I'm looking at buying nib tomorrow. Is there any downside to the 7 shot over the 6 shot? I'm thinking the unfluted cylinder would add strength. As well you could load 6 cylinders and leave the hammer down on the empty cylinder. Thanks in advance
S+W 686 5" 7 shot unfluted cylinder
- Thread starter DSG03
- Start date
The flutes, or lack thereof, have no impact on strength of the cylinder. There is still the same amount of metal around the rest of the chamber. The main strength advantage of the 7 shot cylinder is that it places the cylinder bolt notches between the chambers, instead of over them. This is not to say that these revolvers should be used with heavier loads than the 6 shot ones.
There is no need to leave the chamber under the hammer unloaded with a S&W or any other modern revolver with a rebounding hammer and/or hammer block safety. This is only necessary with revolvers like Colt SAAs, where the firing pin would rest against the primer of a loaded round with the hammer down.
There is no need to leave the chamber under the hammer unloaded with a S&W or any other modern revolver with a rebounding hammer and/or hammer block safety. This is only necessary with revolvers like Colt SAAs, where the firing pin would rest against the primer of a loaded round with the hammer down.
Great. Thanks guys. I bought it over the phone. The guy opened them and made sure it was blemish free. I'st revolver for me. I liked the idea of the 5" and wanted to snag one. Who knows if they will have another run of them. The 5" isn't even on their website. I'll probably shoot mostly .38 special due $.
The 7 shot is less desireable because they use up ammo faster.... 
They are every bit as nice as any of the other 686 models. I know a real revolver fan that has one and he likes his so much that I didn't see him shooting his old 6 shot version at all last summer at our Speed Steel events.
The only mod you should get for it is a Wolff spring kit and use the lightest trigger return spring in the kit. They make a nice trigger pull even better.
They are every bit as nice as any of the other 686 models. I know a real revolver fan that has one and he likes his so much that I didn't see him shooting his old 6 shot version at all last summer at our Speed Steel events.
The only mod you should get for it is a Wolff spring kit and use the lightest trigger return spring in the kit. They make a nice trigger pull even better.
I had one, sent it off to MD charlton for service as the cylinder stops were burring from the cylinder being out of time, from the factory. Service was excellent, communication outstanding. I sold the gun as I wanted a python, wanted to let you know that S&W support in Canada was great. It was, otherwise, a great gun to shoot and I regret selling it.
- Location
- London, Ontario
This revolver is on my to buy list...I love it
I have an eight shot S&W 357. The only downside to having those extra rounds is that it makes speed loading more difficult. I have moon clips and can tell you that lining up eight rounds at a time is a challenge. Only round nose bullets align relatively easily. All other bullet styles are more likely to hang up.
Great balance with the 5" barrel,have the same revolver.Also agree with tjhaile ,no need to leave hammer on empty cylinder with this S&W,unless it might be a part of your range rules.
Can't go wrong dealing with Epps. I've always had good service there. 3 weeks wait is no big deal. I ordered a revolver the first week in October from Epps and was told I should be getting it early in the new year. Kinda expected it
Congrats anyway and don't forget to post some pics.
Here's mine with its older 'brother', a 6 shot, 6" 686 Classic Hunter which was my first handgun. I've changed out the red ramp front sight on the 5" to a McGivern gold bead and the Hogue grips to Pachmayr grips since the photo was taken.
Ok...3 days wait!
Almost 3 months and counting for my revolver.Hurry up and get it. What are you waiting for?!!
The gold bead makes a huge diff. My buddy had one on his 627 Performance Center 686 and it was so easy to put it on target.
Enjoy the new toy.
