S&w Model 686 or the plus version?
- Thread starter barkin1
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NoSecondBest
New member
I've owned two 686 six shots and one 686+. I don't think it makes a bit of difference which you get. They all shot equally accurate (which is VERY accurate) and they make speed loaders for both if you are so inclined.....I only added this comment because someone will tell you they don't. I like my six inch + model the best for only one minor reason.......I like that barrel length the best and the other two were different barrel lengths. If you see one you like, just get it and don't worry about the difference in one shot. I myself never could see the reason for even bothering to make the + model. I've never needed the "extra" shot for hunting. FWIW, I've shot a ton of deer with all three of these guns and consider them my favorite all time deer hunting gun. I own other calibers with more power but never found it to be necessary to need more for deer hunting. Elk or moose.......get a bigger caliber. Deer just aren't that hard to kill.
Welcome to TFL, barkin1!
When it comes to 686s, I'm firmly in the 6-shot camp.
The only thing the 7-shot offers over the 6-shot is one extra round. Conversely, the 6-shot is more versatile, as there are more and better speedloader options, and if you ever get the itch to shoot it in a match, it's a much better option than a 7-shot. When I want or need more than a 6-shot capacity, I go straight to the 8-shot 627 (which also happens to be a good choice for gun games).
When it comes to 686s, I'm firmly in the 6-shot camp.
The only thing the 7-shot offers over the 6-shot is one extra round. Conversely, the 6-shot is more versatile, as there are more and better speedloader options, and if you ever get the itch to shoot it in a match, it's a much better option than a 7-shot. When I want or need more than a 6-shot capacity, I go straight to the 8-shot 627 (which also happens to be a good choice for gun games).
barkin1 said:
This depends on your usage, and whether you find the 6" too muzzle-heavy. If you're primarily going to hunt with it, I'd get the 6" for the little extra MV. Otherwise, it's tough to beat the overall versatility of a (6-shot) 4" .357mag. If your sight picture and trigger control are good, the 4" should be as accurate for you as a 6".
Let's see if we can make this decision even more difficult for you! 
Knowing what I know and having shot and handled all of the players in question, top of the heap for me would absolutely be a USED Model 686, from a "no-dash" through the scarce dash-4, six shots... and six inch barrel.
I would pay -MORE- for a clean, used example of the above over ANY other regular production 686 or 686+ and especially over what is offered currently.
As to 6/7 shots, I prefer the nice, classic look of 6 shots and I like the extra cylinder meat and mass. And no, I do not think or hint that a 7-shot is "weak", just simply make mine the 6 shots.
I prefer the look and feel of a 6" barrel over a 4" barrel and part of that stems from the fact that I love shooting oodles of .38 Special from a 4-inch heavy barrel K-38 and I rather enjoy my six-inch 686 for .357 Magnum shooting.
I might prefer a 686 with a four-inch barrel -IF- my end goal were to shoot lots and lots of .38 and much less .357. I say this because 50rds of any ammo from my six-inch 686 is pure joy but 200 rounds or so and the massive full-lug barrel definitely gets muzzle heavy in a long session of shooting.
Knowing what I know and having shot and handled all of the players in question, top of the heap for me would absolutely be a USED Model 686, from a "no-dash" through the scarce dash-4, six shots... and six inch barrel.
I would pay -MORE- for a clean, used example of the above over ANY other regular production 686 or 686+ and especially over what is offered currently.
As to 6/7 shots, I prefer the nice, classic look of 6 shots and I like the extra cylinder meat and mass. And no, I do not think or hint that a 7-shot is "weak", just simply make mine the 6 shots.
I prefer the look and feel of a 6" barrel over a 4" barrel and part of that stems from the fact that I love shooting oodles of .38 Special from a 4-inch heavy barrel K-38 and I rather enjoy my six-inch 686 for .357 Magnum shooting.
I might prefer a 686 with a four-inch barrel -IF- my end goal were to shoot lots and lots of .38 and much less .357. I say this because 50rds of any ammo from my six-inch 686 is pure joy but 200 rounds or so and the massive full-lug barrel definitely gets muzzle heavy in a long session of shooting.
Jayhawkhuntclub
New member
Personally I'd go with a 4" 7 shot. I've owned both 6 and 7 shot 686s. My first handgun was a 6" 686-1 I bought back in the 80s. Nothing wrong with either. I always was concerned the 7 shot would be weak. But due to the location of the index notches, it is generally considered to be stronger. Personally, I don't see the need for any more barrel than 4" in a handgun. But I usually don't shoot past 50 yards. JMHO! Good luck and enjoy!
I always buy the plus version...and I've had several over the years...older ones, newer ones, almost every barrel length they make. Just bought a brand spanking new 3" version and it is tops. IMHO, the 3" is the best barrel length if you aren't hunting with it, and if you are I'd go longer like a 5" or 6"
Didn't think much about the 7-shot until I got a 686 with 3-inch barrel.
I like it more than the two 586s in blue with 4-inch barrels or the
6-incher which I sold (I'm not a hunter or woodsman, just an old urban fart).
A home protection/concealed carry piece the 3-incher is a real winner and as to 7-shots, well think of the percentages: That's a 15% increase in so-called "fire power" over the 6-shot. And it seems the double action is a bit quicker with less cylinder mass and the fact that the notches are closer together.
I use HKS 7-shot speedloaders.
I like it more than the two 586s in blue with 4-inch barrels or the
6-incher which I sold (I'm not a hunter or woodsman, just an old urban fart).
A home protection/concealed carry piece the 3-incher is a real winner and as to 7-shots, well think of the percentages: That's a 15% increase in so-called "fire power" over the 6-shot. And it seems the double action is a bit quicker with less cylinder mass and the fact that the notches are closer together.
I use HKS 7-shot speedloaders.
Both my 686 revolvers are used for defense, so I went with the + for both to get an extra round. Might as well.
The 3" Plus is my new favorite carry gun. The full underlug barrel is a bit muzzle heavy in the 4" flavor (nightstand gun), but the 3" just hits the sweet spot balance wise.
The 3" Plus is my new favorite carry gun. The full underlug barrel is a bit muzzle heavy in the 4" flavor (nightstand gun), but the 3" just hits the sweet spot balance wise.
Pipefighter
New member
I have the 6" +. Most times I just shoot 5 shot groups with it. That makes a box of shells come out even
Cosmodragoon
New member
I've always liked the compromise of a five-inch barrel. If you like the unique look, the 686 Plus Pro comes with one. It's cut for moon clips (and whatever else that makes the Pro Series a "step up"). Like all modern S&Ws, it comes with that horrid lock hole in the side.
I've had more than one of both versions, but for no good reason prefer the 6-shot. I carried a 4" 586 or 686 revolver full time for several years and continue to prefer the 4". I have a 4"' 686+ that I sent back to S&W and had a 6-shot cylinder fitted. It now functions with both 6 and 7-shot cylinders, though I don't use the 7-shot cylinder anymore. As far as I am concerned there is little to choose between the standard 6-shot and the 7-shot versions. FWIW, the 7-shot version makes for a slightly lighter gun, in case that matters, due to the cylinder having more steel removed. As to 6 or 7-shot and 4" or 6", handle them all if possible and buy whichever version most appeals to you. After using L-Frame Smiths for about 35 years, I still think highly of them and believe you can't go wrong with whatever version you decide on......
If you're prone to tendonitis (i.e. "tennis elbow"), you're not going to like the 6".
Tendonitis takes a very long time to heal, and, as a result, I had to give up my 586 about 20 years ago coz it was too painful to hold with one hand. Been kicking myself ever since. Beautiful shooting gun.
Tendonitis takes a very long time to heal, and, as a result, I had to give up my 586 about 20 years ago coz it was too painful to hold with one hand. Been kicking myself ever since. Beautiful shooting gun.
I've been lurking this post with little to add, as MrBorland and Sevens did their usual covering of all the bases.
Barkin1 never specified the purpose for this gun (or did I miss it?
).
Anyway, if it's just for funzies and camping/hiking, etc. I'd go with the 6-shot. Speedloader options are much more abundant. And six rounds in a revolver is just more "natural." I prefer six-shooters.
If it's for carry, I like the extra round.
I have two 6-shot 686's (both no dash) - a 4", and an 8-3/8". And - like jad0110 - I have a 7-shot w/ 3" bbl. And like jad0110, it is my favorite gun to carry. It was April '13 - at the height of the gun panic buy. I poked my head into my LGS just to see what's what. The display case was almost empty. But sitting there, looking lonely, was a 686+ 3". I had some time before work, so I asked to have a closer look. The second that sucker touched my hand - sold! I never had a chance. It was my most expensive impulse buy ever. And I've never regretted it. The balance is perfect and feels great in my hand. I'm very pleased I bought it. And here in California, it's no longer on the magic list - all the more reason I'm glad I got it.
Barkin1 never specified the purpose for this gun (or did I miss it?
).Anyway, if it's just for funzies and camping/hiking, etc. I'd go with the 6-shot. Speedloader options are much more abundant. And six rounds in a revolver is just more "natural." I prefer six-shooters.
If it's for carry, I like the extra round.
I have two 6-shot 686's (both no dash) - a 4", and an 8-3/8". And - like jad0110 - I have a 7-shot w/ 3" bbl. And like jad0110, it is my favorite gun to carry. It was April '13 - at the height of the gun panic buy. I poked my head into my LGS just to see what's what. The display case was almost empty. But sitting there, looking lonely, was a 686+ 3". I had some time before work, so I asked to have a closer look. The second that sucker touched my hand - sold! I never had a chance. It was my most expensive impulse buy ever. And I've never regretted it. The balance is perfect and feels great in my hand. I'm very pleased I bought it. And here in California, it's no longer on the magic list - all the more reason I'm glad I got it.
^^^ Yep, I originally wanted a 3" 66 or 19, but their prices are astronomical these days and the 686 is only a hair bigger. I really don't notice much difference between carrying an K or L frame of similar barrel length.
I like the feel of my 3" 686 so much that a couple months later I walked out of another gun shop with its fatter brother, a 3" 629
!
I like the feel of my 3" 686 so much that a couple months later I walked out of another gun shop with its fatter brother, a 3" 629
!