Les Jones

I'm a tad recoil shy. I bought a 442 S&W for my first gun -- sold it. Since then, I replaced it with a 686 4" -- love the gun and may get the snubbie versions. The 386PD has my eye. I'd probably shoot .38s through this gun and not .357 ammo, but I'd be interested in hearing your opinion about how the gun felt and handled. Thank you.

I've handled but not shot the 386. It's about 17 oz. I have shot the titanium 342, which is smaller and weighs 11 oz. It's a handful. The 442 you used to have weighs 15 oz.

If you didn't like the recoil of the 442, my guess is you won't like the 386 since they're about the same weight.

Have you looked at the 60/640/649? They're made entirely from stainless steel, are on the small frame like the 442, and weigh about 23 oz. That could be a happy medium for weight vs. recoil.

I own a S&W 627PC as my bedside gun, and it's an absolutely amazing shooter.

One point -- don't stage your trigger when shooting double action, just pull cleanly till it pops. Staging "feels" more accurate to a SA shooter, but it isn't really, not with
a little practice to build your confidence that you'll hit where you aim.

I've compared SAO and DAO groups from the 627, 638 (j-frame snubby), H&K USP, "Baby" Eagle, SIG P220, and Sauer 38H. In none of these were the DAO groups more than 30% larger than the single-action groups (at 15 yds).

The DAO groups did tend to be about 1-2" lower at 15 yds, but nothing too significant for social work.

Lately, I've taken more interest in the older vintage Smith revolvers. This is true: week before last I found a blue 4 inch. Model 28, "new" unfired. It was made in the mid 70s. I qucikly put a layaway payment down. The model 28 and 27, N frame, recessed and pinned, .357 is the most pleasing shape and design that's ever been.

It is beauty and strenght in the same place. And, I will seek a master pistolsmith to do an action job on this one.

I'm a 1911 auto fan, firstly. But this is my favorite in the revolver.

Thanks,
Jeff Allen

I'm a police officer and have been for 16 1/2 years. I was given a S&W 686 as a gift from my parents when I completed recruit school. I own several nice weapons, including a couple of high end 1911s. The 686 is still the "King". There is no other firearm I would rather have when I really needed one. When I work at night I always ask my wife which gun she would like from the safe. The answer is always the same. 686

I'm retired military and have a personal hobby of firearms. I got ticked off at S&W when they bowed in to the Clinton administration. I sold my 686w/6" barrel to a friend and bought a well known .357 wheelgun to replace it. What a waste! Now, I'm trying to sell the replacement and I'll go back to the 686. It's the most pleasurable wheelgun and I think most accurate that I've ever shot. Semi-autos are OK, but even the DA guns won't get you out of a jam if you have a dud round.

I have just purchased a 686 and I love the thing. It shoots very well, just sighting it in I got a 1.5" group at 25 metres with factory loads that kicked fairly well. Can't wait to try my own loads in this pistol.

Regards

Peter Thistleton

I am retired military and I recently purchased the 686 with a 6 inch and it is accurate and comfortable to shoot. I will uesd it for target/match shooting. At the same time I pick-up a 386 PD seven shot, with 2 1/2 inch barrel, weight 17.5 oz empty. When you load 357 Magnums, hang on and see the fames. Not a all day shooter unless you use 38 spl. I have shot a fair amount of 45 cal hard ball in my time and 357 magnum. After ten rounds of magnums I was done for the day. I managed to get my wife to fire 3 rounds and she said no more. But for carry I load magnum, in the heat of that moment all your going to care about is being alive and the bad guy down.

I just purchased a S&W 686 Plus as my primary
carry weapon. After 300 rounds of Remington Express (R357M1), I am convinced that I made
the right decision. With the weight of this
"L frame" at 34.5oz, the manstopper loads are
very managable. The trigger is not difficult to
get use to and the grips are comfortable. I
don't see any reason to modify this out of the
box S&W revolver. It performs superbly!

Et un 2 pouces et demi çà groupe comment?

I just bought a 686p 4". Hats off to S&W. This is my second revolver. The first was a 38 special snubnose detective special. This is a huge jump for me. Shooting 38 specials feel like firing an air pistol compared to the mag rounds. I highly recommend the revolver. As i purchased it about three weeks ago and have spent around 1000 38 special 158gr and 650 357 158gr hp. I couldn't have bought a better revolver. Although I am thinking about upgrading to the crimson trace laser grip. Seems like a good idea. Let me hear some feed back!

bon ok je vais acheter un 686 en 4''

I killed a 200+ pound brown bear with m 686 4". The six shooter did a fine job at over 30 yards with the factory sights and a 158 grain bullet. It goes with me whenever I am in the woods. It is great to carry, practicaly indestructible and the best gun I have.

I just got my 686-1 with 4".I love it!I think S&W has made the best all around revolver in this one.I have only shot 357mags so far.I m going to get some 38's for it to try.

I bought a S&W 686 4" and it sure is a beaut. I wanted to put a light colored wood finger grip on it. Does anybody have any recomendations?

Just bought a 686. Feels stable, solid, comfortable, well built, maybe a little heavy. I'm satisfied
PS I think the .357 would do serious damage to a bad guy assuming you hit him.

Just bought a 686. Feels stable, solid, comfortable, well built, maybe a little heavy. I'm satisfied
PS I think the .357 would do serious damage to a bad guy assuming you hit him.

le 3 pouces 686 security special de chez kettner
c'est quoi?

Just picked u[ the 4" 6-shot. Very comfortable and amazingly accurate. The guys I was with couldn't beleive what I was hitting. Just awesome.

This was the first gun I ever bought on my own, 686 .357 mag 4"barrel, and it's a great gun, except the reason I bought it over the Ruger is because of the smoother trigger, however,I didn't like the lag in the pull on the trigger, so I put a smoother competition trigger in, and the gun is now everything I wanted in a revolver. Even people I know with large gun collections marvel at the clean pull and excellent balance it has.

I just bought a 6" 686 today. It's helpful reviews like this that led to my decision. Just wanted to say thank you.

Not sure if anybody is still reading this thread or not, but this is my .02 cents worth.

I just bought a 686 Plus with a 2 and a half inch barrel. Took it to the range Monday, and shot it with .38 specials. The groups were better than I shoot with my Beretta 92 and 1911.

I don't like the hogue mono grips though. I think that the grips on my Ruger GP100 are more comfortable to shoot, but the Smith has it beat hands down on fit and finish.

i purchased a 686P 4" several months ago and have yet to fire it. it is a great feeling revolver, which, if i could ever get down to the range, i'm sure i'd love racking a few thru it. i am also thinking of crimson trace grips. i was also wondering if there were night sights available that a gunsmith could install.

I used to carry a Smith 686 as a security officer years ago and loved it. Later I became a police officer and had to carry department issued Glocks. I'm now looking to purchase a new duty pistol and I'm going back to the 686. I know that this bucks the current hi-cap pistol trend, that is sweeping the police firearms community. But, here's my thoughts: Cool, deliberate, accurate shots at center mass end gun fights. While I find the Glocks reliable, I have more faith in a revolver, even with the limited ammo capacity. The 686 is completely reliable, accurate, easy to shoot, and easy to care for. My only complaint is it's far heavier to carry than a Glock, but I want that weight in a .357 magnum.

it's an election day today and after the liberal party said that they would ban all hand guns i put an x on the pc ballot.i just bought my first hand gun today.it is a s&w 686-3 with a 6" barrel.i didn't shoot it yet but after reading all of your reviews,i'm confident with my purchase.

I have owned numerous 686's and enjoyed them greatly. But I must say my I like the model 19/66 more as a carry gun due to its size and handling.

I OWN A SIG 229 AND CARRY A H&K 40 FOR A DUTY WEAPON, BUT I PERFER MY S&W 686 FOR SHOOTING.

Hey there, I don't know if anyone is still reading this thread but... i just picked up my very own 686 snubbie last night. I had 10 whole 24 hour periods to wait so during that time I decided to pick up the "Crimson Trace" grips. I really prefer the stock houge grips when it comes to aesthetics and feel(I have big hands), as far as function, the crimson trace grips are on point. I'm going to the range tomorrow so I'll have a full report then. Chitty Chitty Bitches!

When I started my gun collection, one of the must haves was a .357mag. I found a highway patrolman S&W at a local gunshop and picked it up without hesitation. Along with the officer who posted earlier about his wife choosing the revolver, my wife chooses the highway patrolman over the Ruger .45 and the Sig P229. That's a woman after my own heart.

le 686 security special en 3 pouces est tres bien

le 686 security special en 3 pouces est tres bien

le 686 security special en 3 pouces le top du top

the top modele 686 en 3 pouces

the top modele 686 en 3 pouces

the must the best the 686 en 3 pouces

I have to admit to having a fondness for Ruger deep in my heart, but it was no contest between the GP 100 and the S&W 686.
The 6886 won out hands down. It has a heft frame that is comfortable even for the larger handed person, the Hogue grips are as good as you get and 2" patterns at 75yds. speaks for itself for accurracy.

I think Sergio really likes his 3" 686.

le 686 security special en 3 pouces c'est vraiment le top du top du top

I am going to purchase a 686. I will primarily be using it for home defense and think the 4 inch barrel is best for that However, I like the idea of having something I could carry if sometime in the future I feel a need to. How much would I be giving up by getting the 2 ½ barrel for home defense? Would it be worth it? If I decide I want a carry gun would this be a good one?

I own a 640, a 642 and a 686 4 inch. SW makes solid revolvers. The 4 inch 686 is the one I would choose if I had to choose only one.

Be safe-

I bought my 686 4" a few months ago, best gun I have ever fired. Shoots straight in anyones hand. I suprised my ex-navy buddy sighting in a rifle when I put 3 holes thru the target at 100 yards. The only thing that bothers me is the little bit of powder I get in the face after shooting.

I own a 686-Plus (7 shot). It came with a 4" barrel, but I asked the factory if they could put a 3" barrel with night site on it for me, which they did, along with a trigger job, for a reasonable price. I have owned and shot many guns; this is the ONE if I am to only have one, for every situation I can imagine. Truly superb.

le 686 en 3 pouces yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!

le 686 en 3 pouces yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!
le best en 3 pouces.

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!
le best en 3 pouces.

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!
le best en 3 pouces.

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!
le best en 3 pouces.

the must 686 en 3 pouces !!!!!!!!!!!
le best en 3 pouces.

I was just able to get an origional, pre 27 357 magnum. The gun was so visually stunning when I first saw it, that even my dealer couldn't identify it! Red ramp front sight, high polish nickle, target trigger & sights, hand checkered steel top strap & contrasting sight, origional factory ivory grips,and 3 & 1/2 " barrel- I shoot lots of 38 spl. target guns & thought Colt made the best- until I saw this one. Shoots like my match 22 lr! Anyone ever see one like it?

This is my first and only gun currently. it was highly recommended by my Father's regular gun shop, and I am very glad I followed their advice.

Specifically it's a 686 + (7 rounds) with a 6" barrel. The only gripe I tend to find with it is that my rubber grip seems very loose, and has been since the day I bought it, though it hasn't effected my shooting. The screw in the bottom doesn't seem to hold the grip very tightly. I'm not sure if this is typical, because the only other revolver I've shot is a Webley.

pourquoi 7coups alors que dans un 6 coups les trois quard du temps on met 5 cartouches ?????.

pourquoi 7coups alors que dans un 6 coups les trois quard du temps on met 5 cartouches ?????.

pourquoi 6 pouces alors que 3 pouces suffisent ????.

pourquoi 6 pouces alors que 3 pouces suffisent ????.

pourquoi 6 pouces alors que 3 pouces suffisent ????.

pourquoi 6 pouces alors que 3 pouces suffisent ????.

Due to a shoulder injury I will be carrying and shooting weakside. I own a 686 6-shot with 6" bbl for recreational target shooting, a Model 10 with 2-1/2" bbl, and a 640-1 J-frame for deep concealment. I am going to trade in the Model 10 for a 686 with 4" bbl and 7 shots as my primary carry gun. Can't draw or shoot strongside anymore, and "tap-rack-bang" is pretty much out of the question. "Squeeze it again" sounds like all the "immediate action drill" I'll be able to manage.

bof !!!!!bof!!!!bof!!!!

3pouces 6coups en 357 c'est tout...

bof !!!!!bof!!!!bof!!!!

3pouces 6coups en 357 c'est tout...

Saw one in a gunshop where I live in France. Can't wait to buy one.

I have been firing a rental 686 plus 4" for the past month..LOVED IT , I broke down and bought one. It's fantastic...sooo smoooth ! My DA groupings are now only an inch or so more than SA. Beautiful gun.
A hundred rounds of 38's at the range, mix in a few loads of .357, and it's a great day at the range !

I am a semi-auto fan and have been for years, but my 686 is a keeper. I purchased mine a while back at a local S&W sponsored sale - and at the advice of a friend - and have been happy as a pig in mud with the investment. I got the 4 + (7 shot) ... it is a nice revolver. My main carry sidearm is a SIG P229, and I love my 1911s and 92s, but this 686 has made an ultra fine addition to my arsenal and a worthy companion to my Marlin 1894C.

I don't know if people are still reading this thread, but I'm torn between the new S&W 620 and a 686+. I'm more attracted visually to the full lug of the 686, but for the same price, I feel like the 620 is more what I'm looking for. Any advice from folks who've shot 'em both?

I sold my S&W 686 4" a couple years ago to finance a car repair. It was smooth accurate and certainly spoke with authority. I really miss it and I have a gleam in my eye for a new 686 plus. Prices have really spiked lately, yow!

This is a great thread for S&W users. I have just discovered Safariland Comp 2 speed loaders for my six shot Smiths. All you do is put the rounds to the charging holes and push down. That fast. Faster and easier than a mag for a pistol. (once you practice) They are around $11.00 each. Once you see how fast you can drop 6 rounds of 357 into your 686, your going to say , WOW, that is perfect. I have a Comp 1 for my J frames. Works just as fast, after practice. This is what all revovler people have been wating for. THE PERVERBIAL SPEED LOAD !!!! If you don't fumble , you'll have your next six on target before the pistol guy pushes his slide release.

looks like this thread hasnt been posted on lately but would anyone like to tell about how much they bought a model 686 with a 4 inch barrle for since a coworker said he would sell me his and its in proabbly 98-99% in box for $300.

Dustin, $300.00 is a steal for a 686 4". The SS models new go between $600.00 & $700.00. I'm not sure about the blue finish though.

Just curious. How many of you own 1911's besides your 626? I'm contemplating my next centerfire handgun purchase and keep going back and forth between the 626 and a Kimber Custom II. Realizing personal preferences that exist between wheel and semi-auto's what do those of you who own both??

er, 686. That's what I get for talking and typing at the same time! :p

I've got a SS 686 6" that i love. It's my first choice between a sig 239 .40, and a few others. A local gunsmith said it was only worth $300. This can't be true, can it? I don't care how many where made, the name on or else, if it shoots that good, feels that good, is reliable, it is that good.

I purchased the S&W 686-3 6" barrel in the 80's. It came with wood grips, and it feels great to unload 6 rounds at rapid fire. It is as only accurate as the shooter, but overall it is a GREAT gun. If anyone is in the market for a good gun, I recommend the S&W 686.....

I've been shooting a 617 10-shot, 6-inch, for a while now, and I'm ready to add a 686 to my collection. My purposes would be target shooting primarily, along with home defense and, ultimately, survival--in case the world should go to hell in my lifetime (which I don't expect, but who know?).

I'd be interested in anyone's comments about which version of the 686 to look for. I'm inclined toward a 6-inch gun, because I'm not looking to carry it much, and the sighting ought to be easier. Also it will match my 617 in weight. But I see on this forum that most shooters prefer the 4-inch. Why? For balance? Or? Also, I'm interested in the 6-shot PP version (with the compensator) to reduce the recoil for heavy .357 rounds. Is there a disadvantage to the PP model? Can the compensator create problems?

Thanks for your thoughts!

The six inch is what I wound up buying, just because I got a nice deal on a customized model with some sweet accessories. I love it as a range gun, but that's about the only way to use it. It's just too big to carry. It's even a bit big for home defense. I use my 4 inch 625 instead.

Also consider that the longer the barrel, the longer it takes to draw, the longer it takes to sight, and the easier it is for someone to take it away from you.

My primary home defense weapon is the S&W 686S 6".

Even though most of the shooters in my club favor Glocks for use on the timed self-defense range, where targets pop up and move around on rails and stuff, I've found the 686 to be competitive against the autos. You can manage the 7-round speedloaders within a second or two of a clip change. To get that kind of speed, you have to practice, though. A lot.

Accuracy is very good with the 6", although it makes concealed carry a bit tougher. I chose this gun because in a home defense application, you want guaranteed reliability. This isn't a cheap gun, but you get what you pay for and it should last a lifetime.

Thanks, Duke. After reading through the comments on this forum, I was quite open to buying a 686 with the 4-inch barrel, even though I've been very happy with my 6-inch 617. But I ended up getting a very lightly used 7-shot 6-inch just because the price was right, and it matches my 617 perfectly. (Both have the lock, but I don't mind that.) My 686 has no compensator. I decided I would mostly be shooting .38s out of it anyway, and someone suggested on another forum that the recoil is half the fun with this model. I've shot a few mild .357 hollow points through it, and I agree. The weight of the gun makes a big difference, I'm sure. Frankly, I have never shot a larger caliber handgun. But for home defense I plan to become comfortable and competent with my new 686.

Trouble is, after reading the handgun reviews and forums and looking at guns for the last two months or so, now I can't stop! I have developed a strong yen for a 586 in 4-inch or maybe a model 15! It's an addiction, sure as shootin'.

Just in case people are still reading this thread, here's my 5c worth. I have a Glock 21 & love the big .45 & most of my shooting has been with semi-auto's. However, after shooting a friends S&W 29, I started looking for a large revolver.

Price drove me toward 'Taurus' or a 'Ruger Redhawk', both in .44. By chance I saw this beautil looking 686 6" & it just felt right in the hand. This was a little used gun & I handed over $475. It shoots like a 'gem', beautifully balanced - a real joy to shoot in either .38+ or .357 mag. I'm still trying to figure 'her' age as it is 7 shot, but no lock! Any idea's?

This one is a keeper! Thanks for this oportunity to sing her praises.

Brian,

You will want to check out the S&W Eve Web site for the scoop on the 686. There are many helpful and knowledgeable Smith owners there. You probably have a fairly new and desirable (that is, with no lock) revolver. The model changes are described on some of the 686 threads. Here is a link:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve

I have a Glock 19, a S&W 686 4" 7shot, and a Kimber Raptor II.

I love them all. I carry the 19, shoot best with the Raptor II. The 686 is the only revolver I own but am looking into a smaller CCW. will be the S&W 442 or a Glock 26. also looking at the Kimber RPC, Custom Carry II, or Ageis.

I don't see a need for any other manufacturer other than Glock, S&W, and Kimber.

Just making sure this thing works...

OK.. great. The 686 looks like a fine handgun, and I believe it has the same ferocity and mean looks as the famed Colt Python. I own a S&W 649 "semi-snub nose" 5-shot, and it's a dream to shoot (cept when cheep wadcutter ammo fouls up the works!). Magnum loads aren't as heavy and uncontrollable as I thought they would be, and I can only imagine the 686 would handle them even better. If I get a second gun, I will try to find a 686 in the used section - it's so expensive new! I was considering if S and W would ever make the 686 in a scandium version - the weight for the 4" is about 37 oz, and in the lighter metal it would be probably about 26 oz... I imagine that would be perfect.

I own the 686P and the 442 with Crimson Grips. Put custom Herrett grips on the 686 and it is one sweet honey of a wheel gun - shoots VERY reliably and accurately. BTW - Herrett is a great place to work with to custom your grips - paid several hundred bucks for them but I wanted a classic gun just for me and that's just what I got. They sent me samples of the wood in advance of making the grips to the exact size of my hand. The only way to go if you want first class. I really like the looks of the blued 442 much better than the 642 - it's my Godfather gun and have had many compliments on it. Two great revolvers from SW.

Personally, I have a 6" 19-5, a 2.5" 66-5, a 6" 29-2, a 1917, and now have added a 4" 28-2 to my small S&W collection.

I fully believe that S&W achieved .357 wheelgun perfection with the K framed Magnum. The new L framed guns just don't feel "right" in my hand and are somewhat muzzle heavy because of the full length underlug.

I believe I'll stick to my K and N frame Magnums.

I own a 686 and love it but I have to say that I enjoy my Taurus Tracker even more. The magna porting triples the pleasure, reduces recoil and helps me to really enjoy shooting. Hate to throw in the female angle, but as a female, I find that shooting the Taurus to be a lot more manageable than the 686 and more comfortable.

I bought a 686 4", second hand, my permit will be here course of this week. Through ID number I asked SW year of fabrication : 1991.
I only will have the gun after cutting through the (Belgian Law's) red tape. But I'd appreciate some advice on how checking whether gun has worn off, or had been dryshooting too much ? Anyone ?

I bought a 686 4", second hand, my permit will be here course of this week. Through ID number I asked SW year of fabrication : 1991.
I only will have the gun after cutting through the (Belgian Law's) red tape. But I'd appreciate some advice on how checking whether gun has worn off, or had been dryshooting too much ? Anyone ?

My dad passed away recently and he gave me his S&W 357 revolver. Would like to know if there is a site that will tell me more about it in detail...i.e. serial number info, model specifics, etc. Can't find much on the net about it. It has 13-4 on the frame and a serial number that begins with BRA or 8RA. It also has the numbers 680 or 089, depending on your perspective, on the frame. Sorry to bother, but need help. Any info would be greatly appreciated. GD

G.D.,

This is from a three year old copy of the Blue Book of Gun Values.

100% condition - $310
98% condition - $260
95% condition - $200
90% condition - $185
80% condition - $175

Those prices are fairly low, and as I mentioned they're three years old. I'd ask for more and wouldn't take any less.

Determining condition is bit of a black art, but it mostly has to do with the finish. You get more from collectors if the gun comes with the original wood grips and the box.

Another thing you might do is visit Gunbroker.com and see how model 13s are selling for. Most of the auctions have pictures, so you can compare them to your gun as far as condition.

This is my favorite gun. Shooting 38s through this thing is pure joy.

It's a beautiful weapon, too. Classic and you should be able to hand it down to your kids and they should be able to do the same.

A must-have in my opinion.

Hi there. I'm considering purhasing a 686. I'm hankering after a 4" but I heard you need a 6" for practical pistol.

Would appreciate any comments or help you might have.

I inherited a Ruger.44magnum Super Blackhawk from my father. I think thats what started my love for revolvers. I am about to enter the police academy, and I want to buy a revolver for home defense, and possibly as a carry gun if the department allows it. I am just dying for a S&W 686 plus, with 7 rounds. I jsut cant decide if I want a 4" or 6" barrel. The ballistics are way way, better with the 6", but I am not sure if that will be too long for police use. Any advice?

I'd say four inch. My 686 is six inches, and it's too big to take anywhere, and too big for my quick access pistol safe.

The ballistics on the six inch are better, sure, but the downside is portability, the difficulty of clearing leather with a longer barrel, and retention (you're giving the other guy more barrel to hang onto to wrest the gun away from you).

First hand gun is my 686, 3 1/2" CS1. Shoots as ell as I can. Any other shooters have comments on recoil, carry, etc. for this version?

Has anyone ported one of these?

I have a 4" 686 and it is just a GREAT revolver! I also have also have 2 older SW's a 38SW 1886 topbreak 6" which is great fun to shoot and a 32SW 1905 topbreak ~312" that is very tight and clean - my wife loves this gun.

I have owned a S&W model 19-6 for a year now and have shot 1200 factory loads of remington and winchester ammo in 38sp and 357mag and love it. I know ya'll like the model 686 with the bigger frame, but I just own a model 19 with a 4 inch barrel and nickel finish. I just lightened the trigger pull the other night by taking off the grips and loosening the screw (that puts the tension on the hammer flat spring steel) 1 full turn. I have tested it (empty) and tried to make the action fail in single action form and it will not fail. I plan on giving it some range practice in the next week or so though. It also made the double action pull less and more comfortable to my way of shooting. I don't know what ya'll think about modifiying the triggers on these guns but it sure makes the action more user friendly and makes better effort of performing better accuracy than when my trigger was heavier, due to the less jerk of the pistol because of extra effort to pull the trigger. I am just bias I really like a light trigger pull. That is what I think make what you want of it. Have a good day!

Went to BUY my first and only handgun, came home with the 686 4" barrel, 7 shot (bad choice on 7 shot, Extra Round v. availibility of 7-shot speed loader = ? ).
Love the gun and variety of ammo.
The grip issue mentioned in Les Jones's article is true, the grip can catch shells (although ejection as described in the 686 instruction manual will greatly reduce ejection problems).

Thanks for the site and comments, I read most and it's good to see a community online! :cheers:

i was looking to get my first handgun and it was between the S&W 686 6 shoot or the kimber 1911 custom II. but i think ill get both over time i have heard nothin but good about both. my dad has the S&W 357 mountain lite it is a awesome defense gun kicks pretty good but i think ill go with the S&W 686 first.

I'm a new handgunner and purchased the S&W 686 4" and 625 5", the latter a 45 ACP model. Had my first day at the range today with 50 rounds through each and was very impressed with both firearms. The 40 oz or so heft made for neglible recoil with the 130 gr 38 special rounds, and the 185 gr 45 ACP rounds comfortable enough that there was no sign of flinching or residual fatigue afterward. Alternating between the two made my first range experience very pleasurable, and I expect that will be my routine for the near term.

I decided on wheel guns to start my armory because of the reliability, and I believe that the simplicity lends itself to greater safety as well. The 686 specifically supports such a broad range of projected power, and is so comfortable that I can't imagine making a better choice! Next I'm considering an S&W J-frame 20+ oz SS 387/38 for a "backup gun".

I purchased my 686 6" for home and hunting. It feels great in hand and is dead-on accurate. My 20 year old daughter loves firing it and she handles the magnum recoil just fine.

When I was first sighting it in, I discovered that the rear site was not seated properly and kept moving. I brought it back to the dealer and they shipped it to S&W. S&W fixed the sight at no charge, except shipping (which the dealer picked up). Returning to the range, I found the sight was set right on the button so I didn't have to do any adjusting.

Back in 1998, I used to frequent a local range and rented the SW686 so much, it should have been mine. It was the 4", 6 shot variety and I really wish that I would have bought it. A couple years ago at the range in my current location, a gentlemen let me test his SW, which wasn't 686, but a .357 with 6" barrel. It was just as good as the 686. Recently, a co-worker let me shoot his Dan Wesson .357 with a 2" barrel. This thing was as great as the other SW's I've shot. At the distances I shoot, I didn't notice a difference between the 2", 4" and 6" barrels. The only thing that has stood out is that SW revolvers are my preference over Ruger and Taurus. I haven't had the opportunity to fire Colt revolvers.

Just the other day, I picked up a used SW 686 with 2" barrel for home/personal protection. Although I haven't fired it yet, I know from past experience that this weapon will very likely not disappoint.

BTW, I'm only confident in SW revolvers. I've owned and fired SW pistols and not been nearly as thrilled.

I bought a 6 in stainless 686 about ten years ago. As a former police officer and special
agent, I found it to be the most pleasant AND
most accurate handgun I've ever used. Bought it
mainly for deer hunting here in Georgia where
one company makes a hot, powerful 357 load for
deer (legal). Killed a six pointer at 15 yds--
one shot-thru the heart. Though I no longer hunt
with it, I carry it trout fishing, as a net holder, in case I run into Bigfoot.

I just bought a slightly older 686, 4" barrel, pre-lock, and am thrilled to read favorable reports on this gun. When I walked into the store I asked for "pre-lock", the counter guy handed me a 640, I said, I already have a little gun, I want a longer barrel, a 4"inch, and he seemed surprised! Anyway, he showed me the 686-4" and I bought it on the spot. It's wonderfully heavier than my tiny 640 and the feel of this new gun is super, like I'll really have control over it.

Loved ready everyone's comments.

just got my serial number for my 686 6" have yet to hold it things are different here in Ireland, but a Question what frme are 6" 686 looking to buy quickloaders.

I have a 2 inch snubby and shoot 110 grain JHP, it is a great shooter! My friend traded in his 9mm for one the same day he shot mine.

I have a 2 inch snubby and shoot 110 grain JHP, it is a great shooter! My friend traded in his 9mm for one the same day he shot mine.

I bought a S&W 686 power port 6" barrel 6 shot stainless about 15 years ago. It is the only gun I have ever owned that doesn't make me feel uneasy while firing it. It's like sitting in mama's lap, comfortable and safe and dependable. I just went to the range tonight, it was kind of dark out at 25 yards and I was wondering if I might put some night sights on it or laser grips for a change. I riddled the target at 25 yards with bullets, yes I like to count them to make sure I hit with every one ) Awesome gun!

Mosied into the pawn shop the other day with "dad", he spied a shiny wheelgun with wood grips, and said I had to have it. Sign said .357 mag. and I thought "Great, another caliber!". Model 686-3 4". No box, no book, $450. Took it home cleaned it up. took it out in the desert, got it dirty. Now my glock is in the tool box with the rest of the hammers. The pawn shop even threw in a soft case. Adrenallin is a mighty powerful drug. It shoots better than I can and I'm a real estate hunter (I usually only shoot the dirt around the target). Great Thread by the way.