Choosing a S&W 6" 357
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glockman19
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3. NIB Model 686 stainless $625
It's New and I like the 686 prefer a shorter barrel, 4".
Since I have a Model 66-1 and a 686-4 I would go with the Model 19. If I had no 357s at all I probably would still go with the 19. I rarely see the blued pinned/recessed Smiths in shops anymore especially NIB. A good used 686 can be picked up anytime. I would not pay $625 for a new 686 when there are so many nice used ones out there. I picked up a very nice 66 last year for $400 , at $500 I like the 19 NIB.
In the end it pretty much comes down to the one YOU LIKE BEST!
Old 112
Member
For collectabilty, and if it is NIB, that 19 sounds pretty good.
If you get the 19 and shoot it, it will lose some immediate value, but if you are going to always have it then that does not matter that much. I have a 19-4(not NIB) that is set up like the one you described, and it is very pleasurable to shoot, and very accurate with my handloaded 357 and 38spl. rounds.
I agree with other comments made before, that you should be able to find very decent used 586/686 models as well as 19/66 models for less money. If you get the NIB 19, you can get one or two or three of the used 19/66 or 586/686 as well.
Regards
Old 112
If you get the 19 and shoot it, it will lose some immediate value, but if you are going to always have it then that does not matter that much. I have a 19-4(not NIB) that is set up like the one you described, and it is very pleasurable to shoot, and very accurate with my handloaded 357 and 38spl. rounds.
I agree with other comments made before, that you should be able to find very decent used 586/686 models as well as 19/66 models for less money. If you get the NIB 19, you can get one or two or three of the used 19/66 or 586/686 as well.
Regards
Old 112
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
19 any time over a Stainless Steel. Blue and wood has beauty and soul.
If I was gonna carry it and shoot it away from a range or nightstand I'd lean toward the stainless. If you are gonna shoot a steady and heavy diet of the mags the L frame works better- was designed to. If I can only have one I believe the new L frame would get the nod,but I doubt I would pay that for one though but then again how long will it be before that is a deal? Compared to a new one with the lock its a deal but the real value is still out there if ya look.
I guess it also depends where you are... I hear some areas and ffl tranfer fees may make those prices in line.
As far as boxes and all if you buy for less than the price of one with the box you won't be hurt on that end.
I own the 6 inch 19 and won't be parting with it but am lookin for a deal on a 686 6 inch.
Now if ya are lookin at a carry gun with a shorter barrell the k frame starts to shine
then again my cs-1 isn't goin anywhere
I believe in the long run weight and balance will effect you more depending on what your intended uses of the gun. Go with what feels best to you they are all good choices- taste and price are relative...
I guess it also depends where you are... I hear some areas and ffl tranfer fees may make those prices in line.
As far as boxes and all if you buy for less than the price of one with the box you won't be hurt on that end.
I own the 6 inch 19 and won't be parting with it but am lookin for a deal on a 686 6 inch.
Now if ya are lookin at a carry gun with a shorter barrell the k frame starts to shine
then again my cs-1 isn't goin anywhereI believe in the long run weight and balance will effect you more depending on what your intended uses of the gun. Go with what feels best to you they are all good choices- taste and price are relative...
madmattmd
Member
I'd go with the Model 19. You may not ever see another NIB pinned and recessed K frame at a price you can afford. Many more opportunities to pick up a nice L-frame will present itself.
Matt
Matt
NO QUESTION. the model 19. It will have the best trigger of the three, and be the most unique and rare. Not that it's all that rare. It's just not current production. Just don't shoot many magnums through it and avoid 125 and 110 gr rounds when you do , and you ought to be fine.
I can't possibly say enough good things about the model 19.
I can't possibly say enough good things about the model 19.
Of your choices, all sound good, maybe.
Which dash model is the 66? The earliest models had problems with the location of the gas check ring and Smith had to modify the design. Some of these had stainless sights, also, and that was hard to see in sunlight. If yours is one of the earliest then there might be problems with it heating up.
Is the 686 lock or prelock? I know, a lot of people say it doesn't matter, but given a choice, we would all prefer prelock.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/500103904/m/228102718
If the 686 is prelock and they are otherwise all in the same condition, I'd go with it because of the added barrel weight. It's like a Colt Python and is a better shooter.
Otherwise I think I'd go with the 19, assuming the 19 is in equally superb condition. I have both (19 and 66) and for some reason, the 19s have a smoother action than the stainless. The stainless feel gritty, for some reason. I still like them, but I'm just saying.
Which dash model is the 66? The earliest models had problems with the location of the gas check ring and Smith had to modify the design. Some of these had stainless sights, also, and that was hard to see in sunlight. If yours is one of the earliest then there might be problems with it heating up.
Is the 686 lock or prelock? I know, a lot of people say it doesn't matter, but given a choice, we would all prefer prelock.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/500103904/m/228102718
If the 686 is prelock and they are otherwise all in the same condition, I'd go with it because of the added barrel weight. It's like a Colt Python and is a better shooter.
Otherwise I think I'd go with the 19, assuming the 19 is in equally superb condition. I have both (19 and 66) and for some reason, the 19s have a smoother action than the stainless. The stainless feel gritty, for some reason. I still like them, but I'm just saying.
researchdoc
Member
The 686
Fisherman_48768
Member
The mdl 19 and 66 are essentially the same except for one being blue and the other stainless. I'd go for the 19 for asthetic reasons.
686 not even in the same category as the K frames.
686 not even in the same category as the K frames.
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