S & w 686

I was looking at both a S&W 686 or a Ruger GP100 and was having a tough time deciding. Although as far as I can tell (correct me if I am wrong) the next barrel length up form 4" is 6" on the 686 and the 4" would be prohib?

But there is a 4.2" barrel on the GP100 which would make the requirement for restricted.
 
Some L Frame guns have been converted to the .41 Special (.41 Magnum case trimmed to .38 Special length) wildcat by Hamilton Bowen and other gunsmiths. I don't think .41 Magnum would be practical because the cylinder walls would be a bit thin to handle full magnum pressures.
 
6" is a good barrel length. Long before short barrels were prohibited, target shooters were buying 6" barrel guns. It's not a recent phenomena.
 
Grizzlypeg said:
6" is a good barrel length. Long before short barrels were prohibited, target shooters were buying 6" barrel guns. It's not a recent phenomena.
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I actually like the look of the 4" barrel better on the 686, which got me looking at the 4.2" GP100.
 
The 86 series frames where built to be 357s from the get go. They where built to replace the k framed 357's such as the 65 and 66. These guns will not stand up to a steady diet of 357.

As to barrel lengths, sometimes 5" guns show up, theres been a few runs of them.
 
I had a 586 (blued version) for several years. This is all my personal opinion:

Pros: Outstanding piece of machinery. Beautiful. Old school. Simple. Option to shoot .38 or .357 is nice. .357 will stop a moose.

Cons: Bore and sights so high above my hand that a fast sight picture was not possible, even after five years. Huge (not a big deal, unless you want to have it holstered). Takes way longer to clean properly than a pistol, because you can't take it apart. Ammo is mildly expensive, for .38, and ludicrously expensive for .357 - You HAVE to reload to make it worthwhile, in my opinion. Wife hated it, and wouldn't shoot it.

YMMV, but I sold mine, with some regrets - If I had an unlimited budget I would have kept it, just for looks.
 
S&w 686

Had one circa 1985 in 4" factory trim. Very nice wheelgun but I found the "K" frame Model 66 [stainless] or 19 [blued] handier in the 4" barrel length.

I currently have a S&W 586 with 6" barrel. It's a very nice target revolver. I like the .38 Spl vs .357 Mag option as most of my "plinking" is done with .38 Spl reloads. I also prefer the "all black" patridge type front site as opposed to the "red ramp" front/white outline rear you typically see on the 586/686 S&W revolvers...

2008-08-31_195415_zzzSW586a.jpg


2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
As NAA has, I've got a 586 6'' too. I just like the look of a blued revolver over the stainless, but that's just me.

I've got the version with the 4 position target sight and I shoot .38 Spl too over .357. Great, reliable, simple to use handgun.

I find this size frame suits me well and it's a great (big) brother to my S&W Model 17.
 
sorry to derail this thread, but i didn't want to start a new thread on the matter. does anyone here have firsthand experience with the S&W 386 XL Hunter? I like the look and the front sight on that gun better than the 686. Plus its got a 7 shot cylinder.

164298_01_lg.jpg


Model: 386 XL Hunter
Caliber: .357 Magnum®
.38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 7 Rounds
Barrel Length: 6" / 15.2 cm
Front Sight: HI-VIZ® Fiber Optic Red
Rear Sight: Adjustable
Overall Length: 11.875" / 30.2 cm
Frame Size: Medium - Exposed Hammer
Action: Single/Double Action
Weight: 30 oz / 850.5 g
Grip: Synthetic
Frame Material: Scandium Alloy Frame
Stainless Steel Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black
Purpose: Recreational
Home Protection
Handgun Hunting
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You can check it out here
 
Mightymouse said:
As NAA has, I've got a 586 6'' too. I just like the look of a blued revolver over the stainless, but that's just me.

I've got the version with the 4 position target sight and I shoot .38 Spl too over .357. Great, reliable, simple to use handgun.

I find this size frame suits me well and it's a great (big) brother to my S&W Model 17.
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Ditto to what Mightymouse said. I also have a like new no dash 586 6" tube with the red ramp front/white outline rear that I recently acquired and love it. It fits very well between my 5" 27-2, 6" pre 27, my 17-6 in 8 3/8" with the underlug and the no dash Model 17.

I prefer to shoot some 148gr WC with it but I sometimes go for the 125gr JHP .357's!! Just love that muzzle flash!!

Blued revolvers are just plain beautiful.

To answer the question of the OP I would say that I had a lot of restricted .357 mag revolvers. From Taurus to Korth. To me, Python's are one of the best there is but the model 27 and the 586 are not far behind (the 27 is pretty close indeed).

You can't go wrong with a model 586/686. I prefer those to any GP100 I've had, and I've had a few! The stronger is not always the better!!

If you plan to reload some very very hot .357 loads, you should think about the GP100. For everyday range session with some .38 and even hot .357's, the S&W will be delightful and so for a long long time.

H.C.

Good Shootin'
 
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I dont know anything and sw but if bought a gp100 you would not be disappointed
 
Donster 125 said:
sorry to derail this thread, but i didn't want to start a new thread on the matter. does anyone here have firsthand experience with the S&W 386 XL Hunter? I like the look and the front sight on that gun better than the 686. Plus its got a 7 shot cylinder.

You can check it out here
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The Scandium alloy frame is kind of pointless unless you can carry the gun. 686s are available with the 7 shot cylinder and the front sight can be changed to a fibre optic one on any of the newer S&Ws with it pinned to an integral ramp.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_759652_-1_757839_757837_image
 
Cocked&Locked said:
Can you say "bent crane"? I knew you could...
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Sure one could say "bent crane", but I doubt you'd see one. :p I only flicked the cylinder closed a handful of times on one gun, and once on a couple others. I mentioned it as I haven't seen any other revolvers that close as easy as the 686. It takes little force to do this, and I am sure it is less force compared to action shooters reloading in a hurry and slamming the cylinder shut before continuing to shoot. The 686 functions as a fine tuned machine.
 
lil_juiced_coupe said:
Thanks for the info guys....any chance any one knows what kind of pricing these things have? Just curious if I'm payn 2 much... 1200
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lil_juiced_coupe said:
This is used...perhaps I'm paying to much?

Its a 686 gen 1 double action sports barrel adj sights, barrel is counter weighted and smoothed trigger and 1200 rounds down the pipe.
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$1200? :eek: As others have mentioned, $450 to $650 is the common range for a good used one in the EE. If you're patient, I've seen them on the rare occasion at the local clubs for $325 to $400.

Of note, the original no dash and second revision with the dash 1 (x86-1) had a recall on them for locking up after firing. Updated models have a dash M. Third revision (with dash 2) and onwards have the modification from the factory.
 
Accurate, sturdy, long lasting (every gun should be) excellent trigger almost equal to Python (some people say it is better), excellent price. Get one in SS and than you are rust free. What more you can ask from revolver.
 
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