Comments on Used S&W 686 - 4 in. bbl revolver

C

COASTER

New member
Hi Folks
Following the advice of several of you peers and veterans, I have decided to take the slow trail in moving up from a 38 SP to a 44 Mag, via a 357 MAG revolver. The local gun store carries the 357 MAG S&W 686 -4 inch bbl revolver Satin Steel finish- a used product - purchased from the local sheriff. Do you veterans out there have comments to offer on this particular gun and the fact that it is used? Also how does it rate for a work horse on the range?
I appreciate your feedback and thanks for listening !!
Good Shooting 2005
 
I've got the 6" 686, and a finer .357 is hard to come by. It's 1 of 4 .357's that I own. I'm partial to the 6" length, but the 4" makes a handier holster gun. If the price is right, I'd jump on it. Everyone needs at least 1 .357. Are they accurate? Yeah, they're accurate...I took mine to the range last Monday, I shot these targets offhand at 20 yards, 20 shot slow fire strings...

20roundseachwithSW6861-17-05.jpg
 
The 686 is an L frame. It was developed to provide the handiness of the smaller K frame but the better durability and recoil absorbtion of the larger N frame. They did a good job in accomplishing these goals. They (686's , as well as 586, 681, 581's)are definatly more friendly than my K frames for 357 shooting!
FWIW, I have two L frame 357's in 4" and one 6". Love em all but preffer the 4" flavor for general range play. Anyway, you picked a great model. If its not all worn out (I doubt it is but see revolver checkout sticky in this forum) and priced @ $300 +/- $50, I'd say pounce on it.
 
The 4 inch 686 is the only firearm I own. I bought it used three years ago at a pawn shop. I can think of no finer gun. Of course, I'd like more, once I have the cash, but for awhile, this one will do just fine.
 
Used .357 MAG

Larryfl1952, Tacoma, PaleRyder, Smithyman

Thank you all for your expert comments. I will post once I buy.

WOW ! Great advice

Thanks Agai
Good shooting 2005 ! Stay Safe !

Coaster :)
 
I had a 4" 686, Sheriff's Dept trade-in, but I traded it away. Not that the gun had problems, I just like the K-frame better. And, I've never had any durability problems like some people mention.

If it fits your hand, I'd buy it. There's nothing wrong with it at all.

The one I got looked like it was cleaned, many times, with a Scotch Brite pad. I spent hours, sitting on the couch watching TV, polishing it by hand using Mother's Chrome Polish. I traded it back in to the same gunshop I got it from and they didn't believe it was the same gun until they checked the SN. It looked like a polished nickel finish.

If the price is in the $250 range, I'd pick it up. But, if it's more, and you want it, that's never stopped me before. Let us know if you get it.
 
Hey Hawgleg, that mothers polish works increadibly doesn't it? Tried it on my mod 60 then my 640. MAN, I could comb my hair ( if I had any) in the reflection now! :eek:
 
Friends All.......I started handgun hunting in 1956 with a then-new Ruger 44. Over the years tried various makes, models, and calibers. Took a bad fall years ago and messed up my right hand bad, among about 50% of the rest of me. Finally retired my .44 and after having bones replaced in my hand, went to the .357! As I hog hunt with 175/185 hard cast LBT's at full bore.......I like the S&W 6" 686 best of all! It was handed down from a late good friend. The only problem it had was it would push off. Having worked for Smith & Wesson years ago, it went back and was slicked out. I really think the 586's had better metal though. All in All......the 586 & 686 series are very good tough firearms.........James@Dixie Slugs
 
Have a 686P 6" I love it so much that Im going to buy at 686P 4" for the hell of it. I bought it as something I could shoot 357's though instead of my old (and absolutely the sweetest shooting gun I've ever had) m19. I thought I'd be happy if my 686 shot 50% as nice as my m19... when I finally got out to the range other than a slightly heavier trigger my 686 shoots EVERY bit as nice, accurate and fun as my m19.
 
I can't add anything more to what many have said about the 686. I have the 6" 686-4 w/ 7shot cylinder...I'm partial to 6" barrels and have a GP100, M19, and Python in 6". My 686 feels the best. It has the best SA break and "short geared" DA stroke which I really like.

My wife carries a 2.5" 686-5 7-shot. I love how that snubby shoots.
 
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