Well, too late, I just bought a new 686 + with a 5 inch barrel. Transfer is already done. I wanted a 6 inch but they only had the 5 inch. I hope there's not much diff between the two. I know I could've ordered a 6 but I wanted to stay local for this one.
S&W 686 pre/post lock?
- Thread starter Brianma65
- Start date
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
I'm jealous, that 686 is mint. Even the wife wants me to get this one.
I find the 6" 586 to point well, but is a bit heavy. I love my 4.2" Model 66, though it lacks a touch for stability. I think, therefore, that a 5" 686 might be on my radar as well, someday, as being the perfect size.
Congrats! You will not regret it.
Congrats! You will not regret it.
I got a few bxs of hornady defender to try out. I'm going to order some campro 125 g for reloads.can the 686 5 in handle full loads? Not that I use full loads,I usually load a couple points under,just curious is all.
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You have bought yourself a very nice gun and if you look after it, it will last you as long as you live. Don't listen to people who say the lock guns are no good, they are just fine.
As someone stated you can remove the lock and put a plug in the hole but why? You will still have a lock gun just with no lock.
I have 3 686's withe locks and two without. Also I have one 586 with the lock and two without. They all work perfectly and shoot very well.
It is mostly all BS what people say about the lock guns. If you are on the Smith & Wesson forum in the usa and you run the new guns down they will kick you off the forum, they are tired of hearing it. If you like the older guns so be it.
You know in reality the L frame guns are really not old enought to be real quality like the guns S & W made in the 1950's & 60's.
Just have fun with your new gun and enjoy it.
Graydog
5in handle factory load without issues. The 6in having 1in longer barrel benefits from being front heavy in the recoil dept, lot easier on the hand shooting full load than 5in.
Loaded canpro in 44mag, like them better than berry so once my 158gn berry are done buying campro. Bonus they are cdn.
Loaded canpro in 44mag, like them better than berry so once my 158gn berry are done buying campro. Bonus they are cdn.
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
I think you'll like the 5" better anyways! For me I find the 5 inch is the perfect length in a 686/586. Balances and points quick and lively, but has enough weight forward to be steady. 6 is nice for target only, the the 5 is a better all around length. It's also much easier to holster/upholster if your arms are short or you are. Granted a 4.2 is better again, but you give up a bit of the balance.
From pics only, I like the look of the 6 better. I ordered the gun , assuming it was 6 ,as I didn't know 5 even existed. I was a little exited and didn't do enough research 
. As the transfer is already gone through , I'll learn to live with the 5 . I guess I'll have to get a S&W .44 mag with a 6 inch barrel , to correct my mistake.
. As the transfer is already gone through , I'll learn to live with the 5 . I guess I'll have to get a S&W .44 mag with a 6 inch barrel , to correct my mistake.
Frames and barrels, I look at this way - N frame, doesn't matter how long the barrel is, it'll be back heavy in any normal length, so might as well go with 3 1/2 because it's so damn ###y. L frame, 5 inch is perfect, K frame 4 inches is perfect and J frame 1 7/8ths is perfect.
Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
From pics only, I like the look of the 6 better. I ordered the gun , assuming it was 6 ,as I didn't know 5 even existed. I was a little exited and didn't do enough research
The 44 is more pleasant to shoot in 6"....or 8" for that matter.
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
I think the 2.5" M19 K frame is beautiful. I also prefer the 3" M10 and M13s. I think the 4" ones look too skinny with the exposed ejector rod. 4" K frames are only pretty, IMHO, when they have the covered underlug.
I know I'm going to be pleased with the 5 in barrel, I'm getting a .44 with a 6 1/2 barrel anyway. Now I have to find a holster. I have long gorilla arms , down to my knees and as I like my .45 LC holster so much , I was wanting a similar style holster for the 686. And those flat wood grips
and as I like my .45 LC holster so much , I was wanting a similar style holster for the 686. And those flat wood gripsStill alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
The L- Frame series was specifically developed to handle full Magnum loads. There should be no issues putting a few thousand rounds downrange! Having said that, I would personally not do it to my gun. Just me!
Since you reload, why not work up some .38Spl +P rounds? That would be a good compromise and most people have no experience shooting +P loads.
BTW, warm 125gr jacketed loads gives beautiful fireballs!
