Stainz
Member
Reality check: A 4" 66 weighs 37 oz, 4" 686+ weighs 38.5 oz, and the 6-shot 4" weighs 40 oz. Keep in mind that the L-frame's cylinder opening in the frame is taller, permitting that 7-shot cylinder - or a 5-shot .44 Special, like the 696. Of course, they have exactly the same thickness & size gripframe, as K&L frame grips are the same size. Also, recall that the 66's have partial lugs, which pare weight from the muzzle end, making the 66's appear 'lighter' and easier to point. The 686's have a full lug - and that extra weight at the muzzle makes them feel heavier - and absorbs more of the muzzle rise under recoil. Finally, the front of the frame is .020" wider - permitting an additional .015" of forcing cone diameter. This allows more forcing cone erosion from hot low mass rounds before the barrel should be replaced. How many rounds? I have never seen or heard of a worn out f.c. on a 66.
My choice is the partial lug. I bought a new closeout 6" 66-6 9/03, and fitted a HiViz front sight and Ahrends square conversion cocobolo stocks before I even shot it, my first .357M. Later, I found a 686+ I could live with - a 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' 5" partial lug - with HiViz and Ahrends stocks. The two revolvers are quite similar in handling and shooting. I don't shoot anything over my wimpy .357M homebrews - neither has ever seen a 'real' .357M. Interestingly, S&W replaced that 37 oz 4" 66 with the L-framed 7-shot 4" 620 - which weighs in at 37.9 oz - and is on my 'short' list. The much-ballyhoo-ed 4" GP100, with it's massive appearing shroud, weighs 41 oz - a whole ounce more than the 6-shot 686. Literally, any of them will give you great service.
My suggestion is to handle a new 620 and 686+ - let that help you decide. They can all wear the same grip - but the look & feel of the full vs partial lug will probably make up your mind for you. Get what YOU like.
Stainz
PS The .357M is fine outdoors, but inside it can be a nightmare. When discharged in a small room - at night - you will be deafened and momentarily blinded. A +P 158gr LHPSWC is sufficient indoors and outdoors protection, and won't permenantly deafen you. It likely won't make it through several walls, like into your neighbor's house, either. Recall that S&W developed the .357M in the thirties for J.Edgar's G-men to pierce the car doors of fleeing felons.
My choice is the partial lug. I bought a new closeout 6" 66-6 9/03, and fitted a HiViz front sight and Ahrends square conversion cocobolo stocks before I even shot it, my first .357M. Later, I found a 686+ I could live with - a 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' 5" partial lug - with HiViz and Ahrends stocks. The two revolvers are quite similar in handling and shooting. I don't shoot anything over my wimpy .357M homebrews - neither has ever seen a 'real' .357M. Interestingly, S&W replaced that 37 oz 4" 66 with the L-framed 7-shot 4" 620 - which weighs in at 37.9 oz - and is on my 'short' list. The much-ballyhoo-ed 4" GP100, with it's massive appearing shroud, weighs 41 oz - a whole ounce more than the 6-shot 686. Literally, any of them will give you great service.
My suggestion is to handle a new 620 and 686+ - let that help you decide. They can all wear the same grip - but the look & feel of the full vs partial lug will probably make up your mind for you. Get what YOU like.
Stainz
PS The .357M is fine outdoors, but inside it can be a nightmare. When discharged in a small room - at night - you will be deafened and momentarily blinded. A +P 158gr LHPSWC is sufficient indoors and outdoors protection, and won't permenantly deafen you. It likely won't make it through several walls, like into your neighbor's house, either. Recall that S&W developed the .357M in the thirties for J.Edgar's G-men to pierce the car doors of fleeing felons.