rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Ehh?
They have to rely on the past now.
The last production line Colt DA revolver was made in 1999.
rc
Help picking a full size 357 mag revolver
- Thread starter JBrady555
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They have to rely on the past now.
The last production line Colt DA revolver was made in 1999.
rc
scott5
Member
Hello all,
You might try a GP-100 and a Dan Wesson
You might try a GP-100 and a Dan Wesson
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bikemutt
Member
Gunner, I will confess it was a lucky break to find that no-dash, unfired 686. I was on an out of town trip in Florida, walked into a small, out of the way gunstore and saw the gem. They were asking $650 IIRC. I told him it was worth $500 to me. He called the owner since this was a consigned gun, he looked up from the phone and said "$550?", sold. Plus I had to kick in $20 to have it shipped to my FFL in WA, but no fee for a credit card as many shops are doing these days.
All that said though, I see 686 guns at pawnshops around here all the time, it's a pretty common gun. The only ones I see resistance to haggling over are the 686+ models as those are less common.
tryshoot
Member
I own gp-100, great gun. Will be last gun i get rid of. Have shot many 686. Great guns too. Would go with gp-100.
W.E.G.
Member
Depends how pretty you want.
I got this one for $250 at the LGS in 2010.
I got this one for $250 at the LGS in 2010.
svtruth
Member
I've never held a Dan Wesson, but suggest you wrap your hand around a Model 19, poetry in blued steel.
Really, you want several, iron sights, scoped, a Colt Trooper for HD (12lb DA trigger pull) stainless for camping, etc.
Good luck.
Really, you want several, iron sights, scoped, a Colt Trooper for HD (12lb DA trigger pull) stainless for camping, etc.
Good luck.
R.W.Dale
Member
I've owned the gp, 686 and the old security six. Honestly I wouldn't walk past a nice ruger to hold out for a 686 and vise versa. They're both great guns.
My current 357 though is a s&w 60-18
posted via mobile device.
My current 357 though is a s&w 60-18
posted via mobile device.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Remember, if you don't like the gun you buy you won't shoot it so don't buy on price alone.
I own a M686-2 and I feel it's a great revolver. It's smooth, accurate and well balanced. Buy what you want but be sure you like what you buy.
BTW, the Ruger GP100 is built large but not because it's built like a tank but because it's necessary to be as strong as a forged frame because of the investment casting method of manufacturing. Yes it's a very good revolver but not because "it's built like a tank".
I own a M686-2 and I feel it's a great revolver. It's smooth, accurate and well balanced. Buy what you want but be sure you like what you buy.
BTW, the Ruger GP100 is built large but not because it's built like a tank but because it's necessary to be as strong as a forged frame because of the investment casting method of manufacturing. Yes it's a very good revolver but not because "it's built like a tank".
The Ruger is a fine gun, but it's not a 686. Nor is the 686 a Ruger. The two are just different.
If at all possible, rent both and shoot them back-to-back. One or the other will feel more natural to you, and you will shoot it better. If it's the Ruger, you'll save some money and know you made the right choice. If the 686 is what you want, spend the money. You'll wish you had, if you don't. I've never purchased the more expensive gun that I really wanted and regretted it later.
I was recently thinking about buying a Glock - seems like they're the gun to have these days. Went to the range and rented a few - and dismissed the "gotta have a Glock" idea quickly. They just don't work for me. I don't like the grip, I can't stand the trigger, and worst of all - I can't shoot them accurately. Hand me a 1911 (ANY 1911) and all is good with my world...
And my favorite revolver is my 686+ Pro. A 686 6" is a very close second.
If at all possible, rent both and shoot them back-to-back. One or the other will feel more natural to you, and you will shoot it better. If it's the Ruger, you'll save some money and know you made the right choice. If the 686 is what you want, spend the money. You'll wish you had, if you don't. I've never purchased the more expensive gun that I really wanted and regretted it later.
I was recently thinking about buying a Glock - seems like they're the gun to have these days. Went to the range and rented a few - and dismissed the "gotta have a Glock" idea quickly. They just don't work for me. I don't like the grip, I can't stand the trigger, and worst of all - I can't shoot them accurately. Hand me a 1911 (ANY 1911) and all is good with my world...
And my favorite revolver is my 686+ Pro. A 686 6" is a very close second.
I really like classic Smith and Wessons, and have shot them a lot, especially 19's and 66's. That said, my GP100 is sturdy, accurate and after 1,000 dry fires and about 500 rounds through it, the action is too smooth to need an action job. I haven't had a 686 but when handling them they feel pretty good. I don't think you would go wrong with a 686 or GP100, if you found a good price on either one. If I could only have one handgun, I would have to go with the GP100.
Guillermo
member
Please enlighten us as to which double action Colts to which you refer.
Wildbillz
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2010
- Messages
- 1,024
When you said full size, my mind whent an entirely differant direction.
S&W Model 28 or 27. Full sized N frame (same as the 44mag). I have a four inch bbl Mod 28 that I love. The weight sucks up some of the recoild of the full tilt Magnum rounds.
But I do like the 686 (more of a Medeum frame) also. I would love to get a Python but thats a little more coin then I have to play with most of the time.
WB
S&W Model 28 or 27. Full sized N frame (same as the 44mag). I have a four inch bbl Mod 28 that I love. The weight sucks up some of the recoild of the full tilt Magnum rounds.
But I do like the 686 (more of a Medeum frame) also. I would love to get a Python but thats a little more coin then I have to play with most of the time.
WB
solvability
Member
I bought a 686 as my first Magnum and it is a delight to shoot. I get better groups with a 629 but for you it would be handloads for sure. You might consider a 41 Magnum - with an 8 inch barrel amazingly accurate and the recoil in the same category as the 357 with full power loads. I prefer Smiths but Rugers are built tough and heavy.
627PCFan
Member
Wildbillz killed it. Everytime I read one of these threads I hope no one mentions a model 27 N frame. That means theres another one out there safe for my taking
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
For me, 357 Magnum cartridge is synonymous with either the S&W Model 27 or the Model 28.
Model 27
Model 28
The Model 27 was THE 357 Magnum when the cartridge was first invented by S&W in 1935. In 1957, the name was changed to the Model 27. The Model 27 was the top of the line, with higher quality finish and nice touches like checkering the top strap of the frame and the top of the barrel rib.
The Model 28 was originally known as the Highway Patrolman. Introduced in 1954, it was basically the same as The 357 Magnum without the fancy finish. A more utilitarian gun, with a satin blue finish instead of the high polish of the Model 27. In 1957 The Highway Patrolman became known as the Model 28.
I never much cared for the modern revolvers with full length underlugs. The weight of the N frame Model 27 or Model 28 is plenty enough to allow me to shoot full power factory 357 Magnum ammo all day long, even with the standard Magna grips you see on these guns. I see used Model 28s on sale all the time, usually for around $400-$500. I have two of them, the 6" barreled one in the photo and another with a 4" barrel. If you look around you can find a nice blue steel Model 28 with recessed chambers and pinned barrel and without a lock or MIM parts that will be a better gun for less money than any Stainless gun Smith is offering today.
In my not so humble opinion of course.
For me, 357 Magnum cartridge is synonymous with either the S&W Model 27 or the Model 28.
Model 27
Model 28
The Model 27 was THE 357 Magnum when the cartridge was first invented by S&W in 1935. In 1957, the name was changed to the Model 27. The Model 27 was the top of the line, with higher quality finish and nice touches like checkering the top strap of the frame and the top of the barrel rib.
The Model 28 was originally known as the Highway Patrolman. Introduced in 1954, it was basically the same as The 357 Magnum without the fancy finish. A more utilitarian gun, with a satin blue finish instead of the high polish of the Model 27. In 1957 The Highway Patrolman became known as the Model 28.
I never much cared for the modern revolvers with full length underlugs. The weight of the N frame Model 27 or Model 28 is plenty enough to allow me to shoot full power factory 357 Magnum ammo all day long, even with the standard Magna grips you see on these guns. I see used Model 28s on sale all the time, usually for around $400-$500. I have two of them, the 6" barreled one in the photo and another with a 4" barrel. If you look around you can find a nice blue steel Model 28 with recessed chambers and pinned barrel and without a lock or MIM parts that will be a better gun for less money than any Stainless gun Smith is offering today.
In my not so humble opinion of course.
Jim NE
Member
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- Feb 28, 2011
- Messages
- 1,888
Same here. Problem is, I inherited my old Highway Patrolman, so I have no idea what they go for. Don't know if they're out of most folk's price range or not.
My acquaintence has a pristine original 6" five screw that he says is worth around $1100. Mine is worn and refinished, so I would imagine it's a lot less. Look for a shooter/non-collectible condition 28/HP (like mine), and it might be a great option that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Kinda heavy, though.
Oops, just saw Driftwood's post - 400-500. Sounds very reasonable.
I just picked up these 2 this week. The Little one is for pocket carry in the summer and the other is a S&W 386xl Hunter. It is essentially a scandium framed 686+ I will be using it mostly as a range gun. I like the 686's but after a couple of hours holding one my arms get a little tired. For me this is light enough to shoot for hours without tiring. I shoot mostly .38 at the range due to the cost. I did just put 25 158 gr. .357 Speer gold dot hp's through it and it was lively but nothing to crazy. I like the high viz sights and I shoot this gun very well. If you are shooting solely .357's in large volumes there may be better options. If you are out in the woods hunting this would be a good choice too.
Attachments
Okiegunner
Member
.357
In my opinion...
1. Nothing beats the Colt Python (for a .357)
2. SW Model 686 is the ultimate SW .357
With prices what they are, there is absolutely no way in h*ll I could afford the Python. However the 686, (which I love) possibly. I actually own a 686, but my brother has it in North Carolina, so good luck to me, I will never see it! The pistol was once upon a time an Oklahoma State Trooper sidearm.
BikeMutt, congrats to you on an outstanding purchase. If anyone knows where I could purchase a 686 (please, not shot to h*ll) for anywhere close to what BikeMutt paid for his, then I'm a buyer. Please PM me.
I am not a wealthy guy, just working class, I am paid on the 3rd and the 18th, and will need a little lead time to shell out the dough. As much advance notice as possible would be appreciated. However, this is not BS, I am serious about buying one of these pistols.
Anyhow, thanks and I appreciate you guys. BikeMutt...Great purchase
Gunner
In my opinion...
1. Nothing beats the Colt Python (for a .357)
2. SW Model 686 is the ultimate SW .357
With prices what they are, there is absolutely no way in h*ll I could afford the Python. However the 686, (which I love) possibly. I actually own a 686, but my brother has it in North Carolina, so good luck to me, I will never see it! The pistol was once upon a time an Oklahoma State Trooper sidearm.
BikeMutt, congrats to you on an outstanding purchase. If anyone knows where I could purchase a 686 (please, not shot to h*ll) for anywhere close to what BikeMutt paid for his, then I'm a buyer. Please PM me.
I am not a wealthy guy, just working class, I am paid on the 3rd and the 18th, and will need a little lead time to shell out the dough. As much advance notice as possible would be appreciated. However, this is not BS, I am serious about buying one of these pistols.
Anyhow, thanks and I appreciate you guys. BikeMutt...Great purchase
Gunner
oldfool
Member
being a S&W unabashed fanboy, no matter what, it's just a too easy answer for me (?)
simply no question about it, ain't nothing else worth owning.. except
nothing beats a vintage S&W model 27
nothing beats a Colt Python
nothing beats a vintage Dan Wesson
nothing beats a Freedom Arms SA
nothing else still in production out there beats a Ruger GP in DA, or a Ruger Blackhawk SA for value plus plus
(but my heart belongs forever to 19/66 S&W k-frames)
though I could live and smile a whole lot forever with any vintage Ruger "Six" or vintage Taurus 66 or S&W 686
and that's the truth as best I know how to tell it... or leastways an honest opinion
other than that, I ain't really got no opinion on this topic
disclaimer -
I don't own but two of the specific brand/models mentioned, but no reason a man can't keep on hoping !
simply no question about it, ain't nothing else worth owning.. except
nothing beats a vintage S&W model 27
nothing beats a Colt Python
nothing beats a vintage Dan Wesson
nothing beats a Freedom Arms SA
nothing else still in production out there beats a Ruger GP in DA, or a Ruger Blackhawk SA for value plus plus
(but my heart belongs forever to 19/66 S&W k-frames)
though I could live and smile a whole lot forever with any vintage Ruger "Six" or vintage Taurus 66 or S&W 686
and that's the truth as best I know how to tell it... or leastways an honest opinion
other than that, I ain't really got no opinion on this topic
disclaimer -
I don't own but two of the specific brand/models mentioned, but no reason a man can't keep on hoping !
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C5rider
Member
Glad to see that several folks have included possibly one of the most undervalued firearms available to the common man.
I think every collection should have at least one.
creitzel
Member
I love my 686+. One of my favorite handguns actually.
BCRider
Member
The 686 IS a superb gun. As is the compaion blued 586 model. But if you want to shoot a steady diet of stout full power .357's then I'd suggest the S&W 27 or 28/Highway Patrolman as well. With a VERY close second being the Ruger GP100.
Unlike the previous poster that mentioned he preferred the Ruger trigger I'm the other way. To me nothing has the silky smooth feel of a S&W trigger. Of course different folks like different things. It's certainly not that the Ruger trigger feels bad by any stretch. Just it has some subtle little warnings that occur during the pull that telegraphs that it's about to drop the hammer.
Of course if you'll shoot either in SA model most of the time then you won't ever notice. Both the S&W and Ruger have delightfully light and crisp SA trigger pulls.
Unlike the previous poster that mentioned he preferred the Ruger trigger I'm the other way. To me nothing has the silky smooth feel of a S&W trigger. Of course different folks like different things. It's certainly not that the Ruger trigger feels bad by any stretch. Just it has some subtle little warnings that occur during the pull that telegraphs that it's about to drop the hammer.
Of course if you'll shoot either in SA model most of the time then you won't ever notice. Both the S&W and Ruger have delightfully light and crisp SA trigger pulls.
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