revolver dilemma

[mr.trooper]

I have enough money to buy ONE new revolver. I have many handguns, but this is my first revolver purchase.

I cant decide between the S&W 617 or the 686. Specifically, the 4" 617 or the 3" 686.

they are both roughly the same price, and will be roughly as useful to me. i have a Ruger MK III for a .22 and a model 19-5 that was gifted to me some time ago, so its not like i have any gaps to fill. i simply like them both and cant decide.

 

[22-rimfire]

Tough choice. I would choose the one that you believe you will shoot the most. I would choose the 617 since you only have a Ruger Mark III. I have a Mark II. Different guns for different moods.

 

[mr.trooper]

yea thats the way i was leaning.

either way, i will be able to afford the other in a few months anyway. Its just hard to wait.

 

[Gideon]

If this is for CCW I'd go 3", if it's just for home or range I'd get the one you want the most
Gideon

 

[machinisttx]

Buy the 617. When you get around to buying the 686, it will be like shooting the same gun, just with more recoil.

(Although personally, I'd buy a 17 and a 19...oh wait, I already did. )

 

[notorious]

Did you think to get the Model 19 Combat Masterpiece in 3"? I love that huge sight ramp on the stubby barrel, it gives it a really unique profile.

 

[aHFo3]

Mr.Trooper, I'm in the same boat with you...I've got a Mk II and a 19-3 that was a gift.

I'd love a 617 or a 686. I'd go 617, or more likely 17 first. I shoot .22 more, it's cheaper, and it's different enough from the MkII to make it fun.

But, if you're able to purchase the other one down the road, I'd shop around for a prelock model in either model, and purchase the one that comes up first.

Either way, enjoy your purchase.

 

[notorious]

Sorry, Model 19 with the 2.5" barrel is what I meant, not 3"... IMHO, one of the best looking revolvers made!

 

[mauiglide]

Go with the S&W 686.

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for the 617.

 

[notorious]

What's the difference between the 2? I can't really tell the difference between the 617 and 686 other than that I now the 686 has been around forever.

 

[David E]

The 686 was introduced in 1980.

Of the two, the 3" 686 would be the most versatile, especially if you reload, but even if you don't.

For a good trail gun, load up the first couple chambers with full wadcutter target loads and it may kick less than the 617. Or, if snakes are a problem, load the first chamber with a shotshell. Load the last couple chambers with JHP's and you're ready for anything you come across without reloading.

.

 

[Rmac58]

I don't think you'll go wrong with either. What "fits" you best is the way to go.

Here's another choice though, a S&W model 60, 3 inch .357, specifically the one I'm selling!

 

[mr.trooper]

I looked at a 3" 686 in the store today. It was only 6 shots. ***? The website says 7 shots, and thats why i wanted it.

This was a new gun thats only been siting in the dealers case a few months. What gives?

 

[David E]

They make both.

The 686P holds 7.

However, finding a 7-shooter that has as nice an action as a 6-shooter is difficult.

I'd go with the 6-shot and not look back, especially since the 3" in a 6-shot is not currently listed on the S&W site.

.

 

[notorious]

If you want more shots, go with an auto.

 

[mr.trooper]

Well, Iv got a Glock, and i don't really NEED either of those revolver. It was just for the sake of having them.

Maybe i should go with a .44 magnum instead.

 

[notorious]

SW Model 29 4" or Charter Arms Bulldog!

 

[earplug]

625?

In the many handguns you own, do you have a .45 acp?
If so consider a 625.

 

[notorious]

I would take the SW Schofield.

 

[chriske]

Since it will be your first revolver, the 617 : being a .22 LR, it'll allow you to shoot it enough to really get to familiarize yourself with & appreciate DA wheelguns.

 

[notorious]

Get the 8 shot Taurus 22LR revolver... or is it 10 shot now? You can also use 22 shotshells on snakes out of revolvers.

 

[mr.trooper]

I had one of those 9 shot 4" Taurus revolvers... the main spring broke in LESS THAN 200 rounds, so the gun would only fire single action. I have had 3 different Taurus products break on me IN A ROW. All were purchased New.

So you must forgive me when i say F*$& Taurus.

local shop has a 4" stainless 617 for $630. Iv been jonesing to pick it up but i cant until my check gets here. It sure is taking its sweet time. I NEED my new gun fix, and its hard to wait.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Heck, go whole hog and get the 500 Magnum.
That'll take your "gun fix" away for a while.

I used to own a new S&W 686 6" barrel. That revolver was sweet. One I'm sorry I ever got rid of. I had many thousands of rounds out of that gun. Speer 158g SWC lead cast bullets and Unique powder with a fairly calm load. Boy, that was a tack driver!

 

[BlindJustice]

I own and shoot....

625 5" Bbl. .45 ACP/.45 Auto RIm
617 6" Bbl. 10 cap. cyl.

I got both of the above since the sight radius is nearly
the same with the longer barreled K-frame 617. The
617 is very enjoyable, it always seems to be taken along on
trips to the range. I got it for economy DA practice and
DA or SA plinking. It's got Hogue grips in Coco Bolo wood
with a white spacer for the dark red/bllack buttcap Several
who have seen it call it "A Beauty" However, the
625 is my fav. revolver just like the big olBboomer with
moderate recoil

I also have
60 3" Bbl. .357 Mag.
686P 4" Bbl. .357 Mag.

I've listed my revolvers in preference - I just
don't 'hook up' with the 686P The 60 is fun
with .38 SPecial +P but still has the Mag option.
I think .357 Mag is best used in 5" or longer barreled
handguns with the slow burning powder used in Mag.
loads.

FWIW,

Randall