Yeah, and IIRC, there was also a fixed sight blued version called the 581.
FWIW, I did like the 686 I had. I shot it enough that it developed timing issues at one point. I bought it used and guestimate that I put maybe 4,000 rounds through it before that happened. It's not that I didn't/don't like the 686 and I don't blame the gun for needing maintenance - guns are just machines. It was a very accurate gun, perfectly reliable when working properly, and a smooth DA handgun.
I've had two SP-101's. Foolishly, I sold one of them, but I like them as much as any other handgun I've owned. They're powerful, solidly built, heavy enough you can really enjoy them at the range, and still compact enough that you can carry one concealed without too much difficulty. I've had absolutely no trouble with them, but I bought one barely used and one new. IMO, they're a great handgun to do a lot of things with.
So if you need a real multipurpose handgun that doesn't necessarily include hunting but will include some carry, maybe some hiking, home defense, and lots of range time, I'd take the SP-101 with a 3" barrel.
If you want to hunt some with it and are using it for something that you either won't carry concealed a lot or you don't mind the extra size and weight, I have no complaints about the 686.
But all we can do is tell you our experiences as far as reliability, accuracy, and utility are concerned. The rest is subjective. I love the way an SP-101 with Hogue grips fits my hands, but others may hate it. Only you can decide what you like.