This S&W clone is now her baby. any form of hand to hand combat training has something to offer. This is why I recommend to those buying revolvers Shoot S&Ws (and Rugers) and collect Colts.. JavaScript is disabled. Damn good gun, easy to shoot, minimal recoil. Because of age my hunting days are numbered. This was a fairly blatant marketing jab at the Colt Python, which also sported a full underlugged barrel and was S&Ws biggest competitor in the police service revolver market at the time. Unstick the mechanism by removing the side plate. mostly carry a revolver, the autos seem alittle blocky to me, and the revolver seems to be easier to hide, ( even my 7 shot Taurus 817, once the cylinder gets under the waistline it disappears ). It has the reliability of a revolver, of course, reducing the chances of a malfunction (99% of the time, the problem is the ammunition). Very happy with my choice. However, in the early 90s I got married, got a high demand job, and didnt shoot for many years. It is one of my prized firearms. What materials are used to build the Smith and Wesson 686? This retired Marine @ Original Precision Bulletproof Parts has the fix for the Hillary Hole. I have a 686+ from 2013 that's perfectly aligned. 33Charlemagne The experimentation has led to, The revolutionary Ruger SR45 gun is unmatched because of its beautiful design and outstanding mechanism. He shook his head no, and assured me that once purchased, he intended to take a firearms class. In conclusion, the Model 68 may be one of Smith & Wessons most popular revolvers but its also one of their most problematic. If it is indeed the problem, you can try replacing the spring with a stronger one or polishing the firing pin and breech face. A gunsmith will be able to diagnose and fix the problem. Now everyone knows or should know that the rifling at the muzzle end of the barrel if damaged in any way will cause the accuracy to disappear faster than an ice cub in boiling water. Both are really neat pistols and I dont need either of them for real-world applications. I think some time with a good double action revolver would help them enormously with trigger control. Seems to me your wadcutter loads need to be readjusted. While the rig definitely looked cool in the bathroom mirror with my long-barreled 686 strapped into it a la Dirty Harry, a week on horseback and climbing mountains spotting for sheep taught me that packing a 8 3/8 barreled howitzer in a shoulder holster was a miserable experience and not for me (that was the first and last shoulder holster Ive ever purchased). (sorry my bad english.) Worked for my 627 and 632 Smiths. This can cause light primer strikes, misfires, and failures to fire. So, I have included the solutions to these most common issues that the Smith and Wesson 686 users face. Check out ballisticsbytheinch.com. One person has also said that it is a great gun for hunting deer. There is at least one revolver that tried to address this gas lost through the cylinder gap issue, and that was the Nagant M1895 revolver. They dont try to drive both functions with the same spring theres a main (leaf) spring for the hammer, and a rebound spring to return the trigger to the unfired position. The precision of machining is very impressive. Specifications. The huge coke bottle target grips, while pretty, had never fit my short-fingered hands. I have auto pistols, and I have revolver pistols, small and large. very accurate and a no nonsense wheel gun for a rookie you cannot beat the reliability and if you need more than six shots you are in deep doodoo.. If you dont need the patch and belt buckle, or even a numbers matching case, you can pick up 15-2 Pistol Packs for less than youd think. The glock would cover all my self defense needs and still be cheap enough to shoot regular. For the $700-1000 that a new .357 costs you can get two 9mm semi-auto pistols, I have an S&W M&P 9 and and an S&W Shield for a total outlay of $798. I got this from GrabaGun for $679 + a $5 dollar shipping fee and a $15 4473 fee. The weight is enough to absorb recoil well, while the 686 is light enough to be brought quickly from the holster and move fast in tracking targets. When the hammer was all the way back, and you were pulling the trigger and the gun was just about to fire, the Colt DA revolvers had what was called the Bank vault lock-up. The Colts really did lock up tighter than S&W revolvers. 66. You have entered an incorrect email address! I have heard a few novices call revolvers old, clunky and cowboy guns. The tried and true method to getting a "trigger job" is to let the pieces of metal inside your S&W revolver rub against each other. Using other types of ammunition can damage your gun. When my wife decided to take up shooting some five years ago, she did he smart thinggot trained. A few pulls of a Lewis Lead Remover and I had a 100% nice looking barrel and shroud! I have 15 revolvers and my wife doesnt shoot any of them. mounted with Leupold's 2X scope makes a fine. The S&W 686 Plus probably won't satisfy a more gadget-oriented shooter. This is a Smith and Wesson 686 plus deluxe which is a 7 shot 38/357 revolver with a 3" barrel. The yoke could be able to move ahead in the frame due to the spring-loaded plunger tip. We will gladly have the firearm picked up and returned to us at our expense. But it is still a joy to shoot. Just my own opinion. I guess you're right. I wonder what took them so long to finally get to what they should have been a long time ago? This video takes a look at 10 things you didn't know about the Smith and Wesson Model 686 357 Magnum Revolver . This came after S&W learned that extensive use of hot magnum loads through .357 Magnum chambered K frames (models 13, 19, 65, 66) dished out more battering than the smaller guns could handle. Love my revolvers. However, there have been a number of reports of the gun malfunctioning. Even some 2-3 inch barrels have a higher velocity than the longer ones. Things are very complicated inside and stuff fails quickly when rust gets in there. Call S&W customer service. But before that, lets examine some of this guns attributes and specifications. If you are experiencing problems with your Smith and Wesson686, the first thing you should do is check the guns manual. Ive been around a few Pythons now with high round counts that developed pretty severe timing problems. Remove the powder. Theyre simply shorter-barreled and sport red-ramped combat front sights, which I dont find as precise for target shooting. It just happens sooner in revolvers. And frankly, I think the new 4.2 Ruger GP100 with 7-round capacity is the top contender over a new 686 these days. Good pistol for both on and off-duty. (sorry my bad english.). If this happens, you should take your gun to a qualified gunsmith for repairs. Told him so at a SHOT Show. A GP-100 is a poor comparison to an early 686. There are a few smiths left who really know these older Colts, but theres almost no one under the age of 50+ who works on old Colts (that I know of). It is simple,. If the internal lock engages, you wont be able to pull the trigger. An interesting fact I learned regarding barrel length and velocity is a longer barrel in a revolver actually has continually decreasing velocity past a certain point. I concurred with him that GLOCKs are a fine product, but then asked him if he knew how a GLOCK or any semiautomatic handgun- functioned. The Model 686 has been around since 1980. Has some great info. A good .22 rifle? I am using S&W from 10 years and i never face any problem. First, make sure that you clean and oil your gun regularly. View Single Post 10-01-2016, 07:06 AM . yes . Are you gonna stand in the middle of the room and trade shots with the active shooter? It solved the problem law enforcement officers (who still carried revolvers then) were having with Smith's K-frame guns in .357 Magnum. Smith did away with recessed chambers that are indeed safer to use when shooting hand loads. as far as guns go. Sure enough the barrel shroud is not perfectly symmetrical with the frame. If there are still any problems, try filing the new hand in the form of the previous one. I at least can work on a S&W revolver. sorry you have the problem but you have learned the hard way the the Hillary Hole is a farce .. The G19 is a very practical tool. A friend has a DW 15-2 with a non fluted cylinder and even though he doesnt really like it, he refuses to let me buy it. this is why the locks are so hated by us. Im thinking it needs a home this weekend. I want a 627 but will not buy anything with a hillary hole! Another common problem with the Smith and Wesson Model686 is that the trigger will become stuck in the fired position. Smith did away with pinned barrels. Here we are almost 40 years later and the . It was less expensive (and I think just as good) as the 686. What is the action type of the Smith and Wesson 686 gun? I was thinking the same. Introduced in 1980, Smith & Wessons 686 L frame was designed specifically for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The cylinder will not lock as a result. Semi autos are just a newfangled fad thats going to pass any day now. Second Media Inc., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Im not knocking it. I even had (gasp!) Love my 686 with a 6 inch barrel. But the serial number is messed up . Taurus Defender 605 Can shoot 357 and 38 special with 5 rounds as capacity. Includes special features such as an extended ejector rod and night sights. L/T optic on Weigand Machine and Design's mini-mount. RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. I used to load 110 grain with blue dot powder made in my basement. In short fk Smith if they want to make junk at least they could have reduced the price instead of insulting us with the highest prices they have ever charged for their revolvers. Your email address will not be published. I got my 2 15-2s and my 715 before the prices went nuts. Smith & Wesson 686 One of the most popular revolvers in production, the Smith & Wesson 686 revolver is a medium ("L frame") revolver chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum caliber. The L-Frame Smith and Wesson is ideal for the Magnum cartridge. Im a fan of both. It's a competition revolver so accuracy is part of the package. . Anyway I carried the Smith until the next election when I went to a Smith 4006 auto as the then latest and greatest. As much as I love my shotguns if I was to be restricted to just one gun it would be my G19. My model 10 was a police surplus. Everybody knows that old Smith & Wesson revolvers shoot better than new Smith & Wesson revolvers, right? The HUD Agreement, designed to save Smith & Wesson from bankruptcy, was instead killing revenue. Ive added it to my dictionary. She fired 60 rounds and fell in love with the 686. You may face some common problems if you own this revolver. First a disclaimer: re-barreling a Smith & Wesson revolver is not for the novice gunsmith, nor the faint of heart. 2020. Vinny, let me save you the trouble. I think there is something to your theory and Ive noticed it in full-power rifles as well. And then I started reading Elmer Keith. Hire a gunsmith. My only complaint is the trigger comparison I was waiting for never came. It was a 6-inch model with a patridge front sight, and it was my first handgun purchase. It also had never been back to the S&W factory for the "M" stamp modification, which is a replacement firing pin bushing in the frame to prevent primer flow with high pressure loads. I rarely sell guns. The old 686 has a wide, serrated target trigger, whereas the new one is a smooth, narrow combat trigger. For the uneducated buyer who has the money I would not suggest any specific gun. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. For years I convinced myself that I didn't need to shell out $700 for a revolver with all the good lower priced alternatives. Fits Smith and Wesson models 317 with 3 inch barrel 66 67 686 696 625 657 629 (except classic series and Performance Center guns) HiViz recommends gunsmith installation for all dovetail sights. Smith & Wesson 686 Shootout: Old vs. New, Short Barrel vs. Long, Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 magnum revolver, South Carolina Bank Teller Opens Fire at Fleeing Robber, Joe Bidens the only guy ever nationally to beat the NRA, No One Makes a Better Case for Abolishing the ATF Than the ATF, Smith: The NRA Has Won and America Is Stuck in a Doom Loop of Gun Buying, The Dwindling But Exclusive Club Hoplo is Always Glad to Welcome a New Member. Only the new Marlins offer the same level of disappointment. Once the firearm is ready to be picked up at your FFL, inspect the firearm to make sure it is exactly what you ordered. Since then I've been reading up. Im actually looking at pre lock 686s right now, probably a 4 is going to be bought one of these days. terrible finish. I wont take the time to go through the process here, as it would probably have enough content for its own article. Regarding Smith and Wesson revolvers I know the older or pre (safety) lock revolvers are generally thought of as higher quality and highly sought after by Smith and Wesson revolver aficionados or just by folks who want nothing to do with what's now known as the Clinton safety on a S&W revolver. My most carried handgun is a Ruger SP101DAO with an XS Big Dot front sight and Hogue rubber grip. I have an early model 66 no dash I wonder how it shoot vs. the 686? It is a stainless steel gun, which makes it resistant to corrosion. He was very polite, clean-cut, well-dressed, and was clearly an educated, successful man. A thoughtful, well written and informative article. Mine is the Ruger Security Six. It was my first big gun, and was a gift from my father. There are a few things that you can do to prevent problems with your Smith and Wesson686. Spencer was interested in purchasing a home-defense handgun, as he was quite concerned about the state of affairs in the world today. Done. The I only want one gun for emergencies and am not really a gun person is well served with a revolver. The 686 holds no surprises in store: loading and firing is typical of double-action revolvers. Although the probability of this issue occurring is thin, you should be aware. The Smith and Wesson 686s trigger and hammer lock can become engaged automatically without the users intention. Next, check the hammer spring. I would not buy the trash Smith & Wesson is making today. It was a 686 no dash, indicating it was an early model with the hammer-mounted firing pin, which predated any engineering changes. However, there have been a number of reports of the gun malfunctioning. I own more than a few bottom feeders as well; also practical and not practical. Glock 17L Vs Glock 34: The Differences Are Not That Much! Once you get larger, there are autos like the P365 and G26 with much higher capacity. Reassemble the revolver after that, and check the timing of the hammer and cylinder. Well-loved Colts can be out of time; sometimes dangerously so. I also suggest that they do some research, buy snap-caps and do practice both dry-firing and live firing. Smith uses now a two piece barrel and despite gun writer propaganda, no they do not shoot better they shoot worse. Send it back and have them make it right. What makes a front post a partridge sight is the squared/vertical back side of the sight that you see on that 8 3/8ths barrel above. single-action is a bridge too far for many. Glocks are good guns. Good article. Also, for the first time in its production history, S&W installed full underlugged barrels on the L frames. What was the upside? Due to manufacturing tolerances, some firearms may require additional fitting. I have a colt official police 38 with 5 3/8 barrel. I dont consider myself an expert on these older Colts. Thats the downside. You must specifically peen the teeths flat surfaces. Smith made excelent quality revolvers till model 686-3, the model 686-4-5-and 6 looks like made in china in the bad times. The only way I was getting another revolver was by selling or trading the one I had. I also tell them to find a good class or seek out somebody who knows what theyre doing. This revolver can do just about anything: personal protection with proper 125 or 158 grain JHPs; mountain/woods duty loaded with heavy Buffalo Bore factory ammo or hand loads consisting of 173 grain cast Keith bullets in front of a good dose of 2400; or plinking/target shooting with (relatively) inexpensive .38 special fodder. Before the internet I never would have noticed this. revolvers.) love them all. area awareness and something not so common today, common sense is also a great weapon. Smith & Wesson's Model 686 with 6" barrel is fitted with an UltraDot. Your support is critical to our mission and c. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Premium Leather Paddle Holster Open Top Fits, Smith Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum 7-Shot 6'' BBL, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color #1511#, Premium Leather Vertical Shoulder Holster System with Double Speed Loader, Smith Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum 7-Shot 6'' BBL, Right Hand Draw, Brown Color #1511#, Premium Leather Vertical Shoulder Holster System with Double Speed Loader, Smith Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum 7-Shot 4'' BBL, Right Hand Draw Brown Color #1509#, The Taurus TX22 Competition is a full-size, semi-auto rimfire pistol. One tries not to eavesdrop, but two things quickly became clear: 1) the middle-aged gentlemen knew absolutely nothing about firearms, and 2) the sales staff was losing interest in helping him. Ive come back to my revolvers, both for daily carry and for backcountry protection. Well said but the fact remains, 6-7 or 15- 20? Guns are like Harleys and Women. I have a 686-3, then I buyed a 686-6, shoot one box with it and changed for another gun. When 17- 33 round magazines are being fired at you that .357 will will knock them back through a window probably. Thats why all the revolver action is in small-framed guns under $500. REVOLVER FAIL! It was discontinued in 2005. This is hugely frustrating to those who dont take the time to really, really study what is going on inside a Colt DA revolver, and think before they touch or change anything. While I find these only one gun discussions, A) horrifying, because why would I possibly only have one gun, and B) pointless because we dont live in a country with such restrictions (at least not yet), they do set a guy to thinking. ; also practical and not practical restricted to just one gun for hunting deer sights, which i dont as! Smith did away with recessed chambers that are indeed safer to use when shooting hand loads handgun, as would. 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