Trying to decide between an older NIB 686 and 66-8

[Rock185]

I've owed multiple 66s and 686s. I've not bought the latest Model 66-8/10/12/14 or whatever. I have seen two cracked .357 K-Frame forcing cones, and even a damaged forcing cone on a Python. Unless S&W has somehow been able to design a more robust forcing cone,I would still wonder about extensive use of Magnum ammo in a 66. Using Magnum ammo, the forcing cone on my 66 didn't crack, but after a much needed overhaul at S&W, the only original parts on my 66 are the frame and side plate. Were I currently in the market, I would choose a older LNIB 686 over a current production 66 without hesitation......ymmv

Forgot to mention that I carried a 66, and later a 686, full time for several years. The extra weight of the 686 was not noticeable to me on a uniform belt, and there was another unexpected, but appreciated, consequence of going to the 686. I routinely picked up an extra couple of points on qualification scores after going to the 686. I attributed this to the extra weight of the 686 full lugged barrel being a bit steadier, as ammunition was the same, and my ability did not suddenly get better

 

[GCF]

I've been wanting another 4" 357 that, well, I'm not afraid to shoot the heck out of. I figured a stainless gun would fit the bill better as well, because I'd not want to get a nice blue gun just to wear away the bluing and I go fishing in so-so weather a lot. I do already have a pair of shooter grade model 10s, a V model and a 10-3, nickel and blue respectively...


...The gun would be shot at the range extensively and open carried when hunting/fishing in any weather or for walks. I don't intend to ever conceal it. I'm not hung up on this specific NIB 686, but it piqued my interest and made me realize I really ought to just get another .357 to be my go to and let my old man's gun be the safe queen and occasional heirloom shooter it deserves to be.

Based on your criteria, I'd think the 686 would be your best bet. You will love it longer.

Here's three shots of my "no dash", no "M", no problem 4" 686:

 

[one eye joe]

I have a nickel 4" 19-3 that was my late father's that's pretty well semi-retired to wadcutters with the (very) occasional 158 gr. magnum load.

I've been wanting another 4" 357 that, well, I'm not afraid to shoot the heck out of. I figured a stainless gun would fit the bill better as well, because I'd not want to get a nice blue gun just to wear away the bluing and I go fishing in so-so weather a lot. I do already have a pair of shooter grade model 10s, a V model and a 10-3, nickel and blue respectively.

Given they have the same grips, barrel length, and roughly the same price, what seem to be the better buy, a vintage NIB 686 (there one available for the asking price of $800 near me. Kind if crazy money, but still around the cost of a new S&W today) or a modern NIB 66, which I expect would perform almost identical to my current, well loved, 19. I'm not sure with the changes in the 66-8 if I'm gaining anything by going with a 686, other than getting more of a classic gun. I assume the differences in the 66-8s forcing cone makes the concern if shooting hot, light magnums a moot point. I didn't know if there were any other physical difference with the revised forcing cone that made the newest 66 still less durable as a 686. I understand the heavier the gun, the less felt recoil it will have but the heavy on the hip it'll be. As much as I love my old 19, I just have too much anxitety to really shoot it as much as I'd like. I want it to go to my boy in the shape it's in now.

The gun would be shot at the range extensively and open carried when hunting/fishing in any weather or for walks. I don't intend to ever conceal it. I'm not hung up on this specific NIB 686, but it piqued my interest and made me realize I really ought to just get another .357 to be my go to and let my old man's gun be the safe queen and occasional heirloom shooter it deserves to be.

I WOULD PURCHASE THE VINTAGE, NIB M686 FOR $800. IN A HEARTBEAT, IF YOU LIKE THE BARREL LENGTH.THAT'S NOT CRAZY MONEY ! ! ! I WOULD HOPE THAT BY "VINTAGE" YOU MEAN FROM A NO-DASH TO A -4. ALL OF THESE HAVE FORGED PARTS, AND NO INTERNAL LOCK. OF THEM ALL, THE -4 IS CONSIDERED THE BEST ITERATION, BY MOST PUNDITS. THE -5 IS A VERY ACCEPTABLE VARIANT AS WELL. IT HAS MIM PARTS, AND A FRAME MOUNTED FIRING PIN---BUT STILL NO INTERNAL LOCK ! ! ! I HAVE A 4" M686-5 MOUNTAIN GUN, WHICH IS THE MOST VERSATILE OF ALL THE VERSIONS, IMHO. A 4" WOULD BE PERFECT FOR YOUR INTENDED PURPOSES---WHICH IS EXACTLY HOW I USE MY GUNS. I ALSO HAVE A 6 SHOT, NO-DASH, 8 3/8" M686, THAT CARRIES A 30MM ULTRA DOT, AND SHOOTS LIKE A RIFLE.....

THE NO-DASH, AND -1 ARE COVERED BY A FREE RECALL FOR A FIRING PIN/BUSHING PROBLEM. I UTILIZED THE FREE TRANSPORTATION BOTH WAYS, TO HAVE A 7 SHOT CYLINDER FITTED TO MY 2 1/2" NO-DASH, WHILE IT WAS THERE FOR THE RECALL. ITS MY EDC.........

BUY THE VINTAGE M686---ITS THE FINEST .357 MAGNUM, CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION. YOU WON'T BE SORRY ! ! !

 

[dogdoc]

I would get a new 66. Durability without the weight and lifetime warranty . Forcing cone problem was solved. Hell they chamber model 60s in 357 now. I have one and do not know of any cracked cones on those.


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[one eye joe]

I would get a new 66. Durability without the weight and lifetime warranty . Forcing cone problem was solved. Hell they chamber model 60s in 357 now. I have one and do not know of any cracked cones on those.


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"Durability without the weight", AND THE ADDED BENEFIT OF THE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER INTERNAL LOCK, WHICH WILL CERTAINLY ADD TO THE FUTURE VALUE, AND COLLECTOR APPEAL OF "a new 66"......