UPDATE Is a 686-4 still a good gun?

[Gudou]

Hello everyone. I'm new to revolvers so please excuse my ignorance. I am wanting to buy a 357 magnum for fun at the range and my local shop has a used 686-4 model for sale.

Is this still a good gun? It seems like that model was made in the early 1990's so I just want to make sure that it is still expected to function well at that age. Do these old models have safety features like being drop safe? Is it okay to shoot modern 357 ammo in them?

My other option is a 627 Pro model that is a lot newer but I like the look of the 686 quite a bit more.

I appreciate any help.

 

[glenwolde]

Assuming it hasn't been abused and is in good mechanical condition it should be fine. I have several much older than that. I shoot thousands of rounds a year through them. Now if it was more than 100 years old there might be a question. Might.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I would buy a new 686 Plus revolver. I really like mine.

The downside to buying a used revolver is what did the previous owner do to it? Did he think he was a shade tree gunsmith or was a reloader that wanted to make his home made ammo more powerful?

 

[Jeep 1]

As long as it is mechanically clean, the 686-4 is the best 357
It has all the updates.

 

[DETROIT]

Any pre lock L frame in good condition is a great gun. How much are they asking? Here is how you inspect a revolver https://youtu.be/95xjizDOrcc?si=goi4bSifp5lk0Adm . The 627 is also also a good revolver depending its price.

 

[Gudou]

$700 for the 686 and $800 for the 627.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

$700 for the 686 and $800 for the 627.

If I would see ANY good condition 686-4 for $700 I'm buying it. And I don't need another.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Bbl length? But @ asking price it would have to be pretty "clapped out" not to be worth it.

 

[Gudou]

Bbl length? But @ asking price it would have to be pretty "clapped out" not to be worth it.

I believe both are 4 inch barrel lengths.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The 627 at $800 is a better buy, value wise. The 686 is a good deal at $700. Either way, you can't go wrong if they are in good condition.

 

[LEO918]

Buy the 686-4. It's the best of the bunch.

 

[Baxter6551]

My only two L frames are 686-4. Definitely great revolvers. Built like tanks. You won’t be sorry if you buy it.

 

[stansdds]

It's hard to go wrong with any L-frame 357 Magnum. Whether it is new or used, inspect for defects. Check the front sight/barrel rib for proper alignment with the frame's top strap and rear sight, plenty leave the factory with the barrel canted slightly. Check barrel-cylinder gap and the end play of the cylinder, you need 0.001"-0.002" end play for proper cylinder rotation. Look at the muzzle and forcing cone for damage, poor machining, or wear. Check the trigger action for smooth functioning and proper cylinder carry up. With hammer cocked give the hammer a little push forward to make sure the sear and cocking notch are engaging correctly. Look for signs of abuse.

 

[chief38]

I own a M586 no dash (circa 1983) and it still looks, feels and performs smoothly, perfectly and accurately. I believe that as far as shooting actual .357 magnums are concerned, the vintage S&W L Frames are top dog in the S&W lineup.

If you intend on only shooting .38 specials, the L Frames are a lot of gun for that. If only .38 specials are to be shot, then a vintage M15 would be my go to choice.

 

[stmry]

Buying handguns “revolve “ lol, around making
good choices. You made two fantastic ones. Both
are great pieces.
Bravo and enjoy

 

[damienph]

My 4” 686-4 is one of my most accurate revolvers.
You won’t regret buying one.

 

[Tanners Owner]

I own both, a 686-4 and 627 pro.

As I shoot competitively(ICORE, USPSA, IDPA), I shoot the 627 more, but that is because the 8 shot with moon clips works better with the game rules than the 7 shot.

Anytime I introduce a new shooter to revolvers, I use my 686. I found it is the best balance of size, accuracy, trigger quality for the new shooter to gain confidence.

For me, I’d buy the 686, assuming both are similar condition.

My 2 cents

 

[Yendor357]

I wonder if the revolver Gud is talking about is really a dash four, or if it’s a 686 with a 4 inch barrel.

A new shooter is better off with a .22.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Sounds like your local gun shop has some very fair prices. Both of those 4" revolvers are pretty good deals, and you may be able to talk the owner down a little bit more if you toss out some Benjamins! You might be able to grab both as a package deal for $1300. There is very little weight difference between the L-frame 686-4 and the slightly larger N-frame 627 Pro, and the quality and dependability of both SS revolvers should be about the same. What types of stocks are these revolvers wearing? If you can deal with only 6 rounds, then the 686-4 is a great choice. The 627 has 8 rounds, which I prefer...but it also has the "Hillary Hole" (internal lock) that bothers a lot of Forum members. Both revolvers will handle any .357 Magnum ammo. You can't go wrong with either revolver, and if you prefer the look of the 686-4 then you've pretty much made your decision. I have snubbies of both models, and like them a lot (although my 686-6 Plus does hold 7 rounds). Good luck with your decision!

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

As long as it is mechanically clean, the 686-4 is the best 357
It has all the updates.

Which 686-4 is better than the 686-3?
I want to learn more facts about S&W revolvers.