My Dealer Exclusive 5" half-lug 686+ will be two years old this fall. When I bought it new, it was $30 LESS than a standard 4" full lugged 686+ - which had the usual Hogue rubber grips - and a full lug, a deal breaker here. I really like the traditional looks of a partially lugged revolver - a la the 'Mountain Gun' series. I love those Ahrends square conversion finger-groove grips, although I swapped mine with the non-f.g. grips I had - for a faster 'grab'. The V-notch rear takes some getting used to - coupled with that HiViz fiber optic front sight, they are great for 'steel plate challenge' competition - or plinking. A gold bead Patridge and standard square notch may be better for bullseye. I mainly shoot my downloaded .357 Magnums - 158gr RN, FN, & LSWC @ 820-850 fps. The HKS #587 speedloaders work great with the seven shooters. I do keep a speedloader or two loaded with Rem R38S12 158gr LHPSWC .38 Special +P's, for my second line of HD...
The 586+ is pretty... but I really liked those new fangled SS revolvers when they came out - even if they did cost more. Now, they are less - and the quality of most blueing is 'less', as well - despite their 'premium' cost these days. Blued guns show 'character' much too easily... SS ones can be cleaned easily - and scratches can be buffed away as well. I like my 5" 686+!
Stainz
PS Anyone who questions the dependability of the S&W 'Lock' should read the article in the new J/A issue of AH - including remarks by S&W's Herb Belin. It's a non-issue here, too. New S&W's are supurb revolvers.