Obsessing over 686 purchase - help me think this through.

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oktx

Inactive
A friend of mine has a 7 shot 686 6" that he has proposed to sell to me. He bought it back in about '98 I think. I have always liked shooting this gun but have wondered whether I would be happier with a 4". I shoot mainly at the range or the farm for fun. Probably will never hunt with it. Long range shooting is probably not in the cards either. I have thought about getting involved in USPSA or ICORE revolver competitions. What do they shoot mainly? 4" or 6"? and why?

I know I would enjoy the 6". It is accurate and in great condition. I have fired it extensively and know this weapon as well as my Sig. The 4" appeals to me for a couple of reasons though. Its a little more compact hence easier to manipulate and carry in competition. A 4" would be better for ccw and fitting in the glove box or under the seat.

Anybody help me think out loud? :confused: I plan to go to the store later this week and rent a 4" to see if it feels or shoots drastically different than the 6".
 
I'd get the 4". sounds like you made the decision yourself already. The only advantage of the longer barrel is the longer sight plane and a slight but insugnefficant velocity gain. go with the shorter barrel. If it were me I'd get a 3". if they make it you should check it out. 3" is a great lenght for .357 IMO.go with what you want or you wish you had.
 
Go with the 6 inche

Oktx

I had the same problem as you as couple of months ago. I had put a deposit on a 7 shot 6” 686 and I started second guessing myself. … Got talked into the 6” by the salesman, because, like your self, I only planned on using it at the range. I had fired friend’s 4” Ruger security-six a number of times and enjoyed it. I also kinda liked the look and the balance of both the 4” Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 when I held those at a store. But because I only target shoot with it, I finally opted to the 6” 686 and I’m not sorry that I did. The gun is accurate. When I shot my buddy’s 4” Ruger six, there is absolutely no comparison, and I don’t buy into that stuff that the 686 is inherently a better gun than the Ruger. The extra barrel length provides a significant advantage. So my vote goes to the 6” 686. If you know the gun, and you have fun shooting it, it’s a no brainer.:D If you plan to carry, well then thats a different story.

Regards and happy holidays
 
I have a 6" 686 and absolutely love it. I will be buying a 4" wheelgun soon (as soon as I see what I want at the price I want). However, I do believe the longer sight radius on the 6", coupled with the increased barrel weight, makes this a slightly more accurate piece in my hands than a 4" gun.

Let me say it this way: if you get the 6", I don't think you'lll ever regret it. You may end up wanting a 4" eventually as well... which is fine. But I don't think you'll ever find yourself thinking of getting rid of the 6" to get a 4".

My shooting is a lot like yours... informal at a range or at my farm (mostly my farm if I have a choice).
 
The barrel length will just be a balance issue which is different for different people. You will have to handle the 2 different lengths to see what's best for you. Since you mention the action games you should read the rules to see what's allowed.
 
4 inches is a good barrel length for a medium frame revolver.
Personally, I'd try out the snubby if you're so inclined......
6 inchers are GREAT in the woods. Against cat/dog and larger type furry critters. If you don't think a 4" revolver has enough oomph, get a bigger caliber......
I outshoot people at the range with their 6" guns all the time. With my snubbies. Practice.
And if you think you'll be more likely to practice more with a easier-to-carry gun, then by all means get one....
 
BUY IT

Here's my reasoning... I have a 4" 7 shot 686 from 97, it is a very finely made weapon. S&W aren't making guns like this anymore (no MIM, no lock, no "updated" lockwork). If this gun is anywhere near as good as the one I have you would be nuts not to go for it.

If you don't like the 6" have it rebarrelled.

The only issue I have heard of with these guns is the indexing pads on the cylinder can get prematurely worn if the gun is used excessively due to there being less metal on the pads with a 7 shot cylinder than a 6 shot one. Probably not a concern.
 
Personally I just like revolvers with six inch barrels. I just recently got hold of a really nice 586 with the six inch barrel. The majority of my revolvers have six inch tubes on them. I like the way they shoot and I like their looks. I have found that the six inch models are better when shooting magnum rounds.However I do own two 357 mags with 4" bls (686+ and a Model 28) and I've never regretted buying them. I also own several snubbies becasue I watched to many cop/detecive movies when I was a kid in the seventies and I think they're cool.;)

Seriously I think you'll be fine with the six inch model. If you find that you really like it go with a four inch model as well. Meanwhile just use your Sig for CCW. I own one of those was well. Have fun.
 
Both are great handguns. For me it would come down to price. What kind of deal can your friend offer as compared to a new 4"? I have the same gun in 4" and love it. The six inch is a LITTLE barrel heavy for me. I like the look and feel of mine. Plus, as you said, it is a little more concealable(never know what the future holds), the 4" could keep another option open for you. Good luck in a hard decision. Remember, you will be the owner so only use our advice as groundwork.:confused: ,:o ,:D
 
So what do the competitors in ICORE and USPSA use most often? 4" or 6"? And why?

We haven't discussed price yet but he's a real good guy. I'm sure he'll cut me a fair deal.
 
I have a 686 police surplus gun that I bought like new for $300. I love it even though I only use it at the range or loan it to a novice to shoot .38's with. I've had a 6" 586 though I like the versatility of a 4". That said I'm not a big .357 mag fan for much of anything except paper punching. I know alot of folks would disagree but if I ever carried it for self defense I'd use a .38 +p of sorts due to less muzzle flash and easier follow up shots. Then again I would probably just carry my Glock 19 and have 16 shots with comparable ballistics.
 
I had heard it meant "Made in Mexico":D

No, really in means - machine injected molding or something very close to that. Just another way of making small parts inexpensivly.
 
If you EVER plan to carry the gun, go for the 4 inch. I have the 6 inch now and once had the 4 inch. Although I will point out that I once carried the 4 inch and it was like carrying an anchor around my waist. I went for the 6 inch b/c all my other handguns are small and compact, so I just wanted a bigger handgun. Plus I just think the 6 inch looks really cool. So, bottomline, as mentioned before, if you EVER want to use it as a CCW, go 4 inch.
 
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