S&W 686

[Crowman]

There's no comparison between Ruger and S&W these days. Ruger's GP-100 models are boat anchors in my view. They whacked off some steel from the grip, added it to the barrel and ruined the balance of the guns. The SP-101s are fine, and some people can get used to the balance of a bad gun just like they can get used to the balance of a bad knife. The 686s are just heavy, but their balance is fine. I just wish one could opt for lighter guns. The old Model 66 is ideal (if you can get one of the new release models). And if you can find an old Security-Six Ruger, you're always going to be better off than with a GP-100. What happens is they beefed up a gun that didn't need to be beefed up. Some people say, "Well, there's less recoil." Yes, so let's add another eight ounces and reduce it even more! No one ever complained that the old 66 and Security-Sixes were too light. They said the 66/19s were not durable.

Many people hike, hunt, fish and camp, and they don't want the extra weight in guns that only shine at the range.

You pay for it, but the GP100 Match Champion is a whole different animal...no heavy front lug (milled off at extractor rod housing), barrel sides milled flat, melted cylinder, shimmed hammer and trigger (both centered in frame), factory tuned action, weighs about the same as my 4-1/4" barrel L-frame S&W Model 69 (MC has a better trigger) and balances well in the hand. Also fits the same holster. The MC comes with pretty wood grips, but I prefer Pachmayr Diamond Pro's. Fit my hand better. This baby is also a shooter. For me, POI coincides spot-on with POA using158 grain full house magnums. 180 grain cast FP print just a bit high.

Ruger got this one right.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

Barrel length? Six shot, seven shot?

i got to tell you its a 6 inch but gotta admit when opened the cylinder it had the red plastic thing in and to be honest never noticed which shot it was.It just felt so good in hand I wanted it wished I did'nt have to wait on a permit now

 

[thedeal]

hello all im thinking of getting a revolver,always had semi's my local store has a 686 Thinking it or a GP 100 want it to be one of them Any thoughts or comments on the 686

Consider the 686 +. May be the finest revolver in the price class today.

 

[Confederate]

I've heard that many of the 7-shot 686s don't stay in time as long as the 6-shot revolvers. I have no idea if this is true or not, but I do know that it's true with the Colt Python, the pawl of which is so small that it wears quickly. Some Colt Python owners have their pawls and even their ratchet assemblies hard chromed to stop the wear and tear. Some others even hard chromed the inside of their barrels to stop wear.

I've not yet confirmed if the Colt Python has this problem, but I've heard it from a number of people. Its a great gun.there's a great deal going for craftsmanship.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a 7 shot 686 that I have put 4k magnums thru in the past 2 years. No timing issues.

I have had several shooter Pythons. The oldest I currently have is a 1974. The oldest I have had was a 1963. I have never had a Python with a timing issue....Sure, I know it happens. It just never had happened to me.

 

[RealGun]

i got to tell you its a 6 inch but gotta admit when opened the cylinder it had the red plastic thing in and to be honest never noticed which shot it was.It just felt so good in hand I wanted it wished I did'nt have to wait on a permit now

Now you need a holster. A gun at that length carries well for me in a cross draw rig. There are some shoulder rig possibilities too.

 

[Bo]

Bo, if something is wrong with the ILS I would send it in to S&W. For many years they claim no problems so if everyone who does have a problem documents it, the problem can no longer denied.

ArchAngelCD,
I don't have a problem with the ILS, that was "drunkenpoacher's" post.

Bannockburn,
Thanks, I changed the grips to eliminate the knuckle busting while shooting.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

ArchAngelCD,
I don't have a problem with the ILS, that was "drunkenpoacher's" post.

My mistake...

 

[SwampWolf]

I've heard that many of the 7-shot 686s don't stay in time as long as the 6-shot revolvers. I have no idea if this is true or not,

Not in my experience and I can see no reason why that would ever be the case.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

well my permit was approved today So I went and picked up my 686-6 I so so like it

 

[RealGun]

well my permit was approved today So I went and picked up my 686-6 I so so like it

If reloading, I suggest staying with jacketed bullets, until you have done some measuring for suitability of lead. My 686-6 had to be opened up.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

here she is

 

[Mn Fats]

Mine polished with mother's mag and aftermarket grips. Shoots like a dream. Poor lighting..

 

[johns961]

I bought this 686 no dash in 1986. I love it. I had a choice of it or a Ruger (don't remember the model number) for about the same price.
I still have the box, papers a receipt. If I told you how much I paid for it you'd be upset at what they're going for today.

Haa Haa ! Prices have gone up. I paid $325 for my S&W 27-2 in 1980 !

John!

 

[Mn Fats]

Haa Haa ! Prices have gone up. I paid $325 for my S&W 27-2 in 1980 !

John!

$960.81 in today's dollars.