How do people like their 686 "Canadian" models?

J

johnsmith3791

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Reading back in the posts here, people were pretty excited when they came to market.

I've heard comment that the 4.2" revolver a little short for bullseye or target.... but when I've hefted one, I like the way it feels better than the 6" model.

How have people been enjoying them? What kind of shooting have you been doing with them?

Would you buy it again or go for a 6" model or even a different brand?

Thanks for comments!
 
I like it better than the 6"

I'm not a long range or bullseye shooter, but I do 1-hand my guns and I find it difficult to not have the barrel droop on my 6" 686 during the entire string of 6

The ideal would be a 6" half lug or pencil barrel, but we're not going to see that here outside of old model 19s
 
Mark-II said:
I like it better than the 6"

I'm not a long range or bullseye shooter, but I do 1-hand my guns and I find it difficult to not have the barrel droop on my 6" 686 during the entire string of 6

The ideal would be a 6" half lug or pencil barrel, but we're not going to see that here outside of old model 19s
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Thanks for the comments.... I remember thinking a new 66 would be nice for the underlug, but it's only available in 4.2" and I guess there's some school of thought that the extra weight helps with recoil... but the 6" 686 feels nose heavy, at least to me.
 
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I can shoot my 4.25" Model 66 as accurately as my 6" K-38 at 25 yards and I like the way it balances best of all. The 4.2" 686 would be my second choice. 6" barrels are a bit long for drawing from the holster and a full lug 6" barrel is too front-heavy for my liking. Subjectively, the shorter barrels have a more balanced appearance to me.

As far as sight radius goes, I don't think that the difference between 4.2" and 6" is very big in terms of being easy to shoot. Going shorter than 4" or much longer (like a rifle) would make a significant difference.
 
tjhaile said:
I can shoot my 4.25" Model 66 as accurately as my 6" K-38 at 25 yards and I like the way it balances best of all. The 4.2" 686 would be my second choice. 6" barrels are a bit long for drawing from the holster and a full lug 6" barrel is too front-heavy for my liking. Subjectively, the shorter barrels have a more balanced appearance to me.

As far as sight radius goes, I don't think that the difference between 4.2" and 6" is very big in terms of being easy to shoot. Going shorter than 4" or much longer (like a rifle) would make a significant difference.
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Thanks, that's really reassuring.

I'd been thinking about the 'new' 66 but found a couple of 4.2 686's to choose from...so it's good to know that you have a high regard for that model also.
 
I have the new model 66 as well. It's noticeably lighter than the 686. The 686 seems to settle into the hand better and I prefer it for DA shooting because of that, but I really like the little 66.

The only foible with the 66 is that 300-400 rounds and I have to dismount the cylinder for cleaning - the bearing gets caked up with fouling pretty quick. The larger L-frame cylinder of the 686 is not nearly as susceptible. that's shooting the same loads with the same sooty 231/HP-38 powder.
 
I have both a 6" 686 and a 6" 617. I love both but after shooting the 617 the 6" 686 feels to balance perfectly and does not seem nose heavy at all. I wouldn't trade either for a 4" but I would love to have a 4" to compliment them.
 
I carried a 4 inch 686 on the job and fell in love with it. 4.2" is as close as I can get, so I snapped one up years ago. To me, it is perfectly balanced, and a very solid and accurate revolver. I use it faaaar more than any of my other revolvers, including my 6 inch Model 19.
 
I love it. 6" is very droopy to me but that's more my problem than that of the revolver. I like the 4.2 so much I'm going to get a GP100 when funds allow.
 
If you are going to shoot mostly .357 mag loads get a 686 or 586. If you are mostly going to shoot .38 special class loads get a 66 or either one.
YMMV, 44Bore
 
I ended up with a 7 shot unfluted 4.25" 686. Awful nice. Had a 6 shot 6" previous, sold it to get the shorter one. I just felt too "dirty harry-esque" with the 6" barrel.
 
I have a 6 inches 586 and it does not feel nose heavy to me. I personally appreciate the extra sight radius.

Gilbert
 
I had both the 4.25 and 6 inch 686 at the range for testing with different rounds and say - buy two of each!

On a related note, anyone know where we can get good quality leather holsters for both models?
 
I purchased the 686 4.2" when they first came into the country on an impulse buy.
Having never owned a wheel gun I have nothing to compare it to.
After having MD Charlton perform a 3/4 PPC trigger job on it (I wanted a smother trigger with 100% reliability with factory loads) this thing will shoot better than I can hold.
Balance is nice and everyone (when they have a choice) seems to gravitate to the wheelgun as it is not as common as the semi-autos.
I find the slower pace of a revolver forces you to concentrate more on each shot to "make them count".
The option to go single action makes for some precision shooting @ 25 yards.
Hand loading allows daughter to shoot .38 specials all day long with .357 to finish up the day with a "bang".
Tried 6" revolver later on and I find I like the shorter barrel length.
YMMV

L
 
I like mine a lot. It's my only revolver, and it's always a favourite with new people I bring to the range. Just something extra badass about loading up that cylinder with 357's one by one, cocking back the hammer, and feeling the boom I guess haha. It's nice and heavy, but very well balanced. Has that "real gun" feel and look when you pick it up.
 
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