66-2, 686 (no dash) or 686 SSR Pro

[Anna's Dad]

I'm in the market for a Smith 357 in stainless with a 4" barrel.

I've found local listings for a 66-2, a 686 no-dash, and a 686 SSR Pro (post-lock, of course). All are listed for about $900.

For the money, which do you think would be the better choice? This is a gun that will be used for protection and occasionally at the range.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

66 if concealed carry is a consideration at all, otherwise 686-0.

 

[cfullgraf]

The Model 66 needs some consideration that the forcing cione may get cracked with a steady diet of 357 Magnum loads.

Either 686 will stand up to full power 357 Magnum loads.

 

[MrBorland]

a 66-2, a 686 no-dash, and a 686 SSR Pro (post-lock, of course). All are listed for about $900.

For the money, which do you think would be the better choice?

If the 686 SSR is from S&W's Performance Center lineup, I'm actually surprised it's not more expensive than the 66 and 686. All 3 are fine revolvers and ought to serve you well if in good condition (how long are the barrels on the 66 and 686?), but IMO, from a "value" perspective, the SSR would be the better value. On top of that, AFAIK, SSRs have an interchangeable front sight, which is a very nice feature. And if IIRC, they're also milled for moonclips, which offer a wee bit more flexibility. PC guns are supposed to receive as little extra tuning, so its action might be a bit smoother.

FWIW, I've got a 686 SSR - it's got The Lock, but it also has a forged trigger and hammer. I'm not one to trash S&Ws use of MIM parts, but at some point, even the PC revolvers switched to MIM parts, making forged internals somewhat more desirable to some (a forged trigger, BTW, is solid when viewed from the rear, whereas a MIM trigger is hollow). If I were to sell my 686SSR, my list price would start at $1k.

BTW, check the barrel length on that 66. If it's a bona fide factory 3" 66, snap that puppy up as fast as you can. Those are quite rare, and $900 would be a screamin' deal.

 

[red rick]

IMO the price is high . I would get the 686 , I wouldn’t own any with the ILS when you mention protection as a use .

 

[UncleEd]

Weight as a consideration; according to the S&W home site for 4-inch barrels:

K frame 66: 36.9 ounces

L frame SSR 686 skeletonized barrel: 38.3 ounces

L frame 686 full lugged barrel: 40.3 ounces

 

[UncleEd]

IMO the price is high . .

Wait until next week; it'll be higher. And the week after.......

 

[alfsauve]

And you're not getting all three because?

 

[Rodfac]

I'm with Night on this one....I'd go with the 66 for its lighter weight, but with a thorough check out for condition. Rod

 

[Anchorite]

You didnt specifically mention if this was daily-duty(read:carry), or bed side and range duty. I‘d go 66/686 (toss up really) and SSR last, but mainly because that’s more of a dedicated piece and I’m just not into steel shooting. I like some heft.

 

[MrBorland]

I‘d go 66/686 (toss up really) and SSR last, but mainly because that’s more of a dedicated piece and I’m just not into steel shooting. I like some heft.

The "dedicated-ness" of the SSR is mostly marketing, IMO. When it comes to fast DA shooting, weight is your friend. Assuming all 3 revolvers are in good shape, my choice for a revolver specifically for steel, ICORE, and/or IDPA is a standard (but tuned) 686 (my preferred variant is the -5, FWIW). I'd also get the standard 686 if I were going to feed it a steady diet of .357mags. If you don't want to mess with tuning and/or you want the best "value" among these equally-priced guns, I'd go for the SSR. If you shoot a k-frame better than an L-frame, or the gun is more for carry, I'd get the 66. And, as mentioned, if it's a 3" 66, I'd run to get it.

 

[Anchorite]

The "dedicated-ness" of the SSR is mostly marketing, IMO. When it comes to fast DA shooting, weight is your friend. Assuming all 3 revolvers are in good shape, my choice for a revolver specifically for steel, ICORE, and/or IDPA is a standard (but tuned) 686 (my preferred variant is the -5, FWIW). I'd also get the standard 686 if I were going to feed it a steady diet of .357mags. If you don't want to mess with tuning and/or you want the best "value" among these equally-priced guns, I'd go for the SSR. If you shoot a k-frame better than an L-frame, or the gun is more for carry, I'd get the 66. And, as mentioned, if it's a 3" 66, I'd run to get it.

I’ve never seen an SSR in the flesh. Doubt I‘d trade my 686-4 for it.

 

[ms6852]

I have the 686 no dash in a 6" barrel and my EDC is the 686+ with a 3" barrel. Action wise both of them are great in SA and DA, but the no dash takes the prize as I've been shooting it since when they first were produced.

 

[Chief TC]

I ran buffalo bore 180gr hardcast through my 66-1 and performed spectacularly with no probs.