difference between 19/66 & 686 S&W

O

orsogato

New member
Hi all,

What is the difference between a S&W model 19/ 66 and an S&W 686? I have a renewed interest in revolvers lately and S&W in particular. I've bought 2 used S&Ws since the Clinton Agreement and love em both (629 & 640) I'm looking at a 4'' either 66 or 686 but am not sure the major differences. Politics aside what are your opinions on these models?
 
686 is built on the L frame
66 is built on the K frame.

L frame is a bit heavier in key places. Larger cylinder (and thicker walls) and larger barrel where it threads into the frame giving a meatier forcing cone area. Also the L frames don't have a clearance cut out at the bottom of the forcing cone. Hence stronger design. Other differences too.

Grip frames are the same on K and L frames......swap grips no problem

I have had poor luck with Smith stainless guns. Others have been pleased.

Here is a good thread on the frame sizes and their applications.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9016&highlight=spring

Sam
 
I will try,

to help you understand.

Model 19 and or 66, definitive term "Combat Magnum". A six
shot revolver available with barrel length's of 2.5", 4" or 6".
Model 19's were offered in standard, blued or nickel finish.
The model 66 is the 19's stainless steel counterpart. The
19 and/or 66 is chambered for .357 magnum; but will also
accomodate the use of all forms of .38 Special ammunition.
The model 19/66 is built on Smith & Wesson's K-frame.

The model 586, and or 686, definitive term "Distinguished
Combat Magnum". A six shot revolver available with barrel
length's's of 2.5", 4", 6" or 8-3/8"*. The same holds true for
the model 586, as its offered in standard, blued or nickel
finish. The 686 is the 586's stainless steel counterpart.
The 586/686 is also chambered for the .357 magnum; but
will also accomodate the use of all forms of .38 Special
ammunition. The 586/686 is heavier than it's 19/66
counterpart; and the 586/686 incorporates a fully lugged
barrel, some say to aid accuracy. The 586/686 is known
as the L-frame. The 686+ is a L-frame seven shot model.

Both the 19/66 and the 586/686 have "micro click" fully
adjustable rear sight's. Most of the older 4" and 6" model
19/66's and the 586/686's will come in the form of a square
butt configuration. The newer version 686's will be found
with the round butt. All 2.5" barrel models will be a round
butt style. Prices vary according to model, barrel length,
and locale! Hope this helps some?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Last edited:
Thank you gentlemen,

That was perfect! The major difference then seems to be the K v. L frame sizes. I couldn't distinguish that by merely looking at pictures of the guns.

Is there a major price difference between these two guns? If not, I think I am leaning towards finding a nice used 686 for the "more beefy" factor
 
The "price difference" is dependent on condition of either
weapon. Used and abused guns will definitely be less
expensive; while the LNIB weapons should not be more
than $50 difference, for six-shot model's. I have heard
of NIB 686's going for as high as $550 in Kalifornia! I
don't know if the posted $550 is for the six-shot, or
seven shot model?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
If you like the idea of the 686 for the 'Beefier" factor.....
Keep an eye out for a 586. Same gun cept is in blued steel.

4" 586s, ex leo guns, often in great mechanical shape with lots of holster wear, can be had for around 200 and under.

Have patience and carry cash.

Sam
 
"I have heard
of NIB 686's going for as high as $550 in Kalifornia! I
don't know if the posted $550 is for the six-shot, or
seven shot model?"

Actually, out here in Kali, $550 is a DISCOUNT price for a new 686. You can pay a lot more. The seven shot 686 plus is sometimes a shade higher than the 6 shot. The model 66 usually rings up about $50 under the 686 (about $500 out here).

BTW: if you plan to shoot magnums, definitely get a 586/686 (new or used). I like my 66, but the "trimmed" forcing cone due to the smaller frame would make me nervous about feeding it heavy loads. Looks like an accident waiting to happen. I just shoot .38 through it.
 
Thanks again gentlemen.

I like the LEO trade ins. I had a sweetRuger GP100 that was an LEO trade in and like an idiot I sold it. Next show I am going to keep a peeled eye out for either a 586 or 686 "used but not abused"

And yes C.R. Sam. ALWAYS CARRY CASH!!! I've found that many dealers give a discount when I offer to pay in green rather than visa, check etc.
 
I have a model 66, just because the 6 is stainless, is it stronger than the 19? If it is stronger, what 357 ammo do you guys recommend for a steady diet?
 
For NAVIGATOR - - -

"Aside from the adjustable rear sight on the 66, are there any more differences? (66 vs 65)"

The 65 is a stainless model 13. The 66 is a stainless model 19. Aside from the adjustable rear sight, the 66 and 19 have a shrouded ejector rod--Runs out to about the three-inch point on the barrel. All four models are on the K-frame. This is different in the "Full underlug" of the 585/686 series, whose lugs run all the way to the muzzle.

The 13 and 65 have the latch at the front of the ejector rod, but it is not surrounded by or recessed into any sort of shroud or lug.

Best,
Johnny Guest
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top