King of modern defense revolvers: S&W 686+

[Rock185]

No argument out of me. I never carried a 686 concealed, but did carry one in uniform for several years. While the Pythons don't seem bulky to me, the 686 has became my favorite .357 revolver. I've had 6 and 7-shot versions but, just through long familiarity I guess, I prefer the 6-shot guns. I do have one 6 and 7-shot .357/9mm 686. I have a GP100, but the L-Frame S&Ws fit me a little better..

 

[derek45]

My Andy Horvath custom 5" / 7 shot 686 dash four

 

[Riomouse911]

I like the Model 686+ too, to the point that I carried my 4” on duty for several months in 2003 when I was rehabbing a thumb ligament injury.

But, the K frames are my all time favorite S&W revolvers. No matter the caliber; from .357 to .22 there is something about the K frame that just seems “right” to me.

YMMV.

Stay safe.

 

[Rodfac]

Regarding the current production Colt King Cobras, the basic D-frame design is
a bit smaller than the S&W K-frame and neither do I believe is up to long term
.357 or hot .38 use nor are they near as comfortable to shoot than the L-frames.

A little off thread....but....Ed's comment brought a thought to mind....Would not the current Colt offering (King Cobra .22 Target 10-shot) make up into a superb .32 H&R!!!! Oh for the love of Pete, guys, I'm going over the edge....Rod

....Okay sorry for the thread drift...but take a look at it framed by two other well balanced and light wt. Colt .22"s, now imagine those bottom two as a sweet answer to a wood's loafer's dream...the .32 H&R. Best regards, Rod

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[Rodfac]

Sorry for the previous post, Ed, but the .32 Spirit moved me....and I agree the 686 is a winner in all but its hefty weight. It's a hellofa gun and a strong candidate for top drawer, best all around revolver. Rod.....Here's mine is my totin' leather...

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[Rodfac]

But, the K frames are my all time favorite S&W revolvers. No matter the caliber; from .357 to .22 there is something about the K frame that just seems “right” to me.

Well said, Rio, they fit my hands to a "T". Here's a quartet of my .357's: two "K"s, an "N", and a "J". For a good trade off between belt weight vs. enough weight so distributed to produce excellent results, IMHO, it'd be hard to beat that M-66 with Mikulek grips. Best Regards, Rod

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[buttrap]

Me I vote model 60 chiefs target .357 3 inch as it does not weigh as much as a tank but then that's me too. And the above picture has a 60 target as the bottom gun too.

 

[357smallbore]

The L-frame sized revolvers, be they Colt Python or Ruger GP100 or the S&W 586/686
models, are the best selling wheel guns in today's market. That size matched with
the .357 S&W Magnum Cartridge/.38 S&W Special Cartridge seals their popularity.

And of that batch, I believe the S&W 686+ model in its many configurations, makes
it the top choice for those looking for an all around home defense/concealed carry
firearm.

The current 686+s all have round butt frames, allowing for nearly the very smallest
stocks to target stocks.

The "plus" of course means a seventh shot in the cylinder. I find that most appealing.
If you can get that "extra" round, why not in a defensive revolver.

And finally but so important, the 686+ comes with skeletonized barrels, regular
full lug barrels and lengths from 2.5 icnes to 4.2 inches. I dare say the 2.5-inch
and 3-inch models are most popular. Just look at the postings on this forum.

Now regarding the competition, first the Ruger GP100. No matter how you look at it,
the gun seems bulky althugh I do like the 2.5-inch and 3-inch models. The stud
design for the stocks does give an owner some decent options but no more than
that of S&W, In fact, less because not as many options exist. Ruger does have
the plus models for a seventh shot but with a checkered past.

As to the Python, it remains a mid-20th Century bulky firearm with its square butt
frame. True, numerous barrel lengths are offered but no model, at least not yet,
offers that seventh shot which I prefer as long as I can get it. And I think its price
works against it as well as having the same quality control issues other makers have.

Regarding the current production Colt King Cobras, the basic D-frame design is
a bit smaller than the S&W K-frame and neither do I believe is up to long term
.357 or hot .38 use nor are they near as comfortable to shoot than the L-frames.

OK, many will have different views but I shall continue to contend that the
S&W 686+ is best for use as a defense revolver by a wider variety of men and
women than the rival firearms.

My 1984 no dash 686 is a comforting weapon when carrying it. This and my S&W 29-2 4in are the perfect protection guns. Hard to compete or beat the older S&W revolvers

 

[halfmoonclip]

Riddle me this; is there any difference in the double action pull with the 7 round cylinder? My only experience is with a flyweight 317, compared to an older 43. The six shot gun smoothed up much more nicely.
Had both 4" and 6" early 686s; really wish I'd kept the 4".

 

[Rock185]

halfmoonclip, Had more than one 686+ 7-shooter. Lockwork is the same as 6-shooter, so although the 7-shot cylinder locks up sooner, no difference in DA pull.

 

[defjon]

A 2.5 7 shot 686 is both my house gun and travel gun!

I keep it loaded with Buffalo bore 38 lswchp.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Hmmm, never considered the Python big or bulky.

Ive shot Scandium snubbies w full tilt CorBons, and the old FBI K frame 19/66 2.5" w adj sights running Federal 125 screamers.
They're as annoying as my 180grainer max .44 mag loads in a 4" 629 LOL

Like the 686 just fine, but older models. The newer higher backstrap guns don't look as good to my eye ( and I shoot the old ones just fine ).
Of the new Smiths, the M&P R8 would be my choice.

Revolvers are fine w me

But if I really want higher capacity and easier to carry............an auto is the way to go.

One could go with an auto having the trigger comparable to a DA revolver.
Supposedly the HK LEM trigger is like that.

I have a Trr8 and a 686 no dash. Both are VERY VERY spicy with full house magnums!! 1500fps+. Not fun actually. Wood on 686 and faux ivory on Trr8. I’m going to put oem hogue rubber back on Trr8 and see how that feels. I’d “like” to have a dedicated 357 gun. 38+p is all I really need though

 

[Old Dog]

If I were required to carry a revolver for work or when ultimately semi-auto pistols are proscribed, a 686+ in 4 inch trim would be great. But, were I required to carry revolver I'd opt for the 627 eight-shot in either the Bloodwork edition (2 5/8" PC) or the Pro (4").


As a private citizen, I'm really leaning toward the Colt 3" "new" King Cobra being the king of modern defense revolvers. Sublime trigger in either mode, ergonomic, great sights, lightweight, ever so concealable, yet still a soft shooter with full house .357s.

 

[ThomasT]

I like the 686 but like the 586 better. But I like the model 19 best of all. I DO NOT like full underlugs. Too friggin' heavy and unneeded. I don't have a model 19 but do have a 4" Ruger Security Six blued that I dearly love. Its everything the model 19 is and doesn't have the supposed weakness of the flat on the bottom of the barrel extension. And with a spring change the trigger is darn good. Not S&W good but close. I also have a 4" model 65 if I feel the need for a gun in 357. I like it best with mid range 357 loads. A model 65 with 3" barrel would be Da Bomb!

I have 4" and 6" GP-100s I like a lot. And if my dad were still alive and still had his machine shop my GPs would be half lug guns because I would clamp them in a vise and mill that silly lug off of them.

If I want to carry a 3" gun I have one of the rare S&W model 36-6 J-Frames. A 5 shot 38 special with matt finish, adjustable sights and a tiny full lug barrel. It weighs 25oz and is a pleasure to carry. Its one of my favorite guns for woods walking. I like warm loads with wadcutter bullets. S&W only made 615 of these guns.