Smith&Wesson 686 plus

[curdog]

I was looking at a 686 plus today and I dont know about the 7 shots in that cylinder. I guess Im just old school. Do any of you guys have a opinion on them?

[Fitz]

I have two of them ,love them both , that being said they did go to the Doug guy to get the cylinders all matching , now nothing but smooth shooting.

[357Mag]

Crdog -

Howdy !

I've been carrying an " N" frame .357Mag for 4 decades+.

The " L " frames are a great fit for my hand, but if they work for you; these are usually good guns.

I like the idea of having that 7th round available.

The questions I have if the revolver were intended for CCW use: what would be your carry method for extra ammo ?
Even if they make 7 shot speed loaders, could you carry them concealed ? I live in an " open carry " state, but have not yet seen an openly carried revolver... along w/ associated speed loaders. Use " speed strips " ?


With regards,
357Mag

[JRD]

If seven in a 686 Plus blows your mind, what do you think of the 627 that holds 8 357's in an N frame?

[ShooterAZ]

I have two also, a 4" and a 6". Both in stainless. The 6" model is the most accurate revolver I own.

[curdog]

Yes i would carry it concealed and i have some stripper strips. I guess I am overthinking the 7 rounds in a cylinder that used to be for 6 rounds not being as strong.....................Curdog
Thanks for replies

[imashooter2]

The only issue I have with my 5 inch 686+ is that the cylinder scallop layout allows considerably more fouling than I get on a standard 6 shot.

[shooting on a shoestring]

In the Smith L frame the 7-shot cylinder is stronger than the 6-shot version because the bolt stop notch is cut between the chambers on the 7-shot and directly over the chambers on the 6-shot.

The opposite is true for the GP100.

The Smith has the bolt located directly in the middle of the frame and the GP100 is offset.

Along the same lines, the 5-shot Smith J-frame 38’s have the stop notches cut between the chambers. Good design.

And the 5-shot L-frame 44 magnum has the notches between chambers.
I really wish Smith would have brought out the L-frames in the 1960’s.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I was looking at a 686 plus today and I dont know about the 7 shots in that cylinder. I guess Im just old school. Do any of you guys have a opinion on them?

I have one, nicely made shooter but that extra shot does not do much for me.