SW 686

[Infrequent Shooter]

I think SW 686 is about the best revolver to be produced in the last 30+ years. Here is my question, I have talked to some REAL good well known SW custom guys. I don't want to put them on the spot, so they will be anon. Fellow has told me repeatedly the 686s are awesome except for the 7 shot versions (this conversation was 2-4 years ago so does not include most recent 686+) IN REGARD TO MODS. His group does upgrades to later model SWs.

Has anyone heard this, have opinion on this? any comments? Jerry Michulek (spokesman) swears by them etc. Thinking about buying a 686. I had one years ago, sold it, now I think I will own one soon.

 

[PopCharlie]

I had a 586 that I bought in 1983 or 1984. I loved it. I sold it, which I regret. I did buy a 686 a few years ago. I traded a Colt King Cobra when the snake guns were so hot, for a new 686, 6 shot. (I got the new 686 plus a check for $300 for the King Cobra). I love it too. I never considered a 7 shot model.

PopCharlie

 

[jelenko]

I really liked the 686 I had in the early 90's.
Shot 38 special loads through it for Bullseye competitions.
Great trigger.

 

[ISS]

I have a 6" 586. Love the pistol! It is much easier to pack than either of my 27's. IMHO, S&W leads the pack in revolvers.

 

[K22]

I have a 586 and 686, both with 6" barrels. They are great range pistols. The underlug is functional providing some damping of recoil and facilitating a steady hold. They are also robust, capable of handling a steady diet of magnum loadings for which they were designed although I believe the Model 27 (N Frame) is better suited for this purpose.

However, if I was going to select a pistol to carry a lot in the field it would be the Model 19, 4" barrel assuming I would be satisfied with 38+P loads. If I was going to carry a 686, even 4", I would opt for a shoulder holster.

While my pistol buying days are long over, I would not want a "7" shot revolver. This is because I've bank 50 years' experience with a 6 shooter. I am too old mentally to transition to a "7" shooter.

 

[3Ackleys]

I have a 686-7 shot 4", had it maybe 5 years or so. a little over 3k rounds. Great gun, zero issues.

 

[1shot]

I have a 4" 686 purchased new in 1987. Had it Mag-na-ported and it is a real joy to shoot. Probably my favorite revolver.

 

[Kittitas George]

I recently bought a 686, 7 shot w/5" barrel. I haven't shot it enough to make a valid judgement, but I think it is better than the other stainless S&W I've had over the years. My S&W Mod 27-2 seems a little smoother and the finish looks better. The smooth trigger of the 686 is much better for 'double action' than the wide 'target trigger' of the 27-2. It does shoot exactly where I point it, sometimes that's over yonder.

 

[WillFS]

My first revolver was a nice 4" 586 that I bought in 1992. Like many before me, I foolishly traded it away. I now own a 6" 686 6-shot that I purchased new in 1997. I kept going back to the shop over and over again to stare at it in the display case before I finally scraped up the cash to take it home. I shot a PPC league with it for a couple years and long ago lost count of how many tin cans it has perforated.

 

[linebaugh]

Is this the basic gun you are speaking of? This one I bought new and was my 2nd S&W. Its marked 9mm but I run 9x21 brass in 7 shot c-clips. Nice revolver. Hope its what we are talking about

 

[farmerjohn]

Hey Fellers, IMHO the 686s are probably one of the best S&W revolver they ever built, I take turns deciding which one I like the best, just depends on how I feel whether I carry the 6" or the 4". Thinking back they've been with me since the early 80s, man, time flies...

 

[9146gt]

Is this the basic gun you are speaking of? This one I bought new and was my 2nd S&W. Its marked 9mm but I run 9x21 brass in 7 shot c-clips. Nice revolver. Hope its what we are talking about

Looks likes model 986. Not surprised that it will chamber 9x21 as the gun was originally built for Italy chambered in 9x21.
My 929 will also chamber and shoot 9x21 with the right moonclips.
Tom

 

[Steve h]

I have a 7 shot 686 Plus. No problems.

 

[J_Hensley]

I have an older 6" 686-1 that is a fantastic revolver, and a much newer 3" 686-6? I think it is. It's a plus model so it is 7 shots.

I love both of them.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Is this the basic gun you are speaking of? This one I bought new and was my 2nd S&W. Its marked 9mm but I run 9x21 brass in 7 shot c-clips. Nice revolver. Hope its what we are talking about

Yes that is the 7shot SW revolver, only in 9mm. The extra round is nice to have.

 

[Ron IA]

I have a 686 (7) shot with absolutely no problems ever what is it that's the big problem they are telling you ???