S&W 686- to port or not to port?

V

vanfunk

New member
Hi guys. Need some advice from the honorable collective. I'm considering the purchase of a (pre-agreement) S&W 686, either the 4" non-ported version or the 6" powerport model. This will be a general use firearm- mostly paper punching with a little home defense thrown in. I'll be shooting .38's most of the time, but I have been known to turn up the heat with .357's once in a while. What's the best choice overall? I'd love to hear from all of those who have experience with these guns. Thanks in advance for your consideration!
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
I just fired my 686+ (6") side by side with the equivalent 7-shot Taurus with porting...I could tell little difference in comfort and what was there was in favor of the unported gun. Muzzle climb is one thing, recoil straight back is quite another...
 
For defensive use, I say NO ports. I shoot 2.5" 686 a lot and with defensive power ammo no problem gettin double and triple taps in a palm sized area.

If you can, try em both and see which one follows you home.

Sam....follow me, I know a shortcut.
 
I have no problems with the recoil on my 4" 586. But, I don't really notice recoil that much anymore with most weapons. Try renting one at a local range and then decide. Only you can determine if porting is needed. I would recommend the 4" as it can be concealed a little easier if needed.
Just my 2 cents.

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Beware the three D's: The dumb, drunk, and deranged. Chadintex@hotmail.com
 
My 686 6" isn't ported. Doesn't need it for .38 special at all. The gun is pretty heavy to start with. They are great shooters.
 
Thanks for your help, guys. I think I'm going to exclude the powerport model from further consideration. Now I just need to decide between the 4" and 6" barrel...
vanfunk

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semper ubi sub ubi
 
vanfunk, Wait-a-minute! I highly recommend the 6"PP. I picked up a new one from the old S&W after my M60 KB'd. It is a pleasure to shoot with full loads which I can't say for other .357s. I'd go with the longer ported barrel and not look back!

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"Keep shootin till they quit floppin"
The Wife 2/2000
 
Vanfunk,

Choose based on intended use. If you want to get involved in action pistol or defense pistol competition go for the 4" unported and have it set up to accept moon clips as well as speedloader.

I purchased the 686+ 6" because I wanted an all-around revolver, thinking it would be my one and only. No regrets (currently in Bob Mile's shop for moon clip conversion), but I will have a 6 or 7 shot 4" some day and it might have been better to start at that end of the list. The problem is that I am of a non-competitive mentality so I had no idea I would be competing.
 
I wouldn't want a ported fiearm if it is to
be used a lot in low light conditions; as the
glow of the gas'es affects your vision somewhat!!! :eek:

Regards,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
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