I need help on my first revolver purchase. I stopped by my dealer yesturday , intent on buying either the 686 or 66 with a 2.5" barrel. He had a 66 2.5" and I liked the feel but he did not have a 686 2.5" to compare . This will be my CCW and not for home defense. I know the 4" will be too large to carry comfortably so which one do I need. Also, what is the best self defense load to use ? I think my head hurts :banghead: .
Help! 686 2.5" or 66 2.5"
- Thread starter Rogomay
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P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I favor the 686 --- for me with carry - stainless is appealing - I sweat buckets in summer! Hate ruining blued guns - my ol' M85 can attest to that!!!
Load? masses of choice. I stoke my SP-101 with just CorBon 110 grain .38 spl +p JHP but if mag loads wanted (per M28 carry) then CorBon 140 grainers in .357 JHP.
Load? masses of choice. I stoke my SP-101 with just CorBon 110 grain .38 spl +p JHP but if mag loads wanted (per M28 carry) then CorBon 140 grainers in .357 JHP.
66 vs 686
The 686 is about 3 ounces on heavy side compared to the 66.
The 686 "L" frame will last a lifetime shooting just about any darn thing through it.
The 66 being a somewhat smaller "k" frame may not be as durable in 20 years down the road.
You can also get the 686 in the Plus which is the 7 shot model.
I found the 7 shot tends to bug me as I tend to shoot 6 then dump 6 empties and one live one.
If you are used to shootin' six, it may be hard to get accustomed to.
I sold my 7 shot and went back to the 6.
Hope that helps you out a little.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
The 686 is about 3 ounces on heavy side compared to the 66.
The 686 "L" frame will last a lifetime shooting just about any darn thing through it.
The 66 being a somewhat smaller "k" frame may not be as durable in 20 years down the road.
You can also get the 686 in the Plus which is the 7 shot model.
I found the 7 shot tends to bug me as I tend to shoot 6 then dump 6 empties and one live one.
If you are used to shootin' six, it may be hard to get accustomed to.
I sold my 7 shot and went back to the 6.
Hope that helps you out a little.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
You want the 66. It is definatly a little smaller and easier to carry and a lot of shooters find that it balances a little better. I also heard a rumor that S&W will be discontinuing the .357 K-frames as well so grab them while you can.*
(on the other hand they have made so many that your grandkids won't have too much trouble finding them in pawnshops.)
(on the other hand they have made so many that your grandkids won't have too much trouble finding them in pawnshops.)
Preacherman
Member
For CCW, I prefer the K-frame, as it's a bit lighter, and balances better (for me, anyway). Therefore, I'd recommend the 66.
Sure, the 686 will stand up to constant heavy loads better, so if you plan on shooting hundreds of heavy loads each year, this is probably the way to go - but how many heavy loads do you plan on shooting?
Sure, the 686 will stand up to constant heavy loads better, so if you plan on shooting hundreds of heavy loads each year, this is probably the way to go - but how many heavy loads do you plan on shooting?
SouthpawShootr
Member
I have both. Both are excellent guns. The 686 is only marginally bigger (very slight difference), unless you're talking 686+, which I don't have and am not interested in. This will probably boil down to two things: 1- Which one do you like best? & 2- How much shooting and with what loads are you planning to shoot in it?
The 686 should stand up to better to full-power .357s better in general and particularly if you will be firing the 125 gr .357s. In all likelihood, you won't run enough full-power loads through the 66 to hurt it (it would likely take many thousands of rounds before the gun shows significant wear).
I guess my own favorite is the 66. I just like the barrel profile better.
As far as load recommendations, I tend to go with 158 gr JHP. Lots of people prefer to get the most velocity, and would recommend the 125s. I think Winchester personal defense load are 110 (these have a pretty impressive muzzle flare btw and I always recommend somebody try a box at the range just for fun). But then again I've never shot anybody with it so I don't know how it would perform in defensive use. Hope I never find out.
The 686 should stand up to better to full-power .357s better in general and particularly if you will be firing the 125 gr .357s. In all likelihood, you won't run enough full-power loads through the 66 to hurt it (it would likely take many thousands of rounds before the gun shows significant wear).
I guess my own favorite is the 66. I just like the barrel profile better.
As far as load recommendations, I tend to go with 158 gr JHP. Lots of people prefer to get the most velocity, and would recommend the 125s. I think Winchester personal defense load are 110 (these have a pretty impressive muzzle flare btw and I always recommend somebody try a box at the range just for fun). But then again I've never shot anybody with it so I don't know how it would perform in defensive use. Hope I never find out.
surfinUSA
Member
The 66 is an outstanding gun which is lighter smaller and easier to carry and conceal. If you do go for the 686 (which is also an excellent gun) go for the 7 shot. The extra round is the only reason to justify this gun over the excellent 66 2 1/2 inch gun, and it puts the defensive revolver into the same class as some of the better semi autos.
I'm a real big fan of the K frame magnums. But they, like the 686, are really holster guns. I went for the extra round and couldn't be happier. I really like the extra round when I'm fishing in some of the more isolated areas of the swamp.
Bye the way, the 686+ is the same size as the six shot version.
I'm a real big fan of the K frame magnums. But they, like the 686, are really holster guns. I went for the extra round and couldn't be happier. I really like the extra round when I'm fishing in some of the more isolated areas of the swamp.
Bye the way, the 686+ is the same size as the six shot version.
Marshall
Member
I would strap on the M-66, no question. 
DHart
Member
I've got both and for carry, the 66 will be more comfortable and noticibly lighter. But the 686 will be more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, as it soaks up recoil a lot better due to the heavier weight and more up front weight. The 686 will also stand up a lot better to heavier loads. If you want to get into shooting quite a bit of full .357 mag loads, go with the 686, because the 66 will suffer a lot quicker from that. But if you shoot mostly lighter loads with just occasional full house .357 loads, the 66 will last just fine.
I like both guns very, very much and wouldn't want to give up either one. I'd say if you plan to shoot it a lot, go for the 686 and do get the 7-shot if you can. There's no reason not to have the 7-shot. I got a dozen or so 6-shot S&W revolvers and one 7-shot and I have no trouble knowing what I'm shooting and how many rounds it holds. Never hurts to have another round on tap.
If possible, you might buy the 66 in the shop (especially if it has no internal lock) and then start saving some bucks for a nice 686. They're really fine, beefy guns.
If you wish to avoid the internal gun lock, take the extra time and effort to find a lightly used or nearly new-in-box used Smith... there are plenty of nices ones out there to be found. Like these two:
I like both guns very, very much and wouldn't want to give up either one. I'd say if you plan to shoot it a lot, go for the 686 and do get the 7-shot if you can. There's no reason not to have the 7-shot. I got a dozen or so 6-shot S&W revolvers and one 7-shot and I have no trouble knowing what I'm shooting and how many rounds it holds. Never hurts to have another round on tap.
If possible, you might buy the 66 in the shop (especially if it has no internal lock) and then start saving some bucks for a nice 686. They're really fine, beefy guns.
If you wish to avoid the internal gun lock, take the extra time and effort to find a lightly used or nearly new-in-box used Smith... there are plenty of nices ones out there to be found. Like these two:
I got the 686+ because that was what my local gunshop had for sale. I didn't feeli like ordering a 66 and I've been real pleased with my selection. I like the N Frames the best, but the 686 has really impressed me and I won't be getting rid of it.
DHart
Member
You will really enjoy having either one, I'm sure. I really love the 13's, 19's, 65's, and 66's! But my new 686+ 2.5" 7-shot has become my default around the house defense blaster... feels awesome in the hand, allows lots of practice with potent loads, moderates recoil well with it's weight, and I love having 7 on tap vs. six... just a nice thing. For carry, though, I would pick a "Special K".
Trisha
Member
Ditto to the above - both are lovely revolvers. . .
But I remain convinced the 649 is the snag-less, comfortable, wear-with-anything CCW .357, bar none due to the versitility of the shrouded hammer. In its Don Hume belt slide I carry it all the time.
Hammer-spur snags really come to light when you practice drawing from concealment (obviously YMMV). Those gorgeous rear sights are a magnet for everything.
The 649 slips into pants pockets, no problem. KL Null's shoulder rig (inverted carry) works like a dream. The revolver is superbly accurate when single-actioned for carefully aimed fire.
Will it digest a lifetime's worth of +p heavy magnum ammunition? No. But it is a sweet, potent 5-shot .357 that you'll discover is absolutely convenient and very unobtrusive for anyone serious about CCW with a revolver in any weather.
Again, YMMV.
Happy shooting!
Trisha
But I remain convinced the 649 is the snag-less, comfortable, wear-with-anything CCW .357, bar none due to the versitility of the shrouded hammer. In its Don Hume belt slide I carry it all the time.
Hammer-spur snags really come to light when you practice drawing from concealment (obviously YMMV). Those gorgeous rear sights are a magnet for everything.
The 649 slips into pants pockets, no problem. KL Null's shoulder rig (inverted carry) works like a dream. The revolver is superbly accurate when single-actioned for carefully aimed fire.
Will it digest a lifetime's worth of +p heavy magnum ammunition? No. But it is a sweet, potent 5-shot .357 that you'll discover is absolutely convenient and very unobtrusive for anyone serious about CCW with a revolver in any weather.
Again, YMMV.
Happy shooting!
Trisha
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