S&W 686 357mag 7 shot..

[vikz]

Hello peeps! when i got my XDm last thursday i saw this beautiful smith 686 w/ wooden grips (4inch) and i really liked it!, i have a 637 that i haven't fired yet and a taurus 357 with 7 shots also that i can probably trade to get the 686, but i'm not sure if its worth it? It feels really good and very balanced when i as holding, its just feels right..what you guys think? would that be ideal to CCW? anybody have one?how does it shoot??okay too many questions already thank you in advance..

 

[bdb benzino]

I have a 4" 686-6 and I love it, it is sweet to shoot full magnum loads in because of size and weght. Could be one of the best revolvers made!!

 

[Confederate]

The 686 is a decent range revolver, but for CCW, no, it's a bit big. For carrying, the Model 66 and the Ruger Speed- and Security-Sixes are a much better choice. The 686s were not just beefed up in critical areas, S&W added weight to the barrel that I think detracts from its usefulness. Then Ruger, which already was built like a tank, followed suit. As .357 carry pistols go, it's hard to pass up the short-barreled 66 and Ruger Speed-Six. Even as an outdoor field revolver, the medium-frame guns have the edge over the larger-framed 686 and GP-100. They're all decent guns, though.

 

[sheepdog]

...just traded a K framed M65 3" away and into a GP100 3"...not 2 oz difference in weight and the GP shoots much better than the 65...and carries and conceals in the same holsters IWB...

 

[W.E.G.]

With proper wardrobe, the 686 should be easy enough to conceal.

Hard to believe this "little fella" is all growed-up and bald-headed!

Still got that 686!

 

[Oro]

It feels really good and very balanced when i as holding, its just feels right..

Yes, they really got that one right and it is widely regarded as one of the best .357s out there. Not the most expensive, not the fanciest, but one of the very best.

would that be ideal to CCW?

No, it's pretty dang big unless you are pretty large and live in Alaska. I liked my 4" so much I bought a 2.5" to cc, but gave up on that size, too (a 2.5" K frame was so much more concealable and comfortable, though out of production nowadays - but widely available used).

anybody have one?how does it shoot??

I enjoy shooting .357 out of it more than any other K or N frame of the same length - it has the same weight as an N-frame of the same length, but it has more of that weight out in the barrel lug for more recoil dampening. It is an outstanding platform for the .357 and makes a great woods gun and SD gun. It is a little too much for CC and overkill if you only want to shoot .38s, but for the .357 it really shines. I agree with most all that Confederate says above, but I really prefer a 4" 686 over a 4" 66 in the field. With smooth wood target grips, it really tames big magnums and looks good doing it.

 

[ironvic]

Mine is a 7-shot 686 with a 2 1/2" barrel. I carry concealed in my front pocket (Carhartt's trousers) and it sticks out a bit on the backstrap. OK for winter using a long pullover to hide the bit of steel and rubber showing, but really too big for constant carry. I like the snub size 686 Plus because it balances perfectly and handles the whompin' recoil of the .357 magnum just fine.

One of the nicest, most accurate revolvers I've owned to date.

 

[RugRev]

IF you can find one a 686 Mtn. Gun weighs about the same as a 4" 19/66 but it is a bit bigger in cylinder width and height.

 

[notbubba]

It's big for all the time carry, ok for some of the time carry.

It is a GREAT gun.
I have a 6", I'd like to get a 4"

 

[Stainz]

Maybe an ounce more in weight than the 4" 686+ will get you a 5" half lug 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' from '04, SKU #164284, which came equipped as shown below - Ahrends grips and HiViz front sight included. Mine is a keeper - and my only 686/686+. Below, at ~ another ounce in mass, is my idea of a 4" .357 Magnum - with still another hole in the cylinder - an eight-shooter! Moonclip ready and a spring-loaded front sight, among other goodies, make my 627 Pro a keeper, too. The aftermarket Ahrends 'retro targets' and the HiViz sight topped it off perfectly.

I sold and horse-traded some fine firearms to acquire the above examples - it was justified!

Stainz

 

[transatlantic]

Isn´t the 386PD the way to go if you want a lightweight 7-shot .357 CCW..?



I´m planning of getting one for myself...


..

 

[Otis311]

I carry mine every once and a while for the hell of it. Makes me feel like a big man.

Great gun though