Next Purchase: Autoloader or Wheelgun?

[DelayedReaction]

Okay, birthday's coming up and I'm buying myself a birthday present. I've got it narrowed down to two choices, but I'm not sure what I want. I'm a college student who does a ton of shooting at the local indoor range, and most of my purchases are handguns because that's what I can shoot there. I currently own a 1911 and a Ruger Mark III, and it's time to expand.

I want to pick up either a 4" Springfield Armory XD-9 (9mm autoloader), or a 4" S&W 686P (.357 wheelgun). Both feel great when held, and eventually I want to buy both. Which would you pick, and why?

[lyricsdad]

wheelgun, because its different and kinda going against the norm, plus you get something simple. the KISS rule is in effect.

[ReadyontheRight]

Gotta go with the .357

[KONY]

Gotta go with the .357

Yes! Get the 686! One of the best wheelguns ever made. XD has been on my want list but they pop up often enough to get them when I'm ready. Also, you might also think of buying used in order to get both quicker. I got my 686-0 used and its my best shooter!

[lee n. field]

You've already got an autoloader. If you want to diversify, get the revolver.

[TexasRifleman]

Don't get the revolver. Once you do you won't be able to stop :evil:

(Cause I got the revolver, and now I'm hooked).

[ExtremeDooty]

Get the XD, it's really fun to shoot. If you're going to carry it, you might consider the XD-40.

[Black Majik]

Get the XD9, spend the time saving up again looking for a pre-lock 686 :D

[nero45acp]

Time for a wheelgun.


nero

[Rockrivr1]

Get the 686P. I've bought one last year and I love that wheelgun. Don't worry, cause you'll have plenty of time to get one now and the next one in a few months.

[Delmar]

Well, the polls show that 3 out of 4 High Road doctors recommend the L-frame.
Get the wheel gun-it saves those knees from getting scraped up while you are gathering up your brass. Of course, if you don't reload, you are welcome to set up next to me!:D

[MachIVshooter]

I voted wheelgun because the listed auto is not a very appealing choice, IMO.

While the XD may be reliable and al that jazz it is:

-Ugly
-plastic
-has too much "safety" BS(cocked indicator, LCI)

And the lever to break it down is just plain hideous and obtrusive.
I would rather have a Glock than an XD. And I hate Glocks.

Now Springfield's other auto's are a different story. I think the Stainless G.I. is one of the best looking guns out there.

[Boarhunter]

I you are not a reloader, you might want to compare the bulk price of 9 mm and .357 magnum ammo....big, big differnce if you plan to shoot a good bit. Having said all of that, though, the wheelgun will add a different dimension to your collection and experience.

Boarhunter

[BreakerDave]

It depends on what you want the gun to do... I agree with the others that adding a revolver will give you an added dimension to your collection. Further while you'll probably shoot .38's through the 686, it's nice to be able to step up to a Magnum round when you want some extra power. The XD does not give you that flexibility or add to what you can already do with your 1911.

[tc300mag1]

I voted for the Xd not much on smith wheelies only one i have is the 500 but im starting to like them more but for a 357 i like a colt or ruger so go with the xd

[Erinyes]

While I don't really like DA revolvers as much as auto pistols, you gotta try the .357. I used to have a 586 (no dash anything. Always preferred my Smiths blued with rosewood grips). Never was much for the DA pull, so I always thumb-cocked it. But man was it a hoot. Probably the most fun range gun I've owned. But be warned, after the 586/686, you'll want to get your hands on a 29/629 (can I borrow it again, dad? :D)

[Spieler]

I would have to be biased toward the .357 Mag. It's different from what seemingly everyone else is buying right now and you can still get the XD at a later time. Put a sixgun in the stable now to keep the Ruger and 1911 company.

[JeepDriver]

Tough choice.

Every one needs both a good 4" wheel gun and a High Cap "wonder 9"

Right now I thinking the XD would be the best choice. Mainly because they are coming with 3 15 rd mags, and they are $80-100 cheaper then the 686's plus the ammo is so much cheaper then the 357 Mag.

If you make up your mind come see me @ the range and I'll sort you out!

[hank327]

Get the 686. Everybody needs at least one revolver in their collection.
Look for a minty used 686 that doesn't have the lock on it.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I've got two of the 686 - the 4" and the snubby. This is one gun no college student should be without. :)

[Gary G23]

The XD is more concealable and holds more ammo.

[Old Dog]

Funny, I was the gunshow yesterday, and for every used 686 (and I saw only two or three -- this was the WAC's biggest show of the year, too), I saw about 25 XDs ... What does that tell you? The XD is a useful auto, but they're a dime a dozen; the 686 is a classic.

[Dollar An Hour]

I love the simplicity of revolvers, and not chasing brass is nice too. Get a .357. ;)

[Boss Spearman]

Well, I have to go against the grain. I had a 686, I no longer own it.
I do have an XD however and I love mine.

[sfhogman]

I'd go with the 686. I find my 620 to be a beautiful, graceful purposeful machine; I'm sure you'd find the same with the 686.

I really like the Springer, but there is, for me, something about a Smith & Wesson....

Best,

Jeff

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for the S&W 686, but I would opt for the six shooter, and
not the plus. But, that is just me~!:D

Probably, one of the best .357's ever made, and .38 Speical ammo from
Zero Bullets in Cullman, AL is inexpensive. However, I load my own so
for me the 686 is the logical choice.:)

[ExtremeDooty]

The XD is a useful auto, but they're a dime a dozen; the 686 is a classic.

In that case, I'll take 3 dozen of the XD's. Please pm me for my mailing address and so I can get that 30 cents to you. I'll pay for shipping, too.

[Mr_Moore]

5 shot Ruger sp 101 in .357

Cheap, rugged, not an ultra light so less recoil (approx 25 oz).

Its lightning from your fingertips.

Perfect gun for me. Might be different for you.

Plus its pretty.

This is my gun - there are many others like it, but this one is mine.

[go_fish]

Just purchased a 686 this month...love it. Can't go wrong with this one.

[el44vaquero]

+1 for the .357 good choice on the 4"

[stevelyn]

Get the revolver. Although the 686 wouldn't be my first choice (I'd prefer the new 25-13 in .45 Colt) you can't go wrong in getting it.

[Dollar An Hour]

but I would opt for the six shooter

Are the six shot 686's getting hard to find? All I'm seeing is 7-shot models.

[Boarhunter]

If we are pushing favorite revolvers, take a look at the 625 in 4" barrel. It shoots (with moon clips) the same .45 acp rounds as your 1911 and, in my opinion, is one of Smith's finest products. Fine, fine shooter and great introduction to revolvers. Plus, it allows you to continue buying one center-fire cartridge in bulk (and at fair prices).

Boarhunter

[P. Plainsman]

The XD is a useful auto, but they're a dime a dozen; the 686 is a classic.
What the man said. Croatian Glock-copy appliance vs. sleek, classic engine of destruction. Not even close.

[TimboKhan]

I would go with the 686, because that is one fine handgun and one fine cartridge.

[Spot77]

I'll go against the grain here (unless somebody else has already said this - I didn't read ALL the posts).

Being that you're in MARYLAND, and we don't know what the next legslative session is going to hold for us yet, I'd buy the XD right now. ANd get as many mags as you can. BIG mags, not the 10 rounders.

Chances are much better of being able to get the revolver a year from now.

[P. Plainsman]

I'll go against the grain here (unless somebody else has already said this - I didn't read ALL the posts).

Being that you're in MARYLAND, and we don't know what the next legslative session is going to hold for us yet, I'd buy the XD right now. ANd get as many mags as you can. BIG mags, not the 10 rounders.

Chances are much better of being able to get the revolver a year from now.
That's a thoughtful point. Perhaps there's a case to be made for buying up full-capacity mags now for the autoloaders you expect to acquire later.

Still, the 686 is a more versatile and elegant firearm that can launch more powerful ammunition. You're not going to be firing any cast 180 gr gas check deer stompers from a 9mm XD. And at the other end of the power scale, the 686 can kick back with "beer burp" .38 Special wadcutters as well.

I'd also be very surprised if the S&W doesn't handily outgroup the XD.

[larry starling]

I vote for the XD. Though I agree with the above if its your first gun go with the revolver.....:D

[Berg01]

I really do like both your choices. I think the right decision is to just buy both, or one and then the other!

[jashobeam]

ANd get as many mags as you can. BIG mags, not the 10 rounders.
I live in California. I bought a Glock17 before the ban. It came with two 17 round mags. I wish I had bought more of those hi-cap mags when I had the chance. All I can get now are 10 rounders; the original 17 round capacity of the Glock 9mm was one of its strong selling points, IMO.

Who knows what they'll ban next--in your sector.

[Boarhunter]

Folks,

Unhappy with the gun climate where you live? Move to Huntsville, Alabama, where life is good and there is no danger (for the time-being, anyway) that our precious gun rights will be infringed.

Boarhunter