Is there anything better than a Smith 686?

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At one time I had a Colt Trooper Mk.V, a Ruger GP100, and a S&W Model 686. The Ruger and S&W had 4" barrels while the Colt had a 6" barrel. Two of them had to go to pay for school. Didn't care for the GP100 as it didn't feel as good in my hand; the action was also very rough and gritty compared to the other two. Toughest decision was between the Colt and the S&W; accuracy wise they were both great shooters. The deciding factor was that the Model 686 had the better trigger (probably one the best out-of-the-box triggers I have ever found on a revolver). And while the Pachmayr grips aren't much to look at they fit my hand perfectly (after some slight alterations), and are very comfortable to use.

066_zpscmmudubb.jpg
 
Apparently I need to run out and get a S&W 686 as I am missing out on a gun at the center of the universe. I guess it will compliment my S&W 586. :)

Ron
 
best action on a 357 I ever had was without a doubt my Colt Python, carried it on the job till a bar fight and found out it was a great target pistol, but dropping it on floor made me sick. Back then there were guys to retime it and after that, went back to my model 19 till we went to issued smith 9mm.
 
I have two of the 7-shot variety, a 6" and 4", both have top tier triggers and both are extremely accurate at distance. Stainless steel and the Hogue grips are beneficial under the Arizona sun. :)

7 shot cylinders and now 44mag choices in the L-frame speaks volumes about S&W forgings.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I'll stick with the 686 then, unless I can find a Python for less than a grand. (Come on pietta! Make it good)
 
ROAshooter

Thanks! And yes I took the photo of my Model 686. First one that actually turned out fairly decently for that particular gun. Usually I have trouble getting the lighting just right with shiny guns, like those that are nickel plated or polished stainless steel.

067_zpsd6mgveb8.jpg
 
460Kodiak said:
when shooting the SSR, is there noticeably more perceived recoil for you vs the full lug 686 with the same load?
Click to expand...

Yes. Sorta. :cool:

I don't notice additional recoil force per se, but I do notice more muzzle flip, especially when things speed up. And when things speed up, I notice the SSR's accuracy is much more sensitive to small changes in my grip. As you might guess, I don't use the SSR for the purpose it's moniker suggests, preferring a standard 686 instead.
 
To be honest, I own a Smith 686+, a 686 Pro, and I prefer the Ruger Match Champion over both. I think it was cheaper than even the regular 686+ as well.
 
I would say my 27-1 followed by my Ruger GP100's. I like the 686, but don't think they are the end all, be all...especially the newer ones.
 
MrBorland said:
Yes. Sorta. :cool:

I don't notice additional recoil force per se, but I do notice more muzzle flip, especially when things speed up. And when things speed up, I notice the SSR's accuracy is much more sensitive to small changes in my grip. As you might guess, I don't use the SSR for the purpose it's moniker suggests, preferring a standard 686 instead.
Click to expand...
Kind of makes you ponder the design a bit, or at least the name, doesn't it?

I always liked the 5" 627 PC gun with a slab side barrel myself.
 
460Kodiak said:
Kind of makes you ponder the design a bit, or at least the name, doesn't it?
Click to expand...

Well, the SSR comes from the factory with a few goodies (e.g., chamfered cylinder, interchangeable FO front sight), so it's not a bad option for someone who wants to shoot a factory gun.
 
I like the 686 well enough, but sold it after buying a model 28. Just like it better. I don't find it to be enough bigger to matter, in fact with the same barrel length it is lighter.
 
I have a no dash 6" 686 that is a absolute hoot to shoot. Not getting rid of that one, ever. Love my GP as well, in 4". An upgrade IMO, would be a Colt snake gun. Hens teeth in the affordable realm.
 
Bula said:
I have a no dash 6" 686 that is a absolute hoot to shoot. Not getting rid of that one, ever. Love my GP as well, in 4". An upgrade IMO, would be a Colt snake gun. Hens teeth in the affordable realm.
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I am a long time Colt snake gun owner. I have several. Honestly, they aren't an upgrade over a 686. Colts comparable model is a King Cobra. I have one that I have shot for 26 years. It is a fine gun and certainly well made. However, it does nothing better than a 686.
 
I have a Model 27-2 but have been looking for a good used 686. Hope to find one someday. The 27-2 is a great shooter and I plan on hanging on to it.
 
ColtPythonElite said:
I am a long time Colt snake gun owner. I have several. Honestly, they aren't an upgrade over a 686. Colts comparable model is a King Cobra. I have one that I have shot for 26 years. It is a fine gun and certainly well made. However, it does nothing better than a 686.
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That's the first time I've ever heard a snake gun owner admit that. Thanks for the honesty.
 
QUOTE: "... Is there anything better than a Smith 686 for less than $2k in a 357?..."

Though earlier in this thread I "voted" for the Model 686, said vote was predicated on the concept of an "all-around" .357 Magnum revolver. I would like to add, though, that there are a couple of caveats to this choice and that has to do with size and intended use (target shooting, plinking, "house" self-defense gun, trail piece, carry concealed gun, hunting gun, etc.). No revolver would ever be better than any other revolver when specific uses are wanted or needed.

In the case of Smith & Wesson, frames that include a range of sizes as diversified as Js, Ks, Ls, Ns and Xs are, could never be described as one being "better" than the other. But, again, if I could only have one .357 Magnum revolver for anything and everything, it would be a Model 686 Plus, with a 4" long barrel.
 
bannockburn said:
At one time I had a Colt Trooper Mk.V, a Ruger GP100, and a S&W Model 686. The Ruger and S&W had 4" barrels while the Colt had a 6" barrel. Two of them had to go to pay for school. Didn't care for the GP100 as it didn't feel as good in my hand; the action was also very rough and gritty compared to the other two. Toughest decision was between the Colt and the S&W; accuracy wise they were both great shooters. The deciding factor was that the Model 686 had the better trigger (probably one the best out-of-the-box triggers I have ever found on a revolver). And while the Pachmayr grips aren't much to look at they fit my hand perfectly (after some slight alterations), and are very comfortable to use.

066_zpscmmudubb.jpg
Click to expand...
That is such a beautiful gun picture!! The only thing that would make it better is a set of Pachy presentations!! :D
 
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