S&W 686 Your Reviews

[JAMESGR]

I'm thinking about buying a S&W 686 Performance Center Pro Series 4" barrel NOT PLUS or the 686
Standard 6" barrel. Both 6 rounds cylinder. Anyone shooting these??? Pros/Cons, problems, really need to know. General review opinions. Thanks

[NC_JEFF]

I like mine it's a -6 model, I've had no issues with the gun at all. It's out with me most every trip to the back yard range shooting a lot of target load wadcutters, target load swc's and I always finish with a couple cylinders of 125gr 357 magnum loads. This is my second 686 and I have no complaint about either one.
Jeff

[Tatume]

I have the six-inch standard and the five-inch PC model with the ventilated rib. I much prefer the PC gun. It is light, and points well for me. At present I'm shooting 5000 rounds per year with it. If I buy another one (and I may soon), it will be the PC 4" ventilated rib version.

[Prcshooter]

I have a 3", It's my go to revolver.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks for the info. Jeff, Tatume, Prcshooter, do you know the cylinder chamber diameter and groove diameter of your pistols???

[Pb Burner]

Mine is a 6" , 6 shot. I've had it just over a year, I really like it so far. I recently mounted an Ultra Dot on it, to help aging eyes, and have only had a chance to put about 20 rounds through it.
To answer the op's question though, I'd buy the same gun again if I had to do it over.

[NSB]

I have had three of them....well, one was a 586 (blued, same gun). All three were 6" models and one was the 686+. Having owned two Bill Davis custom built revolvers that were called "one holers, here's what I found. All three of my guns would shoot as well, or nearly as well as the Bill Davis guns. That's saying a lot. I have shot groups with the Davis guns at fifty yards that put five shots in an inch. Most all groups were close to an inch, and that was with open sights. I consider the L-frame S&W guns about as good as anything ever put out of the factory. One of my Davis guns was built on a Model 27, so that's saying a lot. I had a Python back in the late 70's and I wouldn't trade my 686's for one based on accuracy being the determining factor.

[blue32]

I have a -6 six shot 6", all factory bought in 2014. The DA is wonderful and the SA in breathe-on-it excellent. I wouldn't ever trade my -6 for all the no-lock, non-mimed, legacy revolvers I read people foaming about on forums. I've put a bit of wear on mine and it still shoots great.

259115
259116

[Dale53]

I consider the S&W 686 the best .38/.357 ever available I currently have three:
CS-1 (4”), a 686 standard with 4” barrel and a 686 with 6” barrel. I have NO plans to downsize. I have owned most of the better .38/.357’s out there and have shot the rest. My 686’s are just flat out superb both on the Range and in the Field!

FWIW
Dale53

[RU shooter]

Mines a early 4" no dash model , shoots great bit heavy even with a good belt and holster to hike round with but that weight soaks up recoil with heavier loads

[Plate plinker]

Why limit yourself to six rounds and not eight? Just curious.

[tazman]

I have owned several different 686 revolvers. They all shot well. The one I now own is a 686+ with the lock and the ECM barrel. It shoots just as well as the others with both jacketed and cast.
I,too, used to look down on the new guns with the lock and different rifling. Experience has taught me not to worry about it. The guns still work the same, at least, for me.

[Greg S]

Have always liked them. Have a 6" 5 series set up for PPC that is a laser. Would not think a second if I stumbled across an earlier 6 series 4".

[Pete44mag]

I have a 6" and a 3". The 6" I use for target, plinking and hunting. The 3" I use for target and winter time EDC. Super accurate and a pleasure to shoot even with warm magnums. Would not trade them for any other .357 wheel guns.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have a -6 six shot 6", all factory bought in 2014. The DA is wonderful and the SA in breathe-on-it excellent. I wouldn't ever trade my -6 for all the no-lock, non-mimed, legacy revolvers I read people foaming about on forums. I've put a bit of wear on mine and it still shoots great.

259115
259116

I gotta ask what mold and weight boolits are those they look great and your S&W

[MostlyLeverGuns]

Have an early no dash 6". Still the most accurate handgun I own and that has been/is quite a few. Totally reliable (factory mainspring) and just a pleasant shooting handgun. I hope to find a 45 Colt that shoots as good but not so far. Will keep it until I find another handgun I can shoot more accurately.

[Tatume]

Thanks for the info. Jeff, Tatume, Prcshooter, do you know the cylinder chamber diameter and groove diameter of your pistols???

The important measurement is the chamber throat diameter. My PC gun has 0.3575" throats, which I consider to be perfect. My standard gun had tight throats, and DougGuy honed them to 0.3575" for me.

[bobthenailer]

Ive had four 686s over the years all excellent and good shooters with cast or jackieted
currently have two a old 6" with fireing pin in hammer and a newer 5" 7 shot unfluted cyl was a special edtion of some sorts.
I also have the S&W PC Jerry special and two 66s 2.5" and 4 " and a 649

[Tatume]

I'm thinking about buying a S&W 686 Performance Center Pro Series 4" barrel NOT PLUS or the 686 Standard 6" barrel. Both 6 rounds cylinder.

What is your objection to the seven-round models? The odd number of chambers eliminates the weak link in revolver cylinders. The locking bolt notches are moved from the thinnest location to the thickest. The seven shot models are stronger than the six shot models (not that either one has been found to be lacking).

[JAMESGR]

Thanks Tatume, all the cylinder throats in my 38's pin gauge .356 and the barrels pin gauge .346 on the lands. difference between 6 shot and 7 shot is difference between in-stock and ain't no distributors got none. S&W's in stock are few and far between around here. I found the ones I'm looking at 30 miles south of home and found one(1) 60 miles west of here. What loads do you mostly shoot???

[tazman]

I shoot 99% 38special. Anywhere from super light plinking/practice rounds to full power loads. The only full magnum loads I fire in mine is to test for point of impact and accuracy for when I would need to use them.

[JAMESGR]

Another question. How are y'll caring your 6" revolvers for 2-3 hrs?? Hip, under the arm, other??

[onelight]

Why limit yourself to six rounds and not eight? Just curious.
I don't know anyone else's motivation but I am happy with 6 or even 5 , fewer chambers to clean :grin: if we have a Zombie attack I may need to get one of my semi autos.

[Tatume]

[D]ifference between 6 shot and 7 shot is difference between in-stock and ain't no distributors got none. S&W's in stock are few and far between around here. I found the ones I'm looking at 30 miles south of home and found one(1) 60 miles west of here. What loads do you mostly shoot???

There are plenty on Gunbroker. Where I live one must buy first, examine later. Finding a particular model in stock is next to impossible. I decide what I want, and then order it, either through the local dealer or on Gunbroker and have it delivered to the local dealer.

Where are you?

[Dale53]

I have done quite a bit of hunting in rough country with long barreled revolvers. My choice for carrying is accross the chest. My preference is my Bianchi nylon across the chest. It is quickly adjusted to go over light or heavy clothing in just a couple of minutes and is quite comfortable fir extended use. It also completely protects the revolver including scope or Red Dot if needed.

If I am just going for “a walk in the woods” I would grab one of my 4” revolvers.

FWIW
Dale53

[Win94ae]

Mi 8 3/8" 686 was a great hunting weapon, but wouldn't shoot cast bullets without extreme leading. The frame was tight on the barrel constricting it way more than I thought possible. :/

[dverna]

I have owned several different 686 revolvers. They all shot well. The one I now own is a 686+ with the lock and the ECM barrel. It shoots just as well as the others with both jacketed and cast.
I,too, used to look down on the new guns with the lock and different rifling. Experience has taught me not to worry about it. The guns still work the same, at least, for me.

Tazman was one of the guys I listened to when we purchased two 686+ revolvers last year...Model 3-5-7 with 5" barrels. We have been very happy with both guns. Not the model you are looking at but no reason to think you would be disappointed. The 5" barrel is about perfect for our needs as the fiancé found the 6" barrel a bit unwieldly.

[Gray Fox]

I had a pair of 4" 686 CS-1s several years ago and wish I had held on to them. I have been blessed with large hands (not as big as Hickock 45) and I now have two 627 8-shot revolvers, a Pro Series 4", and a 5" from the Performance Center. The latter has the ball/detent crane lock and the action is somewhat better than the 4" which has an excellent action. I load all my various horsepower loads in .357 brass because I have a lot and I don't like to scrub carbon rings out of chambers. I cast and load either the Lee 125 or 158 RNFP, and the Ranch Dog 175 RNFP. I'm considering a 2 mil red dot for the 5" to aid my 70-year-old eyes. I wish someone still made the aperture blade replacement for the S&W as I have one on my .45 ACP Mountain Gun and it works for these eyes just fine. GF

[375supermag]

Hi...
I have had a 686 Silhouette model with an 8-3/8" barrel for 35 years or so.
Most accurate handgun out of 35-40 that I currently own.
Excellent trigger in DA and SA modes.
Easy to hit the 8", 10" or 12" steel gongs out to 200yds off a rest with various bullet weights.

[HackSawTom]

My 686 is a no - was a gift (engraved) for an anniversary in 1983. I have not the slightest idea of how many thousands of rounds have gone down the barrel. Being mature (read old) I read in an Elmer Keith article by using cast bullets I might expect 20,000 rounds before I would see a down turn in accuracy. I dug out my old Ray Thompson mold 358156, coupled this with 13.5 grs. of 2400 and never looked back. No jacketed or factory round has ever pollute the barrel! Gift aside I don't think I'll ever part with it, a great revolver.

[JAMESGR]

Tatume, I'm in NW Alabama bout 40 miles from H'ville.
Dale53, I looked at some of those online may have to try one.
I'll probably go with the six inch 686.

[JAMESGR]

Tatume, there are a whole bunch of gun stores/pawn shops around here. Usually just about anything is in stock somewhere but this "crisis" has people buying like crazy. One guy said they had sold 285 guns in a 4 day peroid. 9mm ammo is GONE. The same way with TP!!!! TP for crying out load!!
Gray Fox, I can relate.My 71 year old eyes ain't no better, ha. Wish my dealer had a 5". Don't. Don't know when he'll get one. So it's the 6".
HackSawTom, that 358156 is the GC'D HP correct???
dverna, I agree the 5" would be just about perfect but as I told Grey Fox they aren't available.

[JAMESGR]

FYI ended up with the 686+, 6" barrel, 7 rounds, also ordered the Lee 358-158 RF 6 cavity mold and handles
Thank all of you for your input, really appreciate it.

[tazman]

FYI ended up with the 686+, 6" barrel, 7 rounds, also ordered the Lee 358-158 RF 6 cavity mold and handles
Thank all of you for your input, really appreciate it.

That should be an excellent combination. It is exactly what I have and it performs well.
For a light load, use the Lee 358-125-RF with around 3.0 grains of Bullsye or Tightgroup in a 38 special case.
In my gun, this shoots to the same point of impact as my full power 158 grain boolits.

[JAMESGR]

Thanks,tazman, I hope this not only works in the new 686+ but also in my two .357 cal. Henry rifles. My lee 358-125-RF mold bit the dust. The mold halves became out of alignment and I couldn't get them straight so pulled the handles and spru plate chunked the halves. Gotta get a new one.

[murf205]

Great choice James, you will love it. Mine is a no dash 6" with a Simmons 2x scope and it thinks it is a rifle! I load 13.6 grs of 2400 with an Accurate Molds 358160H that drops at 158grs for 1287fps average of 10 shots. A few yrs back I came across some Cast Performance 180 gr gc boolits and my gun loves these too. They do 1270fps with 13.5 grs of H110 and a CCI Mag primer.259306259307.
It is an old gun show gun and has been back to the factory for the modification as it has the "M" stamped inside the frame.

[catboat]

I have owned and shot 4" and 6" versions of the S& W 586 and 686 (no dash and -4 variants). Liked them, but ultimately sold them all.

I decided to keep and shoot my S&W 629-3 , 4" bbl, 44 mag. For the weight of the 586 and 686, I'd rather have the 44 mag N-framed S&W 629-3. I can shoot mild-to-moderate 180 grain 44 mag loads, and have more performance and less recoil than a max loaded 357 mag.

This is not a criticism of the S&W 586/686, but just an observation and preference for light-to-moderate 44 mag loadings ( essentially moderate+ 44 Special loads).

To me, light-to-moderate loaded 44 mags just does more than stout 357 mag loadings. My 4" S&W 629-3 is a very handy, and "carry-able" revolver. Weighs the same as the S&W 586/686. Does more (and at lower pressure and gun stress).

My 2c.

[Art in Colorado]

I had a pair of 4" 686 CS-1s several years ago and wish I had held on to them. I have been blessed with large hands (not as big as Hickock 45) and I now have two 627 8-shot revolvers, a Pro Series 4", and a 5" from the Performance Center. The latter has the ball/detent crane lock and the action is somewhat better than the 4" which has an excellent action. I load all my various horsepower loads in .357 brass because I have a lot and I don't like to scrub carbon rings out of chambers. I cast and load either the Lee 125 or 158 RNFP, and the Ranch Dog 175 RNFP. I'm considering a 2 mil red dot for the 5" to aid my 70-year-old eyes. I wish someone still made the aperture blade replacement for the S&W as I have one on my .45 ACP Mountain Gun and it works for these eyes just fine. GF

Those Customs Service 686's are rare birds. Could of Would of Should kept them.

[Art in Colorado]

I had one of the CS at one time and also let it go. Now have a 4 inch -3. Box, Grips, Cleaning Kit un-opened. It will be the last firearm I will ever let go.

[osteodoc08]

I had a no dash 8-3/8” 686 that I still kick myself for letting go down the road. I don’t remember what it went towards. I did get a 586 4” which is as perfect a revolver in 357 Mag as I could ask for. A 5” PC version sounds like the cats meow