S&W Model 386 .357 Mountain Lite

Status
Not open for further replies.
Had mine for about two years.

It has been reliable and accurate. I have shot 357 in it regularly and , while shooting 357 in it is no walk in the part, it is not the wrist crunching, finger twisting, hand battering event, about which so many shooters complain.

Copyof386.jpg


I carry it as my CCW and, because of its weight, it is terrific for that purpose. Mostly, I use 38+P ammo in it and that makes it a fantactic shooter. I am sure glad I got it and would do so again in a minute.
 
386 Mountain Lite vs. 686

I currently own a 386 Mountain Lite and I can't say that I'm unhappy with it. I can group from 0.5 in to 1 in around the bull's eye and up to 3 inches whne I get tired, all from 33 feet. I can handle the recoil, but it takes me longer to recover for the next shot. I also shot the 686 4" and the groups at the same distance seemed to be a tad tighter, while my firing was a bit faster too (I guess because of the diminished recoil from a heavier gun). Should I give up the 386 and get the classic 686 instead? Is the 686 that much heavier to carry in the woods or just for carry purposes? Is the 686 a better gun? Am I splitting the hair here? Really, the bottom line is that I'd like some feedback as far as what people might think about the 386 Mountain Lite vs. the 686.
 
I own both models, the 386 and 686. It took me awhile to get used to the snappy recoil of the 386 when using magnum loads, but that’s the price for its light weight. The 686 is heavier, but for me it’s easier and a bit more accurate to shoot. If it’s all day carry comfort you want, stick with the 386. If you’re out in the woods hunting or carry only intermittently, go with the 686. Or you can get both and have the best of both worlds. :)
 
Thanks a bunch, LadySmith. That's great feedback!! Finally, if I told you that I am going to eventually (soon, I hope) get the M&P 45 (which is a great gun -- at 25 yards I took the middle red of the target completely out with no other piercing off of it), would you then advice me to get rid of the 386, keep the 686 for hunting and the M&P for all purpose carry? In other words, would the 386 then be too much to have?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top