S&W 686 Barrel lenght perference
- Thread starter erniem
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ColtPythonElite
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Strictly carry? 3"
ROAshooter
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4"......as if your life depends on hitting the target
That 2 1/2" gun pictured is used to shoot clay pigeons on the 100 yard berm on occasion. While we don't hit them more than once per cylinder or two, we are all around them. It's plenty accurate for the job of defending yourself.
ColtPythonElite
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They currently do.
I doubt I could shoot the difference if there is. A longer sight radius is easier to shoot well when taking your time. Fast shooting is another game. I shoot my 3" 696 better fast at the steel plates than my 2 1/2" 686, but only because of the sweet DA trigger on the 696.
Thanks. Making both 2 1/2" and 3" presently?
ColtPythonElite
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I dunno about the 2 1/2....I just know the 3" is part of the Talo 3-5-7 series. My dealer keeps that series in stock.
Zaydok Allen
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Pretty sure they are making both currently. 2.5 inch in standard model lineup and Talo disributes a 3 inch unflutted gun. I have one of the latter, and it's what I'd recommend to the OP.
4" for range and home defense if open carry is an option. .
Unfluted Cylinder
I have a 4" and a 2 1/2", they are awesome. When revolvers had names there is a reason that the 686 is the Distinguished Combat Magnum. There was a 3" series made for US Customs a while back before they went to autos (CS-1 model), but I could never locate one.
The 3" would be perfect for me, but an unfluted cylinder is a no go for me on a defensive gun.
On a defensive gun the flute gives you a better grip and an index on where the cylinders are. When you have to reload quick it may be dark, you're motor functions are impaired and you may be sweating or bleeding.
On a hunting or range gun an unfluted cylinder is fine. Not too many instances where a combat reload is needed.
I have a 4" and a 2 1/2", they are awesome. When revolvers had names there is a reason that the 686 is the Distinguished Combat Magnum. There was a 3" series made for US Customs a while back before they went to autos (CS-1 model), but I could never locate one.
The 3" would be perfect for me, but an unfluted cylinder is a no go for me on a defensive gun.
On a defensive gun the flute gives you a better grip and an index on where the cylinders are. When you have to reload quick it may be dark, you're motor functions are impaired and you may be sweating or bleeding.
On a hunting or range gun an unfluted cylinder is fine. Not too many instances where a combat reload is needed.
22-rimfire
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It depends on how you intend to carry. But I would lean toward a 2.5" if I could find one or a 3 or 4" for home defense.
gotboostvr
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I would track down a recently manufactured 3" 7-shot model, throw a set of meprolights on it, and whatever flavor of Arhdends you prefer and stuff it in my holster.
Deaf Smith
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Got one just like it. Mine is a Lew Horton.2 1/2" 686.
Did they make a 3"?
And yes, for packing I'd take the 2 1/2 or 3 inch 686.
In fact, any one of these...
And that 686 pictured there is not my Lee Horton!
Deaf
tipoc
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Here is a 3" barrel one...
If you compare to the pic of the 2.5" you can see that the ejector rod on the 3" is longer. It's the same length as the 4 and 6" guns. This can make for a surer extraction of cases from the cylinder. Proper technique can make for sure ejection with the shorter rod but an extra element of confidence can come from the longer.
The 3" is a tad heavier as well. This makes for more of a muzzle heavy feel to the piece, some may like or dislike this feel.
Those are the main differences in my opinion. They shoot as well in my experience. The small difference in the feel of the gun may effect how it feels in an individuals hand but that's a preference of the shooter.
tipoc
Deaf Smith
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I've got one like that tipoc.. But mine is marked CS-1.
Deaf
Deaf
tipoc
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Custom Service guns, CS-1. My 686-4 has the same layout, round butt, pinned black Baughman ramp as yours does Deaf. But it lacks that CS-1 stamp. A $100. stamp I figure. I think that stamp was done sometime in 1988. Is yours a 686-3? The 686-4 came out about '93.
Nice solid 6 shooters.
tipoc
Nice solid 6 shooters.
tipoc
Deaf Smith
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Tip, I'll have to dig it out for a look-see.
Yes they are excellent guns. I wouldn't own 'em if they weren't.
Deaf
Yes they are excellent guns. I wouldn't own 'em if they weren't.
Deaf
P5 Guy
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At least long enough to have a full length extractor rod but over four inch gets too muzzle heavy to balance well for me. Now if S&W would cut the full length under lug back I could be happy with a six inch barreled 686.
Jim Watson
Member
Three inch if you can find one.
BUT
I'd go with a Model 66 to carry.
The 686 is a heavy gun no matter how short the barrel.
BUT
I'd go with a Model 66 to carry.
The 686 is a heavy gun no matter how short the barrel.
420Stainless
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Funny. I wanted a 66, but everyone around here wanted >$700. Stumbled into a like new 3" 686+, dash 4 for quite a bit lower price. It is thick and heavy, but I like it. 3" is a handy length for all around use, although I seldom carry it.
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