What's the "best" Model 686

[Dave]

I've tried really hard to like the L-frame guns ever since they first started making them, with no success. I'd buy one and it would feel clunky and unwieldy compared to a K-frame like the model 19 or 66. So I'd sell it. A year or two later I'd buy another one, decide it was about as sexy as an East German female shot putter, and sell it. Rinse and repeat. Then I finally found the "ONE"! The 686-5 Mountain Gun. Cue angelic choir and beams of sunlight! I will never part with this L-frame!

 

[kenjen]

i like my 686-1 with a 8 3/8'' barrel, although i know of 3 bucks that don't

 

[andyo5]

I love my 6" 686-4. The only way it would be better would be if it had a square butt.
But a set of round to square conversion grips is almost as good.

 

[Garybock]

Since my original April post I have purchased another model 686 - the 3 inch barrel. So now I have a 3 and 4 inch version. I shoot both regularly and enjoy both.

 

[keithherrington]

This is my 686-3 which has the Performance Center Master Action job, Spegel grips and not another thing done to it. Factory black finish. One of the best guns I've ever owned.

 

[johngalt]

I have a 686-6 (with the dreaded lock). I like the gun, it is accurate and shoots well. The lock does annoy me though. But the pre -5 models with the integral (non-pinned) front sights annoy me even more. Getting rid of that awful red ramp and replacing it with a decent sight requires expensive smithing. My -6 sight was easily replaced since it is pinned.

 

[Wayne M]

Once you get to the -3's you're past all the recalls and floating hand conglomeration so I'd go with 3 and 4 with a slight nod to the 4 if you prefer the classic S&W 686 but have to throw in the -5 as still a really great revolver. If you can live with the lock the -6's are still good with the exception that some of the most recent run need close scrutiny in the shop due to poor QC inspection. Just my thoughts from years of experience with this model.

 

[Stainz]

My favorite was the '04 Stocking Dealer Exclusive, SKU #164284, shown below - with my 4" 627 Pro (My favorite .357M/.38!):

It came as shown - 5" half lug 7-shooter - with a HiViz front and V-notch rear sight, as well as the Ahrends cocobolo square conversion fg grips. Keeper!

Of course, a 2.5" or 3" 686+ would be nice too. As you can tell, the IL doesn't bother me... a current - or recent - production would be fine.

Stainz

 

[Jimmymac46]

i like my 686-1 with a 8 3/8'' barrel, although i know of 3 bucks that don't

I agree wholeheartedly. I have a 66 4inch, so have no need for a 686 4inch (although it might be the best all around revolver in 357 ever made). I love my 8 3/8 and use it for long range target and plinking. Amazingly accurate, relatively soft shooting due to the heavy underlug, and a handsome piece to boot! The only other 686 I would love to run across is the 3inch......primarliy because it is so simllar to my 696, a strong favorite of mine.

 

[Arquebus12]

Ahoy... Arq12, at your service, and a long time lurker. I've had both a 6" and a 2.5" 686. The 2.5 is a white elephant, too large for concealed carry, too small for hunting; I still wish I had that 6" model, I forget what I traded it for.

I currently also have a 6" Python, just sayin'...

 

[kimber45c]

686 plus

The 4" Stainless 7 shot is the best of it's breed, good balance and firepower a fine combo IMHO