S & w 686

[ArchAngelCD]

The 4" S&W M686 is probably my favorite revolver. You get the added benefit of being able to shoot .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammo through it. What's not to like???

 

[pefz]

Hotshot10,
You have your answer. I also have a 686+ 4". Great gun - accurate and smooth. You won't go wrong with it.

 

[KAS1981]

So is there no such thing as a 686 blued?

I was scoping out the local pawn shop today and they had a S&W .357, blued with a 6 inch barrel, and I'm pretty sure they had it labeled as a 686. Not sure when it was made, but it did not have the ILS.

It was in excellent shape, and they were asking $600. Deal or no deal?

 

[Fishslayer]

So is there no such thing as a 686 blued?

I was scoping out the local pawn shop today and they had a S&W .357, blued with a 6 inch barrel, and I'm pretty sure they had it labeled as a 686. Not sure when it was made, but it did not have the ILS.

It was in excellent shape, and they were asking $600. Deal or no deal?

The blue version is the 586. In S&W revolvers a first digit "6" denotes a stainless gun. 586 is the same gun in carbon steel instead of stainless.

I would probably say no deal to $600, but that's me. If it was an earlier model & was in really great condition... maybe. Try to haggle if you really want it. Generally 6" versions go for less than the 4". Depends on how badly you really want it. They're nice guns.

Have a look on Gunbroker completed auctions. Look at what they actually sell for. Lots of sellers post a high reserve fishing for a sucker and relist it if nobody bites.

 

[KAS1981]

Thanks, that's really good to know. I'm going to pass on the .357, because what I'm really looking for is a 4" blued .44 mag.

 

[340PD]

Both great guns

586 3"


686ssr 4"

 

[Hotshot10]

340PD, are those custom grips on your first gun? Those look great.

 

[Hotshot10]

Okay, so I'm finally buying my 686 for Christmas. It took a little longer than I expected to save the money, but I'm close now.

Here's my question: do you think the 686 SSR is worth the extra $150 or so? I've handled both, and I'm torn between it and the basic 686.

 

[sig228]

Go for the 686+ (7 shot), you wont be disappointed. Worth every penny. Here's mine:

 

[W.E.G.]

Be very careful of buying one used that has the squishy Hogue grip.

If the prior owner liked to wear cologne in lieu of bathing, you might have to name it "Stinkbutt."

 

[Hondo 60]

There are very few 357 magnums better than a 686.
There's a whole lot em that's worse.

I'd certainly not be concerned about they're quality.
Depending on price, I'd go for it.

 

[Fishslayer]

Be very careful of buying one used that has the squishy Hogue grip.

If the prior owner liked to wear cologne in lieu of bathing, you might have to name it "Stinkbutt."

Ummm... you know a new Hogue monogrip will set ya back about $20, right?

Doode... is that an evidence tag on that gun?

 

[shiftyer1]

I haven't fired one but have handeled several, i'm looking for a cheap 6" myself.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

When I bought my first handgun I expected it would be the last I'd be able to buy and wanted an all around revolver. After much consultation and I settled on a 6" 686+ for the 7 shots just in case bad guys count ("I know what you're thinking, punk. Was that 5 shots or six or seven?).

Well, about 20,000 or so rounds later that turned out to be an excellent choice. Smooth, accurate and just plain fun. I haven't tried a 4" barrel, but experience with my 4" M66 makes me think I might like to. Also, if you are going to get into IDPA competition I believe the 4" is the maximum length that fits the rules.

If I were to start all over again and was restricted to one revolver, I'd make the same choice.

By the way, the advice about .38 spl rather than .357 magnums is good advice. When I started out I shot .357 magnums for a while as I was able to buy PMC loads at a very good price. Not a good idea--in the beginning you need to reduce distractions so keep the magnums for special occasions. In competition you will want .38 spl as the magnums give you too much time aiming at the sky rather than the target.

 

[MrBorland]

I...wanted an all around revolver...and I settled on a 6" 686+ for the 7 shots

I haven't tried a 4" barrel, but experience with my 4" M66 makes me think I might like to. Also, if you are going to get into IDPA competition I believe the 4" is the maximum length that fits the rules.

Yes, 4" (4.2", actually) is the max.

But note that IDPA (and USPSA) limits you to 6 shots, too. It's one reason why I hesitate to recommend the 686+ for someone looking for an all-arounder, since they'd not be able to use it in IDPA/USPSA if they ever get the itch to try it.

 

[BYJO4]

I love the 357 caliber and think the 686 is an excellent choice. I just bought another 4" 686 (already have one), plus have a 6" along with a 627 in 5 1/2" and a 66 in 2 1/2". The L frame fits my hand perfectly.

 

[CSA 357]

I have two, both no dash 21/2 inch and 4 inch both great shooters!

 

[MIL-DOT]

Anyone else waiting to hear from W.E.G about whether or not that's an evidence tag ?

 

[Strykervet]

My 686+ 6", no lock, is one of my favorites. My wife loves shooting it too, and just got a 649 pre lock to carry this weekend... Liked it because it has similarities to the 686.

Fine, fine revolver. I hit a sillhouette at 300m with mine using 140gr. Hornady handloads. Five of seven shots hit. Super accurate, just a great revolver.

We've used this one enough to warrant sending back for a new cylinder. Doesn't lock up like it used to. Hope it doesn't change the accuracy...

Love the 686. Get a plus model with frame mounted firing pin and no lock if possible!

 

[splithoof]

There was a 686 blue: it was actually a darkened stainless called Midnight Blue. I have seen three, one 6'', one 4", and the other 2.5". They were produced in the 1980's. I wish that was still produced.

 

[eastbank]

my 617 .22 along with my two 686,s. all pre- locks, some of the best revolvers i ever owned. eastbank.

 

[Boomie]

So is there no such thing as a 686 blued?

I was scoping out the local pawn shop today and they had a S&W .357, blued with a 6 inch barrel, and I'm pretty sure they had it labeled as a 686. Not sure when it was made, but it did not have the ILS.

It was in excellent shape, and they were asking $600. Deal or no deal?

Wikipedia says there was a blacked out stainless 686 called the "Midnight Black". Maybe that is what you saw. It came in 4" and 6".

 

[GAMALOT]

You all have me spinning! No Lock, Pre Lock, No dash and I need some clarifications.

Years back I bought a pair of His/Hers S&W 6 inch revolvers. Hers is a 617 with 6 round SS cylinder and an absolutely fabulous gun.

Mine is a 686-1 with 6 round SS cylinder. I had the action worked for PPC by one of the premier armorers in the NY PPC circuit. I love it.

What is Pre Lock/No Lock on these guns and how do I determine what I have?
I have also read there is a recall for the 686-1 guns regarding the hammer nose and bushing. There is a lot of info about the issue but I am afraid to send my gun in because S&W might not return it without destroying a great trigger job and replacing with new parts.

I sure would like to hear some opinions on this.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I purchased a 4" 686 years ago when they were first introduced. At that time, they were only available with a square butt. The same day that I brought it home, it was transformed into an S&W Round Butt and it became (and still is) my all-time favorite revolver! In a moment of weakness (and stupidity), I sold the slickest, smoothest shooting revolver with more that 10,000 rounds through it! I miss that gun!

Buy one (I will be buying another), and you won't regret it.

George P.

 

[W.E.G.]

Well... it might be an evidence tag.

But I went and bought a new grip for it anyway.

The stinky Hogue grip is red-bagged.