help me pick my 1st revo

I

isi07734

New member
hey chaps,

ive decided on S&W, looking at either 610 or 686, more likely to choose 686 tho, any thoughts on the two? ALSO- for mainly a target gun and home def gun- 4in or 6 in? is there a big diff in velocity among the 357 in 2 inches? does the 4inch balance better? much more recoil in the 4inch?
thanks
 
Hello isi07734;

My personal preference is the 686. I like the versatility of the cartridge, and the handling of the gun. I also prefer the 4" because of balance, and feel it’s the best general-purpose length. The 6" with the full under lug seems to be a little muzzle heavy for my liking.
The 2 1/2" will have some minor velocity loss vs. the 4" model, and although it makes a good defense pistol, it leaves something to be desired in the target shooting arena.
I find little difference in the recoil between the 4 and the 6, but that's subjective.

Steve
 
I would go with the 357 in the 686 with a 4 in barrel. I personally like the 66/65 in a 4" because it is a little lighter and I feel handles better. I am looking for a 586 w/4"
 
A 686 will probably be the most versatile of your two choices. For casual target shooting and home defense I would go with a four inch barrel. Shorter barrels are great for concealed carry, but are not that fun to shoot. The six inch barrel is better for target shooting and hunting, but can be a bit unweildy for defense.
 
thanks guys, thats how i was leaning too, the 586 is a blued 686? is that right? i do like a nice blue on a revolver.
 
Yes the 586 is the blued version of the 686. I have one with a 6" barrel and it is my favorite and most accurate gun right now. Great feel, great trigger, very smooth.

I also have a 3" S&W 65LS (K-frame). It is quite accurate, handles very well, very smooth, very good trigger.

While I like the 586 better I'd probably keep the 65 if I could only have one. It is simply more versatile. The 6" barrel of the 586 and adjustable sights do make for a more accurate gun but the 3" 65 is no slouch (I'm sure a 4" 65, 66 or even better 586/686 would surely be even closer). The K-frame is a little smaller and not quite as strong as the L-frame 586 but it handles most .357s pretty well. Because of its weight and barrel length it will make a much better carry gun should I ever get into a situation where I am allowed to carry. A 3" or 4" K-frame is probably the best all purpose revolver. A 2 1/2" or 4" L-frame is probably a close second. However, since you state that it is primarily for target and HD the versatility isn't as big a deal and the extra accuracy may be a deciding factor.

You should try to rent or borrow one in both sizes and decide where your priorities lie.
 
Don't think the 586 is made anymore. It came out back in the late '80s. There was also the fixed sight version known as the 581 and 681.
 
Going against the grain on barrel length-

Yes, the S&W 686 would definitely be more versatile;
but, for general handguning and/or home defense
you can't beat the 6" barrel IMHO! The six incher is
a fantastic "long range" handgun; capeable of real
fine accuracy, provided the user does their part.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
K frame....

I bought a four inch model 686 about a decade ago and it is a great gun. It was my only .357 at the time, and I wanted something to shoot and shoot and shoot and not worry about wearing out, at a time when the big Highway Patrolman n-frames could no longer be found.
I bought the L frame, and was happy.
Several .357s later, if I could go back and do it again, I would probably have bought the K frame model 66 instead as it is better balanced, lighter, more carryable and just as accurate. The L frame is great, but it feels like a brick with a handle compared to the K frame.
My advice? If you are just gonna shoot the thing and shoot nothing but hot loads go for a big 586/686....But if you want to do things with the gun besides plink, get a 65/66.
 
Versatility? Remember that the 610

uses moon clips, just like the 625. That means you can shoot .40 OR 10mm; just as the 686 can shoot .38 Special or .357 Mag.

With all the cops shooting .40, brass is easy to find. Loaded ammo is just as common and inexpensive.

Home defense? Try timing a speed loader against moon clips. Also, no loose cases to catch under the ejector. This is a Good Thing in a high-stress situation. So is a 10mm JHP.......
 
Upon the advice of the good people here, I purchased a 686 Plus with a 4-inch barrel, and I have been very happy with it. I liked the balance better than I did the 6-inch, and it is far more accurate than I am.

The 7th round was worth the extra $25-$30 for novelty alone.
 
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