S&W 686 it's hard to beat

[alfsauve]

Bought my first one, of many, back when they first came out. Love at first sight. Still in love with it.

 

[Rodfac]

...And one Smith, to rule them all...

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[StrawHat]

...And one Smith, to rule them all...

View attachment 1150509​

While I disagree with your choice of revolver, who made that scabbard?


Kevin

 

[Riomouse911]

I like my 686+ 4” as well. I had it bead blasted about 20 years ago after it got scratched up by the holster snaps. I carried it on duty while recovering from a thumb injury and the little covering came off the inside of the snap.

It shoots very well, and it is sturdy. Best part is the cylinder is long enough for me to use loads in this gun that I don’t use in my K-frame .357’s.



Stay safe.

 

[bannockburn]

My Model 686-no dash has the best DA/SA trigger, right out of the box, of any revolver I have owned.

 

[375supermag]

I only own one 686...a Silhouette Model with an 8-3/8" barrel and adjustable sights front and rear.
Beautiful handgun and extremely accurate.
I do own a bunch of other .357Magnum revolvers, both DA and SA but my 686 is my favorite .357Magnum.

 

[murf]

I get my no dash In a couple days! I got the stocks all done for it and a holster. I can’t wait

yours is modified (the "m" stamp on the yoke)! That is a bonus.

nice wheel gun,

murf

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

They really got it right with the underlug L frame.

My 586 was made in 1986.

It's one of my favorite revolvers.

 

[beeenbag]

I have a 686 + in 3" barrel, which happens to be my favorite barrel length for a mid sized revolver, I agree it is very tough to beat, and 7 rounds of 357 magnum is nothing to sneeze at. However I do find myself utilizing a 10+1 10mm in most applications where I would have wanted a 357 before.

 

[357smallbore]

I like fixed sights.

Beautiful

 

[PzGren]

I find the 686 with a six inch barrel to balance well and absorb recoil. Among the S&W .357 revolvers with six inch barrel, I prefer it over the 19 and 27.

 

[alfsauve]

686-5 w/ LPA sights. Competition grips - BBQ grips.

 

[Gladius]

I've wanted a 686 for a long time, finally got around to getting one... it's a no dash, well-worn former Colorado State Patrol sidearm (with Safariland grips).

 

[shoebox1.1]

Very nice! Dunno why but I love a good LEO turn in revolver!

 

[UncleEd]

The S&W 686 and the 586 are among the greatest revolvers
ever created; no doubt.

Let's remember, it was S&W's move to challenge the Colt Python,
offering a gun of the same dimensions, weight and an alternative
to its N frame but also a step above the K frame.

But in my estimation and heart the K frame as represented by
the Models 19/15/10 still remains the all-time greatest, modestly priced
and decently durable revolver for all ages, young, old and in between.

I'd still rather have a preponderant number of Model 19s/66s, Model 15s/67s
and Model 10s/13s than any L frames in the S&W family.

But oh yeah, I do have one Model 686 snubby, that short nose keeping
down the weight plus a seventh charge hole in the cylinder.

 

[StrawHat]

Unless I am mistaken, the L frame weighs the same as the N frame but has a smaller grip. I prefer the N frame.

Kevin

 

[shoebox1.1]

Here we go! Got mine finally, all ready for the range minus what I think is a bent ejector rod ( hard to open on couple chambers)

 

[murf]

Here we go! Got mine finally, all ready for the range minus what I think is a bent ejector rod ( hard to open on couple chambers)View attachment 1150843View attachment 1150844View attachment 1150845

Hopefully the rod is just loose. Also, the barrel may be backed off a bit causing the barrel lug to be canted.

luck,

murf

 

[murf]

Unless I am mistaken, the L frame weighs the same as the N frame but has a smaller grip. I prefer the N frame.

Kevin

model 28 6 inch bbl - 44 ozs.
model 686 6 inch bbl - 42 ozs.

Not enough to bother, although the 686 has more of that weight "forward". The 686 also has a longer cylinder (only a problem when shooting the 180 grainers or heavier). both are extremely accurate. the nframe is more durable and balances better in my hand.

love em both,

murf

 

[shoebox1.1]

Hopefully the rod is just loose. Also, the barrel may be backed off a bit causing the barrel lug to be canted.

luck,

murf

Rod is tight. It appears to wobble when you spin it. Barrel looks straight

 

[Japle]

I have a couple of 686s, an SSR with unfluted cylinder (long story behind that one) and a 686+ 3".
Both are excellent guns, especially after I did full action jobs on them.
They're at 10:00 and 11:00 in the photo.

 

[DDDWho]

I bought my no dash “M” in 1986. It’s the first one I bought in my current and still active gather all you can situation. It’s still the best quality revolver I’ve ever seen.

 

[Rodfac]

Apologies to those who've seen these pics previously....Rod

StrawHat....To answer your question: the holster in my post #27 is one that I made up especially for my 686, as I found its fully lugged bbl. was a bit too big for my M-66/19 holsters. It's my version of the old Tom Threepersons type of open top, & fitted tightly enough that a keeper strap or thong isn't necessary.

The full flap back stiffens the whole rig, pulling the gun butt close in to the body. The wrap around band allows a variety of belt sizes and offers some add'l area for my stamp and decorative stitching. I also stitch the toe to the back strap, while leaving the muzzle area open for drainage. Also, I line all of my work with vegetable tanned pig skin. Rod

Here's the same holster/gun showing where I usually carry: 3:30 - 4:00 position with the cant/tilt adjusted to get a good, firing grip while the gun's still in the leather. Second & 3rd pics are of some I made up for friends and family this past Christmas.

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[Mark_Mark]

View attachment 1150402
No dash, no MIM, no hole.

Something about a Smith with no Hillary Lock (clear my throat) !

 

[hemiram]

My 686 no hole is one of my favorite revolvers. I do like N framed ones a little better though.