Doc Holliday 1950
New member
What's the difference between a 6 or 7 round cylinder in a S&W 686 4" 357 mag besides having one more or less bullet or is this just buyers choice? I'm getting very close to making a decision on this.
S&W 357 4"
- Thread starter Doc Holliday 1950
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NoSecondBest
New member
I've owned three 686s. Two were six shot and one was seven. As far as the gun goes, I can't say the seven shot is any real advantage at all. No disadvantage, but no advantage either. If I were looking for another one (or my first one and knew what I know now) I'd get the first one I found and not give it a second thought.
RIDE-RED 350r
New member
If you can't put it down with 6 rds of 357, I don't think that 7th rd will be the magic bullet.
I have yet to hear or read about anyone having an issue with a 7-shot 686 because it was a 7-shooter. My first centerfire handgun was a 6" 686-6 (6-shooter). Never had a bit of trouble with it, ever. Solid shooter and a good looker to boot. I only let it go because it helped me get something I wanted more, otherwise she would still be sleeping in my safe.
I think you will be pleased with any 686 you pick up, 6 or 7 shooter.
I have yet to hear or read about anyone having an issue with a 7-shot 686 because it was a 7-shooter. My first centerfire handgun was a 6" 686-6 (6-shooter). Never had a bit of trouble with it, ever. Solid shooter and a good looker to boot. I only let it go because it helped me get something I wanted more, otherwise she would still be sleeping in my safe.
I think you will be pleased with any 686 you pick up, 6 or 7 shooter.
I had a seven shot Taurus 66 for a while. I found it sort of annoying because when I'm at the range, I only load five rounds anyway...five across the row of cartridges in a box, ten rows...works out even. With a six shot revolver, I only had to leave one chamber empty, with seven I had to leave two.
Only difference I saw.
Only difference I saw.
Doc Holliday 1950 said:
Good speedloader options. And if you ever get the itch to use it in a match, the 6-shot (or moonclipped 8-shot N-frame) is the way to go.
Balancing these against any real need for a 7th shot (and the availability of 8-shot N-frames if I actually need extra capacity), my clear choice has always been the 6-shot. YMMV.
Like NoSecondBest, I have three 686's - two 6-rounders, and one 7-shot. I carry the 7-shot.
As MrBorland said, the 6-shooters have better speedloader options.
For carry, I like having that 7th round available (I don't carry speedloaders). And yes, the chances of needing 7 rounds in a SD situation is nil - I get that. But it's still nice knowing it's there.
As MrBorland said, the 6-shooters have better speedloader options.
For carry, I like having that 7th round available (I don't carry speedloaders). And yes, the chances of needing 7 rounds in a SD situation is nil - I get that. But it's still nice knowing it's there.
NoSecondBest
New member
FWIW, I have speed loaders for both my six shot and seven shot 686's. They are available.
Speedloaders, yes. But more (and gooder) options with the 6-shot, especially if you prefer a push-release type of speedloader, such as Safariland, Jetloader or SL Variant.
AFAIK, for instance, neither Safariland (a push-to-release type) nor Jetloader make a 7-shot loader. I think SL variants are available in 7-shot, but they're hard to find and pricey.
AFAIK, for instance, neither Safariland (a push-to-release type) nor Jetloader make a 7-shot loader. I think SL variants are available in 7-shot, but they're hard to find and pricey.
Cosmodragoon
New member
So we've got better accessories with the 6-shot and an extra shot in the 7-shot. What does that extra shot do for you? On the fun side, I suppose it is one less time you've got to reload for every 42 shots. 
Could it matter on the serious side? Maybe. Remember that we carry guns for the same reason that someone might have a fire extinguisher in their home or vehicle. Most of us don't expect to run into trouble but we want to be prepared just in case we do. Being in the rare situation of needing to fire AND needing a seventh shot may be pretty small odds but I sure wouldn't discount it for the rare person who ends up in that situation. At the end of the day, go with your gut on this one.
Could it matter on the serious side? Maybe. Remember that we carry guns for the same reason that someone might have a fire extinguisher in their home or vehicle. Most of us don't expect to run into trouble but we want to be prepared just in case we do. Being in the rare situation of needing to fire AND needing a seventh shot may be pretty small odds but I sure wouldn't discount it for the rare person who ends up in that situation. At the end of the day, go with your gut on this one.I have a 7 shot 620, and have been lusting after a 686 Plus snubbie for awhile now, just something different. Most all my other revolvers are 6 shot, except for the J frames.
The only thing Ive found with the seven shooter is, I keep finding live rounds on the ground amongst the empties. I guess my brain is so wired to 6 shots in a revolver, its automatically dumping after 6, even though Im not consciously counting.
I do have some HKS speed loaders for the 620, but I do prefer the Safariland Comp type to them. Not a big deal though, as I dont carry a revolver anymore, and most of my time with them is just practice to just stay on top of them.
If I were to carry a revolver, I would opt for the 7 or 8 rounders, why not? Its not so much that the rounds wont get the job done, as it is the reality of Murphy, and higher round counts are never a bad thing.
The only thing Ive found with the seven shooter is, I keep finding live rounds on the ground amongst the empties. I guess my brain is so wired to 6 shots in a revolver, its automatically dumping after 6, even though Im not consciously counting.
I do have some HKS speed loaders for the 620, but I do prefer the Safariland Comp type to them. Not a big deal though, as I dont carry a revolver anymore, and most of my time with them is just practice to just stay on top of them.
If I were to carry a revolver, I would opt for the 7 or 8 rounders, why not? Its not so much that the rounds wont get the job done, as it is the reality of Murphy, and higher round counts are never a bad thing.