S&W 686 and then the rest

[Riomouse911]

I bought a 4” 686+ and carried it as a duty gun back in the early 2000’s because a thumb ligament injury made pressing in on mag releases and down on slide locks impossible. (I could still press forward on a cylinder release .)

I had it bead blasted and asked Randy Shoemaker make me a US swivel with a 2” drop.

Most fun I had as a patrol sergeant was getting the comments from the older gangsters who remembered the days of magnums, Streamlights and straight sticks walking the alleys.



The 686 series are all fantastic guns for sure!

Stay safe.

 

[nofendertom]

Riomouse911---Could you swivel the gun/holster and fire it? Just curious.

 

[gotboostvr]

Riomouse911---Could you swivel the gun/holster and fire it? Just curious.

The trigger is covered and the hammer is held down by the thumb strap, so I don't think so.

 

[SwampWolf]

^^^^^^^ Agree---Make mine a Model 28.

Surely you jest! You would pick a Model 28 over a Registered Magnum? Especially one with a 5" barrel? Monetary value aside (and it's considerable), imo, in terms of workmanship and finish, the Registered Magnum is the finest factory-made revolver that ever was made; to include all kinds and types of Colts and Korths. In my opinion.

 

[DR505]

I have the 6" 686-3. It is accurate and a very good revolver. It falls in rank to #3 for me. My first LE duty gun was a 4" Model 27-3 and I really like that revolver. Also have a 4" 28-2 and I would choose either of these over the 686. Never warmed up to the Python.

 

[Riomouse911]

Riomouse911---Could you swivel the gun/holster and fire it? Just curious.

No, it was covered up as gotboostvr said.

The swivel made it great to drive with because it didn’t dig into my hip, but seated in a car it was a bear to unholster. I used to unsling it and have it in my hand by my thigh when creeping down the streets and alleys of the rougher parts of town… especially at night when the dealers’ lookouts would occasionally take a shot at our cars while hiding in the darkness and run.

Stay safe.

 

[Rock185]

Much as I like the K and L frame S&Ws, the L-frame 686 has become my favorite .357 revolver too. I started carrying a new 586 soon after they were released, soon after that a 686. Had several since. My last has been with me for a decade or so, and was worked over by a gentleman at the Performance Center back then. It is a 6 and 7-shooter, with the 7-shot cylinder more recently converted to 9mm.

 

[John wayne349]

I have a 686 Silhouette Model.
Most accurate hand gun I own out of 30-40 handguns, including other S&W, Colts, Rugers, Ubertis, Dan Wessons, etc.

I keep buying more handguns maybe because I am looking for a more accurate handgun. I don't really expect to find a more accurate handgun but I still keep buying and testing. I may have a problem...

The way I see it, you just got to test more. Lol

 

[P5 Guy]

I'm partial to fixed sights. Now I need a 581.

 

[375supermag]

The way I see it, you just got to test more. Lol

As long as I can get primers, I will keep testing. I only have 4 BlackHawks, 2 Colt Troopers, a S&W Model 27 and a Taylors&Co SA clone chambered in .357Mag besides the 686. Maybe I just need to find another .357Mag revolver to evaluate and test. I always wanted a Python but not sure I want to spend $1600-1800 for one(that's what they are selling for locally), that would essentially be a range toy.

 

[halfmoonclip]

A 3" 686 would float my boat. Had a 4" and a 6", and traded them away, when I began transitioning to autos. They were the forged/hardchromed internals models, and slicked up wonderfully well.
Moon

 

[Show Me]

I had bought mine brand new at the Indy gun show a few years ago where I paid $360 with tax. It helped me to win a few trophies but as I got older, the stainless front sight does show that well anymore when the lighting conditions are less than perfect.

View attachment 1053526

Your not alone. Nice picture. Not like window shopping exists any more.

 

[Jonesy814]

I have been known to like the model 686

 

[v8stang289]

I agree that the 686 is .357 perfection. They are really hard to beat.
My -4 is one of my favorite guns

 

[cfullgraf]

I agree, the 586/686 S&W revolvers are comparable to the Python. I only have a new production Python, but have both old production 586/686 revolvers (586-0 4", 686 8-3/8") and new production 586/686 revolvers (686-6 4", 586-6 6").

I like the way all of them shoot.

Many years ago, I could not imagine having an 8-3/8" S&W revolver. I bought a Model 25-5, 45 Colt N-frame model to fill out a trio of Model 25-5 revolvers that I have. I enjoyed the way the long barreled Smith shot. As a result, I snap up about any 8-3/8" S&W revolver that I stumble into regardless of cartridge that it is chambered for. They are fun to shoot.

The 586-0 belongs to my wife and you'd have to pry it from her cold, dead hands to get it.

 

[nofendertom]

For over 20 years I shot an 8-3/8in Mod29 Smith---Favorite .44mag shooting revolver---even shot it in a few local IPSC matches and plate matches.
Got DQed at a plate match because the first hit knocked down two additional plates.