S&W Model 686 - 7 shots vs. 6

[TheFrontRange]

I've been thinking about getting a four-inch Model 686. Does anyone out there have any feedback they'd like to share on the 686-Plus seven-shot version of this revolver? The platform sounds great to me, but does it have any pitfalls I might not have taken into consideration?

 

[10-Ring]

I'd go w/ the 7 round guns myself. Now, I did hear once that in IDPA they only allow 6 round max revolvers. Don't know if that's true, so if you plan to compete w/ it, you may wanna find out.

 

[E357]

You won't go wrong with either. The 6 shot appeals to the more traditional wheelman. The seven shot seems to have a slightly better resale value. Both guns are strong, the seven shot may even be a stronger gun than the 6 shot. I have both and could not choose between the two.

Elliot

 

[Ala Dan]

I'm a "traditional wheelman"-

cuz I like the six-shot, 6" barrel S&W model 686!

Accurate as all get out! Mine is a 686-5
model, that I purchased NIB in April of 2001; but it's
only been to the range one time. I saw then that is
was going to be a keeper!

OTOH, my friend buy what best suits you; by
that I mean if you are sold on the seven shot 686,
by all means go for it! I just think K, L, and N frame
Smith's ought to hold NO MORE than six rounds. I
guess I'm a bit old fashioned? Old is right; but I
don't know about the fashioned part.

Cuz, I prefer blue-jeans and a tee shirt for dress
clothes, I don't drive any vechile past an 80's model,
I like 1960's oldies type music, I like my women a
little bit on the trashy side, and I RESPECT the
Viet-Nam veteran!

SALUTE~

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[bountyhunter]

I have a six shot and a seven shot. The only down side of the seven shot is that if you shoot in competition where they only allow loading six, you have to visually index the cylinder when you close it to make sure the first round is in the right place.

 

[Penforhire]

Before I bought my seven-shot I asked around because I was worried maybe the timing would be more sensitive. Nobody had anything bad to say and mine works great. That L-frame is heavy anyway and not what I think of as concealable or made for all-day carry. If they offered an 8-shot I'd have bought it too. But I understand how six is a magic number for some people.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I just recently bought a used 686P -- love it.... If I ever find another good deal, I'll be picking up a few more in the 4". I had made a mistake to buy the 442 which really turned me off from revolvers, but this revolver might nab the number one spot away from my Berettas....

 

[valnar]

The first revolver I bought was the 686 Plus. If I ever shoot in competition, I'd use a six shot model 625 for that.

I like my 686 Plus so much, and I will never resell it, that I'm getting it hard chromed right now!

-Robert

 

[Gary H]

If you are going to shoot revolver in IDPA, go six shot. If not, go for the 627 in eight shot.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Doesn't Hard Chrome or any finish hurt the gun?

 

[valnar]

Nah, you can hard chrome anything. Most people hard chrome carbon steel because that's a way of getting rid of an older blue or nickel finish. There's no reason not to hard chrome stainless, other than the stigma it's silly to do so. But hard chrome looks much better, is hard as hell, doesn't scratch, and you get all the benefits of rust resistance from the underlying stainless.

I want a shiny gun to add to my collection, and I didn't have any semi-autos that I cared enough about to get chromed. Tripp is closing his chroming business and I heard too many good things about him not to get at least one gun done.

-Robert

 

[OEF_VET]

Either one would be a great choice. I love my 6-shot 686. Not only is it a fine revolver, but it was my dad's duty weapon when he worked for the SD, so it has some sentimental value with it. If I were going out to buy one, I'd probably be prone to get a 7-shot model, as I don't currently shoot IDPA. Whichever one you get will be worth the money spent.

Frank

 

[TheFrontRange]

Many thanks to all who replied here! I did have some concerns in the back of my mind about timing issues and what-not, but it looks like those aren't founded!

I've owned a fair share of K-Frame 19s and 66s over the years and this would be my first L-Frame, whichever capacity I pick. I'm not an IDPA shooter yet, but I'd like to get into that so that could be enough to steer me toward the six-shooter.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Just get both... there are plenty of great deals used.

 

[ElToro]

the 8 shot 4 inch N frame is cool...it they'd just make another run with normal barrels instead of ugly ??? slabside things...

 

[1goodshot]

I have both and they are good guns. I like the trigger pull better on the 6 shot,but for a self defense gun I would go with the 686P.You might want the look at a blued 6 shot from the S&W custom shop

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

@Valnar

My father loved my Berettas so much upon seeing them, that he decided he had to have one. The black compact had the slide and barrel done in Chrome by Tripp and the other inox compact had the same parts sent off yesterday. Thought my Dad would like a really nice looking Beretta -- I plan to send them both off to get Trijicon night sights when I have the cash.

I know about Tripp but won't have the funds to do my 686P until I have a steady income so I'm thinking of Metalife or Metaloy for Chrome -- which is the better company of the two? Anyone....

 

[MR.G]

Have owned several of the six shot, and the seven. I prefer the seven shot.

 

[YodaVader]

"Both guns are strong, the seven shot may even be a stronger gun than the 6 shot."

Just curious as to what would make the 7 shot a stronger gun than the 6 shot?

I have owned 4 of the 6 shot versions. Almost bought a 4" seven shot 686 a few years back but they would not give me squat in trade for my 617. I think either gun would be a blast - literally!

 

[E357]

"Both guns are strong, the seven shot may even be a stronger gun than the 6 shot."

The weakest part of each chamber is the thin wall under the notches for the cylinder bolt. On the seven shot the notches are between the chambers.

Elliot

 

[DBR]

Mastrogiacomo:

I like Metalife Chromium SS. It is more corrosion resistant and as hard as regular hard chrome. I have had several guns done and for a silver finish, I think it is the best. It is kind of a pewter color which I find more attractive than the very silver chrome.