What is the best 686 version?

[fungunnin]

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.

 

[browntown]

I think a lot of people prefer the 686+ version with its 7 shot design, that and people generally prefer pre-lock so I think that puts you -6 timeframe but I'm not sure.

If you're fine with 6-shot, earlier the better. There are also some oddball versions like the 8" barrel with adjustable front sight and the power port models.

Lots to choose from, very popular model. Best resale value is in the pre-lock models and seems like shorter barrels retain their sellability better.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

All of them are good, I know SmithNut likes the -4 and I like the -5 the best. Mountain gun, 3 inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 6 inch PP, 7 inch, 8 3/8 inch, now all I need is a 2 1/2 inch to have all of the -5's.

 

[Stevie]

I own a 4" 686-4 with a square butt.

Purchased on the reccomendation of fellow police officers who loved the 4" 686.

I found out after I bought the 4" 686 that many S&W fans like the dash 4 version. Many saying these were the last without mim parts?

I can say that I've shot lots of 686 revolvers, and all were great shooters.

 

[BillyWayne]

I have had a few of these in different configurations. My 686 SSR has the best trigger of all my revolvers including my Performance Center guns. I have the 686+ with a 3" barrel and I love the concealability and balance. I got the SSR for IDPA and 3" for carry. So, by best you have to define requirements and how it is going to be used. An 8" is not good for daily carry but good for hunting.

 

[CliffH]

Don't think you have to find a old one to be happy. I have a nice new 6" 686 that I stuck one of those plugs from Bullseye Smith and couldn't be happier. You just will not be disappointed. My 686 out shoots me 10 fold every time.

 

[clint_lnl]

I had a 686-0 4 and 6 in both great but now have a 686-3 6 in. I like the -3 better , seams to be a better trigger. I think the 6 in is a better target shooter.. but any pre lock 686 would be great too

 

[valkyriekl]

...people generally prefer pre-lock so I think that puts you -6 timeframe but I'm not sure...

-6 is when S&W started putting the lock on the 686; -5 and earlier are all pre-lock, and -4 and earlier are all pre-MIM hammer/trigger (-4s had a MIM thumbpiece).

As to actual configuration, I would consider the -4 to be the best 686, with its factory drilled & tapped frame to accommodate a scope mount and optional 7-shot cylinder. -3s and earlier were not drilled & tapped at the factory and did not have the optional 7-shot cylinder. Now all I've gotta do is find one and buy it, but I have it's functionality replicated in my two 686s (a -1M and a -5).

 

[snowman]

I have a -3 with 8-3/8" barrel, a -4 seven-shot with 4" barrel, and a -6 seven-shot with 4" barrel. All are outstanding guns; but all things considered, the -4 is just a bit better than the rest. It was the last model to retain the forged hammer and trigger with the firing pin on the hammer, has no lock(-6 was the first to have the lock), and balances a bit better than the -6 due to a smaller diameter barrel and lug.

The -3 of course is a range and hunting gun, accurate beyond anyone's expectations, and has a wonderful single-action trigger release. If I wanted to fire it in DA, I would take it apart and stone the internals -it's kind of rough as it is.

Andy

 

[haifabuddy]

Hey you guys have forgotten the rules of this fine forum. Whatever you say you have you do not have unless YOU POST PICTURES! (Jealous, because my 3 inch 686 with Spegel extended booties is a lock version).

 

[cptdco]

I've got a growing group of no-dash models but that's only because the first handgun I ever bought was a 6" 686 when they were first introduced. So I have a soft spot for the earlier ones. That first gun, after 25+ years of heavy use is still just fine so I wouldn't worry about buying an older one if you come across a good deal. I also have a 5" Stocking Dealer Special (no-lock so a dash 5, I think) that I seldom shoot but its a very nice gun with a great trigger.
You can't go wrong with any of them as a group, as long as the individual model you pick up came out of the factory alright and hasn't been messed with since. Good luck.
Wait a minute, I just picked up the 586 so let me please brag a little bit:
8"686, 6"686, 4"586, 4"581, 3"686 CS-1, 4"686 CS-1

 

[18DAI]

I'd say the 686-4+. Probably the least produced version as well. Only made for one year, 1997 IIRC, before they went to the 686-5+ configuration.

Second place would have to be the 3" CS-1. Nice revolvers. Regards 18DAI.

 

[3rd Gen Neal]

I agree the pre lock/pre mim are more desirable, I love my 4" -4. However, I also have a less than a week old -6+ 2.5" that I absolutely love. Yes it has a lock and mim parts, but I highly doubt it will ever let me down. Any 686 and you are in better shape than you were w-out it.

 

[rollin_hot]

686

Never really worried about dash this and dash that, just not a lock guy. Here are mine...

 

[fighter62]

A three inch CS-1 in my opinion is the MOST useful 686 made.

 

[smithman]

4" -4 is my choice.

 

[ladder13]

Hey you guys have forgotten the rules of this fine forum. Whatever you say you have you do not have unless YOU POST PICTURES! (Jealous, because my 3 inch 686 with Spegel extended booties is a lock version).

OK, here's a 686-3

and a 686-5+

 

[Bullseye Smith]

OK, here are a few of them:

 

[Rickkster]

My favorite 686....

...it's my 686-4 with a 2.5 inch barrel because it's the only 686 I have ;-)

Rick

 

[josephthreedogs]

I have a 686-0 with a cylinder from a -5. My -0 cylinder would not work with comp III or jet loaders. The -5 cylinder works just fine.