OP, have you handled a 686? Just asking because it's quite a bit bigger than a model 64, even my model 66 .357. I was looking at and handled a new 6" 686 last week. You'll need big hands to handle it comfortably, especially with the nose-heavy 6" barrel. With my medium-sized hands, a GP100 fits me better. My model 66 fits like a glove, as does my Ruger Speed Six and several 6" Colt Pythons I've been looking at lately. The 686 is a great revolver, though.
S&W .357s
- Thread starter jawn
- Start date
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Lex Armarum
Ultimate Member
- Oct 19, 2009
- 3,450
The reason I asked was because I own a 4" 686+ that I've carried a time or two. I find it manageable in the weight department, a steady and accurate shooter, but it is a little on the bulky side. Still, my coat had no problem hiding it.
The only downside to it as a combat weapon, IMHO, is the size and the fact that it's stainless.
Interesting point. I need to handle an L-Frame 686 at some point. I have small-to-medium sized hands; small enough that the standard sized Glock 21s and such are a bit too big.
apexinm3
Enjoying freedom...
Ah, gotcha. Per my father the M60 was easy to carry but was in a shoulder holster while flying. My brother had his 586 4" in a shoulder holster as well but did say it was sometimes cumbersome. He hated the M9, though. Never did give me a reason other than he just didn't like it.
Sadly I can't carry mine (no permit) but would if I could. I'd open carry a 4" 686 any day.
Sorry if I came off as pissy, it was late and I was irritated as it was!
august1410
Marcas Registradas
Ah, gotcha. Per my father the M60 was easy to carry but was in a shoulder holster while flying. My brother had his 586 4" in a shoulder holster as well but did say it was sometimes cumbersome. He hated the M9, though. Never did give me a reason other than he just didn't like it.
Sadly I can't carry mine (no permit) but would if I could. I'd open carry a 4" 686 any day.
Sorry if I came off as pissy, it was late and I was irritated as it was!
I carry my Model 10 almost daily.
august1410
Marcas Registradas
pop-gunner
Ultimate Member
- May 8, 2008
- 2,272
Do a little research...
There is a huge difference between the available L frames and the now discontinued K frame .357s.
If you can find a used K frame at a decent price in good condition grab it.
Just stay away from 125gr .357 loads in a K frame.
There is a huge difference between the available L frames and the now discontinued K frame .357s.
If you can find a used K frame at a decent price in good condition grab it.
Just stay away from 125gr .357 loads in a K frame.
Cold Steel
Active Member
If you get a 686, I'd sure shoot for one of the older models. I have one of the first wave of 686s, and they were beautiful revolvers. They had stamped side plates and hard chromed hammers and triggers. Even so, they're still excellent revolvers. So, too, are the S&W 66 6-inchers. They have better balance in my view and make excellent hiking and camping pistols.
The 686 is a marvelous revolver. It is a little bulkier than the K-frames, but not by a significant amount. The double action trigger is very smooth and easy to control. It dampens 38 spcl and +Ps to a trivial recoil, and makes the magnums, if not pleasant to shoot, certainly fairly easy to control. The single action trigger is like dry ice on glass. I have never shot a model 66, but have shot magnums in other K-frames, and the 686 is just better for that.
If you get a 686, I'd sure shoot for one of the older models. I have one of the first wave of 686s, and they were beautiful revolvers. They had stamped side plates and hard chromed hammers and triggers. Even so, they're still excellent revolvers. So, too, are the S&W 66 6-inchers. They have better balance in my view and make excellent hiking and camping pistols.
Beautiful.
apexinm3
Enjoying freedom...
ericoak
don't drop Aboma on me
Ah, gotcha. Per my father the M60 was easy to carry but was in a shoulder holster while flying. My brother had his 586 4" in a shoulder holster as well but did say it was sometimes cumbersome. He hated the M9, though. Never did give me a reason other than he just didn't like it.
Sadly I can't carry mine (no permit) but would if I could. I'd open carry a 4" 686 any day.
Sorry if I came off as pissy, it was late and I was irritated as it was!
Your dad carried an M60 in a shoulder holster? That must be one hell of a holster to carry a .308 belt fed machine gun.
apexinm3
Enjoying freedom...
What?!? Rambo one-armed it, didn't he???
No, he carried a MODEL 60 snubbie in .357mag. Not sure he has ever been around a M60.
