S&W 686 question

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parrothead2581

New member
I was recently given a S&W model 686 with a 4" barrel by a relative. What loads, including grain and FMJ or HP, would you recommend for range and home defense? And on a side note, the gun was purchased new around 1992 I'm not sure if S&W will be willing to give me the manufacture date free, so if anyone knows what loads would be the best put through it in an effort to delay wearing it out, it would be most helpful! Thanks!
 
Of course, part of this will depend on what's convenient for you to find, but, cheap and mild range rounds include the Magtech CleanRange FMJ 158gr@755fps for 200 ft-lb, and the Winchester WinClean FMJ 125gr@775 fps, 167 ft-lb.

I don't know if they are out yet (not near me), but for defense I will be taking a long look at the new Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel - they are rated at 990fps and 294 ft-lb from a 2" barrel, and should do somewhere around 1100fps/362 ft-lb from a 4" barrel.
 
S&W will give you the date no matter who bought the gun or when it was made (unless it's a very old antique).
 
Here's S&W's # if you need it: 800-331-0852 hit 7 once the recording starts to ask Customer Service the year date...have the s/n ready.

Bob
 
Favorite plinking ammo for .357 revolvers -- Federal American Eagle 130 gr FMJ .38 Special. Affordable, clean, mild, and surprisingly accurate. I go through this stuff like popcorn.

My most common car & home defense load in my .357s is actually a .38 Special +P round, the famous "FBI load" from Winchester: 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=765718

Has a long rep for solid stopping power and won't blind or deafen the shooter indoors. Easy to shoot well in a service-sized .357 like your 686. A bit on the dirty side, though. Just a thought; lots of good options out there.
 
While in touch w/S&W, find out if your 686 was subject to a recall. An early 686 might need a replacement of the hammer nose bushing. It's free....
Mine was returned in about 2 weeks....A letter M is etched above the Ser.#.
 
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