Who own a S&W 686?

Good guns, no doubt. I've hunted with them and carried them on duty. I'm a big fan.

But, for a camping gun, I'd go lighter, like the 4.2 inch SP101. That's my hiking/camping gun now, and I think it hits all the right buttons. It is a very task-specific gun. I would still CC or duty carry my 686 if I hadn't sold it like a fool. But, alas...
 
I have a 686-4 with 6" barrel and 7 round cylinder.
Like everyone says. Great, reliable pistol.
You can't go wrong buying.
Off topic, I also have it's twin, the .22, 617-1.
What a beautiful pair of pistols to have in a collection.

Eric
 
I have the ssr version. It has the smoothest trigger out of everything I currently own. I haven't shot a regular one before but if it's anything like the one I have, everyone should hop on
 
I have a 686-1 that I bought in the late 1980's:

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@Eric M. - I did the same thing - saw a 6" 617 10-shot at an NRA Pistol class, shot it, and the little man inside my head started screaming "THAT'D GO GREAT WITH THE 686! I NEED A 6" 617- NOW!" and wasn't silenced 'til I got one. Not sure if anyone else experiences that, but it sure makes it hard to concentrate on pretty much anything else. :D
 
I have a two-ish year old 686-6 Talo 5 inch 7 shot with the unfluted barrel. It is definitely one of my best looking firearms. Unfortunately I had some issues with it. I got some hot gas and a little shrapnel on my left cheek while firing some 357 target rounds. Sent it in and they said that the force cone was too long and was rubbing against the cylinder and it was out of time They cut the cone and replaced the cylinder. They had it about three weeks. I've taken it out since and and it shoots perfectly now. I'm very happy with it.
 
I have a 686 with a 3 inch barrel. If you were to tell me I could have one gun and one gun only, this would be it due to its versatility. And who can complain about 7 rounds of .357? It's a bit heavy for carry, but now and then I can't help myself and I strap it to my hip.
 
S&W 686+

Yes I had one. A Performance Center 686-4 Plus.
The only revolver better is no longer made by S&W. The 581/681. In my opinion a combat handgun should have fixed sights.
 
I've got a 4" 686 no dash. Being a no dash, it is a 6 cylinder. I can't speak for the 7 cylinder models, but I won't part with the one I have. Yeah, it is that good. It does bedside duty, and it also serves as my hiking gun as well, weight notwithstanding.
 
I've a 686 6" no dash model. It used to take a Lot of rabbits back in the day. Don'y get her out as often as I'd like, but can't part with her either. The traditionalist in me can't wrap my head around a 7 shot "sixshooter", but I'm sure they shoot just as well.
 
The 686 Plus and 686 are a work of art. They are a finely made firearm. Just to know we have one of the finest revolvers made on this planet. When you go through many firearms in a lifetime and you come across the Smith and Wesson 686 you then know you found the one you have been looking for. I will never part with the 686, I will pass it .down to my children and in turn their children.:):):):):):)
 
6 rd vs 7 rd trigger

Theoretically, in the same gun, a seven round revolver with the same cylinder diameter as a six cylinder should have a lighter trigger, as the cylinder does not need to be rotated as far with each trigger pull.

Blue1
 
It takes very little energy to turn a cylinder. It's the energy stored within the main and return springs that mainly sets the pull weight.

And trigger travel of the 7-shot isn't likely to be significantly shorter (different hand), as that would have the hammer breaking earlier, and hitting the round with less oompf.
 



This is a Model 686 Compact 1984 Limited Edition, a Lew Horton factory special. According to Supica and Nahas, approximately 2500 were made.
 
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