S&W 686 Range Report

C

cje1980

New member
I just got a used S&W 686 with literally no wear last week. It looks like it was never shot. I didn't have time until this Tuesday to take it to the range. It was unbelievable and very fun to shoot. I started liking it more than my Ruger GP100s. It was very accurate and the action was silky smooth. It shot a sub 3" group off hand at 25 yards after some practice and getting used to it. I shot about 200rds. of full-house 357 Mag loads and ended the day shooting my new carry load. The Federal 130gr. HS Low-Recoil, after it turned at that very sub 3" 6 shot group. It was closer to 2". I will post some pictures if I get a chance.
 
Hell yeah,:D :cool: :D

I also got a used 686. Funny story; I was looking for a new 686, and the first place I called had a used one. $350. I checked it out and she was a beauty. Perfect! "A TRUE PIECE!"
I only put a new houge grip on it "$13" and polished it up. Dam near looks like chrome.Great action and smooth too.

Do you have the firing pin mounted on the hammer or is she the other kind? A Transfer bar--- I think. I have the mounted firing pin.

!IMPORTANT!

Make sure to pronounce it correctly! "SMIF" & Wesson. Try it!

" I went to range to shoot my SMIF & Wesson." Oh YEAH!
 
Its amazing but you can get virtually unfired S&W 686's for $350, truly a bargain and a gun every handgun shooter should own one of. I prefer the earlier models with no locks, and own a 686-2 with custom S&W grips that I got for less then $350 earlier this year. Nice trigger, shoots better then I can, and its so easy to clean and care for. Shoot it and enjoy it for a long time to come, its a really fun gun.
 
Mine has a 4" barrel. Unfortunately it has the lock but haven't found that it affects the function of the gun. I seriously doubt that it even had a box of ammo fired through it. I bought it for $369. Very nice gun. For someone reason I didn't like the feel of my buddy's 686 but this one feels just right. It handles recoil really well. I fired about 200 357 loads and about 50 38spls through it.
 
I just wanted to comment that my 686 has the firing pin on the hammer and also has a transfer bar safety as well. The above post got me wondering if they ever made any 686s that had to be carried with an empty chamber or not?
 
I have a 6" 686 I bought used a few years ago. No lock, hammer mounted firing pin.

This is the ONLY handgun I feel confident with (I also shoot autos). This gun makes me look like I shoot better than I really can! I know that sounds goofy, but it's true.

I'm looking at picking up another .357 soon, but in 4". I was looking at the S&W Model 19 and the Ruger GP100. Nice guns... but I love the way that 686 with Hogue Monogrips feels in my hand. I think my 4" .357 will be another 686!
 
Hey Folk's-

I got me one of 'em 6" barrel SMIF and Wesson 686-5's as well~!:D
Bought mine NIB, back in April of 2001 for $439.95, + sales tax. The
only thing I've done is change the springs out, and install WOLFF
springs with the 13 lb trigger return spring. That smoothed up the
double-action trigger pull so much that it now feels better than
most old S&W model 19's that we used to see coming from the
factory with "buttery smooth double-actions". Not too mention,
its super accuracy; even with my .38 Special handloads.
 
I was in the market for a 686, but came across a blued 586 that won my heart. I love this gun, but sometimes find myself babying it in an effort to maintain that perfect finish. I like the idea of having a gun as fun as my 586 that has the stainless/no-worry finish. I guess I need a 686 to go along with it.

586 or 686... one of the best revolvers ever made.
 
X2 on the stainless

SJShooter, I live on a seacoast and yes, I suggest you get the stainless. In my case it's a 686Plus.

The 586 guys say blued steel is stronger, and that 586s have better triggers. I don't know about that; but no corrosion on my 686p for the last 5 years, and there's plenty of seawater vapor around here.
 
Hi, everybody...new to the site. Last week I picked up a practically new 686 myself. The gun has no wear on it, and doesn't seem to have been shot much at all. I have quite a few guns, and several S&Ws, but this was my first 686. It has the 6 inch barrel and Powerport. The day I got it, I took it to an old bridge near my house to try it out. I ended up putting about 50 rounds of ammo through it, and I am very, very pleased with it. The action is very smooth, and the recoil is relatively mild. I was most impressed with its accuracy though. I can hit better with this gun than with almost any of the other ones that I own, and I haven't even "gotten to know" this one as well as I have the others. All in all, I couldn't be more happy with the gun.
 
686 is the best revolver ever made.

Can't say much more than that. The 686 is the 'Universal Soldier.' I have two of them. One for each hand. There is nothing better.
I might add that I also have a couple of full custom Smiths and they are great, but the 686 is just perfect as it comes. A onceler! Get one as soon as you can.
 
The above post got me wondering if they ever made any 686s that had to be carried with an empty chamber or not?
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The answer is -- NO! My 4" 686 is a "no dash", the original version, early '80's production. It has a hammer mounted pin, but it is blocked from striking the primer unless the trigger is fully pulled. Meaning -- it is quite safe to carry it with all chambers loaded.
 
SJShooter, I live on a seacoast and yes, I suggest you get the stainless. In my case it's a 686Plus.

The 586 guys say blued steel is stronger, and that 586s have better triggers. I don't know about that; but no corrosion on my 686p for the last 5 years, and there's plenty of seawater vapor around here.
Click to expand...

My 586 is a plus, too. It's a post-discontinuation limited run. Great gun. Don't know if the trigger is better than the 686, but it is sweet. Most fun gun I've ever shot. I've rented a lot of 686s before buying and can't tell any difference beyond cosmetic. GREAT GUNS.

gun4.jpg
 
I just wanted to comment that my 686 has the firing pin on the hammer and also has a transfer bar safety as well.
Click to expand...
And exactly how does that work???? There is no need for a firing pin on the hammer, transfer bar, and an internal firing pin. Go back and take a better look at your revolver.
 
Sjshooter, want to trade?? I have two 686's but need a 586 for the collection. Have a ealrly 4" in NICE condition that i was planning on selling.
 
I have a 686-1 4" , a 686-6 21/2", and a 586-4 4". All are excellent and reliable guns. From what i've been reading lately,i'll bet that it won't be long before they start to be "collectables". When that happens the price will really start to jump up on them.....Norm.
 
you guys make me want to buy a 686 of my own

sorry to be a thread jacker. i shoot my friends 686 .357 4in barrel and it is sweet. after reading all your posts it makes me want to put the money i have saved and will be saving and purchase a 686 .357 of my own; instead of a shotgun. call me crazy.
 
Perhaps transfer bar is the wrong phrase to use.

I was mostly wondering if there was any 686 that could not be carried with all 6 rounds and someone posted that they have an early model and it is safe with 6 rounds.
 
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