Smith 686 ?

Status
Not open for further replies.
My wife likes her 4” 586-0. We bought it shortly after the L-frames were introduced.

Since then I have obtained a 8-3/8” 686, a 6” 586, a 4-1/8” and short barrel 986 (9x19) and a short and long barrel Model 69 (44 Magnum).

Yes, I like L-frames.
 
Last edited:
Considering current MSRP, I'm kind of surprised S&W would even sell that cheaply to a distributor. I wonder how the store came by it at a low enough price as to not lose money selling it to you?
I can only think it is possibly Old Stock that they found tucked in a corner somewhere. About three years ago, I picked up a used 4" 686 for $576 from Buds and thought I was getting a good deal then
 
index.php


The 681 fixed sight version. "K" and "L" frame Smiths take the same stocks. It is the upper area of the frame that is a bit larger in the "L" frame. This size increase removes the need to cut a flat on the bottom of the barrel that the "K" frame has.
 
Definitely a great deal on a 686 did you have inappropriate pictures of the previous owner. I would have been all over that deal congratulations. I have a 4" no dash 686 and it's my favorite revolver.
 
I still kick myself for not moving on a gun I saw for sale at Sportsman’s in Corona CA last year when it popped up on line. It was a 686, 7 shot with the 7” barrel. My arm was in a sling so I couldn’t drive (legally) and Corona is 35 miles away. My wife couldn’t take me until the weekend. It was a Monday when I discovered it. It was gone on Friday. Pretty sure the price was $980.00.

I wanted a 586 for a long time but I think a 686 would make more sense as it would make a great woods and fishing gun, especially in bad weather.
 
I only paid $400 for my 6" 686+ but that was a loooong time ago. My favorite 357.
 
686's are a thing of beauty.

Graceful lines, well balanced, proportional to the cartridge, superbly accurate.

I had a 6" 7 shooter, traded it off because I wasn't in love with the longer barrel. Picked up a 4" 686-0 and have no regrets. Just a phenomenal weapon.
 
I love my 686-1 with 6 inch barrel. Its never had the fix done to it but Ive never ran into a problem, maybe because most of the ammo of today has hard primers??

11.jpg
 
I love my 686-1 with 6 inch barrel. Its never had the fix done to it but Ive never ran into a problem, maybe because most of the ammo of today has hard primers??
The fix? What is that, a modification or a potential problem to be averted?
 
My first gun. 6" 586. I've taken a number of deer with this, using 180gr. Black Talons. Always been a reliable, smooth gun. As this was my first, I've always been disappointed by a lot of other stock triggers on guns. I thought they should all be this smooth... Guns 032.jpg Guns 033.jpg
 
I used two Model 686 when shooting PPC competition, one 6” and one 4”. Both were good enough, from the factory, to keep me in the top of my class. Once I stopped competing, they were sold, no regrets. If I want a heavy 357 Magnum revolver, I would buy a S&W N frame.

Kevin
 
I wanted a 586 for a long time but I think a 686 would make more sense as it would make a great woods and fishing gun, especially in bad weather.
Yep, I agree, Pat and finally went over to SS a decade ago for general carry on the farm and any & all back country sojourns.

The "L" framed Smiths sure made up into a robust .357, probably a bit on the porky side for those that carry a duty weapon tho, I'd guess. But they hand well in offhand shooting, and carry better, at least for me, in a cross chest holster rig. That'd be a cold weather CC rig, or an open carry hunting outfit.

Currently I have a 686-4 (a 4" bbl'd beauty) in about new, old stock condition that I really like...but it's a range gun primarily. For real carry, I prefer a M-19 or M-66 with 4" bbl's., but will readily admit, they have noticeably heavier recoil. Lots of guys handle them well, even with full house .357 loads and more power to them...my arthritis in the the thumb joints is now a full time burden and I'm turning more and more to smaller calibers.

HTH's Rod Pic of 686 plus my carry rig...OWB...Son with his 66 in a rig I gave him last Xmas.

686_Holster.jpg
Nates_66.jpg
 
Here are the holsters I use.
1BFE2E57-1105-4364-AD59-DB4F24F56E12.jpeg

Very similar to Rodfac’s holster. Because of the way the cylinder is held in the holster, it can not turn. This style of holster has been popular since the turn of the last century.

It is only recently that the safety police have decided that equipment should replace training.

Kevin
 
This style of holster has been popular since the turn of the last century.

It is only recently that the safety police have decided that equipment should replace training.
Yup, I was issued a holster much like that (mine was equipped with a thumb break safety strap) when I entered LE...everyone carried that way
 
Took it to the range today. Put 50 rounds thru it. 158 lrn at 25 yards. Used imr 4227. Yes it is a bit dirty but nothing serious. All shooting was from a rest. Tried 5 different loads with magnum primers. Each 10 shot groups. Using 2 inch shoot and see targets. Didn't take any pictures. I should have. To say the least I was really impressed. I had a few pretty tight groups. At the maximum load according to the Lyman number 45 book was the largest at about 2 1/4 inch 10 shots. Like I say I was impressed.
 
I sure like your holster. Do you know if they're still making them?

Yep, I agree, Pat and finally went over to SS a decade ago for general carry on the farm and any & all back country sojourns.

The "L" framed Smiths sure made up into a robust .357, probably a bit on the porky side for those that carry a duty weapon tho, I'd guess. But they hand well in offhand shooting, and carry better, at least for me, in a cross chest holster rig. That'd be a cold weather CC rig, or an open carry hunting outfit.

Currently I have a 686-4 (a 4" bbl'd beauty) in about new, old stock condition that I really like...but it's a range gun primarily. For real carry, I prefer a M-19 or M-66 with 4" bbl's., but will readily admit, they have noticeably heavier recoil. Lots of guys handle them well, even with full house .357 loads and more power to them...my arthritis in the the thumb joints is now a full time burden and I'm turning more and more to smaller calibers.

HTH's Rod Pic of 686 plus my carry rig...OWB...Son with his 66 in a rig I gave him last Xmas.

 
I have a 686-SSR and just purchases a 66 - Combat. Needing a holster for the 66. And I need to take both to the range soon. S&W 686SSR And 66 Combat.jpg
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top