Having put off purchase of an L-frame for twenty-five years, I decided that the SSR version might be tolerable. The first revolver I ever fired was a Model 15. A few K-frames and various N-frame pieces covered my needs. I thought of L-frames as the option for those who couldn't quite nail down their wish list and settled for a compromise.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The L-frame, especially the SSR, does fill a valid gap in the product line. Here are the most interesting things I noticed after the initial range session:
-- it shoots well; excellent accuracy with each of the four loads used.
-- the extra mass, compared to a Model 66, sits just forward of the grip. This helps with felt recoil while maintaining good ability to place the sights on target quickly.
-- perceived recoil is less than a Model 66. It digested warmer loads with less bother than my ported 66.
-- traditionalists will love the forged hammer and trigger and just have to ignore the lock.
-- "out of the box" trigger feel is very good; far better than the average new Smith. The "bossed" main spring, similar to a Wolff, likely has something to do with it. ALL NEW SMITHS SHOULD HAVE TRIGGER FEEL THIS GOOD!
-- excellent hammer spur shape; rounded off enough for snag-free draw while retaining sufficient surface area for trouble-free cocking.
-- trigger overtravel stop is nice touch. Some human actually spent time filing it to proper length.
-- the barrel shape is, uh, different but I think the engineers won that argument and it works, likely with less bother than barrel/shroud combinations.
-- the muzzle crown is NOT what I'd describe as a "target" crown. Rather, it is a "protected" crown. Nothing wrong with that! It's a good idea on a duty gun.
-- the grip is the best factory, laminated grip I've fondled. Smith did well in providing a cheap, durable, one-size-fits-all grip that feels this good. I like wood and will replace this grip with one that fits my hand a bit better. Most folks will be amazed at the original.
-- interchangeable front sights are a good feature. I have several, including a tritium dot, on order.
My Model 66 will continue to be my primary duty sidearm because of the weight (I walk three to five miles per shift.) and its broken-in action is so stupendously smooth. If I decide that I need additional power while retaining good front sight control, the 686SSR can slip effortlessly into my holster.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The L-frame, especially the SSR, does fill a valid gap in the product line. Here are the most interesting things I noticed after the initial range session:
-- it shoots well; excellent accuracy with each of the four loads used.
-- the extra mass, compared to a Model 66, sits just forward of the grip. This helps with felt recoil while maintaining good ability to place the sights on target quickly.
-- perceived recoil is less than a Model 66. It digested warmer loads with less bother than my ported 66.
-- traditionalists will love the forged hammer and trigger and just have to ignore the lock.
-- "out of the box" trigger feel is very good; far better than the average new Smith. The "bossed" main spring, similar to a Wolff, likely has something to do with it. ALL NEW SMITHS SHOULD HAVE TRIGGER FEEL THIS GOOD!
-- excellent hammer spur shape; rounded off enough for snag-free draw while retaining sufficient surface area for trouble-free cocking.
-- trigger overtravel stop is nice touch. Some human actually spent time filing it to proper length.
-- the barrel shape is, uh, different but I think the engineers won that argument and it works, likely with less bother than barrel/shroud combinations.
-- the muzzle crown is NOT what I'd describe as a "target" crown. Rather, it is a "protected" crown. Nothing wrong with that! It's a good idea on a duty gun.
-- the grip is the best factory, laminated grip I've fondled. Smith did well in providing a cheap, durable, one-size-fits-all grip that feels this good. I like wood and will replace this grip with one that fits my hand a bit better. Most folks will be amazed at the original.
-- interchangeable front sights are a good feature. I have several, including a tritium dot, on order.
My Model 66 will continue to be my primary duty sidearm because of the weight (I walk three to five miles per shift.) and its broken-in action is so stupendously smooth. If I decide that I need additional power while retaining good front sight control, the 686SSR can slip effortlessly into my holster.
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