Bought a 686 w/6" bbl. back in the early 80's. Wife was pi$$ed. I still have the 686 and the new wife likes the 686 as much as I do. Best shooting revolver I have ever owned. Was having fun at the range one day and was taking some shots at a 12" steel plate at 100 yards. Hit 12 out of 18. Nice to hear your target holler "ouch" when you hit it (or maybe "claaang" as the case may be).
S&W 686 Range Report
- Thread starter cje1980
- Start date
No, I think transfer bar is the right term. Correct me if I'm wrong, but even on the 686s with the hammer-mounted firing pin, there is an internal mechanism that blocks the pin from hitting a primer until the hammer is fully cocked. This is to prevent halfcock releases creating a discharge.
Well, dammit...the 686 is really like my dream gun. I've been saving and skrimping up the change, which is damn hard as a college student. I want one SO BAD!
I found my perfect gun...older 686 no dash, six inch barrel, wood grips...problem is, I don't know where ya'll live but around these parts I am NOT seeing them for 300-350 dollars used! This used one, though 99%, is 465! That extra hun'erd is a lot!
I am not sure whether to buy what I can afford or just keep savin, but this revolver bug has bitten HARD. I really like the GP-100 too...looks a lot like the 686 :| and I can get a nice 3'' stainless for under 300. With that extra 165 bucks saved, I'd be over halfway towards a backup to the GP-100, a nice little 2'' model 66 smithy.
Sadly I think my dream gun is a little out of my means, least for the next few years!
I found my perfect gun...older 686 no dash, six inch barrel, wood grips...problem is, I don't know where ya'll live but around these parts I am NOT seeing them for 300-350 dollars used! This used one, though 99%, is 465! That extra hun'erd is a lot!
I am not sure whether to buy what I can afford or just keep savin, but this revolver bug has bitten HARD. I really like the GP-100 too...looks a lot like the 686 :| and I can get a nice 3'' stainless for under 300. With that extra 165 bucks saved, I'd be over halfway towards a backup to the GP-100, a nice little 2'' model 66 smithy. Sadly I think my dream gun is a little out of my means, least for the next few years!dallasconundrum
New member
defjon, I am there with ya man on several things. Where I live it is tough to find a stainless S&W for under $400. You will come across one every now and then, but it usually isn't a 686. When I bought mine last week I gave $460 for it tax and all. It was a Powerport model so that had some to the price right there. Based on what I have seen around here though, I feel like I got a pretty good deal. And yes, it is rough being a college student. Christmas is coming up though, just do what I do and hit everyone up for money instead of a gift and add that to the stockpile. That is a tough call for you between the GP-100 and the 686. Having both, I will say that I like my 686 hands down better, and I have traditionally been a Ruger man...although lately the tides have been turning. (Ruger will always handle my SA or .22 needs though). BUT the GP-100 AND the Model 66 do make a nice combo...tough one. Since I assume both guns (the Ruger and 686) are used, why don't you see if the guy will let you test fire them? The place I do buisness with the most does that, and it helps make your mind up quite a bit.
Save the extra hundred for the Smith. Nothing wrong with the GP-100, its a sturdy gun that is generally rated even by Smith lovers as a close second to the 686, but this is the kind of gun that will long outlive you even if you neglect it. You're going to have it a long time and love it, so get the one you want. A case of cheap .38 range ammo will run you $80-100 and you'll shoot that up in NO time. You also gotta buy cleaning stuff, maybe a gun rug, holster, do you need a safe?, range lane rental time, those targets with the yellow die in them, ear protection, ammo, ammo, ammo, etc. In other words, it won't take you buying many more things or won't take many weeks or months until that $100 difference is far behind you and looks like nothing. Five years from now, after you've shot all those cases of ammo, the difference in price you see now on the sticker will be meaningless. Get the gun you want, and save if you have to. You'll be glad you did.
Darn!I must be one of the few that isn't crazy about the 686. I have one and it's a rare day when I shoot it,always find something else I would rather shoot like my 19s or 66s. I think what it is that full lug 4 inch barrel is more nose heavy. I do like the gun but always have some other I would rather be shooting
I was in a gun shop yesterday and saw a 686 with 6 in. barrel. It was an older one with wood grips and firing pin on hammer. I didn't get as good of deal as you but am happy to have it. The gun is real clean , but don't know enough to tell how much it has ben shot. Any advice on that.. I look forward to shooting it. I have a newer 4 in. 686 but like the old ones better.