S&W 520, 620 or 686P?

[brucemdrla]

I will be buying my first handgun (for home protection and target shooting). I am looking for a 7 shot revolver and have narrowed it down to a 4" S&W 520, 620 or 686P. Any suggestions, thoughts and ideas as to the best way to go would be appreciated.

 

[BigBoar]

My personal preference would be to avoid a ported gun for defense as you may have to shoot from a position where the blast could hit you in the eyes or elsewhere. If you could find one a 686 Mtn. Gun would be nice as they are about as light an L frame 4" that you can find and it does not have the lock andhas the old, traditional barrel. Another thought would be to find a 686+-4 which has the hammer mounted firing pin. I would think a good used 686 could be found for less money than a new one and if not abused should serve at least as well. Although rare there are also 3" bbl. 686+'s out there (I believe D.Hart has one).

 

[brucemdrla]

BigBoar, thanks for the info, very helpful as I had not thought about that. If I understand correcrtl then, the 520 and 620 are both ported but the 686+ is not. That makes for an easy decision.

 

[Marshall]

No, the only ported one is the 686PP, none of the ones you mentioned are ported.

 

[brucemdrla]

Marshall, thanks for the info. I take it then that none of the 520, 620 or 686+ are ported. Do you have a recommendation or a favorite?

 

[Marshall]

You're welcome.

In my opinion all three are good. It comes down to personal preference on your part. The only difference, besides finish, on the 520 & 620 are the stocks and sights, otherwise it's the same gun. The barrel is 2 piece on both of them as opposed to one piece on the 686P. I don't know the benefit of one from the other but folks on this forum that know more than I, say the 2 piece barrel has it's advantages and is no drawback.

Do you prefer a full lug barrel? If so the 686P is your gun. Do you prefer the finish on the 520? If so, it's your gun. Do you a prefer stainless 1/2 lug? If so the 620 is gun. That's how I would look at it anyway.

Good luck!

 

[brucemdrla]

Thanks again, I appreciate your time and help.

 

[DT Guy]

Just my opinion, but if the gun is for home defense and range use (read that as 'no ccw') then I generally prefer a heavier gun to a lighter one, and a 4" barrel to a snub. Easier to control, less flash, bit better sight picture.


FWIW,

Larry