The 7 round, 686, 357 vs the 6 round model

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gym

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From those who carry one daily, is it noticeable to the point of bothersome, when you increase the round count to 7. I won't ask about 8, as that has to be too wide for normal everyday carry. But I have been thinking about a 686, and wondering if that extra round makes it uncomfortable to wear all day?
Pleas only respond if you have or had one of these 7 or 8 rounder's, thanks,
Gym
 
The 7 round is the exact same size as the 6 on a L frame 686. The 8 shot 627 is on the larger N frame.
 
And, in spite of what some people claim, I've found no discernable difference in the trigger pulls between the Plus and non-Plus versions. As 56hawk said, there is no difference in size between the two revolvers but, though I've never weighed mine, I suspect that there might be a slight weight difference due to the steel removed for the extra chamber.
 
I carry a 4" 686+ in the winter time and there is no noticeable difference between the 6 and 7 shot versions. The 7 shot may be slightly lighter due to the extra machine work on the cylinder?

Who knows?

Just buy a quality leather holster/gun belt and the gun is a joy to carry. I carry mine IWB too just to clarify under a jacket with a speed loader in a strong side pocket. It provides all of the peace of mind necessary for me both in the woods and in town. :cool:

-Jake
 
I have not measured them, but I think my 6-shot 686 has the same cylinder diameter as my 7-shot 386. I certainly don't notice and difference when carrying the two.
 
same width. Extra round is good for carry. Youll be happy with the 7 round as long as you arent competing.
 
There should not be any difference in the feel of a 6 shot 686 over the 7 shot. The size is the same.
 
Different trigger pull? Perhaps shorter do to the extra round? Lighter weight due to the extra hole in the cylinder? Minor differences perhaps?
 
I had a seven shot 686. It ran great. Traded it off. No real reason, just had other .357's and it was just another gun.

But, the traditionalist in me thought it was weird to have a 7 shot revolver. It's not, though, it's really a good gun.
 
I had the S&W 686-6 Plus 2.5'' barrel. The thing I like better over the 6-shooter is that the cylinder-stop notches are cutted between the chambers. It is possible the action is also "shorter" but I really don't know.
The weight difference it's going to be neglegible when loaded (one more hole but also one more round...).
I'd go for the Plus for the extra round capability.
 
I have definitely noticed a better, smoother action in the 6-shot versions.

The last 7-shot I looked at had a decent pull, tho, so they do exist.
 
Other than breaking with tradition I see nothing at all wrong with buying a 7 round L frame revolver. If 6 rounds of .357 Magnum are good then 7 rounds are better.

I own a 6 round M686 and owned a 7 round M619 (which I should have never sold) and I like both revolver equally. In reality the M619 balanced better but that's not fair to the M686 because I'm not really comparing a M686 and M686+.
 
I have owned a 686+ 7 shot revolver for about 8 years. Many rounds through it. Currently use it in shooting the local steel matches. The trigger pull is fantastic for a stock only revolver, no action work to it. I would recommend this to any one. I also believe the double action trigger pull is not so long as it does not have to rotate the cylinder quite as far.
 
Why would it be any different? Cylinders are the same diameter. You can't increase the distance from the centerline of the cylinder to the centerline of the chambers without designing a new frame. I'm sure the 7-shot is a fraction of an ounce lighter but that's moot once it's loaded. Trigger pull should be indiscernible between the two.
 
Per S&W if I recall a 4" 686 weighs 41 oz and the 7 shot 38.5 oz. Wonder what a cartridge weighs? So, the 7 shot is slightly lighter or a bit more if one has a 686 Mtn. Gun. The one I had weighed a 1/2 oz less than a 4" 66 I had. The Mtn. Gun weighed 35.5 oz empty with stock grips.
 
Per S&W if I recall a 4" 686 weighs 41 oz and the 7 shot 38.5 oz.
Click to expand...
There would have to be another difference than just capacity for that to be accurate. There's no way an extra chamber cuts 2.5oz off the weight. I have a six shot SAA .45Colt cylinder right here and the whole thing weighs just over 6oz.
 
I checked S&W website. They show 7 shot @ 38.9 oz. 6 shot @ 39.7 oz. So the 7 shot gun is about 3/4 oz lighter. FWIW, I definitely remember the listed weights of a 4 " 686 as being 41 oz at one time. I have no idea which is accurate. This was several years ago when they came with wood target girps. Perhaps the current rubber grips are lighter, or MIM parts are lighter than the old parts.

Catalog or website listed info, especially weights, are very often wrong. Getting a set of postal scales has been informative.
 
I have a 3" L-Comp without the extra hole in the side, as well as a 3" custom 681. I can't tell a wits bit of difference in how they feel being carried. Now when you draw one vs the other the adjustable sights on the L-comp look a lot different than the fixed sights on the 681 (smile) but the feel is so close I can't tell.

Dave
 
could a 686 plus cylinder be put in a 686 six shot?, i read a 617 plus .22 cylinder could be put in a 617 six shot .22. eastbank.
 
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