I need help decideing on my first revolver. I know I want an s&w 357 model 686. Is there a big difference between 4 inch or 6 inch barrel? Should I get it in 6 or 7 round capacity? What other options should I look for on this gun?? Thanks. I always get good input on this board!!
S&W 357
- Thread starter Pestman
- Start date
Welcome!
I have a 686-3 4 inch six shot. I like 4 inch revolvers. All of my revolvers are 4 inch. The reasons are better for home defense and better to carry. The six inch barrels are recommended for target and hunting. I just prefer the 4 inch. The seven shot revolvers are nice but I personally would not want to spend the extra money to get one round. I am very fond of pre-lock Smith and Wessons. I only have one newer Smith with the mim parts and internal lock with firing pin in frame. Its a good revolver but it does not have the smooth double action trigger as does my older Smiths. I even have a old Ruger Police Service Six that has a better double action trigger that my newer Smith.
My advice is to try and rent a 686 in both barrel lengths and see how they shoot for your own needs. You might decide that you want a different revolver for whatever the reason is.
Good luck, and let us know what you get.
roaddog28
I have a 686-3 4 inch six shot. I like 4 inch revolvers. All of my revolvers are 4 inch. The reasons are better for home defense and better to carry. The six inch barrels are recommended for target and hunting. I just prefer the 4 inch. The seven shot revolvers are nice but I personally would not want to spend the extra money to get one round. I am very fond of pre-lock Smith and Wessons. I only have one newer Smith with the mim parts and internal lock with firing pin in frame. Its a good revolver but it does not have the smooth double action trigger as does my older Smiths. I even have a old Ruger Police Service Six that has a better double action trigger that my newer Smith.
My advice is to try and rent a 686 in both barrel lengths and see how they shoot for your own needs. You might decide that you want a different revolver for whatever the reason is.
Good luck, and let us know what you get.
roaddog28
I have a 4" Python and a 6" S&W model 19. I prefer the 19 for hunting and longer range target shooting (beyond 25 yards). I prefer the Python for shorter range work and general utility.
The main difference you will find is that the longer sight radius is very nice for accuracy at longer distances, but 6" is noticeably longer, particularly if you are in and out of a pickup truck with it on your belt, or something like that.
You will probably like either, it's just which is best for your use.
The main difference you will find is that the longer sight radius is very nice for accuracy at longer distances, but 6" is noticeably longer, particularly if you are in and out of a pickup truck with it on your belt, or something like that.
You will probably like either, it's just which is best for your use.
brian45auto
New member
what do you plan on doing with it? carry, range gun, other?
do you reload, or have a friend that does?
the 4" is handy, but the 6" makes better use of hotter loadings, not that the 4" doesn't.
pretty sure there is a 7 shot version... the 686plus i think.
do you reload, or have a friend that does?
the 4" is handy, but the 6" makes better use of hotter loadings, not that the 4" doesn't.
pretty sure there is a 7 shot version... the 686plus i think.
Most likely I'll be using it at the range and home defense. I can't carry in my state (NJ). I MAYBE will go hand gun hunting with it once or twice in my life in a neighboring state that allows it. I didn't realize the older S&W are much more beloved than the new ones. What is the disadvantage to the internal lock I'm reading about?? BTW...that is a sweet looking revolver Roaddog! Verry nice.
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brian45auto
New member
they make an ugly hole in the side of the frame, that is not easily fixed.
but more importantly, the lock itself can break, at the most inopportune times, rendering the pistol unworkable.
but more importantly, the lock itself can break, at the most inopportune times, rendering the pistol unworkable.
I agree Melissa. If you can't get a pre-lock Smith get the GP100 Ruger. I just got one to go with my 686-3 pre-lock. I looked at the new 686s but could not justify the money. The triggers on the new Smiths are no where as good as the old Smiths. Actually my new GP100 has a better trigger out of the box than the new Smiths. And GP100 is already getting better the more I use it.
Good luck,
roaddog28
Good luck,
roaddog28
Always-Vigilant
New member
S&W 686
I have a S&W 686-6 4" barrel. I love it. Shoots great in DA and SA. The internal lock gives me no problem (I don't use it) but the tigger is just fine. To much is made of the internal lock. This is a quality revolver - probably one of the best - but I'm partial to S&W when it comes to a revolver. I have a 642 also.
I have a S&W 686-6 4" barrel. I love it. Shoots great in DA and SA. The internal lock gives me no problem (I don't use it) but the tigger is just fine. To much is made of the internal lock. This is a quality revolver - probably one of the best - but I'm partial to S&W when it comes to a revolver. I have a 642 also.
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NJgunowner
New member
I just ordered a Ruger Gp100. After some range time that's what I settled on.
If you ever make it to Brick Armory those guys LOVE the GP100.
If you ever make it to Brick Armory those guys LOVE the GP100.
madcratebuilder
New member
brian45auto said:
I agree the Hillary Hole is bfugly, but can you point me to a documented case of lock failure at the most inopportune time?
spacecoast
New member
+1
My 6" 686 is a dream to shoot, recoil is nil for .38s and very manageable even with 1600+ fps magnum loads. The Rugers are less expensive but the Smith is a better looking gun IMHO. I looked at both the 686 and the GP100 side by side when I bought and chose the used S&W over the new Ruger. YMMV.
If you can't locate a pre lock 686, see if you can find a 3" blue Ruger GP100. The 3" GP100 is one sweet sixgun.
The 686-4 is a great version of the 686. No lock or MIM parts, and a hammer mounted firing pin. They are available for less than what you would pay for new production too. I have a 4" 686-4+. Very nice revolver. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI.
The 686-4 is a great version of the 686. No lock or MIM parts, and a hammer mounted firing pin. They are available for less than what you would pay for new production too. I have a 4" 686-4+. Very nice revolver. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI.
Geeze, I don't want to turn this thread into yet another "lock-war" thread, but I've gotta say that my lock-equipped 686-6 is an absolutely flawless gun. In the three years + that I've owned it I've fired several thousand rounds with it, firing everything from 148gr. 38 special wadcutters to 125gr. .357 magnum screamers, without a bit of difficulty with the lock or anything else for that matter. So, my advice is not to worry about the lock and buy a 686, with or without one, with confidence.