My new 686 Range Report

[Nuclearmike]

Just took my new 686 (new to me, it's of -3 vintage) to the range and I really like it. I've always been an auto owner and this is not only my first revolver but my first magnum as well. I put a box of .38's down range first and that was pretty mild. They were wadcutters loaded for plinking I believe then I moved up to a box of .357's and, wow, things got a lot more interesting. Now I understand you guys who like to shoot wheelguns with some power. That big muzzle flash and that stout kick was exhilirating!

I put a set of Pachmayr Gripper Professionals on it and liked the feel of those better than the slick wood grips it came with but after a box of the magnums I was starting to get a little hand sore. It may be because the Gripper Pro's have that open back strap or perhaps I'll get used to it after a few more trips. Any opinions on the Pachmayrs or suggestions on replacements.

In any case, I think I'm hooked on these magnum revolvers! I can sure shoot this Smith better than any auto loader I've had.

Good shootin' everybody.

 

[pwrtool45]

"The Tao that can be named is not the eternal Tao."

Welcome to the fold.

 

[115grfmj]

Yeah, I have always been an auto-loader fan (Hence the Handle). But
theres just something about a good revolver that makes auto seem....
well...too vanilla to me. I eventually traded my only auto for a
sparkley new 686+ in four inches. Naturally I'm a little prejudice to your
choice, but you'll be amazed at the accuracy you can acheive. Also
point shooting is easier to me with the wheelie.

"Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your
destiny"


Also I highly recommend, Hogue's monogrip, in rubber or in good wood
if your carrying concealed. Rubber tends to snag my shirt when I move.

 

[P. Plainsman]

"Thirty spokes are united around the hub of a wheel,
but the usefulness of the wheel
depends on the space where nothing exists. . .

Therefore take advantage of what exists,
and use what does not exist."


Welcome to the fold indeed.

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

What was distance to target, brand of ammo and size of groups?

Enquiring minds want to know!

 

[Shweboner]

I just traded a TZ-99 & some cash for a nearly-new 686 6"

Not had a chance to shoot it yet, but it looks and feels like a winner!

This is my first revolver, though I still stand by my autos, I felt I needed to expand my collection a bit. You could say that I am a little more 'rounded' now.


BTW, what did your wood grips look like, mine came with Houge plastic grips.


~Brian

 

[Nuclearmike]

I went to a local indoor range and picked up some ammo there. Atlanta Arms & Ammo was the brand de jour. The .38s were jacketed wadcutters with not a whole lot of oomph. The .357s were 125 gr JHP. They had quite a bit more gitty-up than the .38s but I don't have a clue how they compare to some of the hot PD loads I've read about. I used a bullseye target and shot at distances out to 20 yards. I would have liked for my patterns to look a lot better but a bunch of practice might help that.

 

[Ala Dan]

The 6" Smith & Wesson 686 is quite amazing. Most of the time,
the gun will out perform its owner! Some small groups are
achieveable once you become familiar with it. Enjoy~

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Cin]

my hubby got me a 686+. put one of the pachmayr decelerator grips on it. that took the bite out of shooting it. going thru a box or two of .357's is not a problem now.