6" 686P for Trigger Discipline

B

BillCnKC

New member
All--

I have searched the forum for 686 topics and found many, but none that fit my need for information EXACTLY. (I admit that my need may be a bit strange.)

I am a pistol guy, but have only been shooting for about two years. It turns out that I am somewhat good at long-distance, benchrest pistol shooting. I have always wanted to shoot off-hand, but my old eyes do not work that way . . . until I took the plunge and decided to go the mono-vision contact lens route. Now, I can SEE both the iron sites AND the target! Gee! What a concept!

The highly customized benchrest pistol I use does not require great trigger discipline. My DE5010 does, even from the bench. My Colt M1991 does, as well. With LOTS of CONTINUOUS practice, I am good with both. But, as soon as I quit using them for a while my trigger discipline skills seem to evaporate. (Strangely enough, I am almost GOOD at self-defense range off-hand with my CZ 75 BD: It must be a fluke!)

My friend, who has forgotten more about firearms than I have time left to learn, has recommended that I get a revolver, specifically a Smith and Wesson in .357 magnum. I REALLY like the S&W686. The ONLY thing I will use it for is target practice. Even more specifically, my ENTIRE reason for considering this particular revolver is to see if I can acquire--and keep!--greater trigger discipline.

I want the 6" barrel. Here is the one I am contemplating S&W686P.

If you have comments or suggestions I would sure like to read them!

Thanks!

--seal killer
 
I own a 686 6". I love it. Very sturdy gun. Great for range and hunting. As of lately, its all I use for hunting. HD, can't be beat. Easy to clean and the 38sp won't break the bank for range practice. Its more than a gun, its a piece of art. The craftmanship that went into it is quite remarkable. SW really does make some good stuff.
 
This is my 686PP. The target is 50 rounds at 50 feet. I did have a gunsmith do a trigger job and changed to Wolff springs. I replaced the stock grips as well. I agree it is a versatile handgun. No way can you screw up with the S&W 686.
DSCN1032.jpg
 
Bill, your friend is a wise man. Buy a good revolver and shoot the everloving bejeebers out of it DOUBLE ACTION ONLY. Forget it has a single action capability completely. Your ability to shoot a handgun, ANY handgun you pick up, will increase at a rate that you won't believe until you experience it.

You should also dry fire it extensively to build muscle and stamina.

Stick with 38 special ammo, it is less tiring and a lot cheaper. It will also provide you with all the feedback you need.

If it were me I would be looking to buy a good used M19, but that 686 you want is also a nice gun. I would also get a 4" barrel, a 6" barrel is too heavy for my liking.
 
NB4ZOT, what are you hunting with your 686. I ask because I also hunt deer on the plains with my 6" Ruger GP100. What loads do you use? How has the 357Mag performed on the game that you have hunted?
 
Bill, last Wednesday (10/12) I bought the very gun you are looking for. 686P 6" and I have put about 50 .357 Magnums through it as well as about 200 .38spl. This was my first venture into revolverland and I have to say it has been a pleasant one. You will not be disappointed with it. The gun is extremely accurate and the trigger is absolutely great. It is a little front heavy but you get used to it, I think the 4" model balances a little better. Nevertheless, I chose the 6" to hunt with. BTW I paid $529 for mine.
 
Cje1989

I've only hunted Texas hog with it. I'm a meat hunter only so I try to keep my piggies down to about 150lbs or less(more tasty). I use Federal 158grn jsp. I'm curious to try those 165grn Remingtons jhp. They look like they could do a good job too. If I get a clean head shot those hogs drop in their tracks. I've taken a few boiler shots but some tracking can be involved this way(50-75yrds once). Hogs don't stray too far from the dense thickets in these parts. Lugging a 150lb hog out of that is more than what I really like doing. Head shots within 50yrd is what I like. Getting within range is half the fun imo. Never saw the sport in taking out an animal at 250yrds. Nothing wrong with it if that's what you like though.
 
fwcofficer--

I went to my indoor range yesterday to shoot my CZ 75 BD. There was a beautiful 6" S&W686 six-holer displayed along with its original box and papers.

It cost me $395.00 and you know the rest because you wrote it above.

--seal killer
 
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