hey guys, i'm in the market for a new revolver. I'm really liking the smith 686 plus. I'm just curious as to any suggestions in the smith line, that might be a better choice as far as a .357 mag goes. I'm just mainly going to use this gun as a choice for target shooting and home defense. Maybe the occasional stroll out on the farm and through the woods. I imagine it'd be a little chunky for a carry piece. Also, any suggestions for barrel length? I was kind of inclined to go with a 4 inch. I don't currently own a variety of revolvers so, figured i'd drop a line here and see what advice you all might have.......thanks in advance, hvychev77
smith 686
- Thread starter hvychev77
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The 686 is an excellent choice. I have both a 4" and 6" that I shoot on a regular basis. I shoot the 6" a little better but barrel length is a matter of personal preference as either will serve your purpose. The 686 is accurate and normally comes with a nice action right out of the box. I also like stainless as it is easier to maimtain and keep virtually new looking.
roaddog28
Member
That is a fine choice. I have a older 686 4 inch 6 shot. Very good all around revolver for anything. They are pricey new. You might consider the Ruger GP100 4 inch in stainless steel. Most people feel the Ruger is just as good. Only drawback is the GP100 is a six shot revolver. The Ruger will cost about $200 less.
Good luck,
Howard
Good luck,
Howard
thanks guys, i had looked at the ruger's too. i guess that's a subject of debate as to which one to get or which one is better. Probably like glock vs. 1911 !! Anyhow, i've always heard that smith&wesson were better made, and i guess that's why the price is higher. either way, i'm definitely set on going stainless for the look and durability. Thanks again for the input......By the way, i'm all ears on the ruger vs. smith side of things......hvychev77
Guy B. Meredith
Member
The 686+ is very popular among competition shooters as well. There is little chance you'll find a downside to owning a 686+
Dr_B
member
On the new 686's I think the price is higher than the GP100 because the Smith has "Smith & Wesson" stamped into the metal. I have a no-dash 686 and a GP100. For a new 4-inch revolver, a GP100 is the way to go in my opinion. In the Smith, you're paying a lot more and getting one more chamber, but that's the only advantage I see: one more chamber.
easyrider604
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I have a 686-3 and a three yr old GP100, both in stainless with 6 inch barrels.
While the 686 has a nicer trigger, my best accuracy with both revolvers at 25 meters shooting two handed DA standing, shooting my own reloads of 158 grain LSWC cast from WW, over 4.6 grains 700X, is the same.... 4 inch group. And the 686 has an Aimpoint 3000 red dot scope as well vs the GP100s stock iron sights.
Sounds strange but the GP is very accurate in my hands, with old aging eyes as well. Couldn't believe if I did not see the groups.
Love them both. If I were to sell any of them, I'd have to toss a coin to decide which one.
While the 686 has a nicer trigger, my best accuracy with both revolvers at 25 meters shooting two handed DA standing, shooting my own reloads of 158 grain LSWC cast from WW, over 4.6 grains 700X, is the same.... 4 inch group. And the 686 has an Aimpoint 3000 red dot scope as well vs the GP100s stock iron sights.
Sounds strange but the GP is very accurate in my hands, with old aging eyes as well. Couldn't believe if I did not see the groups.
Love them both. If I were to sell any of them, I'd have to toss a coin to decide which one.
You may be thinking of the standard 6-shot 686. The 7-shot 686+ is downright unpopular.
The 7-shot capacity makes it IDPA- and USPSA-illegal. You can run it in ICORE Limited, but there are much better options for this. Speedloader availability for the 686+ is also more limited, and CompIIIs and Jetloaders, the speedloaders for gun games, aren't even available for the 686+.
In the end, one gains the extra round with the 686+, but loses versatility, as they can't take a whack at a local match if they ever get the itch.
I own a 686+ with 4inch barrel and it is easily as accurate as my Wilson 1911 which I think is saying a lot about the potential of the 686 (mine did have trigger work performed by the S&W Performance Center). However, it's too big for me to carry so I picked up a 386PD which is very similar, also 7 shots but much much much lighter. It's too big for a pocket but certainly light enough to be carried that way. I say start with the 686+ for home defense and target shooting then get a 386 for carry.
buck460XVR
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Ive owned 686s for twenty years or so, both six and seven shot. Never shot them in competition, only used them for hunting, range work and HD. Never had the need for speed loaders, even tho I have put several thousand rounds down the pipe in each one. IMHO, there is no better current production .357 magnum revolver out there than the 686-686+. Get the one you want and enjoy.
In this case, the long held adages about 686's and GP-100's are correct. The 686 will probably have a little nicer trigger out of the box and can be tuned (by the average gunsmith) to a nicer pull, while the Ruger is a stronger gun.
With that being said, no finer .357's exist than those 2 revolvers. It's a complete misconception that a GP-100 is not as accurate as some revolvers. They are VERY accurate. Every bit the match of the 686. I own both and love them both. It simply comes down to shooting both and seeing which you like better. You will never have to defend owning either one (to someone who knows anything about revolvers anyway).
With that being said, no finer .357's exist than those 2 revolvers. It's a complete misconception that a GP-100 is not as accurate as some revolvers. They are VERY accurate. Every bit the match of the 686. I own both and love them both. It simply comes down to shooting both and seeing which you like better. You will never have to defend owning either one (to someone who knows anything about revolvers anyway).
just for fun
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Have a 586 and a 686+ both with 4inch barrels. Prefer the 686+ because, I feel, it has better ballance. Owned one Ruger, a redhawk, stainless 44 w/5 1/2 barrel, this was when they first came out. Long story, short, sold it and never went back to the Ruger house.
ya'll are making it difficult for me to decide. I called the local gun store here today, and he can get a new S&W 686 plus, stainless, 4 incher for $685. I'm not sure if that's high or not. How does that sound for you guys? I haven't priced the Ruger yet, but i'm sure it'll be a little bit cheaper.......
Paladin38-40
Member
Par excellence
The S&W L-frame has no peer for what it was designed to do. I have a 4" and 6". If you like shooting beyond 25 yards the 6" will have the edge. If you spend much time in the pick-up go with the 4".
They are heavy, but a Beltman belt http://www.thebeltman.net and quality holster will handle the load.
Or being concealment is not an issue, a vintage police Sam Brown or Jordan River Belt and Don Hume "Jordan" holster make a good carry rig. You could search E-Bay and Gunbroker.
The S&W L-frame has no peer for what it was designed to do. I have a 4" and 6". If you like shooting beyond 25 yards the 6" will have the edge. If you spend much time in the pick-up go with the 4".
They are heavy, but a Beltman belt http://www.thebeltman.net and quality holster will handle the load.
Or being concealment is not an issue, a vintage police Sam Brown or Jordan River Belt and Don Hume "Jordan" holster make a good carry rig. You could search E-Bay and Gunbroker.
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Paladin38-40
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Suggestion
Check Gunbroker for an excellent condition, no reserve, pre-lock S&W 686. Plenty to choose from. You can save some $ and get a better built hog leg.
Check Gunbroker for an excellent condition, no reserve, pre-lock S&W 686. Plenty to choose from. You can save some $ and get a better built hog leg.
If you do consider the GP100, it responds AMAZINGLY to gunsmithing on the trigger. I know a couple of smiths that love working on them because it is all metal, and there is a lot to work with. Personally, I also find the GP100 to be softer shooting, and the Speedloaders are ubiquitous. I also find that the GP100 is on average about $250 or more cheaper, though that varies depending on your market. Either choice is excellent, I guess I just prefer the GP. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I bought a 686+ Pro last year, http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/61700 , and I am very pleased with it. It is factory-cut for moon clips, so who needs speedloaders? 5" barrel, balances like a 4" but gives you a longer sight radius. The front sight is easily swapped, and it's both accurate and a pleasure to shoot.
I started shooting revolvers in 1978, and worked for a gunsmith in my college days. I've had trigger time on many, many revolvers, and always come back to Smith & Wessons. They just fit me better.
The Ruger is a fine gun, but it simply isn't as comfortable in my hand. I can make a 1911 sing, and will only shoot a Glock if I'm under attack and nothing else is available - even though a billion Glock owners can't all be wrong! If you have a range nearby that rents guns, try them both out. One of them will speak to you.
I started shooting revolvers in 1978, and worked for a gunsmith in my college days. I've had trigger time on many, many revolvers, and always come back to Smith & Wessons. They just fit me better.
The Ruger is a fine gun, but it simply isn't as comfortable in my hand. I can make a 1911 sing, and will only shoot a Glock if I'm under attack and nothing else is available - even though a billion Glock owners can't all be wrong! If you have a range nearby that rents guns, try them both out. One of them will speak to you.
Guy B. Meredith
Member
MrBorland
I refer to ICORE. I would suspect most of the competitors use moonclips. All my S&W revolvers are set up for moonclips as I do not like the rounds falling out of a speed loader at reload time nor picking them up individually.
I refer to ICORE. I would suspect most of the competitors use moonclips. All my S&W revolvers are set up for moonclips as I do not like the rounds falling out of a speed loader at reload time nor picking them up individually.
CSA 357
Member
got a 4 inch and a 21/2 both no dash, great guns!
pearsonm
Member
I was quoted $700 for a 3" 686+ two weeks ago. I went with a 3" GP100 for $542 instead. I wasn't impressed with the used handguns that I saw at gun shows and the web. A new GP100 is just tough to beat.
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