S&W 686 owners... A question.

[BoneDigger]

I recently purchased a Smith and Wesson 686-2 with a 2.5 inch barrel. It has custom wood grips, and I really like the gun. It's a heavy gun and I don't know that I would ever carry it concealed. I mostly bought it because it was a good price and figured I could use it as a backup for pig hunting.

So, I have been offered a trade for a Smith and Wesson 686-4 with a 4 inch barrel. They are in comparable condition, but his gun has hogue rubber grips, where mine has custom wood grips. They will not interchange, since mine is a round butt, and his is square.

Do I keep my 2.5 inch 686-2 or do I make the swap and get the 686-4 with 4 inch barrel? They are both stainless and basically identical except for the grips and barrel length.

What do you guys think? Would I be gaining much by having a 4 inch barrel instead of the 2.5 inch barrel? This little 2.5 inch feels really good, but if I am losing a lot of speed/power, maybe I should trade? Is there anything better or worse about the -2 or -4?

Todd

 

[YodaVader]

It sounds like you really like the 2.5" so in your place I would just keep it. I have owned 686s in the 2.5" , 4" and 6" barrel lengths. The 2.5 I had was a hec of a shooter. The 2.5 obvously has the shortest sight radius so sight alingment will be the most critical. The only one I own now is a 686-4 with a 6" barrel - very accurate!

The 686-2 will have the hammer and trigger coated to look sort of like stainless , the 686-4 have the trigger and hammer uncoated with the case hardened visible. The -4 also has the drilled and tapped frame. I had heard that the -4 was the first model to be machined on their new CNC equipment , not 100% on that one. There might be more differences that I am not aware of.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you really want the 4" M686 tell the seller he has to make up for the Custom Wooden Stocks some how. I would say $60 in cash instead of a straight up trade would be fair.

 

[Sistema1927]

Are you sure that the 4" has a square butt and not just round to square conversion grips?

 

[sw686plus]

I have read in the past that ammunition doesn't have the chance to expel it's gases, etc to its full potential in a revolver with less than a 4 inch barrel on it.

If you're not going to carry it anyway, I'd agree the guy should throw in some cash for the wooden grips, then make the exchange.

 

[ZeSpectre]

686 in 4" barrel is one of my all time favorite handguns period! Never liked a shorter barrel for .357

This is, of course, personal preference.

 

[ryan b]

you are also missing and important point Does your state have a min. barrel legnth for hunting in arkansas you must use a 4 inch or longer. i prefer the 4 inch and i have had both

 

[glockman19]

686 in 4" barrel is one of my all time favorite handguns period! Never liked a shorter barrel for .357

I agree

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a 4" S&W M619 and a 2.75" Ruger Police Service-Six, both are .357 Magnum and both are great shooters. I think the 4" is the most versatile but the 2.75" can be carried. I like them both equally but for different reasons and applications.

 

[Moonclip]

I'd keep your gun and buy a 6" 357 maybe later or a 44mag possibly if you feel need for a more powerful sidearm. I've noticed myself at least with Ruger security/speed/service six guns that snubs go for a premium, he would be getting a better deal especially with the grips.

People rarely get back what they put in to guns when trading or selling. Recently I got a S&W that was already a good price but the grips were Hogue wood worth 60-80 bucks new and with millett sight worth another 80 or so. Made deal even better.

 

[BoneDigger]

I appreciate all of the great replies. As a side note, I am not planning to "hunt" with the gun, just carry it as a backup sidearm WHILE hunting. I have a CHL, so I can carry any length barrel I want.

In real world numbers, is the 2.5 inch going to give up any penetration to the 4"? I realize speed equates to kenetic energy, but am I losing a lot by having the 2.5 inch?

Todd

 

[Iggy]

I think the rule of thumb is you lose about 50 FPS per inch of barrel reduction.

Most likely, neither you or the pig will notice the difference.

 

[MrBorland]

One other thing to maybe consider: I only have a 4" 686 myself, but I understand that the ejector rod on sub-3" guns isn't long enough to eject the spent brass efficiently, making for a slower re-load. If reloading speed is or would be an issue, the 4" might be the better choice.

 

[BoneDigger]

Well, I took the 2.5 inch to the range today and put about 100 rounds through it. Some were WWB .38 solid points, and some were .357 110grain JHP (also WWB). I was TOTALLY blown away by how well this little gun shoots. I am not a good shot by any means, but I was able to keep all six shots of .357 in a 6 inch diameter circle at 25 yards (75 ft). That was shooting off hand without a bench/rest. The trigger is like butter!

I have decided to keep this little girl, and in the fall when I start hunting again, I may buy a .44 Mag for a backup for the pig hunting.

Anyway, thanks for all of the great replies.

Todd

 

[YodaVader]

I have read in the past that ammunition doesn't have the chance to expel it's gases, etc to its full potential in a revolver with less than a 4 inch barrel on it.

No full power 357 mag ammo is going to reach its full potential in a 4" either , or 6" or 8 3/8" for that matter. A lot of powder for a relatively short barrel. That is why you have this incredible muzzle blast. Shoot the same ammo in a Marlin lever action rifle and then the 357 is more likely to reach its potential.

I was TOTALLY blown away by how well this little gun shoots.

Yep , my 2 1/2" 686 was a shooter too! It sounds like you are going to do well by just keeping it.