vito
US Veteran
I know that S&W do not make the Model 19 anymore. The 686 looks extremely similar. What are the differences, if any?
What is the difference between the 686 and the 19?
- Thread starter vito
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The 686 is built on the L frame which is a heavier frame than the K frame used on the Model 19. There were some problems with cracked forcing cones on Model 19s that used lots of high velocity loads with light bullets. The L frame was designed to provide more support to the barrel forcing cone as it has a larger opening for the cylinder which allows for added strength. The hand grip size for the K frame and L frame are the same. The Model 686 is made of stainless steel while the Model 19 is carbon steel.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Hope this helps.
Steve
ohiojerry
Member
Building on what scha said, the 686 also feature a full length lug under the barrel, giving it a somewhat Python-like appearance. The 586 was the same gun, only in carbon steel. The 681 and 581 were fixed sight versions. The stainless version of the 19 is the 66.
K frame on top,L frame on the bottom.
CatSnipah
Member
That would be 667.
lhump1961
US Veteran
Let's see, the 686 has...
-heavier cylinder and frame for modern loads
-full underlug
-stainless vs. blue finish (586 offers blue)
-same grip size as the 19
-never pinned and recessed
-excellent range gun in 4 or 6 inch and used in hunting as well
The 19 has...
-lighter cylinder and frame for ease of handling
-classic lines w/o the full underlug
-beautiful blue finish but shows wear a bit more
-earlier models pinned barrels and recessed cylinders
-great as a collector piece and a joy to shoot. Better as a snubbie to carry due to the weight.
These are just a few of the obvious differences and the dash model of both will determine engineering changes...several things to cover there. The 19 is iconic and a wonderful balance of revolver characteristics...the 686 is great as well with it's own place as one of the best .357's ever made.
19-3 2 1/2" in front...586-4 3" in back.
Others will add more...
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vito
US Veteran
What advantage is stainless steel over carbon steel, especially if nickel plated?
lhump1961
US Veteran
Stainless is more resistant to the elements and wear (small blemishes can usually be removed). Nickle is no more durable than blue IMHO and once marked it is marked for life.
P.S. Given how long you have been a member is this a quiz? Just curious...
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I could be wrong but I've never seen a factory nickel plated model 686. I've seen some stainless revolvers highly polished to look like nickel. I have seen nickel plated 586's and there were a few early 586's that had the pinned barrel and recessed chambers as they came out in 1981.
I own and shoot both and IMHO the 19 especially in the p&r series is the best proportioned and finest S&W made. Have shot one for over30 yrs with magnum 150-158 gr loads perfectly.
The 686 is an excellent revolver with more barrel forward weight which some find an aid to stability. I have shot mine for many years now and enjoy it very much.
Both are strong and accurate. However, I believe the 686 to be a true work horse. Couldn't go wrong with either. But if I could only have 1, it would be a p&r M19.
Enjoy whichever you choose.
The 686 is an excellent revolver with more barrel forward weight which some find an aid to stability. I have shot mine for many years now and enjoy it very much.
Both are strong and accurate. However, I believe the 686 to be a true work horse. Couldn't go wrong with either. But if I could only have 1, it would be a p&r M19.
Enjoy whichever you choose.
Dave T
Member
mc5aw
Member
No sir, you are not.
Math ;-)...
CatSnipah
Member
What's the difference between 686 and 19?
Do the math.
It's been a long week and I'm mentally deranged.
If you don't mind a little more heft.....
If you don't mind the little extra heft, but like shooting full bore .357s, the 686 is the ticket.
To me, shooting .357s can leave some nice scorch marks on the cylinder face and the 686 being stainless, cleans up well.
Since they don't make the 19 anymore, you'll have to get a used one unless you luck out and find a NIB unused one. The older 686 models are desirable also, with no MIM parts and no internal lock.
If you don't mind the little extra heft, but like shooting full bore .357s, the 686 is the ticket.
To me, shooting .357s can leave some nice scorch marks on the cylinder face and the 686 being stainless, cleans up well.
Since they don't make the 19 anymore, you'll have to get a used one unless you luck out and find a NIB unused one. The older 686 models are desirable also, with no MIM parts and no internal lock.
Bob D
US Veteran
I've owned both a mod 66 4" and a 686 8-3/8. The 686 is scary accurate w/148 gr hbwc's. The 4" 66 is the ideal belt gunthth a for hunting with a rifle and all around shooting. If you like to handgun hunt deer, the 686 with a hunting rig shoulder holster makes a great outfit,
The difference that matters most is shown in the photo below.
More metal and a slightly larger frame allows for a full, round barrel at the critical forcing cone area.
Size comparison of the stainless version of the M-19, the M-66 and a 686. I like both, however the 686 is much nicer to shoot with any Magnum load.
More metal and a slightly larger frame allows for a full, round barrel at the critical forcing cone area.
Size comparison of the stainless version of the M-19, the M-66 and a 686. I like both, however the 686 is much nicer to shoot with any Magnum load.
Dave T
Member
What's the difference between 686 and 19?
Do the math.
It's been a long week and I'm mentally deranged.
Further proof that I'm getting old...and slow! (smile)
Dave
