686+ vs. 627 Pro

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udmgrad2000

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Hello,

I am in the market for my first gun and have decided with a 357 revolver for the several advantages. I considered Taurus, Ruger, and S&W, and have narrowed my search down to a 357 S&W, because it is American owned and the lifetime warranty. I shot a 4" 686+ rental yesterday and liked it, but can anyone please comment on the differences between it, a 6" 686+, a 4" 627 (stock), and the 627 pro (not PC)? I can't rent/try out the others I am considering and would appreciate some opinions before I make my purchase. Money isn't really an issue (single professional), and of all of the guns, the 627 Pro (to me) is the slickest of the bunch (a local shop has offered it for $745 OTD..?).

Thanks in advance for any/all comments & opinions!
 
Well, I can't say enough nice things about the S&W 686 and would opt for a 4-incher. I have a 6-inch and with the full underlug barrel, I have a tough time bringing it on a target that might be moving. I also have the old Ruger Security-Six with a 6-inch barrel and that's the way I'd go if I wanted a 6-inch barrel.

I haven't had good luck with Taurus, and since money doesn't seem to be an issue, I'd say the 686 would be the way to go. If you'll be using it mostly at the range, I guess the underlug barrel wouldn't be an issue. Just be warned that it's a little front-heavy. That's why I'd go with a 4-incher, which also is easier to carry and to use for self defense.
 
I have a 586 4 inch (carbon steel) and a 686+ 6 inch (stainless steel). I like them both....very accurate, but if I could only have one, I'd pick the 4 inch 357 all day long!!
 
I sure like the looks of the new "Pro" series. I have a model 60 on order. I am curious to see what kind of quality they have with this model.
 
I own and love a 686-6+ 4", I had sold a 686-5 6" years ago and when I got back into shooting the 686 was the first gun I replaced. Having to do it all over again, with the exception of a small .357 for conceal, I would still pick a 686 over any other, and then once I have a 686 I would love to own an N frame .357...so I'm really no help in your decision...go with the 686...then save up and get one of those fancy PC 627s?

RFB
 
One gun I intednd to have for the rest of my life is my S&W 686+ 4". IMHO it is perfectly balanced and dead on accurate.

I prefer shooting it over my S&W 629 .44 mag. while I shoiot both well I can shoot the 686 all day long after 50 rounds of the 629 and my hand has had enough.
 
Welcome to the forum...

The difference between the M686 and the M627 is frame size. The M686 is an "L" frame revolver and the M627 is built on a "N" frame. The M627 is a heavier revolver and is somewhat like the older M27.

The M686+ holds 7 rounds while the M627 holds 8.
 
udmgrad,
why you ruled out the 627 PC 5"?

I find it's a good compromise in between a 4-incher and a 6-incher.

I just got one and she's awesome, right weight, right ergonomics, terrific looks.

plus the possibility to choose some real fancy models (the two-tone unfluted cylinder makes me simply drool..)
 
smile

mc_coy: Found a new site:neener: I see. You should tell them about my un-biased opinions with Rugers:)
 
The x27 models are going to be larger. This means less recoil but they aren't as handy. Though not impossible, concealed carry with one won't be most people's cup of tea.

The biggest advantage the Pro series offer is moonclips and an eight shot capacity. It's got a red ramp front site as well. The 686+ is a standard, no frills revolvers except for that 7th shot in the cylinder. No moonclips. The 686 in a 4" barrel, to me, balances quite nicely and represents a good compromise between carryability and shootability.
 
If you like the 4" 686+, consider the half lug version - the 620. It's a few bucks less, but the same L-frame, lockwork, grip, & cylinder.

I have a 5" JM PC 627 V-Comp and a 5" 686+ with a half lug (Stocking Dealer Exclusive from a few years back.). Believe me, the 627 is a fine firearm. The 686+ is close - but reloads much more easily with speedloaders. I don't enjoy the 8-hole moonclips with the 627 - too many spindly legs to line up. I'd go for a 4"-er, too. I actually 'need' one - my other .357 Magnum is a 6" 66!

Seriously, consider that 620.

Stainz

PS I've been shooting .45 ACP in moonclips in a 625 for years - it has spoiled me for fast reloads.
 
Neophyte1:
nice to see ya 'round here, gunslingers' world is a small one indeed!

No objection whatsoever, the Ruger remains a mythical gun.

Me, I just had to spend more than 1000 Eu$$ (1500 US$$) for my 1st gun, which I was extolling above.:rolleyes:
Had to lie to the missus about the price :eek::eek:

By the way, do you know the Ruger forum where there is a section for 'trashing' other brands??

I attend sometimes the S&W forum, which has not a similar section.:)
 
mc_coy

mc_coy: yes I know the RugerForum.com and RugerForum.net. They don't do a good job of thrashing:neener: Seems to have to much respect:)
Have a couple more on the want list. Single Six .17hmr and Blackhawk 30 carbine. Maybe before the middle of summer?
 
One thing I didn't see mentioned above is the difference in reloading the 686+ vs the 627. The 627 can fire loose rounds, or you can use 8 shot moonclips. A moonclipped revolver can be reloaded smokin' fast. The 686+ can fire loose rounds or you can use HKS #587 speedloaders. The HKS speedloaders are very slow compared to moonclips. There are some German speedloaders for the 686+ that are pretty fast but VERY difficult to get. Then you could have the 686+ cylinder machined to accept moonclips like the 627 but that's going to add about $100 to the cost of the gun.

Just some options to think about.
 
As noted the 627 uses a larger frame with greater trigger reach. So, in part the decision may depend on your hand size. If one is going to do concealed carry the 686 would be a bit more compact and less weighty but people have successfully carried N frames. If you could find one a 686 Mountain Gun has a light barrel and the weight of a 4" 66 K frame revolver albeit a bit bigger. So, I guess it all depends.
 
Money isn't really an issue (single professional),
Click to expand...

Then the only sensible question would be to get the 627 PC. THe Pro series is just a cheaper clone of a 627PC with a few differences (barrel length being one of them). If money isn't an issue then get the PC. Trigger is smoother and lighter than the Pro they had in my local shop, the gun is more refined, and should you not like it for some reason, resale is higher on a PC model. I have one and have been quite impressed.
 
One caveat I'll restate - the eight long spindly legs one must line up from moonclipped .357 Magnums slows the reload considerably, especially if you have ever had a 625 and moonclipped RN .45 ACPs. A basic easing of the 625's ejector star will make .45 ACPs with RN's almost jump into the chambers when compared to the aforementioned spindly legged 8X.357M alignment. I was serious about the HKS speedloader being faster with a 686+ than I can be with the moonclipped .357M's and my 627. I own both - and this is my experience. My 625's have spoiled me. Besides, most competitions limit revolvers to six shooters.

Look at the 620 - it is the 686+ frame/cylinder with a 66-like partially lugged two-piece (Their most modern design.) barrel. It feels great in the hand - with a grip change (It comes with the usual 686's,etc, Hogues.). The 619, a fixed sighted version of the 620 (It replaced the 4" 65 - but was inexplicably dropped over a year ago - poor sales were suspected.), comes with squared Uncle Mike's combats, a great feel in man-made grips. Any round-butt K/L-frame grips will fit, of course.

My experience with the 66, 625, 627, and 686+ is personal - I have had said revolvers for years.

Stainz
 
Get both! Standard answer.

If you don't mind a larger gun or want 8-shot capacity go with the N, if 7 shots is okay or you plan on concealing a lot, I would opt for the 686. I have a 686 and a 60LS is backup. Both shoot well. You cannot go wrong with either Smith, but I would stick with the L-frames for most situations.

Heres a pic of my 686

686Sideview2web.gif

I am thinking about a Pro myself. I like both the SSR and the new 60

Shooter429
 
Since you've already considered a revolver, you probably realize you're not going to need more than six rounds for home defense anyway. At least that's what I keep in my shotgun.

If you like the 627, get that, by all means. A bad ass gun, and sure to be a lot of fun for a long time.

Otherwise, get a 4" or 6" GP100. They'll be just as smooth as a Smith in a few hundred rounds and a few hundred dry fires, and they're hunkier and cheaper. Spend the extra few bucks on a bunch of ammo.
 
I tried a 686+ range gun and liked it, but I didn't care for the full unlerlug barrel. I decided to go with the less popular 620 and am very pleased with it - basically a 686+ but with a tapered underlug, which I like. Shoots great and I'm very pleased with it, as it is my first handgun. Although the 627 Pro is nice, it is a bit big, but I won't rule out getting it in the future. ..I've got the bug now and am looking at which gun to get next and take my concealed weapons permit. Thinking of getting a S&W snub-nose 38 since it's the same ammo or maybe a Sig 9mm. The 620 seems a bit big to carry. I just want to buy American if/when possible, and I'm happy to say that my upcoming tax rebate was reinvested into the economy for an American company.
 
i have a 686-6 6inch, and i love it. i took my in laws M27 and put them side by side, they are very similar in size and weight, which surprised me.

anyways. you can't got wrong with a smith and wesson. (sigmas excluded)
 
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