Who own a S&W 686?

Japle, Never seen a SSR with an unfluted cylinder. I love my SSR it's about as good of one gun for everything as a guy can get.
 
Japle, Never seen a SSR with an unfluted cylinder.
Click to expand...

There’s a story behind the unfluted cylinder, too long to go into and posted too many times already. Suffice to say, S&W sold me a very dangerous revolver ...

and gave me the unfluted cylinder to make me happy.

I’m very happy.
 
I have two Model 586s, the blued version which I prefer, a 4" and a 6" gun.


As to my experience, I consider the 586 to be the best double action .357 Magnum to come down the pike, bar none. And, yes I've had experience with both the Model 27, the Python and the Dan Wesson.
 
For the OP: can you be more specific about what model/barrel length you are considering for the hiking/camping use? Or is that what you are asking?
B
 
Bought one in the 90s. Great gun with a fantastic trigger, fit and finish. Not my perfect idea of a hiking gun, but if you don't mind the weight, it will serve you well.
 
Three for Me

I have three 686's. They're exceptional guns. As good as any regular production revolver you're going to find.

My 3" barrel is a 7-shot. I put bantam style grips on it and I carry it. Of my three carry guns, it is my 686 that I feel most confident with.

The686s_0429130752_zpsca0953a3.jpg
 
I had a 686-4. Great gun, but I never shot it much. Had to sell it because I needed the money to pay off some vet bills.
 
I love the 586/686 series. I gravitate more towards blued guns though, so I have a couple of 586's. Here's a picture of them together.
The 6" is a tack driver, the 4" is in the process of being sorted out, but right now it sits in my hand perfectly with the round butt and grips.

586stogether.jpeg
 
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Hindsight is a killer; I bought two beautiful 586s in the 80s (a 4" and a 6"), but incurred an on-the-job injury that gave me a severe case of tennis elbow in both arms. For years I couldn't hold either gun with one hand, so I sold them in the mid 90s. Eventually my elbows have gotten back to where I can reasonably hold heavy-framed handguns with one hand, and I sure am kicking myself now. All I can say, though, is that tendon injuries literally take years to heal.

(In a completely unrelated news story, it's also why I sold my Python.:()
 
Love the way my K frame 65-5 3" sits in my hand
Just found out that the L Frames have the same grips as the K frames ( at least I believe that to be correct )
Just bought a GP 100
If I had known that the 686 would fit like my 65-5 I probably would have shelled the extra $$ for a 686 over the GP100
I love the GP100 but it would be more practical having both DA revolvers fit the same in my grip
 
My 6" 686 PowerPort is hands-down my most favorite revolver. For your purposes, I would not hesitate to carry a 4" version - go with either 6 or 7 shot, doesn't matter. Buy it, enjoy it, and shoot the heck out of it!
 
I have a 6" plus and I love having 7 rounds. Love to shoot 38 specials thru it. It's a good family gun for the kids to shoot and learn on.
 
I have a 2-1/2" 686 plus - actually it is my carry weapon. Sometimes a little difficult to dress around, but I really don't notice it much. Good holster helps a lot.
 
I have a 686+ no lock. Its a fine revolver with an excellent trigger out of the box. IMO the 4" barrel is best in terms of balance & quick handling. Ive concealed carried mine at times. It all comes down to getting the right holster (and your body build).
 
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