Anybody shot both the 620 and 686? I just finished renting an SP101...

T

Texas Bacon

Inactive
Earlier I had posted that I was trying to pick a first revolver. Well I rented a SP101 3” on Saturday and put about 150 rounds of .38 and .38+P through it and was surprised – not by the gun but the ammo. The +P didn’t recoil more – it just seemed a little louder. Could have been the ammo though. Anyway – back to my issue –

I thought the SP was nice but it didn’t thrill me. It seemed like a perfectly suitable tool. The S&W models just seem sexier to me. Ok that probably didn’t sound right but they do seem nicer. The SP handled very well. I imagine a larger size will smooth it out even more though the smaller gun was fine.

The stores here have the 686, 686P, and the 620 all in stock. I know the only difference in the 686 and 686P is about 2oz. and 1 shot. What else I have decided on:

· Rugers are roughly the same size and weight given comparable barrel lengths when looking at the GP. (the SP is heavier than the J frames and the Ruger 3” is a good medium between the 2.5 and 4)

· Rugers and Smiths being equal in weight and size the only thing left is trigger and feel. The stock grips on the Smiths feel good. The SP seemed fine but I think I would enjoy the S&W grips more. Yes any grip could be changed but why not buy the one that is better from the beginning. I haven’t had the ability to shoot a 686/620 so I can’t tell about the trigger issue but in dry firing the Smith seemed a bit different – maybe a bit lighter or shorter?

· Out of the S&W line I like the 686 and the 620. I think the 60 would be too light and the 64 isn’t as versatile.

I noticed from the numerous posts that the 686 is quite common and most people are very fond of the gun. I would think the 620 is not as common because it is new and the previous 66 was a different frame so direct correlations couldn’t be made.

So has anybody shot both the 620 and 686 to some extent? I noticed that the 686P and the 620 are near identical in weight but the 620 has the shorter lug – where did the weight go? Is the shorter lug a benefit/detriment? I guess what I’m really asking is since I can’t shoot either – which have you found to feel better and/or perform better...oh and any preference on the 7/6 shot other than having that extra round is nice.

I know it is an old debate and I thank those with the patience to help -
 
To sum it up the S&W will almost always (near 99.9%) better triggers, and can be further cleaned up with a competant smith. I have shot both the Ruger GP100 and 686P before I made the decision to go with the 686P. For me it was as I said in your previous thread, the S&W felt better. Does it mean that either is better than the other for what most normal shooters need it for? No. There is a reason why both the 686 and GP100 are always mentioned for full framed .357 revolvers, they are the two best. Get the one you like the best for whatever reason that may be; eg. looks, pointability, feel, trigger, name, sexiness, or what have you.
 
With either of the three revolvers you will not be unsatisfied I feel. I'll go ahead and point out as I am sure someone will that the Ruger is a bit more rugged, but I don't think you will have a problem with wearing out either of them especially as both of those S&Ws are built on the larger L frame (as opposed to the K-frame). The S&Ws do generally have a bit better trigger out of the box, but from what I have read from other posters, the Ruger tends to "smooth out" some over time. Also, either of them can be slicked up by a gunsmith.
As for choosing between the 620 and 686, that could prove to be trickier. Both are built on the L frame, and the 620 is essentially a 686 with a half shroud, and a two piece barrel construction. So, the best thing to do in this case (well pretty much any revolver decision) is to get a feel for both of them. Hold them and see which one balances better in your hand. If possible see if one of the dealers has some snapcaps so that you can dry fire them as well.
Whichever of the three you go with, I think you'll have a fine revolver though.
 
I have a 620 and really like it. It has the normal S&W great trigger, and carries one more round than the 686. The 620 is a seven shot. I was originally looking for a 619, but my dealer had the 620 on the shelf when I was there and after checking it out, I took it.

The 686's are also nice, I've had a couple and no regrets.

Any Ruger I've owned(rifle or pistol) has always needed trigger work, at least for me. The cylinders also always seemed to want to bind after a couple of fillings, but my pistols were all SA's. Never had that trouble with the swing open guns I've shot.
 
AK103K-
So do you like your 620 more than the 686? It's hard for me to decise since they both come in 7 shots. The 686 is a little cheaper her but ultimately I want to end up with the better gun - and they are so darn close.
 
I like them both, I'm just not that big a fan of the full underlug. I didnt realize that they were making the 686 in a 7 shot now too. Either way, I dont think you can go wrong. Probably more a personal preference thing than anything else.
 
I kind of agree. The 686 is a little too Clint Eastwood when compared to the 620. Of course the 620 makes me think of Barney Fife. I imagine there isn't a great difference in shooting but I keep thinking the 620 would be easier since the end wouldn't be as heavy. I'm also interested in the 2 piece barrel. If it works of the 500 then is should be fine on this pistol.

yea, they have a 686P that is a 7 shot (see link). It weighs the same as the 620 but has a full lug - not sure where the 620 puts the extra weight....
What did your 620 cost? I think I can get one for $540 here. The 686P is $518.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=12762&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15705&isFirearm=Y
 
I paid $485 for mine. It had been sitting there for $500 for a little while and they knocked the $15 off when I was looking at it. I do a good bit of business there though, and they usually knock something off without me even asking. I guess volume helps. :)
 
S&W 686 and/or SP-101

S&W 686 and/or SP-101?
I have a 686 and a 101.
The S&W 686 will have a better trigger but, will be harder to conceal.
The Ruger SP-101 has a TERRIBLE TRIGGER, at best, but is stronger than the 686. The 101 is smaller and lots easier to coonceal.
 
I'd opt for the 620 if it were me. Fixed sites are better for a carry only gun. If you want to target shoot as well the adjustable sites would be better. There is a fixed site you can buy to replace the adj sites too.

On a personal note, the last couple of GP100s I've owned and handled had better out of the box DA triggers than the last couple of new S&W's I've owned or handled. S&W still has the best single action trigger though.
 
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