Future revolver purchase....

[Mastrogiacomo]

I love my used S&W 686P 4" so much I may buy another. This time though I'm thinking of a snubbie 686 in a six or seven shot -- I know, this is the same person that sold her 442. I'll probably buy used again so I'll have to keep my eye open for the snubbie versions -- but which should I pick up? I'm expecting the weight of the gun will make this model more enjoyable to use than the light weight 442. How would it be on muzzle flash and recoil. Are the snubbies as fun as the 4"?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Sir:

I'm of the opinion that revolvers should hold NO MORE
than six rounds.

Fire six quality shot's, then rely on your speed strips
or speed loader.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[telomerase]

>I'm of the opinion that revolvers should hold NO MORE
than six rounds.

Wow, hope no one tells Ala Dan about my new heretically capacity-advantaged Taurus 94 (which works fine, BTW). Mastrogiacomo, I used to own a Ruger Speed Six in .357 with a short barrel, and with the 140-158 grain loads I used it was very tolerable. I never tried any 125s from it. I would imagine a short 686+ would be an excellent gun.

 

[telomerase]

And logically, all revolvers should be odd

...After all, it puts the notch away from the cylinder, strengthening the chamber.

 

[10-Ring]

I prefer the 686 6 shot versions.

 

[tex_n_cal]

Unless you're planning to use Elmer Keith Commemorative +P++ handloads, I would go with the 7 shot version. Sometimes with autoloaders more shots = less reliability, but it's not true with revolvers.

An all-steel, snubby .357 will have a little more recoil than a 4", and definitely will have a good deal more muzzle blast. I personally would stick to the 4" model, myself. If you want a little different flavor of .357, look for a Colt Python, or a M27 or M28 S&W.

Since you have now found a magnum revolver you like, why not add a .44? With .44 Special loads one of the various M29's or 629's won't kick badly. Smith also made a few M624's in .44 Special. One of their current guns is the M396 in .44 Special, with is very light.

Glad to hear you finally got a wheelgun you like

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

Boy I don't know about the .44... as it is I only shoot .38s through my gun. I'd like to give the snubbie another go at it, but yeah, I'd love a Colt Python -- I just can't get them in my state or find an affordable used one.

 

[Dot_mdb]

If you liked the 4" then you will like the 2.5" also. The biggest difference is going to be the shorter sight radius which will require extra concentration at 25 yards. But the snubbies can be surprisingly accurate at the longer distances. I would never consider anything but the 7 round guns in the L frame models. For six round revolvers I would get a K frame. The K frame revolvers are the perfect launching platform for .38's

I just paid $195 for a nearly perfect 2" Model 10-9. It is an absolutely wonderful 6 shot snubbie.

Bill

 

[tex_n_cal]

You can get .44 Special defense loads that shoot 200 grain or so bullets at subsonic velocities - out of an N frame Smith they will feel like .38's from a smaller gun

What are you really looking for? A variation of the 686, to fit a different purpose, or do you want to expand your revolver collection into something fun and different?

Among snubbies, there is also the sought-after Colt Detective Special, a 6 shot .38. Colt also made a model ".357" revolver, and the first model Colt Trooper share the same smooth action as a Python, but are usually more reasonable in price.

If legal and obtainable in your area, Smiths or Colts from the 1950's and earlier were made like fine watches, and are worthy of investment. Just be sure to have a competant gunsmith check it out before buying.

Fun, isn't it?

 

[denfoote]

How about none!! The .44spl in a snubbie has to be painful to shoot!! I know my Taurus M605 is!!!
I personally await the arrival of the Taurus M905.

 

[YodaVader]

Owned a 2.5" 686 and with rubber grips it was not unpleasant to shoot but there was substantial muzzle blast. Revolver was amazingly accurate! Also shot a 2.5" model 66 in a pistol league once and beat everyone in my class except for the guy with a Model 52 target pistol.

As far as 6 shot or 7 shot L-Frames get what ever strikes your fancy. Both are strong enough to handle 357 magnum loads. As far as the location of cylinder notches - the 7 shot shot cylinder has less "meat" between cylinders to begin with. With that said if you ever experience a faliure of a 6 shot 686 because of notch location then you indeed unfortunate and must be firing loads that are well beyond anything even remotely sensible. I never had a cylinder failure in any of the four 6 shot 686's I have owned. Don't know of anyone personally that ever had a cylinder failure of a 686 or any revolver for that matter because of cylinder notch location.

 

[SnWnMe]

"Seven fer sure" just doesn't sound right!

Neither does "seven gun" or "seven shooter"

Nope it will have to be the 6 shot L frame.

 

[tex_n_cal]

since I just happen to have this link on the clipboard...

M27 50th anniversary, with the 5" barrel. It shoots as good as it looks

 

[Frenchy]

Had the 2 1/2" 686 in 6 shot and loved it. Didn't feel the need for the extra round.

 

[RandyB]

For me my next one will be a Ruger SP-101 with a 3 inch barrel. Had oone of the 1st that came out in .357 and regret everyday that I sold it.

 

[Majic]

Denfoote, you need more gun. 44sp in my 3" M24-3 is actually right nice to fire. A big differnce in a lightweight medium frame gun and a N-frame gun.

 

[Stainz]

You might look at the 'LadySmith' models, 60LS and 65LS, I think.

If you really want a small .38 snubbie, the 637 or 642 may be ideal. They are also still around at the 'sale' price (My dealer has them for $339/$349.). At ~15 oz, they still bounce pretty well with 125gr +P ammo. I suggest the 158gr 'Cowboy' loads 0- at over 700 fps, they are good stoppers - and rapid follow ups are possible with the 637/642's.

Now, for more stopping power - do consider the .44 S&W Special. The best defensive round I have seen is the CCI Blazer 200gr Gold Dot JHP. From my 2.5" barreled 296, they hit ~800 fps, which increases to 870fps in the 4" barrel of my 629 Mountain Gun. The light 296, weighing only 21 oz loaded with five of the Blazer rounds, has an abrupt but controllable recoil. Certainly easier to use than the 125gr +P .38 rounds - or any .357 magnum rounds - from a snubbie. The 396 is the only .44 S&W Special offered now - and it is pricey (~$580-$600). A larger grip - especially one which covers that big hump on the 296 - is nice for me.

For personal protection, I don't feel that much difference exists between 5, 6, or 7 shots. Shot placement is critical - or you need something belt fed and crew-served. Whatever you obtain - practice!

Stainz