New 686: Customize or Not?

G

General_Tso

New member
Hi, there.

I bought a nice 2.5"-barreled 686-5. It's my first Smith & Wesson revolver, and I'm pretty pumped. I bought it with the idea of putting the Weigand Combat Interchange-L Barrel System on it, so I could buy a 2.5 or 3-inch barrel for carrying it hunting and camping and a 5-inch barrel for Whitetails. Do you think I should go ahead with the customization or keep it stock?

Thanks,

--GT
 
customize it if you can afford it.

while i think the 2.5" 686 is a great gun...nobody believes how well it can hit...the advantage of interchangable barrels should not be underestimated. plus you can have him tune the action while he has the gun :cool:
 
Which Barrel Lengths?

9mmEpiphany and others:

What barrel lengths would you suggest getting? I was thinking about getting two or three?
 
i have an affinity for shorter barrels because it takes more skill to shoot them well...so either the 2.5" or 3" is good

i think the 5" gives the perfect balance for the L-frame...both in the hand and visually

i don't think the L-frame can carry a much longer tube without feeling nose heavy

gosh, aren't these the same lenght you mentioned at first...great minds...:D
 
gosh, aren't these the same lenght you mentioned at first...great minds...
Click to expand...

Haha. Indeed. I'm pretty pumped about having the work done. I spoke with Mr. Weigand today, and he sounds like a cool guy and has a good reputation. I'll probably send it out Monday, and it should take about ten days. I'll make sure to post pictures of it when I get it back.

--GT
 
Sounds like a deal - - -

- - -If you don't end up spending as much on the conversion as on another good used revolver. The 686 7-shot is a touch large and heavy for every day concealed carry, but some like 'em very much. The five-inch barrel will give both increased sight radius and much better velocities with .357 loads.

I don't see your location--I tend to think of convertible revolvers as being advantageous mostly in areas where the number of handguns-per-person is limited by law.

If 'twere mine, I'd think of a less expensive barrel switch, and forego the short barrel entirely. But isn't it nice we have choices?

Best,
Johnny Guest
 
MODEL 686

I have a 686....4" bbl. It is an excellent all-around revolver.
I don't know how much the conversion parts cost but I would look seriously at getting an excellent condition, used 4 inch
instead. However, the conversion concept sounds interesting.
 
You guys make good points. I got the revolver pretty cheap--$299 and it had barely been shot. The conversion isn't too bad. I think it will rack me up another two hundred or so for installation and two barrels plus some extra sight inserts. I don't think Mr. Weigand is taking any more orders on regular gunsmithing--too busy, so I'll have the action job, glass beading, etc. done locally. It all adds up, but it's just cool. And it's been a while since I treated myself to a really cool toy. :cool:

--GT
 
If.....

I could get it without that chickenplucking underlug, I'd be interested. And it'd have to be blue.
 
Tso, I have had that conversion done on a 686 7-shot. For hunting purposes, I would suggest the 6 inch barrel. The Weigand 6 inch barrel is not going to be as heavy as a factory 6 inch full lugged barrel because the Weigand has an aluminum shroud. I have no way of knowing the exact weight meaurements because I did not weigh them. Jack should be able to tell you the weight difference.

I have a 4 inch and 6 inch conversion barrel, but I am thinking about buying a 2.5 just for the heck of it. You will be able to switch barrels in less than 5 minutes taking your sweet time. Also, Jack installs a crane ball lock kit that will provide some more lock-up over a standard S&W.

I also suggest when you are doing a barrel change that you wrap the complete shroud with a rag just in case the wrench slips off. That way if it does slip off it will not scratch the barrel. Better to be safe than sorry. SS
 
I was just about to ask this question, myself. I am looking to buy a 686 for duty use as my company issues them and they have proven very good in my view. Considering the performance I have seen first-hand, adding one to my personal armory would be most beneficial as it would allow me to practice more regularly and get some smithing done to make her the best possible.

The questions are many, but here are a few.

Sights: work sights are factory-issue adj. Is another more robust adj sight around? Would fixed be better for work and competition? MMC? AO?

Grip: Hogue combat wrap is nice, but feels rather thick to me. Is pachymar thinner? What about Crimson Trace? I like the idea of the laser pointer, but how the grip feels is far more important.

Trigger: on my 1991, I can do a lot with trigger/hammer components. What can be done on a revolver? Is there an after market trigger group that is worth the money to install?

Sights: Can't stress this one enough. Tritium is a must, I think. Combat shooting in hallways and stairwells, and one-handed more often than not. Fixed sights are durable, but the standard sights have proven themselves very hardy in the three years I've been around. A more durable adjustable sight would be nice. Front sight is critical; I'm thinking a neon green insert with a vial of tritium set into it.

Any thoughts?
 
SS,

Those are all good comments--particularly wrapping the shroud in a rag. I'm still debating what barrel lengths to get. We'll see. I'll ship it out Monday.

Thanks,

--Tso
 
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