Smith and Wesson 686

D

DAIGARO

New member
Rating - 100%
8   0   0
Location
Canada
I'm looking to get into the world of revolvers and I've heard/seen some reviews on the S&W 686 and Im thinking of picking one up. Just wondering is it a good first revolver, how they shoot, it's pros and cons and what's the best length to get.

After the break in process what can be done to it to enhance its performance and what if any mods are recommended.

Are there any Smith and Wesson or revolver specialists/gunsmiths located near the GTA.

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
Shooting .357 magnums through it will give you lots of performance. I almost bought a new 686 but then I found an old model 27 for my first revolver. Its the best made gun Ive got.
 
One of the classics for wheel guns and a must have. I happen to have one of mine, a 6" stainless 686 for sale with speed loaders and holster. Lots of work done to it - lapped for unbelievable smooth running, plus light trigger for fast DA shooting, competition ready. PM if you are interested and not too far from Alberta.
 
A Wolff spring kit will lighten the double action trigger pull by a lot. Highly recommended if it doesn't come with such.

A 4.2" barrel will be better for action shooting where you shoot from a holster draw. For general range plinking and bullseye use the 6" will have a longer sight baseline length which SHOULD make YOU more accurate.

A 586 is the same mid size S&W but in blued steel instead of stainless. Pick which you prefer. Both are superb.

If shopping used there's a couple of slightly smaller and lighter K frame guns you should not pass on. A Model 14 chambered in .38Spl only and the model 19 in .357Mag so you can shoot either. Both are true revolver classics.
 
Some folks find the 686 a little muzzle heavy due to the full underlug. It has its advantages but can "feel heavy" on the wrist to some folks, especially in the longer barrel lengths. The model 19 (K frame) and model 27 (N frame) both have half/partial under lugs. You may want to hold both if you can prior to making a purchase decision. PM me if you are near North Van.
 
I have a 6" barrel and it shoots MUCH more accurately than my Sig 226. The S&W 686 is a solid, heavy, quality handgun. I shoot mostly .38spl because it is cheaper, but have put several boxes of .357 magnum thru it. Big difference in recoil and noise!
My favorite handgun in my safe. Very pretty gun, too!
 
Great choice for a first revolver. My first wheelgun was a 4" 586. Shot great out of the box. The only thing I changed was the grip which I swapped for an Uncle Mikes one. The 4 S&W revolvers that I've owned over the years all had great triggers and did not require to be modified. Get one! 4.2" or 6" and you will not regret it!
 
I'm looking at a S&W as well for my first revolver. I was tempted briefly by the price on the Alfa Proj. 357 but am now leaning towards the "buy quality once" side of the equation.
 
Another vote for 586/686 in 4.2". It is a great gun to run 38 spl through for all around fun and 357 to heat things up. It is chunky but muzzle heavy, not for me and I'm no giant.
 
Buy a 686 4.2" and don't look back! Awesome revolver! Very accurate if you do your part. Think I'm going to try a spring kit and some other tinkering. Just to see if I get get it close to my python. Still pretty nice action stock. There's just something about a solid stainless steel revolver.

 
Lobster_pot said:
... Think I'm going to try a spring kit and some other tinkering. Just to see if I get get it close to my...
Click to expand...

Thus my suggestion to look at Performance Center...avoid the tinkering...unless of course tinkering provides some enjoyment to you. It certainly does to me...but it is not for everyone.
 
sailor723 said:
There is always a limit on "how good is good enough".
Click to expand...
I have a PC and a super-nice Model 19. I love the 19...but the PC is _way_ nicer. The 19 could be as nice, but with a spring kit and some professional tinkering. When I first got into revolvers, my appreciation of actions and triggers was not very refined and I would not have appreciated the differences at the time. I do now. I love to tinker myself. I find it a challenge to try to get a plain-jane gun running and feeling like the best of my stable. Sometimes I screw up...that is when it is nice to be able to get something really nice right out of the box.
 
Smith L frames are fantastic guns. The only thing wrong with my 2-1/2" 686 is that it isn't a 586!

b515b9c8-c0ca-4436-969e-ef4ecbba1e81_zps63b297c4.jpg


Auggie D.
 
Bonemaker said:
One of the classics for wheel guns and a must have. I happen to have one of mine, a 6" stainless 686 for sale with speed loaders and holster. Lots of work done to it - lapped for unbelievable smooth running, plus light trigger for fast DA shooting, competition ready. PM if you are interested and not too far from Alberta.
Click to expand...

I've heard this term a lot. Can someone give me the Coles notes on what this is? I love my 686 with 4.25" barrel btw. I love the look and feel of a full underlug, stainless revolver. The only thing I've done with mine is replace the stock Hogue grips with custom Ahrends.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom