What is the best 686 version?

[Redlegvzv]

I can't say what's "best" but I can say that mine, a 686-6 6" is fantastic. I'm no bullseye shooter and with a lot of handguns my accuracy beyond 15 yards is pretty iffy. However, last week, I took my 686 to the range. At 25 yards, shooting offhand, double action, I put five in the 10 ring plus one in the nine, for a 2 1/2 inch group. I followed that up by putting 18 consecutive rounds within the 10 ring at 10 yards with the group at about 1 1/2". I do not believe that it is possible for me to improve on that degree of accuracy. So I say, again, my 686-6, with its MIM parts, and yes, its lock, is a simply fantastic handgun.

I totally agree. I am fairly new to S&W guns so maybe I lack the historical perspective of some. Also, I am not a collector, I am a shooter/hobbiest/prepper. But let me make the following points.

1. The lock. I could barely care less about the lock. I don't think that it does anything one way or the other. IMHO way too much ado is made about the lock. I never met anyone who had a failure due to the lock and I don't know anyone who has. There are a million other things more likely to go wrong with a revolver than a lock-based malfunction. Sure I would prefer not having the lock, but it is a trivial matter; no big deal.

2. MIM parts. This is a silly argument. MIM is the future of small parts. I never have experienced a failure of an MIM part and I don't know anyone who has.

3. The new Smiths are wonderful guns. Buy new and enjoy. Our family has a 686+ 6" and a 686+ 4" and these are wonderful, accurate, reliable, and fun revolvers. The triggers are great. Just as good as old ones that I have handled. As always, if you don't like the trigger, get a competent trigger job.

Since it does not exist without pictures, here is my fairly new (2013) S&W 686+ 4"

 

[jtcarm]

Never owned one, but here'd be my pick:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757895_-1_757775_757751_image

 

[fjtiii]

Love both of mine. -3 on the bottom and a -4 on top.

 

[JOE MACK]

The one I like best is my 3-inch converted to a 6 shot .41Special by Hamilton Bowen.

No can't post pictures as I'm technologically challenged.

 

[Magnum Mike]

I have a 686-5 7" I had it lettered. Only 30 made.

I have a 7" that's also fairly rare....

 

[Sparrowbird]

I have my thoughts and as I have read this I keep rereading all of my thoughts, so, with that thought in mind, I think I'll pass on adding my thoughts to this discussion.

 

[Nick B]

Never owned one, but here'd be my pick:
Pro Series - Smith & Wesson

My friend just bought one of those and I gotta say if I didn't own five 686's already I'd buy one . It's one sweet shooter with a great action .

 

[inspcalahan]

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.

I vote this one also - the 686+ Mountain Gun. Not just because I have one, but also because it just seems to feel, shoot, handle, carry and point to perfection.

 

[rubiranch]

Is there a down side or a negative to the -6 model or is it mostly personal preference?

 

[OLDSTER]

Best 686

This is my 686-4 round butt that I've owned for many years.

 

[cbore]

I swear by my 686P 2 1/2 inch pre lock. Had it magna ported and rest stock. Smoothest action out of the box I ever saw. Got a 586, 6 inch with scope I hunt with. Can't beat them especially since I thought a 4" model 19 was the ONLY revolver.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I generally go with the six inch barrels for non-carry revolvers, but went with the 4 inch barrel for my 686+ just because I thought I might carry it. The lock is not an issue for me on my few guns that have it. I would take the extra round any day. I would have liked the Talo version 686, for the non-fluted cylinder (yeah more weight but looks cool) but the one time I saw it, I bought an R8 instead. I lost patience looking for a Talo and bought a stock 686+. I am happy.

 

[vytoland]

i like my S&W model 686-4PP, product code 104272.....

 

[Mehutch]

"I am a 686aholic..." and I am so grateful to be the caretaker of these fine shooters. My son and his children will have a blast with these.















okay I'll stop here.

 

[fishcreekrim]

Six shot 4" barrel -4 , that is what I want in a
686, JMHO/ymmv

 

[0311INF]

I like any -4 or earlier the best, as long as it hasn't been abused or been a handloader's experiment gun. I've had a few vintage L frames and they're pretty much equal as far as trigger, fit and so on.
Currently have a -3 with a 6" barrel.

The -6 is a fine revolver, but given the choice between old and new (thankfully there are many out there for reasonable prices), I'll stick with old.

 

[Smith357]

The blued steel version is the best, aka 586.

 

[ImDrRich]

Best 686

I love my 686-6 with 2 1/2" barrel. LOVE IT!

 

[RGVshooter]

OK guys. Which version of the 686 is seen as the best configuration? Barrel length? Number of shots? Dash number? I am looking forward to your opinions.

Another question that's impossible to answer because everyone loves their 686 regardless of configuration. But if there was a correct answer then it would be my 4" 686-6.

I feel the 4" is the best all around camping, field, duty, hunting companion out there.

 

[Elliot45]

Best 686

I have the 686+ Pro. It is a great size with a 5" barrel which isn't too heavy as it is tapered. I put rosewood grips on it as my personal preference along with a red fiber optic sight. It's extremely accurate and has a nice sight radius with the 5". I also have a friend with a 686+ with the 3" barrel. I think that is as short as I would like to go and shoot magnums as it handles the recoil very well. I also thought that it was very accurate. It boils down to whatever your personal preference is, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Smiths. Having the + model is nice with the extra shot.

Regards, Elliot45