find them easier to shoot well when standing. However, that is entirely subjective and depends on personal taste. I do not believe you can go wrong with either choice (the 620 or 686). I am a BIG fan of adjustable sights. Don't let anyone talk you into a fixed sighted revolver unless you have more than one. They can be very difficult to zero with a load you are happy with. The adjustable sighted models let you zero for YOUR preferred POI with about any practical load. No brainer for me - I prefer to hit what I'm aiming at.

Here's the 520:

Here's a recent target with my Model 686 with 6" barrel and Simmons Red Dot sight shot standing at 25 yards. I don't have a picture of a target with my Model 520 but off a bench it shoots at least as well as the 686. Like I said, you won't go wrong with either choice.

Dale53

 

[M3Stuart]

Just my take; I shot a 620 last year but don't own one. If I recall correctly; the 620 is a 7-shot. I'm thinking it's more of an L frame. It felt larger, to me, than my 66. Come to think of it; it felt larger than my 686 4". I remember wondering if it was an N frame...

 

[Florida Guy]

Just my take; I shot a 620 last year but don't own one. If I recall correctly; the 620 is a 7-shot. I'm thinking it's more of an L frame. It felt larger, to me, than my 66. Come to think of it; it felt larger than my 686 4". I remember wondering if it was an N frame...

It is an L frame. Just a bit larger than the 66.
Yes, it's a 7 shot cylinder.
Should be the same size as a 686.

 

[nipster]

Pretty much the exact same thing as a 686, just not full lug barrel. Looks similar to a slightly larger 66, but has the MIM parts, internal firing pin and is 7 shot. I almost bought one in March, but was kind of short on cash and it would have been kind of a far drive.

 

[scooter123]

IMO it's the 686's better looking and more accurate sister. About a year ago I spend a solid month practicing from a rest and purchased a 2X handgun scope just to see what it could do. First 4 shots at 50 yards spanned under an inch with 3 of them in a 1/2 inch cloverleaf. Then I jerked the trigger threw a flyer and after that the scope shot loose. Been having the itch to have at it again but my new 625 JM has been too much of a temptation.

I'll admit to some bias and that my testing was a bit too limited but IMO the 620 is capable of grouping an inch or less at 100 yards. Another plus is that it exhibits the least sensitivity to ammunition of any of my revolvers, it's flat out super accurate with anything I've used.

The only downside is that S&W dropped it from the catalog. If they hadn't I'd have two 620's right now. As it is, next time I see one for sale locally I'll be buying it. Because it'd be nice to have one 620 setup with a scope and another dedicated to either iron sights or a reflex sight.

PS; following is a link to the range report on scoping my 620. I'll also note that 50 yards is a very challenging distance to try and shoot pinpoint accuracy, any tiny little error in technique shows up as a huge flyer.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-put-scope-my-620-just-see-what-could-do.html

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I do not own a single, solitary, adjustable-sighted revolver. Don't have any problem hitting my targets at whatever ranges I choose to engage out to 100 yards. Just takes practice. Lots and lots and lots and lots of practice.

ECS

 

[260remguy]

I've owned a few S&W 357 Mag revolvers over the years and still have 7 of them; 19, 27(x3), 66(x2), and 520. I strongly dislike the look of the full/extended ejector shields and will avoid revolvers with them if there is a similar revolver that doesn't feature that style of barrel. Of this group, I like the 5" 27, but the 520 is so smooth and accurate that it gets to go to the range more often than the others.