scruffy
Member
I have two S&W 357 revolvers that are different, but basically similar enough that I only need one. A M66-8 Combat Magnum with 4.25" barrel and a 686 Plus 3-5-7 Magnum Series with 3" barrel. Both have always run 100% and have no build quality issues.
I took them both to the range today to shoot side by side using .38 special and .357 magnum ammo. Bottom line, I shot the 686 noticeably better and more consistently freehand at 30' and 75' in both single action and double action. Not what I expected given the longer barrel of the M66.
The 686 wears Pachmayr Compac Pro grips with open backstrap, yet the recoil from the Federal .357 158 gr JSP ammo felt less sharp and more controllable that when shooting the 66-8 that wears the stock S&W rubber grip with mild finger grooves and fully covered backstrap. The 686 only weighs 1/2 oz. more than the 66, but the weight is distributed differently with the 686 being over an inch shorter and the unfluted 7 shot cylinder and full underlug on the 3" barrel giving it a better balance in my hands.
Triggers are slightly different also. The 66-8 breaks at 4.25-4.5 lbs in single action. The 686 breaks at 3.5-3.75. Both are crisp but the 686 requires much less pressure than the numbers would indicate. Double action on both are typical S&W heavy, (my trigger gauge doesn't go that high). The 66 feels smooth with no stacking. The 686 is also smooth but stacks and is easy to stage.
Lock up feels equally tight on both guns, but feels a little more solid on the 686 with traditional set up compared with the ball and detent system on the 66. Barrels on both have excellent rifling but again the 686's slightly recessed crown and the forcing cone look sharper and cleaner under a loupe. I'm being nit picky here.
Neither revolver is small or light enough for easy conceal carry, but the 686's 3" barrel and Compac Pro grips make it more versatile using a Remora holster for IWB or Wild Bill's paddle holster for OWB.
All in all the 686 is the better choice for me, with being able to shoot it better being the primary deciding factor. For now I'll hang on to the 66-8 until the right opportunity to sell or use it in trade comes along.
I took them both to the range today to shoot side by side using .38 special and .357 magnum ammo. Bottom line, I shot the 686 noticeably better and more consistently freehand at 30' and 75' in both single action and double action. Not what I expected given the longer barrel of the M66.
The 686 wears Pachmayr Compac Pro grips with open backstrap, yet the recoil from the Federal .357 158 gr JSP ammo felt less sharp and more controllable that when shooting the 66-8 that wears the stock S&W rubber grip with mild finger grooves and fully covered backstrap. The 686 only weighs 1/2 oz. more than the 66, but the weight is distributed differently with the 686 being over an inch shorter and the unfluted 7 shot cylinder and full underlug on the 3" barrel giving it a better balance in my hands.
Triggers are slightly different also. The 66-8 breaks at 4.25-4.5 lbs in single action. The 686 breaks at 3.5-3.75. Both are crisp but the 686 requires much less pressure than the numbers would indicate. Double action on both are typical S&W heavy, (my trigger gauge doesn't go that high). The 66 feels smooth with no stacking. The 686 is also smooth but stacks and is easy to stage.
Lock up feels equally tight on both guns, but feels a little more solid on the 686 with traditional set up compared with the ball and detent system on the 66. Barrels on both have excellent rifling but again the 686's slightly recessed crown and the forcing cone look sharper and cleaner under a loupe. I'm being nit picky here.
Neither revolver is small or light enough for easy conceal carry, but the 686's 3" barrel and Compac Pro grips make it more versatile using a Remora holster for IWB or Wild Bill's paddle holster for OWB.
All in all the 686 is the better choice for me, with being able to shoot it better being the primary deciding factor. For now I'll hang on to the 66-8 until the right opportunity to sell or use it in trade comes along.
