Thinking of buying a S&W revolver

Basically, the 357 full bore ammo problems were what lead to the L frame 'Smiths. Back in the day, police departments practiced with 38 Special and carried 357 ammo (usually 125 gr JHPs at 1500 fps). Once most departments started mandating magnum ammo for practice as well, problems started to arise. Heavier revolvers such as the Python, the 27, and the Ruger Security Six didn't have as many problems. S&W decided they needed to beef up their revolvers to take care of these issues, hence the 586/686. Of course, this was all just before North American PDs became enamoured of "crunchenticker DA huge mag semi's". Timing, as they say, is everything. - dan
 
I have SW 617, 686 and 625. All are great guns and will last forever. Save some money and buy them all. No regrets.
 
I don't think of myself as much of a handgunner but I like my highway patrollman & my 45 hand eject. I find the 45 seems to have more "snap" in the revolver than in my Colt 1911. I perfer single action guns more than double action. All the smiths I have shot feel good & shoot OK (by my standards & ability)
 
The forcing cone issue I have heard about was on revolvers with a flat portion in their cone, where it's thinner, a potential weak point. My K-frame has this, but is fine.
 
Love my 686 5"bbl, un-fluted 7-shot!
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What I should have said was I had the opportunity to shoot this gun recently. I am not used to revolvers, but what a nice firearm. I started with .38 special for 14 rounds then moved to .357. Super accurate, the rounds only started to waver when my hand got tired.

As for the quality, the gun was very well done, well finished throughout. You owners are very lucky.
 
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