620 or 686????

[CarbineCaleb]

I've shot both and find that for me and quite a few others, the 4" is superior for target to target reaccusition.

Why do you think that is? Why do you think that longer barrels are illegal in competitions that emphasize *speed* as well as accuracy?

At least in my hands, the 6" is the better shooter. I chose the 4" based on it's other advantages, but am thinking of getting a 6" for its' shooting performance. I guess this is just evidence that mileage varies.

 

[trespass]

686

think you'll be happier with 686...real barrel..620 is tube and shroud...this limits future modifications..for ex. I recently had a 686 6 inch cut to 3 inch with weigand sights...not likely with a 620....think the new tube and shroud is just S&W bean counting to reduce costs....

 

[Matt Sutton]

I've got a similar dilemma. I can get a 620 for about $480, or one of the 686+ "stocking dealer specials" with a half lug barrel, Ahrens grips and fiber optic sights for $580. Is it worth $100 more to have the traditional barrel?

http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/686p_021105/

 

[DDinNH]

Smith & Wesson 620 "Locking Up"

I keep hearing all these complaints about the lock, but I dont see what the big deal is. I have S&W's that have them and those that dont, and they all work just fine.

We purchased a new Smith and Wesson Model 620 one week ago. After firing about 60 rounds the trigger started occasionally locking up. In about 70 rounds it locked 8 or 9 times. It is like the internal (set with the small key) safe mode kept kicking in and out. Very disconcerting to squeeze the trigger and have it locked (can not pull it) shooting the 2nd or 3rd round of a cylinder of 7 shots. We never experienced a problem with the older model 66.

 

[CarbineCaleb]

Matt

Is it worth $100 more to have the traditional barrel?

Well, obviously more is different than the barrel internals - it's a 5" half lug... most revolver afficianados consider this to have the best balance of all configurations. Also, you get fiber optic sights and fancy wood grips. If you want to save a little money, get the standard 4" 686P with rubber grips - it doesn't have the above features, but is a little cheaper (about $50), and will also be easier to find holsters for, because it is more common.