What is the best 686 version?
- Thread starter fungunnin
- Start date
Doug M.
Member
*
DING DING DING, we have a winner! It also has a proper barrel shape instead of that hopelessly ugly, answer in search of a question, full lug abomination. I swear they only did that as a tip of the hat to the Python, and whoever is responsible for that should beaten to severe discomfort, repeated with vigor as soon as they heal.
M3Stuart
Member
-4 is my favorite
My favorite is the 686-4 series. I would accept anything that is -4 or less, but that is my preference. I have owned two of the -4 revolvers, and the one that I still have is a like new 2.5 in bbl model. I prefer the case hardened forged hammer and trigger that this series has. My current revolver has the old style cylinder release, but my previous one had the newer style cylinder release, and I can live with either.
My favorite is the 686-4 series. I would accept anything that is -4 or less, but that is my preference. I have owned two of the -4 revolvers, and the one that I still have is a like new 2.5 in bbl model. I prefer the case hardened forged hammer and trigger that this series has. My current revolver has the old style cylinder release, but my previous one had the newer style cylinder release, and I can live with either.
I have a 686 no dash with a six inch barrel, not only is it a nice shooter my wife likes to shoot it and does so better than I.
I have read this entire thread and many others having to do with S&W model 686. I do not recall any negative comments about this revolver. Some like a shorter barrel and others a longer barrel. Some like the older models others like the newer versions. I do not recall anyone not liking the M686 platform. If I did not own a 357 and wanted one I would buy a 686 regardless of the dash. Is one dash better than the next? Not according to those who own 686s cause they seem to like whatever dash they own.
I have read this entire thread and many others having to do with S&W model 686. I do not recall any negative comments about this revolver. Some like a shorter barrel and others a longer barrel. Some like the older models others like the newer versions. I do not recall anyone not liking the M686 platform. If I did not own a 357 and wanted one I would buy a 686 regardless of the dash. Is one dash better than the next? Not according to those who own 686s cause they seem to like whatever dash they own.
hkcavalier
US Veteran
My only complaint is, compared to an N-frame, the 686 is pretty muzzle heavy. Less weight in the frame and more in the barrel. For some, this is a plus, others it is a minus. I do like the balance of the N frame better but I love my 686-4+ 6". Kind of wish it was 5" but I don't think they made that barrel length...
I'll have to go with the original "no dash" in 4 inch. Well mostly because it's the one I inherited but this is an amazing revolver, feels like a .22 when shot with .38spl, very controllable with magnums. If I was just now searching I'd be mighty tempted by a 2.5" -4 or earlier, on my short list of desired guns.
Have a 586-4 with 4" bbl, and just today, bought the wife a 686-4 with 4" bbl. My 586 has the wider target hammer & trigger, and now trying to find the same for her 686. Anybody got a set for sale ? LOL !!
Taaa-Daaaa !! Numrich Gun Parts has 'em !!
Taaa-Daaaa !! Numrich Gun Parts has 'em !!
Stainz
Member
I still regard my 5" half lug 686-6 7-shooter which, as shown in reply #34 here, came stock with Ahrends grips and a HiViz sight. Not a fan of full lugs - or Pythons - my '2004 Stocking Dealer Exclusive' was an obvious choice. Next came the 6-shot 686SSR - I went to the dealer to buy one - he was out - but had the new 627 Pro, shown with the 5" h-l 686+ in reply #34, at the same price - it came home with me... my 5" h-l 686+ languished in the safe. The 4" 627 Pro would all but join the 686+ when I bought my first 2 5/8" PC627 UDR - nirvana - for me. Each step was an improvement in the 'extension of your hand' feel - making shooting more intuitive. The 5" h-l 686+ has the best balance/feel of any 4"+ 686/+ models I've tried... IMHO!
Stainz
Stainz
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SAFireman
Member
Shawn is very much correct here...........I was unaware of how well the 686+ Mountain Gun shot or carried until I found one. I have been a fan of Mountain Guns for some time now, but the 686+ was my first in 38/357.
If I had to have another option (non-Mountian Gun) I would choose any of the CS-1 686's.
cherrypointmarine
Member
I have a set of sister's,686-5+,one of which is a Mt gun.I think any prelock 686 is a piece of perfection.I am off to the gun show in Orlando this weekend,and who knows I may be lucky,and come across one like in post # 56.
Edmo
US Veteran
Below is my 6" 686-3 I bought new in 1989. I would also like a 4"er for the lighter weight and quicker handling.
If you are getting a new production 686, look along the top of the frame/barrel junction. Some of the new ones are leaving S&W with their barrels misaligned with the frame.
I'm not sure if the barrel installer is twisting the barrels too much or not enough, but I have seen more than a few NIB guns at gun stores with this issue.
Edmo
If you are getting a new production 686, look along the top of the frame/barrel junction. Some of the new ones are leaving S&W with their barrels misaligned with the frame.
I'm not sure if the barrel installer is twisting the barrels too much or not enough, but I have seen more than a few NIB guns at gun stores with this issue.
Edmo
mg357
Absent Comrade
Imho the best version of the S&W Model 686 is the.
686-6 with a 4 inch barrel and a 6 shot cylinder.
686-6 with a 4 inch barrel and a 6 shot cylinder.
I have a 6"
I have a 6" for the range but I think overall (and I'm sure that many would agree) 3"-5" is more ideal for balance as mine seems a little nose-heavy. I prefer older ones like a lot of people, too.
People talk about getting trigger jobs done on their 686s and my question is 'What on earth for???'
BTW, the 686 no dash models recommend a factory recall to do work on the firing pin and bushing.
I have a 6" for the range but I think overall (and I'm sure that many would agree) 3"-5" is more ideal for balance as mine seems a little nose-heavy. I prefer older ones like a lot of people, too.
People talk about getting trigger jobs done on their 686s and my question is 'What on earth for???'
BTW, the 686 no dash models recommend a factory recall to do work on the firing pin and bushing.
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Murphy's Law
Member
I love my 686 3" especially with s&w custom power trigger kit. Pulls at a perfect 3.5 and smooth as silk. Probably my most accurate pistol/revolver I own hands down. BTW I like the "L" also. Can shoot all day and not worry about shaking something loose!
grip frame
Member
I like the -3 and -4 guns.
Both have improvements over earlier versions.
The -3's still have the flash chromed hammers and triggers which makes sense on a stainless gun-they won't rust.
The -4's have the new extractor (stronger than the old 2 pin alignment) still have forged hammers and triggers as well as drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The case hardened hammers and triggers can rust though.
Both have improvements over earlier versions.
The -3's still have the flash chromed hammers and triggers which makes sense on a stainless gun-they won't rust.
The -4's have the new extractor (stronger than the old 2 pin alignment) still have forged hammers and triggers as well as drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The case hardened hammers and triggers can rust though.
I think the 686 is the finest revolver ever made by Smith&Wesson. I started at the PD with a 686, 4 inch barrel, no dash (stamped M for modified). I carried this for about 10 or 12 years before we switched to the Glock. The trigger on my 686 was like a dream and when I was doing my part it always did its part. I would really love to find a snubby 686 for a good price,OK, I am just dreaming but sometimes dreams do come true. Just my thoughts from the Big Sky Country. It is a balmy 14 degrees, snowing, and the wind blowing here in God's country.
The one I have in my hand, but there are 10 to chose from.
