Which to get, a S&W 19-3 or S&W 686?

[Croyance]

As I look around for a range gun, I have found a used S&W 686 7-shot in my area. It has a 6" barrel. In its favor are the heavier frame and easier to see sights. With that forward-heavy balance, it should just soak up recoil.
However, it does not feel as nimble in the hand as the S&W 19-3 6" barrel I found. But as a range gun, that has limited utility. I have other guns for home defense (.45 ACPs). Also, S&W claims they discontinued the K-frames because it could only withstand limited amounts of .357 Magnums. Then again, as a range gun, it will mostly be eating .38 Specials. The blueing is nice too. It seems warmer than the stainless steel of the 686.
Considering that, which would your choise be?

 

[FPrice]

Considering that, which would your choise be?

Both.

Next question.

 

[Ky Larry]

I have both, so this is like asking which grandchild I love the most.

 

[pcf]

Get the 19 first. The revolvers that are not in production anymore are only going to get harder to find, 19's aren't scarce but there not common either (especially good ones). Down the road, you won't have any problems finding a 6" 686P.

 

[hightech]

My Vote

I would get the 19.

 

[mist]

Get the 19-3

I have a 19-3 whith a 4" barrel and its a beauty, J also have a 686 6" ,its a lot easier to come by so get the 19.

 

[Master Blaster]

How much $ for each????

is the 686p a pre lock model?

what kind of condition is the19-3 in????

On the face of it the 19-3 is going to be a rarer piece.

My opinion is that if both are NIB condition you will have to have the timing fixed on the 686+, long before it will need fixing on the 19-3, especially if you do a lot of double action shooting.

 

[Greek]

The 686 4" is just as accurate for a range gun. I've always wanted one and ordered one acouple of weeks ago. I got one with a 6-shot cylinder.

 

[.41Dave]

Get the 19-3. They aren't making them anymore. A 686 can be had any day. Besides, blue steel has a certain special something...

 

[adaman04]

Model 19's are sweet. You can always get a 686 later.

 

[HankB]

If the 686 was pre-lock and still had the firing pin on the hammer rather than in the frame, I'd grab it right away.

Otherwise, the Model 19 is a fine revolver.

 

[RON in PA]

Neither, get a 6 shot, 686/586 with a 4" barrel. If you are going to shoot a lot of magnum ammo the L frame will hold-up better, the 4" balances better and L frame, 6 shot Smiths have a trigger that is optimised for DA shooting (smoother than a K frame).

 

[Moonclip]

L frame if it is going to be your sole 357mag revolver. If few 357 rounds will be going downrange/you are not a high volume shooter,consider the 19.

L frame seems to fit your requirement more though. What are the prices involved too?

 

[chuck pullen]

Get the 19. It's a classic. It may be the S&W classic revolver.

 

[Griff]

I voted 686 for the range gun, but, having just aquired one myself, would STRONGLY urge you to pick up the classic 19 if at all possible. Just like land, they ain't makin' any more of it...

 

[drannor]

Get the 19, agree with folks above that they aren't being made anymore and that 686s will not be hard to find in years to come.

I own a 6" 19 and love the lithe look of it in comparison to the L and N frames. I also own a 686 6" and a 586 4" and have shot all three extensively. The 586 has the best balance, but the 19 is just so purdy....

 

[Ala Dan]

Like everyone else has told you get the S&W model 19 first~!

However, I do have a 6" six-shot S&W model 686-5 that I use for a
range gun and shoot a steady diet of .38 Special handloads out of. It is
one of my favorite revolvers.

 

[HSMITH]

Get the 19.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

If you're not going to feed it a steady diet of fullhouse loads, get the 19. I have both a 19-3 and 686 (4 inch versions). There's nothing like a fine blued S&W. The trigger is far superior to my 686. I was once told by a pistolsmith who built my dad's (now mine) PPC revolver on a S&W M10 that he could do more for the triggers on carbon steel guns than on stainless.