I'm getting my first defensive handgun relatively soon, and a .357 Magnum revolver seems to be the best bet for me. I went to a gun shop the other day, and they had two guns that caught my eye. The first one was a S&W Model 19. It was blued, it had a 4 inch barrel, and it's in great condition, and there's barely any wear. The other gun was a used, yet newer Model 686, which also had a 4 inch barrel, and it was in great condition too. It was more expensive though. The Model 19 was about $550 and the 686 was $610. These guns both feel good in me and my wife's hands, and they both seem like they would be great all around defensive handguns. (Home defense is the primary concern, since it's basically illegal for citizens to carry guns in the "republic" of California.) Anyway, Which one would be the better choice?
Should I get a Smith & Wesson Model 19 or a 686?
- Thread starter Anferny
- Start date
I like the Model 19 especially the older pinned and recessed ones. I have three of them in my collection.
However, from strictly a utilitarian, serviceability perspective, I think I'd go with the Model 686.
Its stainless and the L-frame is stronger. Since they both feel good to you and your wife, that would be my choice.
However, from strictly a utilitarian, serviceability perspective, I think I'd go with the Model 686.
Its stainless and the L-frame is stronger. Since they both feel good to you and your wife, that would be my choice.
Both are good guns. The price for the 686 sounds about right while the $550 for the 19 seems a bit high -- for a 4". If if was a snubby that price would make more sense. If the seller came down to $475 -- $500, the 19 would be great if you were thinking of shooting mostly 38 Special. If you want to shoot a lot of full magnum loads (at the range), the 686 would be better (it's built a bit more solid and heavier). By the way, you might try to talk the seller down a few bucks on the 686 as well -- $585 would be more than fair, but $610 is still ballpark.
If you are going to use this weapon for home defense, I would reconsider the choice of rounds.
I speak from personal experience.
A .357 magnum load has a lot of penetrating power and will go through walls. In a house or apartment, you could have some unwanted effects or damage to property and persons.
You might consider a .38 special +p or some other self defense loads, like Corbon, Federal, etc. There is a lot of data on these type of rounds.
Take some courses and make sure both you and the wife can handle that gun in the dark.
I speak from personal experience.
A .357 magnum load has a lot of penetrating power and will go through walls. In a house or apartment, you could have some unwanted effects or damage to property and persons.
You might consider a .38 special +p or some other self defense loads, like Corbon, Federal, etc. There is a lot of data on these type of rounds.
Take some courses and make sure both you and the wife can handle that gun in the dark.
excelerater
Moderator
I own one of each.......I prefer older S&Ws
personally so I would drop coin on the 19,but only if it a pinned and recessed model......other wise Id take the 686.....Older S&W have collector value and IMO look better..plus no MIM
personally so I would drop coin on the 19,but only if it a pinned and recessed model......other wise Id take the 686.....Older S&W have collector value and IMO look better..plus no MIM
orionengnr
New member
Okay, I've owned both, and I think that the 686 is the no-brainer choice here. If you were an S&W collector, and wanted a safe queen/occasional shooter, I'd go the other way. The M19 is a beautiful revolver.
But the 686 uses a stronger frame and full-diameter forcing cone (the weak link in M19s). The 686 is more durable and stainless is less prone to handling scratches/normal wear/corrosion.
I would also reconsider using .357 for PD, but for an entirely different reason:
.357 is one of the loudest handgun cartridges around.
A .38 SPL inside will be LOUD, and may lead to permanent hearing damage (of course, if you survive the fight and the ensuing prosecution, you will count yourself lucky).
A .357 Mag inside will be several orders of magnitude louder, and permanent hearing damage is almost a certainty...both for you and your wife/children/anyone in close proximity. Not so concerned with the BG, as he deserves whatever he gets, and hopefully deafness is the least of his injuries
But the 686 uses a stronger frame and full-diameter forcing cone (the weak link in M19s). The 686 is more durable and stainless is less prone to handling scratches/normal wear/corrosion.
I would also reconsider using .357 for PD, but for an entirely different reason:
.357 is one of the loudest handgun cartridges around.
A .38 SPL inside will be LOUD, and may lead to permanent hearing damage (of course, if you survive the fight and the ensuing prosecution, you will count yourself lucky).
A .357 Mag inside will be several orders of magnitude louder, and permanent hearing damage is almost a certainty...both for you and your wife/children/anyone in close proximity. Not so concerned with the BG, as he deserves whatever he gets, and hopefully deafness is the least of his injuries
For me that would be a easy choice. Go with the model 19 4 inch. I still believe they are the best all around revolver S&W ever made. At $550 in California that is a reasonable price. As far as the 686. Nothing wrong with a 686 but they are a dime a dozen. I picked one up not six months ago for $400. And with what your going to use the revolver for the model 19 is the best option. Opinion only.
Regards,
Howard
Regards,
Howard
357 Python
New member
Either gun is suitable for your purpose so it is a matter of personal choice. The 686 is a fine gun for serious defensive shooting but the 19 is also good. I carried the 686 for a few years as an armed security officer and it served me very well. As for ammo I would stick to 38 Special +P for indoor use. The muzzle blast from a 357 Magnum inside is quite impressive and deafening. The muzzle flash is also more blinding. The 38 Special +P is very controlable and capable in defensive situations. Depending on whether or not you live in an apartment the Magnum loads penetration could be more hazzardous than helpful. You don't want a bullet passing through the wall and hitting an innocent person in the next apartment or next room for that matter. My wife chose my 2 1/2" S&W 66 (same as the 19 but in stainless steel) as her home gun and she has 125 gr. SJHP 38 Special +P loads in it. She is well protected with this and a 20" barrel Remington 870 Wingmaster as a back up loaded with low recoil 00 Buck.
The M-19 is the ideal carry a lot shoot a little revolver. The 686 is great for both carry and shooting. It sounds to me as if you will not be shooting it a great deal so I would go with the M-19. As for prices both prices are on the high end of acceptable considering California's restrictive gun laws.
Either gun is suitable ...I have both model 19's and 686's ( and 66's ) ...etc...and I like them both.
Which one - is up to you ...the L frame is a little bigger and heavier ...and it might be a little easier for you to shoot.../ but there isn't enough difference - other than cosmetically - to pick one over the other. They'll both last for more than one generation, if you take care of them - and shoot them weekly !
( I shoot a lot of 158gr FMJ bullets in my K and L frame .357 mag's ...) ....
Which one - is up to you ...the L frame is a little bigger and heavier ...and it might be a little easier for you to shoot.../ but there isn't enough difference - other than cosmetically - to pick one over the other. They'll both last for more than one generation, if you take care of them - and shoot them weekly !
( I shoot a lot of 158gr FMJ bullets in my K and L frame .357 mag's ...) ....
jglsprings
New member
Is the 686 new? That seems a bit high. Maybe I'm not used to kalifonia prices.
I got my 686 new... almost 24 years ago. A 6-inch, I never thought I could love another revolver as much, certainly not more.
Truth is, I still don't love any other revolver more. But the first time I wrapped my hands around a model 19, I had to do a double-take. 19's just feel right, it's an amazing size, weight, feel. These are terrific revolvers. I pick up a 19 and it's like I'm holding my K-22.
The Model 19 with full-spec .357 Magnum gives a pretty solid hit in recoil. A bunch of them in one session would wear me out. Full-spec .357 in my 6-inch 686 is not a problem. The blast and noise wear you down, but the recoil isn't an issue.
There is plenty, PLENTY of room in my world for both of these fine revolvers. If I wanted the joy of shooting .38 with the capability to deal out .357 when called upon, the Model 19 is the better choice.
If I'm going to be doing a lot of .357 and still like the versatility of shooting .38 Special whenever I wish, the 686 would serve me better.
I'd solve this with a helluva lot of ramen noodles and water for as long as it took to buy both of them. If you do that, you will have no regrets and you can always sell one if you find that the other makes it unnecessary.
Truth is, I still don't love any other revolver more. But the first time I wrapped my hands around a model 19, I had to do a double-take. 19's just feel right, it's an amazing size, weight, feel. These are terrific revolvers. I pick up a 19 and it's like I'm holding my K-22.
The Model 19 with full-spec .357 Magnum gives a pretty solid hit in recoil. A bunch of them in one session would wear me out. Full-spec .357 in my 6-inch 686 is not a problem. The blast and noise wear you down, but the recoil isn't an issue.
There is plenty, PLENTY of room in my world for both of these fine revolvers. If I wanted the joy of shooting .38 with the capability to deal out .357 when called upon, the Model 19 is the better choice.
If I'm going to be doing a lot of .357 and still like the versatility of shooting .38 Special whenever I wish, the 686 would serve me better.
I'd solve this with a helluva lot of ramen noodles and water for as long as it took to buy both of them. If you do that, you will have no regrets and you can always sell one if you find that the other makes it unnecessary.
bamaranger
New member
The 686 is a pretty big, hefty revolver, and will not conceal or carry as easily as a M19.
The 686 will handle heavy shootng better, especially w/ the notorious 125 gr JHP, it will also be a bit easier to shoot w/ less recoil due to the weight and size.
Heavy shooting-686
moderate shooting, but some carry anticipated...M19.
The 686 will handle heavy shootng better, especially w/ the notorious 125 gr JHP, it will also be a bit easier to shoot w/ less recoil due to the weight and size.
Heavy shooting-686
moderate shooting, but some carry anticipated...M19.
Easier to conceal, better lines, an altogether genteel firearm. But, of course, we're debating the difference between hair-breadths.Clifford L. Hughes
New member
Anferny:
Both guns are classics and they will do for what you require of them. I think that the issue is weight and how much you will be shooting them. For long hours at the range the 686 will tire you out guicker than the 19. However, the 686 will last longer than the lighter 19. However, your grand children's children will worry about which is sturdier. If it were me, I would go with the 19 because it is handier in the bedroom. However, either revolver will suite your needs. Your choice will be the right choice.
Semper Fi.
Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
Both guns are classics and they will do for what you require of them. I think that the issue is weight and how much you will be shooting them. For long hours at the range the 686 will tire you out guicker than the 19. However, the 686 will last longer than the lighter 19. However, your grand children's children will worry about which is sturdier. If it were me, I would go with the 19 because it is handier in the bedroom. However, either revolver will suite your needs. Your choice will be the right choice.
Semper Fi.
Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
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My general dislike of the L frame.
S&W had perfection w/the K frame model 19 and diddled with the balance and lines of it to cater to the whims of those that believe you have to drive with your foot to the floor all the time.
S&W already had that segment covered with the N frame.
I strongly suspect had you wrapped your hands around a 19 first, you might be inclined to view the L frame a little different.
Like you say, the 19 just feels so right.
After that, the 686 just feels all wrong.