S&W 686+ vs TRR8

Have you considered the 8 shot 627? Seems like they are much less expensive than the 327, and might be more durable.

Have you considered a 586? Definitely not stainless steel.



On a side note, I would never use a 357 for home defense, too noisy and too much penetration.

Have you had a chance to shoot these guns to compare them? The 686 is an L-frame and the TRR8 is an N-frame. Some shooters have a distinct preference based on the size of the gun. I have small hands and I find that the trigger reach in double action is a little too long on an N-frame. So I prefer K and L frames. Many people with larger hands prefer an N-frame.

If you are able to test fire some revolvers, be sure to shoot them both double action and single action.
Even if you cannot find a TRR8 to test fire, you should try shooting another N-frame to get a sense of the size of it.

You are looking at two great guns, so there is really no wrong choice. But the only way to know which one will fit you best is to try them.

I agree with Bo re: 357 for home defense.

Home defense , open carry (self defense) , range gun ... - hard to do all those things well with one revolver.

My pick for a good home defense revolver would be the 686+ loaded with .38 special defense rounds. If you really want to got tactical , then it is an open and shut case.

Personal opinion, but I have no use for a 7-shot revolver. When I need more than 6, I go straight to a moonclipped 8. I do agree that you should first try an N-frame for size, though.

I own a TRR8 and a 327PD and they are my favorite Smiths for everything but CCW since they have long barrels. I like the Ruger Speed Six for revolver CCW.
Be aware that Buffalo Bore has some warnings about bullet jump with their hotter loads and light weight guns.
My wife has a seven shot Taurus 627 that she loves to shoot over my Smiths and Rugers. At least try each gun in your hand before you buy if you can.

Item: Yeah, stick with a bigger Smith. Control placement and use, and direction of rotation, are trivial until you run a stress drill and realize you pushed at a Colt cylinder release until you figured out that door is marked "Pull." Loaded your last bullet into a chamber that ain't gonna go bang!

Item: My pair is a 642 (no keyhole) and a 586 (ditto). I see no reason to burglar proof a gun, since once the burglar has it, he has already demonstrated that locks and safes mean very little to him.

I have the moon clipped 8 rnd 627, but closely considered the TRR8.

Only the OP knows the answer. My advice is simply to look long term. Will a TRR8 make you happier? A few hundred dollars over the course of a decade or two is nothing. Will one design remain classic, amd another fall out of favor?

Personally, I think a 686 will always be a classy gun, but a TRR8 may be something I loom at in 5 years and get nausea. People thought PT cruisers and Chevy HHRs were cool once too. Nowadays, eww!

The TRR8 is a tactical revolver, cool now, but may never be as classy as a 686.