S&W 686 --Which barrel?
- Thread starter Jake Benson
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just for fun
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Just came in from the reloading room and came on site to see what's going on. You've selected a topic of one of my favorite firearms, L framed Smiths. Bought a 586 in 85 right after they first came out. Still have it, and last Chirstmas my son gave me a 686 seven shooter! Now that I'm retired I try to get to the range at least once a week. Rarely do I not take one of the L frames with me.
I reload, and it could be an age factor that has made me back off full house loads over the past 3 decades. Back in the day there was a Texas Ranger "skeeter" somethin that wrote many an article for Guns&Ammo. His pet load was 13.5 grains of 2400 in 38 cases, pushing a 125 grain bullet. Tried it, in 357 cases, (don't trust my memory) and have been using it ever since. That was the load I was puting togeather when I stopped for a break.
Both my Smiths are 4 inch models, and would not even consider trading eighter one of them for any hand gun on the market. Started out with revolvers back in the 60's and that's what I shoot the best. I do own a number of autos and enjoy shooting them, but the Smiths are my go to guns. Although my L frames are great guns, my most fun to shoot guns are my Smith 44 mags, They almost seem to aim themselves!!
I reload, and it could be an age factor that has made me back off full house loads over the past 3 decades. Back in the day there was a Texas Ranger "skeeter" somethin that wrote many an article for Guns&Ammo. His pet load was 13.5 grains of 2400 in 38 cases, pushing a 125 grain bullet. Tried it, in 357 cases, (don't trust my memory) and have been using it ever since. That was the load I was puting togeather when I stopped for a break.
Both my Smiths are 4 inch models, and would not even consider trading eighter one of them for any hand gun on the market. Started out with revolvers back in the 60's and that's what I shoot the best. I do own a number of autos and enjoy shooting them, but the Smiths are my go to guns. Although my L frames are great guns, my most fun to shoot guns are my Smith 44 mags, They almost seem to aim themselves!!
I have a 6" 686. It is barrel-heavy. I got a great deal and didn't have your options. If I had the option I would have chosen the 4". In fact, I'm thinking of sending it back to S&W to have them put the 4" barrel on it. Don't get me wrong; the 6" 686 is a GREAT gun - I can hit a 4" pattern at 75' which is my best shooter.
IMHO; get the 4". You can't go wrong.
IMHO; get the 4". You can't go wrong.
My 4in 357 would be the LAST 357 of mine I would let go (a ss Ruger Service Six) the 4in 357 is the most versatile and practical revolver ever made. Not that there is anything wrong with a longer tube ( have two that are longer) I'm just saying....
Jake Benson
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Justforfun:
While I'm probably close to your age if you are retired, (I'm 59), I am a rookie with handguns. This will be my first handgun (actually second, but haven't taken possession yet). As you well know, the world we grew up in no longer exists. The world today is a much more dangerous place. Consequently, I feel the need for a handgun for the first time. And, I am the type of person if I buy something like a handgun, I am going to want to do more with it than just sit it on the night stand. Thus, my wife and I are very interested in shooting for recreation as well as having a handgun for self defense.
That said, in my limited excursion into the world of handguns so far, this is my observation about revolvers over semi automatics. When I first started looking for a gun, all I had in my head was either a Springfield XDM 9mm or a Glock. Revolvers did not interest me at all. Seemed archaic. BUT turns out, because of a little arthritis in my wife's hands, she couldn't adequately work the slide on the semi's at the range. So, my attention turned to revolvers. The gun shop owner showed me a S&W 649 and my wife and I both loved its feel. I bought it but it hasn't come in yet. Since the purchase I have since read a lot of posts indicating its not the best firearm to be shooting regularly at the range, especially with .357 rounds. Great for concealed carry though. Hence the 686.
Here's my observation, its a quote from Star Wars: "A light sabre, a more sophisticated weapon for a more civilized time." This from Obi Won after Han Solo says, "Just give a laser blaster any day." The revolver seems to be an exquisite weapon, a precision piece of art if you will, to be appreciated over the more generic/plain looking semi's, a reference to the Glocks, in particular. I know the semi's will get the job done quicker probably than a revolver, but so did the laser blaster over the light sabre. When I open that stainless steel cylinder and spin it, it is like precision music. Anyway, that's my take on revolvers.
While I'm probably close to your age if you are retired, (I'm 59), I am a rookie with handguns. This will be my first handgun (actually second, but haven't taken possession yet). As you well know, the world we grew up in no longer exists. The world today is a much more dangerous place. Consequently, I feel the need for a handgun for the first time. And, I am the type of person if I buy something like a handgun, I am going to want to do more with it than just sit it on the night stand. Thus, my wife and I are very interested in shooting for recreation as well as having a handgun for self defense.
That said, in my limited excursion into the world of handguns so far, this is my observation about revolvers over semi automatics. When I first started looking for a gun, all I had in my head was either a Springfield XDM 9mm or a Glock. Revolvers did not interest me at all. Seemed archaic. BUT turns out, because of a little arthritis in my wife's hands, she couldn't adequately work the slide on the semi's at the range. So, my attention turned to revolvers. The gun shop owner showed me a S&W 649 and my wife and I both loved its feel. I bought it but it hasn't come in yet. Since the purchase I have since read a lot of posts indicating its not the best firearm to be shooting regularly at the range, especially with .357 rounds. Great for concealed carry though. Hence the 686.
Here's my observation, its a quote from Star Wars: "A light sabre, a more sophisticated weapon for a more civilized time." This from Obi Won after Han Solo says, "Just give a laser blaster any day." The revolver seems to be an exquisite weapon, a precision piece of art if you will, to be appreciated over the more generic/plain looking semi's, a reference to the Glocks, in particular. I know the semi's will get the job done quicker probably than a revolver, but so did the laser blaster over the light sabre. When I open that stainless steel cylinder and spin it, it is like precision music. Anyway, that's my take on revolvers.
Guillermo
member
I suspect that you will be shooting .38s out of that 649.
if possible...shoot before you buy. Lots of ranges rent guns. And lots of folks are happy to loan you a gun to try (we love promoting our favorite guns)
Weight is bad for carrying and great for taming recoil.
I consider than if I can't put 6 shots into a pie plate at 10 feet in under 4 seconds I should not carry it. I can't do that with a light snub nose.
(the Ruger SP101 is very popular because of it's recoil-taming heft)
Just a few thoughts
Welcome to the gun world...it is fun
if possible...shoot before you buy. Lots of ranges rent guns. And lots of folks are happy to loan you a gun to try (we love promoting our favorite guns)
Weight is bad for carrying and great for taming recoil.
I consider than if I can't put 6 shots into a pie plate at 10 feet in under 4 seconds I should not carry it. I can't do that with a light snub nose.
(the Ruger SP101 is very popular because of it's recoil-taming heft)
Just a few thoughts
Welcome to the gun world...it is fun
trex1310
Member
I have both the 4" and 6" that I shoot on a regular basis. I can't tell much difference in recoil between them although I prefer to shoot 357 target loads over full power loads as much more comfortable. I do shoot the 6" a little better but both give excellent accuracy. I think you should simply get the one you like the most.
I think the 4" is the best all around length if you plan on carrying. But if you plan to use it only in and around the home there is nothing wrong with the 6" gun. It will be slightly more accurate, have less muzzle flip, give you a bit more velocity, and be a bit quieter.
I would buy a 4" 686 over a 6" 686 for sure, and yes I own a 4" 686, and also own a 6" Model 66 and a 6" Security Six. I'd buy a 3" of any of those in a heartbeat. I don't "like" target-shooting full house .357 in any of them after four or five cylinders downrange, and go back to my 3" or my 4" .38 M64 for "fun target shooting". I think shooting any .357 indoors in the dark, especially w/o ear protection would be awfully disorienting, but that's just me...
22250Rem
Member
another vote for the 4"
Got my 4" 686 over a year ago. The local gun shop had a 3", IIRC, a 4" and a 6". I didn't care for the 3" and the 4" had a real sweet balance to it. My friend who owns the shop said he's sold more 4" 686's than the 3 & 6's combined. I fell for the 4" and I'm glad I did. I love it. I can actually hit things with it; for me that's saying something 'cause I'm not that much of a pistolero even though I own several. It's intended for the home, the range, woods bumming and occasional concealed carry. So far it's great for all that stuff. I now feel that a 4" is just right for that kind of stuff. Not too short, not too long. Seems to have adequate sight radius (at least for me) and does what I intend it to just fine. If it was for hunting I would have gone 6" but I have other guns for that. It's become one of my favorites.
Got my 4" 686 over a year ago. The local gun shop had a 3", IIRC, a 4" and a 6". I didn't care for the 3" and the 4" had a real sweet balance to it. My friend who owns the shop said he's sold more 4" 686's than the 3 & 6's combined. I fell for the 4" and I'm glad I did. I love it. I can actually hit things with it; for me that's saying something 'cause I'm not that much of a pistolero even though I own several. It's intended for the home, the range, woods bumming and occasional concealed carry. So far it's great for all that stuff. I now feel that a 4" is just right for that kind of stuff. Not too short, not too long. Seems to have adequate sight radius (at least for me) and does what I intend it to just fine. If it was for hunting I would have gone 6" but I have other guns for that. It's become one of my favorites.
just for fun
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Jake,
Because of your reply,I feel I should go into more depth about the few (dozen, give or take a couple) that I do own. I guess I should say that of the few guns that I've owned, all but two are keepers. Buying and selling is NOT my thing.
Started out, as you did, with a J frame Smith model 36. Then came the Miami shootout and in 75 I bought a Smith 39. Still the best shooting auto I own. Around the late 80's I decided I needed more of a "man's gun", hence the purchase of a few 45 APC's. Very nice solid round, BUT I'm really not into all that "rap,tap,rack, do the foot shuffel, stuff! God forbid that I would ever be in a situation where I really need a gun, it must go bang every time. Hence, my first choice is a revolver. At this point the younger set can laugh all they want. As a Nam vet I know first hand what gonna die fear can do, you will forget your mother's maidian name!
By the early 90's I decided I wanted a carry permit. Jumped through all the hoops and started carrying a kimber Pro-Carry. Very nice gun. When I retired in 07 and started carrying more often and that 45 got heavy. So a life time later I'm back to my little J frame Smith!
As for the L frames the 586 is a "square" frame and the 686 is a round one. Lock and all I prefer the 686. What's the differance? The 686 feels better in my hand. Dumb answer yes, but true.
Oh, I forgot to say that I bought a glock back in the early 2000's. I keep as a reminder how bad I shoot it! 357 Sig round. Really like the round but not the platform. Glock's are on the top of my learn from my mistakes firearms!
Because of your reply,I feel I should go into more depth about the few (dozen, give or take a couple) that I do own. I guess I should say that of the few guns that I've owned, all but two are keepers. Buying and selling is NOT my thing.
Started out, as you did, with a J frame Smith model 36. Then came the Miami shootout and in 75 I bought a Smith 39. Still the best shooting auto I own. Around the late 80's I decided I needed more of a "man's gun", hence the purchase of a few 45 APC's. Very nice solid round, BUT I'm really not into all that "rap,tap,rack, do the foot shuffel, stuff! God forbid that I would ever be in a situation where I really need a gun, it must go bang every time. Hence, my first choice is a revolver. At this point the younger set can laugh all they want. As a Nam vet I know first hand what gonna die fear can do, you will forget your mother's maidian name!
By the early 90's I decided I wanted a carry permit. Jumped through all the hoops and started carrying a kimber Pro-Carry. Very nice gun. When I retired in 07 and started carrying more often and that 45 got heavy. So a life time later I'm back to my little J frame Smith!
As for the L frames the 586 is a "square" frame and the 686 is a round one. Lock and all I prefer the 686. What's the differance? The 686 feels better in my hand. Dumb answer yes, but true.
Oh, I forgot to say that I bought a glock back in the early 2000's. I keep as a reminder how bad I shoot it! 357 Sig round. Really like the round but not the platform. Glock's are on the top of my learn from my mistakes firearms!
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Jake Benson
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Thanks for the second post. I like your perspective. I was in the Marine corps from '69 to '74. Fortunately, I missed Nam. I got sent to Japan for my Westpac tour. Imagine that! People were re-enlisting for that duty station. It was considered a choice one, and I just got the luck of the draw. With these two revolvers, (I have definitely decided to order the 686 tomorrow), I hope I will be set. At least until I get down the road a good piece with them!
Seven For Sure
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I have -5 +'s in 2.5, 3, 4 and 6" barrels. Best all around for me is the 3". If carry was of zero concern I'd take the 4". The 6" is only good to me for hog hunting so for range and HD, I'd still choose the 4". The 2.5" is the first I'd part with since IMO, the 3" can do all it can and more. These L frames are'nt pocket guns. Get the 4" and don't look back or you'll end up with more.
Jake Benson
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I ordered the 4 inch barrel today. You guys gave me a lot of good input.
On another note, the 649 I had ordered came in today. I love that gun. Not only is it a good fit but it performs admirably. When I bought it I was initially going to get a 9mm but my wife could not work the slide very well. The gunshop owner's daughter was there and she showed me her 649. I was told the recoil would not be too bad, etc. so I bought it. After ordering it I read a lot of posts on different forums saying how it "kicked like a mule", will knock your hand off, etc. etc with .357 rounds. I was quite concerned until I shot it. No where near the kick I was expecting. Yes, its got a recoil, but very manageable, it will be no problem for my wife, especially with .38 rounds. A great gun, and I can't wait to get my 686 in a couple of days.
On another note, the 649 I had ordered came in today. I love that gun. Not only is it a good fit but it performs admirably. When I bought it I was initially going to get a 9mm but my wife could not work the slide very well. The gunshop owner's daughter was there and she showed me her 649. I was told the recoil would not be too bad, etc. so I bought it. After ordering it I read a lot of posts on different forums saying how it "kicked like a mule", will knock your hand off, etc. etc with .357 rounds. I was quite concerned until I shot it. No where near the kick I was expecting. Yes, its got a recoil, but very manageable, it will be no problem for my wife, especially with .38 rounds. A great gun, and I can't wait to get my 686 in a couple of days.
Tallinar
Member
Don't forget to post pics, or there will be a lot of folks out to get you! 
just for fun
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Congrats on your new guns! There is no way you can go wrong with a Smith. Not all but most gun makers today come close to Smith's standards. You do realize the next step for a revolver man is reloading. 
Started that in 85 and can't recall the last time I bought factory ammo. As for the "just wait till a lawyer gets you on the stand with your homemade bullets", all I have ever asked for was any proof that the home made bullets swayed the jury. What, 25 years latter, I'm still waiting.
Equipment. is a single stage RCBS. Never saw a need to "upgrade". The wife says I go shooting so I can reload. That's only true in the Winter!
Started that in 85 and can't recall the last time I bought factory ammo. As for the "just wait till a lawyer gets you on the stand with your homemade bullets", all I have ever asked for was any proof that the home made bullets swayed the jury. What, 25 years latter, I'm still waiting.Equipment. is a single stage RCBS. Never saw a need to "upgrade". The wife says I go shooting so I can reload. That's only true in the Winter!
If it has a Hogue grip, the recoil is not horrible and is actually quite enjoyable. I have the 6" variety and yes..it is more accurate than the 4" due to the reasons you mentioned. It's the same with my 1911's. The fullsize ones are inheritantly more accurate. I load my 357 loads with a 158g FMJ bullet and 18.9g 2400 powder and it gives off quite a show of flames!! The kick is not bad at all. The 4" might be a little more..but still quite managable. I have a 41 magnum, model 58 with a 4" barrel and even THAT is quite nice to shoot. I did put the Hogue grips on it though. The wood grips that it came with would bruise my middle finger while shooting. The rubber grips made a HUGE difference.
Jake Benson
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The last couple of posts mentioned reloading your own ammo. How difficult is this to get started doing? What are start-up costs? If its an easy thing to do, I would very much like to pursue it. If its difficult, then I don't know. I would hate to blow myself up by making faulty ammo.
wvshooter
Member
I have a 686 with a 4"bbl and a Ruger GP100 with a 6"bbl.
I prefer the 4"bbl. A 6" bbl is really long. At least it feels really long to me and I personally don't see any advantage to the longer barrel.
As for reloading don't be afraid to jump in. There is a learning curve and you'll have to invest $300 - $400 for decent equipment. If I was just getting into reloading I'd buy one of the reloading kits sold by one of the more popular manufacturers. RCBS, Lyman and Lee have kits that include most of what you'll need.
If you do much shooting you'll save enough to pay for everything in a couple years but the big payoff is in the fun of making your own ammo and learning things you'd never know just buying factory ammo.
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You need to shoot a Model 28
I don't have much to add here but I consider the 686 to be the best all around revolver, today and possibly ever.
I have 2.5", 4" & 6" lengths.
Once you get the 686 paid for you may want to consider a 4" 617 - same gun, cheap practice. If you go with the 10 shot the trigger pull is slightly different but not noticeable enough to really throw you off IMO.
Crunchy Frog
Member
Alas, how soon we forget the founders. Charles "Skeeter" Skelton is without a doubt my favorite gunwriter, not only "back in the day" but to this day. Skeeter wrote for Shooting Times magazine and was a former Texas sheriff and US Border Patrol officer.
He wrote about loading magnum-level cartridges in .38 Special cases when he couldn't get .357 Magnum brass. I wouldn't recommend that, lest someone slip one into a .38 revolver by mistake.
I'm with Just for Fun otherwise. I also bought my 646 4" when they first came out. Always wanted a six incher to go with it but never got around to it.
Last week I ran across the first 5 inch 686 revolver I'd ever seen, or even heard of. Did some research and found that S&W made two different five inchers as "stocking dealer specials". Both were seven shot "plus" models and both had a high-viz front sight and a V-notch rear. One had a half lug barrel and the other (the one I saw) had the usual L frame full lug.
I've always wondered why the five inch barrel was not more popular.
I guess I need a five and a six to round out my collection. Plus a 617. Or two. Where does it end?
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