UncleEd
Member
The L-frame sized revolvers, be they Colt Python or Ruger GP100 or the S&W 586/686
models, are the best selling wheel guns in today's market. That size matched with
the .357 S&W Magnum Cartridge/.38 S&W Special Cartridge seals their popularity.
And of that batch, I believe the S&W 686+ model in its many configurations, makes
it the top choice for those looking for an all around home defense/concealed carry
firearm.
The current 686+s all have round butt frames, allowing for nearly the very smallest
stocks to target stocks.
The "plus" of course means a seventh shot in the cylinder. I find that most appealing.
If you can get that "extra" round, why not in a defensive revolver.
And finally but so important, the 686+ comes with skeletonized barrels, regular
full lug barrels and lengths from 2.5 icnes to 4.2 inches. I dare say the 2.5-inch
and 3-inch models are most popular. Just look at the postings on this forum.
Now regarding the competition, first the Ruger GP100. No matter how you look at it,
the gun seems bulky althugh I do like the 2.5-inch and 3-inch models. The stud
design for the stocks does give an owner some decent options but no more than
that of S&W, In fact, less because not as many options exist. Ruger does have
the plus models for a seventh shot but with a checkered past.
As to the Python, it remains a mid-20th Century bulky firearm with its square butt
frame. True, numerous barrel lengths are offered but no model, at least not yet,
offers that seventh shot which I prefer as long as I can get it. And I think its price
works against it as well as having the same quality control issues other makers have.
Regarding the current production Colt King Cobras, the basic D-frame design is
a bit smaller than the S&W K-frame and neither do I believe is up to long term
.357 or hot .38 use nor are they near as comfortable to shoot than the L-frames.
OK, many will have different views but I shall continue to contend that the
S&W 686+ is best for use as a defense revolver by a wider variety of men and
women than the rival firearms.
models, are the best selling wheel guns in today's market. That size matched with
the .357 S&W Magnum Cartridge/.38 S&W Special Cartridge seals their popularity.
And of that batch, I believe the S&W 686+ model in its many configurations, makes
it the top choice for those looking for an all around home defense/concealed carry
firearm.
The current 686+s all have round butt frames, allowing for nearly the very smallest
stocks to target stocks.
The "plus" of course means a seventh shot in the cylinder. I find that most appealing.
If you can get that "extra" round, why not in a defensive revolver.
And finally but so important, the 686+ comes with skeletonized barrels, regular
full lug barrels and lengths from 2.5 icnes to 4.2 inches. I dare say the 2.5-inch
and 3-inch models are most popular. Just look at the postings on this forum.
Now regarding the competition, first the Ruger GP100. No matter how you look at it,
the gun seems bulky althugh I do like the 2.5-inch and 3-inch models. The stud
design for the stocks does give an owner some decent options but no more than
that of S&W, In fact, less because not as many options exist. Ruger does have
the plus models for a seventh shot but with a checkered past.
As to the Python, it remains a mid-20th Century bulky firearm with its square butt
frame. True, numerous barrel lengths are offered but no model, at least not yet,
offers that seventh shot which I prefer as long as I can get it. And I think its price
works against it as well as having the same quality control issues other makers have.
Regarding the current production Colt King Cobras, the basic D-frame design is
a bit smaller than the S&W K-frame and neither do I believe is up to long term
.357 or hot .38 use nor are they near as comfortable to shoot than the L-frames.
OK, many will have different views but I shall continue to contend that the
S&W 686+ is best for use as a defense revolver by a wider variety of men and
women than the rival firearms.
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