S&W 686 decisions...

S

Sharpi

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Looking for opinions on 686 options, such as 6 or 7 shot cylinder, and most importantly, deciding between a 4.25 inch vs 6inch barrel. I recently purchased a S&W 617 .22 cal in 6 inch 10 shot, and love the accuracy, so I'm leaning towards a 6 inch .357 to match it nicely.
 
I didn't want the 7 shot as I couldn't easily get speedloaders for it. That mattered to me, but YMMV.

I also opted for the 4.25" as I find it is perfectly balanced (well, close to it... My issued 4" was PERFECT, but it's also now prohib :( ). I find the 6" slightly muzzle-heavy.

Just my two cents.
 
I have the 7 shot Talo edition( wood grips. My buddy has the six shot ( rubber grips).
I find the wood grips way better .
I don't see any benefit to 7 shots over 6.
I used to have a 5 inch barrel S&W but sold it as I prefer the 6 inch barrel, only because it just seems right :)
 
Not running a 686 but I am running a model 66 with the 4.2" barrel and I think it's a perfect length, I went with the 66 because I already had 30 k frame speed loaders, and like the little bit of a smaller frame while still being able to shoot magnum rounds
 
If you like the 6" 617 then it makes perfect sense to get the same in the 686.

I ended up selling my 6" guns because I prefer the balance of the shorter ones. I tend to droop the muzzle on 6" full lug guns.

I wouldn't let cylinder capacity be a selling point. If it is then why not look for a used 627 8-shot?
 
Personally I prefer a 6 incher. Also, a 6 shot revolver is more appealing to me than a 7 shot. I mean we don't carry here. It is just for target shooting so get the classic 6 shot.
Just my opinion

Gilbert
 
I too prefer the longer barrel. I find I am more accurate with it. I am also running it in a form of steel challenge and I don't have the extra mass hard to swing or anything like that. (In steel challenge that 7th shot can sometimes really help you out)
 
JoKa said:
I too prefer the longer barrel. I find I am more accurate with it. I am also running it in a form of steel challenge and I don't have the extra mass hard to swing or anything like that. (In steel challenge that 7th shot can sometimes really help you out)
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Cheater! ;)

I like the balance of the 4" guns better (4.25" for the rest of you).

Auggie D.
 
Don't really need the 7 shots, and actually prefer the classic 6. I like longer barrels to counter muzzle flip. I have an 8 1/2. (..barrel on my S & W 686, you dirty minded rednecks.)
 
Thanks for the input guys. I'm kind of leaning towards the 6 inch. I have to find one now. Should I be concerned about buying online, without seeing it? I'm worried about manufacturing issues, such as cylinder gap, without seeing it in person.
 
So what made you decide on the 6".
6" for factory/full load to reduce muzzle flip at expense of muzzle heavy.
4.25" for light load, better balance.
5" for both. Compromise of balance and reduce muzzle flip.
Sharpi said:
Thanks for the input guys. I'm kind of leaning towards the 6 inch. I have to find one now. Should I be concerned about buying online, without seeing it? I'm worried about manufacturing issues, such as cylinder gap, without seeing it in person.
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I love my Talo 686+ 6". I'll never get rid of it, it would be the last gun I'd ever sell.
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A six inch barrel is the way to go....I have A Ruger GP100 stainless with a six inch barrel , and it has been a great revolver.....
 
I have a 6" 617, a 6" 686 and a 6" 629. When I went in to buy my 629 I promised myself I would buy something shorter than a 6" barrel after reading numerous posts about 5" being the perfect barrel length, but when I started handling the different barrel lengths there was no turning down that 6" .44 mag. It just looked and felt like a hand cannon.

If I lived in a state where I could ccw I would undoubtedly own a 3" 686 but that's not the case so I'll take the longer sight plane. I would like to get a 4.25" 686 eventually, mainly because I'm a huge 686 fan and can't imagine having too many, and I would like to get more snap out of a 38 special.
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If you are shooting steel competitions or chasing bullseye targets the 6" has some advantages. If you are playing IPSC Revolver you would want the 5" and for IDPA Revolver the 4.2" Canadian would be the answer. I have the 686 US Customs contract guns with a barrel length of 105.14MM and the Ruger GP-100 in 4.2", both for IDPA. The shorter guns can be as accurate as the slightly longer 6" versions. I guess it all depends on what you are going to use the guns for, The shorter guns seem to balance better than the 6: versions in my hands,

To the OP there is a US Customs 686 for sale on the EE right now, Not many of them up here and with a just a tad over 105MM barrel. I believe it has a cylinder cut for moon clips as well.

Take Care

Bob
 
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