[tsenn]

Recently purchased a 686. I've never shot a revolver before. Any suggestions on ammo to get started on? I love the feel of this gun! Great balance and weight. Thanks

[valnar]

Anything and everything!

Buy a box of .38 specials and a box of .357Magnums. I use Winchester stuff from my local Walmart, or you can splurge and go Federal.

That's the nice thing about revolvers. They will "feed" anything.

-Robert

[Jim March]

:)

What's the barrel length, and intended application? We can be a bit more specific with that...

[tsenn]

It has a 4" barrel. I intend to use it only at the range at this point. If I become comfortable and confidant with it, it will become a home gun. I'm in California so I can't carry. Thanks

[Outlander]

Try some Sellier & Bellot 38 special and .357 the price is right and it's very accurate.
I didnt like the stock grips on mine when using .357. I felt they were too thin and it would try to twist out of my hand.
All the aftermarket grips follow the "round butt" shape of the frame and look horrible.
Hogue has "conversion grips" that give it more of a square butt look. They look and feel great.
These have the optional, partial fingergrooves and endcap ... they have many different woods and options.

[Penforhire]

I haven't had mine long either but I've fed it a BUNCH of different fodder to see what it likes. So far the most accurate I've used is a toss-up between Speer Lawman 158 g 38 Spec +p and the Winchester SXT (spelling?) 38 Spec +p (way too expensive but they are a cool looking cartridge). Next best accuracy has been the 125 g 357 Magnum loads.

For some reason I haven't found a regular 38 Special load that shoots well. Maybe it is just me.

In a dim indoor ranges I also find the sights aren't bright enough to use on dark targets. Anyone else here replace theirs? I'm fond of the simple 3-white-dots on my P99.