I relented. New 686.

[Nightcrawler]

So relented and bought the 686 seven-shooter today, 4" barrel. I like the weight and balance of this gun, and it's going to give my 625 a run for its money for my favorite handgun, I think. (I'll have to shoot it first to be sure.) I should not have spent the money right now, though. So I have to pay for it by selling off two virtually unused handguns from my meger collection. They'll get better homes and I'll feel better that way.

Thoughts? Well, part of me isn't wonder if I shouldn't have gotten the six-shot model. I understand the seven-shot is just as strong, but the six-shot cost less. Additionally, they have the Safariland Comp-III spring-loaded speedloaders available for the six-shots. Personally, I don't have a problem with HKS (they're the only speedloaders I've used, in fact), but the Safarilands might be nice to try (though it might be bad to hit that button before you get the rounds lined up and eject your reload across the room).

However, I do like the extra shot. Also, the trigger pull is noticably shorter than my 625 or my 642. This will make rapid fire easier, I suspect.

I don't like the Hogue monogrip the gun comes with. Not only are the fingergrooves incompatible with my fingers, but one of the ejecting cases tends to get stuck against the left side of the grip. I'm open to suggestions for a replacement. I prefer no finger grooves grips and wish S&W would make their JM grips for the L-Frame.

It's my first "normal" revolver. My first three were N-Frames with 6 and 5 inch barrels. Hard to find stuff for. Holsters and accessories for the L-Frame are all over, since it was so popular as a law enforcement gun for years.

Now all I need is ammo, speedloaders, and holsters. Though, with the box of 125 grain Golden Saber .38 +Ps I've got for my snubby, the 686 replaces my snubby as my bedside gun. I'll probably invest in some Glaser Safety Slugs (or similar) for home defense, though. I live in a thin-walled apartment. General carry? I'm thinking 158 grain JHP.

One gripe? The machine work and finishing aren't quite as fine as my 625. Of course, my 625 cost more than a hundred dollars more...

 

[Gelicious]

Congrats on the 686. I got my fathers when he passed away and i love it!!! I have cleaned it up and am going to be putting some kingswood grips on soon. If you are willing to sell that houge monogrip let me know. I would be willing to give ya some scratch for it if the price was right. I have the 4in model as well.

As for ammo, I found that the 158gr Speer gold dots are the best with the gun for accruacy and expantion. I swear by them.

let me know about the grip deal.

 

[Werewolf]

5" model 686 here with high vis sight. Best revolver I own.

As for strength - well - the 7 shot cylinder is actually stronger than the 6 shot. Take a look at where the timing notches and the recesses are compared to the 6 shot. You'll understand why the 7 is stronger pretty quick.

 

[Nightcrawler]

The build quality just isn't up there with my 625. The ejection rod unscrews! Neither my 625, my old 25-5, nor my 642 do this. Plus, the inside of the crane isn't polished. Not important, but cosmetic.

Still. It's going to be a working/beater gun anyway. If it was too pretty, I wouldn't want to abuse it! (I might have gotten a GP100, but the store didn't have one.)

I'll let you know on the grips. I just need to find a replacment set first.

 

[cslinger]

The build quality just isn't up there with my 625.

Now I am a GP100 guy at heart but that being said I think you will find the build quality to be robust as hell and more then up to any task you might have at hand.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Oh, I'm sure it's rugged enough. The refinement just isn't what I expect from a S&W, that's all.

Oh well. I've got a PC 586 L-Comp on my list. I'm sure that'll be slick.

 

[Catshooter]

Night,

Loctite that ejector rod my friend. They all unscrew, but you don't want it to when you're shooting.

Nice new revolver! Pics?


Cat

 

[Nightcrawler]

Oh very well.

Here is a picture I took.

 

[antediluvianist]

What dash number is your model 686Plus? Anything after -5 has the lock. Since you say the workmanship isn't so good, maybe it's a new (current model) 686Plus.

I have the -5 model with a 4 inch barrel. I can relate to your problem with the HK speedloader and the grip interference- kind of makes fast reloading impossible.

Still, a fine gun and my home defence gun too. Just not fast reloading it, especially in the dark. I may get those Austrian spring speedloaders that come in a version for the 7-shot 686Plus, which unfortunately the Safariland Comp. IIIs don't, as you wrote.

 

[Janitor]

Nightcrawler - Dillon carries the grips you're looking for -

http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=52&min=2&dyn=1&

/j

 

[Frandy]

Plus, the inside of the crane isn't polished. Not important, but cosmetic.

My 625 JM was in the same condition when I bought it (new). I called Smith and they paid shipping both ways to get it right. And, it was away from me for a total of 5 days from my bringing it to the UPS center until it arrived at my door.

Enjoy that 686.

Frandy

 

[Kevinch]

Here is a picture I took.

Nice safe - is it climate controlled?

You'll like the gun. I have a 6" -1 that I bought new & doubt I'll ever be able to part with it, even though I think I'd buy a 4" if I had to do it all over. I keep my eye open for killer deals on a 4" & 2½" to round out my collection!

 

[Nightcrawler]

It's a 686-6. It has the lock (so do my two other new S&Ws) and it is brand new.

My safe? Climate controlled, yes. Not very secure though. However, who looks in the butter dish for a snubby? Huh? I ask you...

Thanks for the heads up on the grips.

 

[Nightcrawler]

A better picture

You'll notice that most of my pictures are now taken on a baking pan on my stove. This area has the best lighting of anyplace in my apartment.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I had my doubts at first, and the less than stellar experience shooting the Model 28 didn't help. But now...now I think I've fallen in love with the .357 Magnum. A Colt King Cobra is on the list, as is some kind of Ruger single action. I'd like to get the 50th Anniversary Blackhawk. I wish they'd make the smaller, New Vaquero framed Blackhawk the standard. That's plenty stout for all the .357 Magnum has to offer, I think. I might get a New Vaquero 5.5".