S&W .357 686 VS Taurus .357
- Thread starter MTHall720
- Start date
My experience is mainly on the S&W side of the equation because I've owned several S&W revolvers and only one Taurus. I am a S&W guy because I've always been very happy with their fit, finish, accuracy, triggers, and customer service. While S&W revolver are generally more expensive than much of their competition, they are IMHO, well worth the price.
The Taurus that I owned was a 445 snubnose in .44 Special. While it was, overall, a good enough gun, it did have a minor flaw. After 30-50 rounds (depending on the ammunition), the cylinder would begin to bind to the point that, while the gun could still be fired, the trigger pull became very heavy (the gun was DAO so I cannot comment on the SA trigger).
After a good cleaning the gun would be back to its former working condition leading me to believe that the problem was a slightly out-of-spec barrel/cylinder gap. While somewhat annoying, I didn't view this as a major issue because the gun was bought for CCW and I couldn't really imagine firing more than a few cylinders full in a self-defense situation anyway. I cannot comment on Taurus CS because I never had the opportunity to use it though what I've heard and read has not been encouraging. The primary reason that I no longer buy Taurus products is because their resale value is abysmal. When I sold my 445, I had difficulty find anyone who would give me even half of what I paid for it.
Another option you may consider would be a Ruger revolver. Rugers are less expensive than S&W revolvers though not as cheap as a Taurus (they are generally about halfway between the price of a S&W and a Taurus) and have excellent QC and CS. I've also owned a Ruger revolver before and was quite happy with it. The only reason that I sold the Ruger was because it was a bit too big and heavy for my needs (a 5 1/2" barrel Ruger Redhawk) and because it did not fit my hand as well as a S&W does. My younger brother now owns the Ruger and couldn't be happier with it.
The Taurus that I owned was a 445 snubnose in .44 Special. While it was, overall, a good enough gun, it did have a minor flaw. After 30-50 rounds (depending on the ammunition), the cylinder would begin to bind to the point that, while the gun could still be fired, the trigger pull became very heavy (the gun was DAO so I cannot comment on the SA trigger).
After a good cleaning the gun would be back to its former working condition leading me to believe that the problem was a slightly out-of-spec barrel/cylinder gap. While somewhat annoying, I didn't view this as a major issue because the gun was bought for CCW and I couldn't really imagine firing more than a few cylinders full in a self-defense situation anyway. I cannot comment on Taurus CS because I never had the opportunity to use it though what I've heard and read has not been encouraging. The primary reason that I no longer buy Taurus products is because their resale value is abysmal. When I sold my 445, I had difficulty find anyone who would give me even half of what I paid for it.
Another option you may consider would be a Ruger revolver. Rugers are less expensive than S&W revolvers though not as cheap as a Taurus (they are generally about halfway between the price of a S&W and a Taurus) and have excellent QC and CS. I've also owned a Ruger revolver before and was quite happy with it. The only reason that I sold the Ruger was because it was a bit too big and heavy for my needs (a 5 1/2" barrel Ruger Redhawk) and because it did not fit my hand as well as a S&W does. My younger brother now owns the Ruger and couldn't be happier with it.
I'm a Smith & Wesson guy, but I have owned revolvers made by them, Dan Wesson, Ruger, Colt, Charter Arms, Harrington & Richardson, and Taurus...probably a couple of others I can't think of right now.
I've never owned a 686, for some reason I always thought they were boring. Give me a 27 or a 19, but you can keep the "L" frames.
Having said that, the Taurus revolvers I've owned I found nothing at all wrong with them. If I just wanted a gun to shoot at the range, and maybe keep on the nightstand, or even to carry, the one's I had would have done just fine.
I've never owned a 686, for some reason I always thought they were boring. Give me a 27 or a 19, but you can keep the "L" frames.
Having said that, the Taurus revolvers I've owned I found nothing at all wrong with them. If I just wanted a gun to shoot at the range, and maybe keep on the nightstand, or even to carry, the one's I had would have done just fine.
Anyone own or are familiar with both?
There is no comparison between the two.
I happen to own a Taurus 617 2", .357 magnum and an S&W 586 which is the carbon steel version of the 686. The Taurus is a decent revolver in a handy package. The S&W is one of the best all around revolvers I own, and I'm lucky enough to own two S&W' M-27's.
There is no comparison between the two.
I happen to own a Taurus 617 2", .357 magnum and an S&W 586 which is the carbon steel version of the 686. The Taurus is a decent revolver in a handy package. The S&W is one of the best all around revolvers I own, and I'm lucky enough to own two S&W' M-27's.
br549arkie
New member
You might want to consider looking around for a Ruger Security Six to.
Yea, for strength, NOTHING is as strong as a Ruger. My Super Redhawk in 454 embarrasses my Ruger Raging Bull. I dumped the Taurus after comparing the two. I do own a Taurus Judge Public Defender and for what it is it is a nice gun. S&W trumps Taurus new or old. I found a nice used 686 8 3/8" model from the 1980's at my local dealer. I can get it for $550.00 out the door. I really don't need another gun but.....
....someone talk me out of it.
....someone talk me out of it.+ one. The revolver I have owned the longest and will not sell is a well used Ruger Police Service Six 4 inch. These revolvers are strong reliable and handle the closest to a S&W K frame magnum. The Ruger Six series will take what the K frame cannot.
Again,
Good luck
Howard
I own both in 4 inch
And the 686 would be my first choice of the two for almost any activity. My Taurus 66 is a great shooting gun. I can shoot the Taurus just as well as the 686. And it has worked flawlessly for me. Blindfolded I could not tell the difference in handling or shooting between the two. If I could only afford the Taurus I would not hesitate to buy another. I have had the Taurus for many years and bought it used. I have very little knowledge of the quality or workmanship of the newer Taurus guns being sold today. My son has a Taurus 605 he bought new recently that has been perfect so far. It is a handful to shoot full house .357s through. I have a 1 year old 686 with the IL that I am very fond of. And have put around 400 rounds through it with out any problems.
I paid way less for the Taurus than I did for any of my 686s. And expect I would receive less if I ever sold it. Buy what you can afford and upgrade as you can. My 2 cents.
Happy Thanksgiving to all on this great board.
And the 686 would be my first choice of the two for almost any activity. My Taurus 66 is a great shooting gun. I can shoot the Taurus just as well as the 686. And it has worked flawlessly for me. Blindfolded I could not tell the difference in handling or shooting between the two. If I could only afford the Taurus I would not hesitate to buy another. I have had the Taurus for many years and bought it used. I have very little knowledge of the quality or workmanship of the newer Taurus guns being sold today. My son has a Taurus 605 he bought new recently that has been perfect so far. It is a handful to shoot full house .357s through.
I have a 1 year old 686 with the IL that I am very fond of. And have put around 400 rounds through it with out any problems. I paid way less for the Taurus than I did for any of my 686s. And expect I would receive less if I ever sold it. Buy what you can afford and upgrade as you can. My 2 cents.
Happy Thanksgiving to all on this great board.
Kreyzhorse
New member
+1. I own about 20 assorted guns from various makers. The only gun that I have ever had problems with was a Taurus M85. Do yourself a favor, while the price is attractive, Taurus is just too hit or miss to spend the money on.
If the 686 is too pricey, the Ruger GP 100 is a great choice. Cheaper than the 686, more expensive than the Taurus but worth every penny.
warningshot
New member
INMY01TA's post is the best you can hope for with a Taraus.