Why should I get a 686?

[TwoNiner]

A while ago I had a 4-inch S&W 686-1 that I fired a box of 38s through. Unfortunately the gun locked up on me a few times when reloading. The cylinder stop was running interference with the cylinder due to excessive play in the crane. I ended up returning the gun to the seller because I paid a hefty price for it and didn't want to go through S&W to repair the gun.

Fast forward to today and I ran across another 4-inch 686-1. The price is fair $549 for California (less than what I paid for the previous gun). It has the recall "M" stamp and comes with the original box and S&W wook checkered grips.

I have a few doubts and reasons I formulated when I saw this gun to tell myself so that I wouldn't buy it...Nonetheless, for some reason (probably a revolver addiction/fascination) I want it! Perhaps other members on this forum can convince me otherwise.

First, the 686 is a 4", so from a practicality standpoint, it is not my first choice as a carry or home defense gun as it is too large and heavy. I have better options for that at the moment. The longer barrel and full underlug just makes it unnecessarily heavy. Second, I also don't see it as a magnum friendly gun because it isn't heavy enough. I shot a cylinder of 357s from the 4" version and it wasn't very comfortable, at least compared to my GP100. I noticed that I flinched immediately with the 357s and could develop a bad habit of doing so. Now I'm fine with shooting 38s through it, but it just seems like a 357 should shoot 357s. Its like buying a V8 mustang and not driving full throttle. Lastly, asthetically, I'm not a big fan of the full underlug yet but it will probably grow on me. Perhaps I should lean more towards a model 66?

With that said, the 686 sure is a beautiful gun. where does this gun "fit" in your arsenal or collection?

 

[357 Terms]

If you have a gp100 why get a 686?

 

[InkEd]

It sounds like you prefer the Ruger. FWIW my favorite 357 is the Vaquero.

Now for 44mag a 629 is just the nicest thing.

 

[harmon rabb]

If you have a gp100 why get a 686?

This. You'd be buying another gun in the same class. Seems a little silly, given that your gp100 will probably outlast you and your kids.

If you want another .357, get something different. Get a 627, LCR, SP101, whatever. Just something different.

 

[BCRider]

If you're after a smaller and nice carry gun find a 3 inch barrel K frame and use it with .38Spl +P's. Soft enough that they won't give you a flinch issue yet easily strong enough to get the job done in a gun that is small enough and light enough to carry easily.

A gun of this sort would be definetly different from your GP100 by a country mile while still being a revolver.

Another option if you reload would be to load up some light Magnums that exceed the +P .38's but still don't whack your hand so badly that you develop a flinch or deafen yourself if used for carry.

 

[PT1911]

Nothing wrong with a little redundancy

I somehow found it necessary to have both... a GP-100 and a 686

if you want it, get it.. it is a hell of a nice gun that has a more "classy" feel than the "rugged" GP-100...

justify it with different barrel lengths... lol

 

[Zebraranger]

if you want it, get it.. it is a hell of a nice gun that has a more "classy" feel than the "rugged" GP-100...

I have to disagree with this statement a little. My GP100 is rugged, but its also classy to me.

 

[PT1911]

I have to disagree with this statement a little. My GP100 is rugged, but its also classy to me

And I do not disagree with you at all./Beautiful specimen you have there btw... just quoting the popular consensus opinion.. IMO, side by side, the Ruger and Smith both feel great in the hand... The Smith gets the nod for a slightly better trigger, but something about the Ruger just begs to tag along on a long hike or hunting trip.

Also, IMO, the Ruger makes for a good load tester.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I have a 6" 686 that is a pleasure to shoot heavy loads in. I do not like S&W wooden grips and have Pachmayr Grippers on the gun. The 4" should make a good gun for home defense, but it wouldn't be my choice for CCW.

 

[KJS]

The 4" should make a good gun for home defense

Seems like a fine home defense size to me. And the original poster did say it seemed too light for Magnum loads, though it seems all the experienced folks around here aren't big fans of Magnums for home defense, loading their .357s with .38+P rounds for defense against bad guys.

I know how LOUD my 6" GP100 is on an indoor range. Given that one might not have the luxury of time to put in ear plugs and then the heaviest muffs available for maximum double layer protection as I do on a range, I can see why many would not want to fire a .357 inside their home. Then there is that other problem with Magnum rounds -- they tend to blast right through bad guys and interior walls and anyone on the other side of that wall.

 

[RidgwayCO]

"Why should I get a 686?"

I dunno... because G-d loves you and wants you to be happy?

 

[m500'92]

I have a 586 and it's a great revolver, the best trigger I've ever found on a double action, beautiful gun and a smooth action. If it had a shorter barrel it would probably be my best handgun.

 

[MrBorland]

With that said, the 686 sure is a beautiful gun. where does this gun "fit" in your arsenal or collection?

I have several blued vintage S&W revolvers, but my 686, and its understudy, a 4" 617, are my primary shooters. I had my 686 tuned and converted to DAO, and use it in IDPA, ICORE and USPSA. A smooth action, and accurate to boot. What's not to like?

Perhaps I should lean more towards a model 66?

Tough call. Personal preference. I have both. The 66, like its blued sibling, the 19, is a classic. It's easier to carry, and I like the balance of the 66. It also seems to point and transition quicker than my 686. But I keep coming back to my 686, and overall it seems I shoot it better.

 

[dewalt-2]

I love my 686, actually bought it looking for a GP100...

One day I'll fill the GP100 gap.

 

[Iggy]

You sure convinced me that you don't need one.

 

[Curator]

S&W 686, form and function, perfection in a small package. There are other revolvers, but the 686 is a functioning work of art. Made in the USA too!

 

[chrisb507]

I think you already answered your own question: Why? Because "the 686 sure is a beautiful gun."

 

[Guillermo]

While I prefer the 686 to the Ruger, it seems the inverse with you.

You should not get a 686...I should get another one



my old beater ex Victoria Police 686

 

[Maj Dad]

I dunno... because G-d loves you and wants you to be happy?

That's why we have beer, per Ben F. Get the 686 because it is a superb piece of craftsmanship with looks and guts. I wouldn't part with mine for 2 Rugers, but then I might consider it for 3... Any takers???

 

[dashootist]

686 is the best 357 revolver on the market.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Why should I get a 686?

Because of this: (M686-2)

 

[Sniper X]

I have always loved and wanted a 586, and would definitely love a 686....but I am a stianless gun well...not hater, but I prefer blued. I surely would not kick a 686 outta the safe though! If fact, I think I would carry a 2.5in 686 over a snub 586 for the stainlesness....

 

[bannockburn]

At one time I had a Colt Trooper Mk.V (6"), a Ruger GP100 (4"), and a S&W Model 686 (4"). The Trooper replaced an earlier Mk.III I had traded off and I got the GP100 as I thought it might make for a worthy successor to the Security Six I once had. I chose the 686 for it being "just the right size" between the K and N frames.

Of the three the Trooper's factory grips fit my hand perfectly and the gun had a good feel to it, with just a little bit of barrel weight out there for balance. Double action was alright; a little heavy and gritty, but serviceable. Single action was crisp and light. The GP100 never felt good in my hand; a little too wide and upright, plus I didn't like the feel of the insert. Heavy and gritty on the double action; single action was just so-so. The factory stocks on the 686 were the worst of the three for fit and comfort. I quickly replaced them with Pachmayrs and they have worked well for many years. Right out of the box, the 686 had the best double action trigger pull that I have ever encountered on a new S&W revolver. Single action was likewise very smooth and light.

Not long after I had all three revolvers, financial circumstances forced me to sell two of them. I narrowed my choice down to the Trooper and the 686; the GP100 was not a factor in the consideration. It was a tough choice between the Trooper and the 686. While I loved the balance and the overall handling of the Trooper, the 686 ultimately won out due to its superior trigger action.

 

[Big_John1961]

I bought my first revolver about 15 years ago, and it was the 686+. I have not regretted that decision. Great wheelgun and beautiful to boot.

 

[Paladin7]

I have a 686+ that I've owned since 1997. Great gun period! I like it much better than the GP 100 it is a far more refined firearm, in my not so humble opinion. The GP100 is a tank, also a great gun. The 686 is a Swiss Watch - everything you need and nothing you don't.

As to use...range, hunting, home defense in that order.

Some advice...try different grips if you want to shoot a steady diet of magnums. That will make a huge difference in felt recoil and control.

When you own one...you will quickly see what we are all talking about.