TamThompson
Member
Can someone fill me in on the differences between the S&W 686, the 686P, and the 686PP? It's not immediately apparent by reading the specs, especially since they aren't listed side by side.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Differences between S&W 686, 686P, 686PP?
- Thread starter TamThompson
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's Tam-
The three configurations for the S&W 686 are as follows:
a) 686- a six shot revolver in barrel lengths 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 8-3/8"
b) 686P- (Plus) is the same gun with a slightly larger
cylinder holding 7 rounds
c) 686PP- (Power Port) is the same weapon, that is
ported to allow the hot gases to escape; thus reducing
the recoil of the weapon.
Hope this helps?
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
The three configurations for the S&W 686 are as follows:
a) 686- a six shot revolver in barrel lengths 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 8-3/8"
b) 686P- (Plus) is the same gun with a slightly larger
cylinder holding 7 rounds
c) 686PP- (Power Port) is the same weapon, that is
ported to allow the hot gases to escape; thus reducing
the recoil of the weapon.
Hope this helps?
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
GunNut
Member
I was going to guess that but wasn't entirely sure.
Is the 686PP a 6 or 7 shot?
Steve
Is the 686PP a 6 or 7 shot?
Steve
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Att: Gun Nut
The S&W 686PP can be either.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
The S&W 686PP can be either.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
TamThompson
Member
Ala Dan,
Thanks for the good info! I'm looking at 6" barrel ones. 7-shot capacity would be best. Is there any downside to the PP (porting), like decreased accuracy or anything? I'd imagine they're not IDPA legal, or does that only apply to ported semi-autos?
Best,
Thanks for the good info! I'm looking at 6" barrel ones. 7-shot capacity would be best. Is there any downside to the PP (porting), like decreased accuracy or anything? I'd imagine they're not IDPA legal, or does that only apply to ported semi-autos?
Best,
Guy B. Meredith
Member
Tam,
If you are looking at IDPA you will need a 4" barrel.
Guy
If you are looking at IDPA you will need a 4" barrel.
Guy
bountyhunter
member
The cylinders are exactly the same size, the seven shot just has an extra hole (and is hence a couple of ounces lighter in weight).
As far as I have ever seen, the power port version is only offered from the factory in the six shot gun (no seven shots). For 6" guns, I think the port is unnecessary and just sprays garbage and flame upwards into your breathing space.
bountyhunter
member
I'm told most revolver comp guns are limited to six rounds, so you can shoot a seven shot gun but only load six rounds at a time. That means at each reload, you have to visually "index" the cylinder position to get the start point so as to not hit the empty chamber. A major time waster.
You may want to look at the model 66 in 4" barrel. It has a lower center of mas than the 686 so it balances perfectly, is a six shot gun, and on a slightly smaller frame which fits the average person's hand better. I own two 66's and they are excellent for comp shooting.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
If I remember correctly, my hometown dealer did have
on display a S&W 686PP that was a seven shooter?
It might have been some kind'a special production piece;
but I do remember seeing it.
Agreed, that the 6" barrel does not need the port's. Debris
has a habit of finding its way into the port's. My 6" 686-5
is very controlable, without the port's.
FootNote: on page 213 of the 2nd edition of The Standard
Catalog Of Smith & Wesson by Supica & Nahas it gives
specific details of a special production run of 7-shooters
with the power port!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
on display a S&W 686PP that was a seven shooter?
It might have been some kind'a special production piece;
but I do remember seeing it.
Agreed, that the 6" barrel does not need the port's. Debris
has a habit of finding its way into the port's. My 6" 686-5
is very controlable, without the port's.
FootNote: on page 213 of the 2nd edition of The Standard
Catalog Of Smith & Wesson by Supica & Nahas it gives
specific details of a special production run of 7-shooters
with the power port!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
OH25shooter
Member
TamT,
I have a 686PP and a 629PP. Enjoy both of them. I've read posts where guys complain about the port or the key hole on the side, etc. For some it's a cosmetic problem. For me, I consider what the port or key hole was designed to do.
I have a 686PP and a 629PP. Enjoy both of them. I've read posts where guys complain about the port or the key hole on the side, etc. For some it's a cosmetic problem. For me, I consider what the port or key hole was designed to do.
Guyon
Member
Do they make 7-shot speed loaders for the S&Ws?
Gillster
Member
HKS is the only one I've seen making 7 shot speed loaders, can't remember the number for them but I have 5 or 6 of them. Had all my 7 shooters machined to accept full moon clips so I don't use them much anymore.
Chris
Chris
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Update: on a quick visit to my dealer on 02/03/04
I saw a NIB ported Smith & Wesson 6" 686-5. So
yes, contrary to popular belief, there are a few
still in existence.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
I saw a NIB ported Smith & Wesson 6" 686-5. So
yes, contrary to popular belief, there are a few
still in existence.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
bountyhunter
member
Yes, they are the HKS loaders, I have four of them. One warning: the seven shot 686 is a lot harder to reload fast than the six shot 686 or the model 66 using the speed loaders. That seven shot requires you get the loader closer to the frame and the rounds tend to hang up coming out of the loader. On the 66, they drop like shot ducks straight into the cylinder when you turn the knob.
Tony Mig
Member
I'm hoping to score a new 686 4" sometime soon.
I've been shooting a Ruger GP-100 6" for a while now, and absolutely love the gun, but the trigger on the S&W is sweet. I want another revolver with a 4" barrel, and as much as I like the GP, I can't see in having two of the same gun, so I got my heart set on the S&W 686....(6 shots, no ports)
I've been shooting a Ruger GP-100 6" for a while now, and absolutely love the gun, but the trigger on the S&W is sweet. I want another revolver with a 4" barrel, and as much as I like the GP, I can't see in having two of the same gun, so I got my heart set on the S&W 686....(6 shots, no ports)
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