The 686

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Actually, I don't care so much for the pimp-gun look of a Ni finish - so I won't likely be polishing my 5" 686+. As a fun-shooter, it's finish suits me. I have only experienced one other trigger that is slicker than my 5" 686+. That happens to be my JM PC 627 V-Comp, circa '01-'02. The worst S&W QC I ever experienced was my '83 vintage 6.5" 24 - a nightmare I never want to return. I bought it as a twenty-year old never shot safe queen - it joined my same gun but from the '02 Heritage production - bought new - and perfect. Spattered brazing remnants from the internal posts caused unreal/uneven drag on the bolt and the trigger return block in that older 24. Thank goodness they 'don't make them like they once did', at least from my experience. I have bought a dozen new S&Ws made from '01 on - lots of ILs - and all have been fine - with vg+ triggers after a basic break-in.

Please - buy all of other's rejects you want - I've had great results with new current S&Ws. YMMV.

Stainz
 
Well, I just got in a set of Ahrends Goncalo Alves smooth stocks. Feels great. My list of upgrades that are in the works. The whole list is as follows:

686+ 4"

Tritium Front sight
Fiber optic rear sight
Ahrends Goncalo Alves smooth stocks
Action job
Chamfer charge holes

Possible Additions
Trigger stop
Return Spring lb. small increase
 
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Here is my 686+. Stock, other than some trigger work. I had originally set out to get a 4" blued one with wooden furniture, but this one seemed more balanced and comfortable. I might still buy a mountain gun or highway patrolman gun later on.
 
Dude! I didn't know this thread existed until a few days ago, but I've read every entry since then! Here is my entry- my 586-7 Performance Center L-Comp. I love the night sight, I'm getting used to the port, and I keep the moon clips loaded with .38+p Hydroshocks and 158-Gr SJFP .357Mag's. I call this gun Wrath. She hates watermelons!

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./Michael
 
It's odd how we rationalize. I skip from a 2" 10 to my 5" 686+ & 627 - then a 6" 66. I have wanted a 4" .38/.357M for years. My pusher had a half dozen of the last 4" runs of the 66 - with the two-piece barrel/shroud - $449 - I snoozed. The 620 started at $489 - now over $600 - and a 686+, even more. A year ago, the 686SSR was announced... I told my enabler to order me one. It came in last fall - at well over $700!

I looked at S&W's site - and saw their latest offering of interest - the 627 Pro around the first of the year. It became my 'answer'... yesterday, at last! I've been in my pusher's lair many times - with money - left - with money. Yesterday, I had a finally no-balance CC... I left with a big balance - and a 627 Pro. In fairness, it was less than the 686SSR!

I think I have found the ultimate 686 - for me - a 627 Pro! Sure, it's heavier - 41.2 oz vs the 686+ 38.9 oz. The catalog MSRP, $964, is the same as the 686SSR, which is $111 over the 4" 686+ and $150 over the 620's price. But... you gain a great goodie - that spring loaded front sight. I just 'borrowed' my 625JM's HiViz for it's first outting. I keep swapping the grips around - not a fan of Goodyears. Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo stocks, similar non-fg rounded, and Miculek-style have been tried - no decisions yet. I'll have to buy another set of something... meanwhile, I will trek to the range with a few to try - it's first range trip! It's elder siblings, less their grips, will spend the day at home... sigh.

Of course, having an N-frame doesn't add much to size - just enough for another round (8-shooter!). Trigger reach may be 1/8" more - but the grips are essentially the same. I came dished for moonclips, too - and, even nicer for those rapid (Sure - try to rapidly reload the 'clipped spider-like eight rounds 'fast'!) reloads - an eased ejector star. Also - that target barrel, a la the 686SSR, and tweaked lockwork - it's a bargain, if you are buying new.

So... my new answer to the 'ultimate' 686.... a 627 Pro!

Stainz
 
I don't blame you a bit, Mr Stainz I can see exactly where you're coming from.

I had to go back as well, see my supplier and put in an order for a new 620, as a nice pair-matching piece for my 686 6".

It is on it's way and I am confident it has the indentical cylinder of the 7-shooter, so the speedloaders should work both ways.

686 SSR and 627 are fine revolver, for what can I see. The high end of the line.

Somehow, the SSR model didn't cross my search, I might have fallen for it.

But sure enough, the 620 seems like a timeless 4" bbl classic to me.
 
Ah, LA Rondo, you have a great revolver on the way. The 620 is super - the 7-shooter 686+ with a partial lug, a la the 66, what a combo - and only 37.9 oz. You'll be tickled pink with it. The fact is, I've wanted one for several years - the commonality of the HKS #587 speedloader allured me, as well, as I have a 5" h-l 686+. I did manage the extra moola for the 627 Pro quite simply - I've put several SA Rugers on the block - one went this AM.

Let us know how you like that 4" 686+ - with a short underlug - the 620. I say it should qualify as an adjunct member of The 686 Club. I'm not so sure about my 627 Pro, however - guess we're outcasts!

Congrats!

Stainz
 
Let us know how you like that 4" 686+ - with a short underlug - the 620. I say it should qualify as an adjunct member of The 686 Club. I'm not so sure about my 627 Pro, however - guess we're outcasts!

Congrats!

Stainz

My pickup date for the 620 will be this Friday.

I have been looking at the 627 since I read your post and read a number of reviews on it. I am very intrigued be it. Seems like a marvelous piece of work.

"Outcast"? Well, that's such an absulote term. Most of the revolvers made by S&W today, esp the 686 are direct decendents of the mother of all Magnum revolvers, the .357.

The 627 has a fascinating appeal to it. The design is prefectly shaped for the 2.Millenium. I wish, I could see one in natura. I suppose for that, I'll have to buy one ... :D
 
Well, here is my new purchase - a week old and it's been apart several times (springs!) - and 'tried' several grips. My 625JM feels a bit naked... the 627 also sports the it's grips as well as the spring loaded HiViz front sight - a great attribute. It was a bit sensitive to my Win SP primered homebrews - something my other lightly sprung .357M/.38s didn't mind. I can't have a Fed-only primer revolver - I've made too many good plinkers with Win SP primers. The C&S extended fp didn't fix it - still the odd ftf. I may have to order a standard power Wolff leaf spring. Still, what a nice firearm, even if it did cause the sale of some Rugers.

Here are my last two range trip 'friends':

IMG_0549.jpg

Stainz
 
I picked up the 620 yesterday. She's perfect. However, someone has broken her in for me ...

I am tickled and as I went to have new passport pics made, I found out, I was pink! :eek:

What can I say, they're something else :D

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686 with buddies

My personal SD battery.
686 :Night Stand and Car, .38Sp +p
60: CCW IWB when I can wear outer garment,.38Sp +p
642: Pocket Holster for casual wear, .38 Sp Standard Pressure

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BTT

This thing has fallen too far from top. There are some revolver shoppers around who need to digest the information contained here-in.

686 no dach CS-1 3 inch, beadblasted, m stamped.

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Here's my second, a 2.5" that I bought last week. Still on layaway, but I'm looking forward to it soon.

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Hi,

It's a factory bright polish on the stainless - one of the things that really drew me to the gun (along with the combat grips). It's a very early -4 (1993), with the new-style sight and hand changes, but the old style hammer/trigger/firing pin.

I look forward to shooting it next to my 4" "no dash" and comparing the changes - the no dash will be tough to beat as it has about a .03 b/c gap, super-tight lock-up, and a buttery trigger (I did nothing to it, just came that way). It shoots .357 mag factory ammo like they are .38 specials. These are just great guns.

Actually I was wrong, it's another smith (544) I have on layaway, this one's payment is in the mail and I should have it in about a week I hope.
 
Looks like a real 686 ... :what:

Anything pre-lock S&W is really hard to find in Cali and if you find one that's nice, the pricing will knock your shoes off.

Thanks to the CA roster of handguns certified 4sale in this repubilc of a state.

But that's another topic for another thread ...
 
I was in Gander Mtn a couple of weeks ago, a day after just having bought a model 60-pro from another shop (read: fun money poor).

They had just received a sheet from corporate with some mark-downs and there was a gun on it they didn't know they had, a 2.5" 686+. So the guy went and found it so it could see the light of day long enough for me to put it in layaway. I should pick it up next week.

Regular price: $789 ( :what: )
Clearance price: $589
1 year warranty removed: -$20

My price: $569

Not the steal of the century but a heck of a price on a NIB gun I have always wanted to add to the stable. I have some Hogue Lamo-camo's on the way for it as well.
 
Yeah, that's more like it. I purchased my 2 new aquisitions 'round about the same pricing.

I have an ambitious dealer here, who likes to beat the regional competition.

I am beginning to get more friendly with short barrel lengths. I always thought a 6" is about the most pleasant proportion for a revolver. I guess it's just a personal preference.

I see my fondness growing on 4" bbls and even shorter.

I almost hit the spot on a Mod 29 -6 recently, but since the 8 3/8 bbl left me sceptic I turned down the deal.
Somewhat regretable.
Than again, I am not too warm with the .44 cal either. Not yet and if at all, I think a 4 bbl might do the trick.

Got to stick with what you cherish most ...
 
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