Carried one on the job for 28 yrs , even after the rest of my dept. transitioned to semi-auto' s. upon retirement sent it to smith for a rebuild, came back brand new and will pass it on to my daughter
I have had a 4 686,for over thirty years.I still love it.I have a set of semi custom,Herrett Jordan Troopers on it for most.of time.The first,I sent in a tracing of my right hand,they sent it back,with a note that said”We think,you must have done something wrrong.Of we make your grips from this,and they don’t fit,it’s on you.I sent it back with a note that said the tracing is accurate lmaoe me a set from it.They did,and they are beautiful,and fit my hand like they should thank you for the video
@@kevinsweeney4106 It was starting to get cylinder end shake so they replaced internals shimmed it. They even re bead blasted it to cover holster wear. Came back looking brand new
Thanks for the video. I was on the range today shooting my 642 using 130 grain target 38 special. The fellow next to me was shooting his 686 plus with 4 inch barrel. He let me try it for a couple of rounds. There was considerably less recoil with his 686 shooting 357 magnum than my 642. I am ordering one online today, although I likely won’t be able to pocket carry it :)
Sam, your accuracy and consistency proves that a REAL MAN can shoot a magnum. I view other you tube gun channels and just about all of them talk about the 357 not good for self defense because of recoil and, as always, berating a revolver for not having 3500 rounds in a magazine. With the magnum's stopping ability, you don't need more than 6.
My S&W 686 was the first revolver I've ever bought back in my college days. Still have it and it's been so reliable, and good to me for years along with my 19-5 nickeled finish.
I treated myself to the 686 Plus Deluxe 7 shot with a 3” barrel and it probably would be the last one I would sell also. Has the wood grips and it is a work of art!
I also bought 686 plus 3' barrel with wooden grips in 2021 but I preffer rubber grips. It is better for shooting. And - it is really excellent and accurate gun and i would not sell it as well.
I enjoyed this one. I bought my 686 in 2007 as a 60th birthday present for myself. It's a great gun and I agree that 4" is the right barrel length. Thank you.
I handled one of these recently, and I was totally blown away by how amazing the trigger is. It is by far the best stock double action trigger I have ever felt, I even like the trigger more than my GP100 which up until now was my favorite DA trigger, still a close second though.
Just curious - have you handled any of the newer Colts for comparison? I'm a big GP100 fan, but my King Cobra's trigger so dang smooth. I think a Python will be my next purchase.
@@bsmithhammer I have not handled any new colt's yet, but I have been greatly wanting to, I have heard many people speak about how great they are, I am looking forward to trying one. I really love my GP100 as well.
Hi, the 686 is one of my favorite revolvers. I think a 4-inch 357 magnum revolver is probably one of the most versatile short weapons. With the same weapon loading it with 38 or 357 wadcutter can be a good option for those who want to defend themselves for those who live in an apartment, with the same weapon, loading it with heavy loads in 357 magnum can be a great option to defend yourself outdoors during a hike in the mountains. I see that nowadays they are reaping success Semi-automatic pistols in 10mm of large capacity. In your opinion, can it be just as versatile as a 357 magnum revolver in applications and ammunition? Thank you! Keep it up
I have been shooting for 45 plus years and have to say the 686 is the one gun I never will not own. Bought and sold more guns than care to admit , but there is something about the 686. Weight , balance , feel , accuracy...etc.
Great video - thanks. A 686-6 was my second revolver, which I bought in 2013. It has a little longer barrel and is a performance center gun so it shoots very well. I shoot only one other gun as well, a Wilson Combat 1911 that's got a good trigger job. The 686 is my favorite.
A couple months ago I purchased my first 686+. I have been to the range with it shooting both 38 & 357 Magnum and I love it. It feels so solid and confident in my hand I was comfortable right away. I did change out the rubber factory grips to the Thompson custom wood grips, it's so sexy. The new grips feel much better for my big hands. Good review man, thanks 👍
I did not press that trigger lol sounded like a Baldwin moment thanks for the review and honestly this reply is just for humor nothing derogatory keep up the great work
For me if shooting 25 yds for best group, friendly betting with buddies,a retired state trooper trained me single action,one hand,bladed body,off hand in back pocket. I always win. 357 mag or 38+p. I've got a 4" 686-6 and a 4" 686-7 , the 7 shot is slicked up for bowling pin clearing when it was popular.DA only and scary fast and lite trigger. Also have 629 DX.Smith/Wesson would single them out of regular production .44 mags if they printed a 1/2" group at 25 yards and stamp them 629DX , not deluxe as today. They came with 2 sets of grips,nice rounded butt wood and Hogue soft rubber,brass bead front sight and orange ramp also. True bargain. From my experience the Python and the Anaconda, mine 3" Python,4" last batch Anaconda are well built and accurate but don't have the trigger return speed SW has,if competing.I'm always doing something with the 686-6.👍
Although I don’t currently own a 686 I have shot quite a few of them over the years and am always impressed with them in terms of accuracy. I’m also impressed with how durable they are. Thanks for another great video.
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Thanks Kato, I will check it out. I also have a Model 66 4.25" that I'd like to carry. I have a Bigfoot holster made with a steel lining for that purpose.
Never had 686, did have the M66-4 back in the late 80's loved that SW. Had to part with her. Got Taurus M-66 4 a few years ago. Functions fine im just ok. Not my old Smith. Thanks GS
Hey Gun Sam, thanks for freezing out there in order to make this video. I love the 586 and 686: they are great looking guns that are superbly accurate. My 686+ 3-inch barrel is my go-to gun when I am at the farm late at night; that extra round might come in handy. I do notice a difference in the DA trigger pull between the Plus and the regular six shot models. I suppose that I am used to the older six-shooters, but really, either one works well in double action. Like you, I almost never thumb cock the hammer; I recommend training with the full trigger pull. When the chips are down and you are jittery with adrenaline you don't want to accidentally squeeze a round off just because the hammer was cocked, and the trigger-pull was just too light to control. Double action is much safer (and more satisfying in general), but you have to practice. I always say, train the way you'll use it, and you'll use it the way you've trained. Good luck to all. --Old Guy
For carry I use the 3" 686+. For open carry in the woods It's the 4". For hunting I carry the 6". I have recently added the Mod 19 Carry Comp 3" for concealed carry also.. For a short time I carried the 2.5" 686. The Ruger GP 100 is also a great gun but the 686 is number one for me too.
Great review Sam! The 686 is my very favorite revolver. I have the 6" version and shoot primarily .38 special from it. It has been supremely reliable, you just can't beat its looks, and ergonomically it fits my hand better than any semiauto I have ever fired. Off a bench (using a pistol rest and Magtech 38 special ammo) I can put 3 rounds in the same hole at 10 yards, so any accuracy problems I might have are my fault, not the gun.
Sam, I think you're right about the L-frame. It seems to he just right (for the right hand size). That said, I have an N-frame snub nose. Im able to get a good grip on it, but I'm still searching for the perfect grips. Initially, I had Pachmyr Diamond rubber grips. They felt pretty good, but damn it...i wanted wood. I bought some combat contour wood grips from Eagle. They're pretty nice, but the wood above the bottom groove sticks out a bit more, and the back of my hand isn't up high enough.I'm thinking I should have purchased slightly larger round-to-square butt conversion grips. At 100-120 dollars a set, I'd better settle on something. 😁
Very interesting ...my favorite handgun is my S&W 620 which is a lot like the 686 but does not have the full length under lug and is a 2 piece barrel....it is an L frame also....like you this is my #1 handgun i love it and would never get rid of it...we have been using Accurate #9, 4227 and 2400 all run very well with 158 Ssft points.....real nice shooting at 75 yds...stay safe in these crazy times
The 686 is cream of the crop. I would like a plus version. If I had the money, I would get this one: SKU: 170170. Yeah, the barrel is a bit shorter. It's made for carry. It won't generate quite the energy. But I think it would intimidate anyone on the wrong end!
Called in for work here in NE Michigan today... Freezing rain. So, here you are! This revolver is on my "bucket list". Hope gun prices start coming down. When these are close to the same price as a M1 Garand, I can wait. I have a S&W 1920 M&P. LOVE that antique! Thanks for another good entertaining vid.
I have the 686 International with a matt finish and unfluted barrel. Hogue grips and LPA fibre optic sights. Full trigger job. My second L frame. I just put down 150 double taps at 15 metres of hot 158 grain semi jacketed hollow points after a year of not shooting. 7 shots outside the 8 ring on a standard silhouette target. I use an old fashioned weaver stance and it works every time.
My great regret is failing to buy a three inch 686. It was built for the Custom and Border Patrol K9's. I own a 2.5 inch and care for my late father's 581
im a little late to the party lol. i edc my 686-6 plus with a three inch barell. i carry it in a 1791 owb holster. this gun is one of the few i own where you hit what you are aiming at without having to put your thinking cap on. i like reloading 38special with trail boss and 158 gr swc kieth. just fun for me!\, my favorite pistol.
I do own the 3" barrel model 60. You can say it's the shrunken version of the 686 as it holds only 5 rounds. I have thought for a long while whether or not I should purchase either the model 686 or the model 60. I settled with the latter because it's still pretty concealable even with that 3" barrel and, at 24oz, it is light enough to carry around most of the time. But even with the 2.5" barrel, the model 686 is still at least 10oz heavier. My $0.02.
Nice review. Ever since I got into handguns it’s been my opinion that a 4” stainless 357 magnum double action revolver is the best handgun to have if you can only have one handgun. It can do everything from train a new shooter to be a CCW to take down large animals. My 686+ in 4” is probably my favorite handgun too. But my opinion would equally apply to a Ruger GP100 or a Colt snake gun.
I don’t own a 686, but carried one years ago - mine marked BP-1 inside the frame. It was reissued to me. Don’t know how many rounds it had accumulated, but it always worked fine for me. Carry and qualification round was the Federal 110 grain 357 mag. SJHP - not extreme but still fairly snappy. I haven’t been a great enthusiast of the S&W internal lock designs, but have noticed when handling Smith revolvers that it seems as though newer renditions of the K-L frames have shorter lock work and thus shorter trigger travel - which isn’t a bad thing. The only issue I ever noted from general issue 686s was the ejector rod occasionally unscrewing slightly and preventing the cylinder from opening. Those incidents, while fairly uncommon, always occurred during range sessions, usually when shooting magnums. They also always occurred to those who were not overly gun-savvy and didn’t pay much attention to their handguns outside of the range.
I appreciate your honesty and showing us how it happened. Honestly the auto performed as good if not better than the revolver in this situation and I'm sure that's not what you were looking for. you can say double feed in the auto but then again the strange dud on the revolver and your comment about some spring that needed to be addressed that apparently caused some type of failure issue in your revolver previously. I've seen some good instructors talk about revolver failure on their lines in the past and they are not 100% like everyone makes it sound. With that said I'm here because I'm looking to buy my first revolver and I do see the inherent advantages in some situations. I really appreciate your honest reviews and you are a part of why I'm now considering some revolver shooting.
I have a 686+ with a 6" barrel. I bought it for bulls-eye target shooting, and suffice it to say that it is FAR more accurate than I am. My issue is shooting 38 specials in it (very accurate), and then trying to clean the 7 cylinders where the bullet left the casing. Hoppes solvent and using a copper brush doesn't seem to do anything.
Need to get mine out. Last couple of outings I brought it along but didn't get to fire it. About the only gripe I have are the HKS speedloaders in my area that always seem to hang onto one round. I wish Safariland would make a good seven shot speedloader.
👍 I purchased a new 686-6 plus 3” barrel about a year ago and think it may be the best all around 357 available for under $ 1K.With a inch less barrel and the smaller rounded grip it is much easier to conceal carry than the 4” version
Great video. Even though the barrel is canted on mine I love my 686. Accurate and built like a tank with a smooth trigger. Just like a sore Wang it's hard to beat
When I was in patrol in Dallas in the 80s and early 90s I carried one. Absolutely love it. Trust me, if you hit someone with it, hard, they went down. Did not even have to use a bullet lol! Hit a very bad guy in the head with mine, instead of having to shoot him. Knocked him right out. X-Rays, Stitches, good as new, and on to prison. Never shot anyone with mine, thank God. Got into two shootings and a zillion near shootings but never had to shoot. One guy shot a Plano officer. He shot at us. I got him cornered and was going to shoot him but when he saw I had the drop on him he threw his pistol down. The other idiot wanted to stab me but another squad-car did not stop in time and got between us. Then he tried to stab the driver who was getting out. He got shot four times with a 686 .357 and one X-ring from the drivers long colt. Then we went to automatics, but I was detective by then. I was on the pistol team also one year. I shot a 6 inch 686. But for patrol I much preferred my 4 inch. Absolute great pistol. If someone is thinking of getting one, I do not think you can make a better revolver choice. P.S. We had 500 homicides in Dallas in 1991. It is about 220 now with very many more people. It was absolutely wild and deadly in the late 80s, early 90s with the crack epidemic and no prison space.
Bought the 4” barrel with the special edition talon wood grips. It’s a perfect big brother match for my Bond Armor snake slayer with the same grips! The S&W is a great shooter, especially with the Hoag runner grips. The more you shoot, the better it gets. Best after about 500 rounds.
I own a 686-2. From the 80s. Im sept of 88 born. I called smith and turns out so is the gun. My dads friend had it and gave me a wonderful deal on it. age twins. Excellent revolver. 4 inch model like yours. Ill never pick another favorite revolver. The 686 is strong and will run forever. I love mine! 😁 never will be for sale!
Mine is a 2017 model with the weird lock. I won't sell mine either but it's because I have spent 7 years doing ballistic tests with it and have never once had a hang up. That sort of reliability stands out and makes me feel confident that if it's all I had, it's going to save me.
Agreed the 686 is the best handgun made for the price, durability and all around use, of course there are arguably finer 357 magnums, like Korth ext.. but for a mass production 357 there's nothing I'd say that is better than a 686.
Never had held or shot this revolver. My only SW was a M66-4. Miss her. Dumb sale Years ago. My current revolver is a Taurus M-66 4 what I could afford 35 years later. This just hurts my heart. Thanks GS. Beautiful 😍!!!
I have a model 686+ 4 inch, model 29 4 inch, I love them both so much. I would like to see 125 g Hornady Critcal Defense 357 vs 44 special Hornady critical defense. I bet it would be closer than you think.
I concur with your opinion on the 686. I also own a 4 inch version and it is one of my all time favorite guns. In comparison to the Colt Python, the Python is a very pretty gun and I have owned three in my lifetime, but the S&W 586/686 is a much more robust firearm.........and there aint nothin wrong with the looks of the 586 or the 686 ! Signed, Doug.
Hey bud thanks for your videos I enjoy them and have learned a lot from them. I'm about to buy my first revolver and I'm looking at the Ruger GP100 also the S&W 686 and 586.my question for you and your followers which not should I go for in your opinion. Thanks
My s&w revolver broke after 26 shots. It seems the quality of all of the big manufacturers is down. I feel that if I hadn't called 4 times it would have been twice as long to get it back. I had it 2 days, it was back for repair 5 weeks. I recommend researching on the internet, and carefully inspecting the gun in person if possible. It did have a break in of about 70-80 rounds. It is surprisingly accurate now. For fun I try to shoot the numbers on the targets at 7 yards. Try cocking with your support hand like Sam shows here, it helped me. Good luck.
Always wanted a 686 DX model, that was the first handgun I ever shot at distance and made every hit with. Right now in my area .357 and .44mag are impossible to find locally. Any chance you can test the 10mm 200gr Federal Fusion (trophy bonded bear claw) JSP? I can't find a test of that round anywhere.
![[ ออกกอง ] วัยหนุ่ม 2544 โลกหลังลูกกรง..ทัวร์กองถ่ายหนังใน "คุกของจริง" | JUSTดูIT.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vB--aOkZCpw/mqdefault.jpg)
Carried one on the job for 28 yrs , even after the rest of my dept. transitioned to semi-auto' s. upon retirement sent it to smith for a rebuild, came back brand new and will pass it on to my daughter
I have had a 4
686,for over thirty years.I still love it.I have a set of semi custom,Herrett Jordan Troopers on it for most.of time.The first,I sent in a tracing of my right hand,they sent it back,with a note that said”We think,you must have done something wrrong.Of we make your grips from this,and they don’t fit,it’s on you.I sent it back with a note that said
the tracing is accurate lmaoe me a set from it.They did,and they are beautiful,and fit my hand like they should thank you for the video
Nice. I wish to the same with my daughter.
Thank you for your service!
My duty weapon as well.
What did S&W do for the “rebuild”?
@@kevinsweeney4106
It was starting to get cylinder end shake so they replaced internals shimmed it. They even re bead blasted it to cover holster wear. Came back looking brand new
Thanks for the video. I was on the range today shooting my 642 using 130 grain target 38 special. The fellow next to me was shooting his 686 plus with 4 inch barrel. He let me try it for a couple of rounds. There was considerably less recoil with his 686 shooting 357 magnum than my 642. I am ordering one online today, although I likely won’t be able to pocket carry it :)
I EDC my 7-shot 686+ 6" and it's my absolute favorite gun ever.
My EDC is my 686-6. I will not be parted from it until my death. At that point, my daughter will inherit it.
Totally agree! A 4-inch .357 magnum is about perfect.
Always gotta respect a shooter who can shoot DA well, especially at distance. Bravo sir
Sam, your accuracy and consistency proves that a REAL MAN can shoot a magnum. I view other you tube gun channels and just about all of them talk about the 357 not good for self defense because of recoil and, as always, berating a revolver for not having 3500 rounds in a magazine. With the magnum's stopping ability, you don't need more than 6.
Four years ago I bought a 686 plus with a 3” barrel as my home defense gun. Don’t see ever selling it.
Me too.
I feel this way about my 6.5 inch Smith and Wesson 629 classic deluxe 44 mag.
You have a very good channel, Gun Sam. Thank you.
My 686-6 (4in) is my favorite piece and by far the last one I would sell. Great review and keep up the good work.
My S&W 686 was the first revolver I've ever bought back in my college days. Still have it and it's been so reliable, and good to me for years along with my 19-5 nickeled finish.
686 plus, 2.5 inch barrel loaded with Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 grain 357 is my EDC. Reliable. Accurate. The Gold Dot loads are easy to shoot.
Just inherited one. I don't know how I was able to live without one. Its awesome.
I treated myself to the 686 Plus Deluxe 7 shot with a 3” barrel and it probably would be the last one I would sell also. Has the wood grips and it is a work of art!
I also bought 686 plus 3' barrel with wooden grips in 2021 but I preffer rubber grips. It is better for shooting. And - it is really excellent and accurate gun and i would not sell it as well.
@@elviso68 I also put on a set of rubber grips when I shoot it, much nicer to shoot
How’s the recoil with the 357 ammo?
I enjoyed this one. I bought my 686 in 2007 as a 60th birthday present for myself. It's a great gun and I agree that 4" is the right barrel length. Thank you.
Enjoy!
I have owned my 4inch 686-2 for about 22 years now. It would be the last gun that I would part with as well. Extremely accurate and a blast to shoot.
I carry a 3" 686 plus daily. It's like the best gun for me at least, it's absolutely top notch
What holster you have Bro
I handled one of these recently, and I was totally blown away by how amazing the trigger is. It is by far the best stock double action trigger I have ever felt, I even like the trigger more than my GP100 which up until now was my favorite DA trigger, still a close second though.
Just curious - have you handled any of the newer Colts for comparison? I'm a big GP100 fan, but my King Cobra's trigger so dang smooth. I think a Python will be my next purchase.
@@bsmithhammer I have not handled any new colt's yet, but I have been greatly wanting to, I have heard many people speak about how great they are, I am looking forward to trying one. I really love my GP100 as well.
My wife's gp100 has a shorter reset than my 686. I like her Ruger better than my 686 even if it is clunkier
Carried one for a few years until we went to the wonder 9 . A great gun.
Hi, the 686 is one of my favorite revolvers. I think a 4-inch 357 magnum revolver is probably one of the most versatile short weapons. With the same weapon loading it with 38 or 357 wadcutter can be a good option for those who want to defend themselves for those who live in an apartment, with the same weapon, loading it with heavy loads in 357 magnum can be a great option to defend yourself outdoors during a hike in the mountains. I see that nowadays they are reaping success Semi-automatic pistols in 10mm of large capacity. In your opinion, can it be just as versatile as a 357 magnum revolver in applications and ammunition?
Thank you! Keep it up
I have been shooting for 45 plus years and have to say the 686 is the one gun I never will not own. Bought and sold more guns than care to admit , but there is something about the 686. Weight , balance , feel , accuracy...etc.
I understand. Carried on in patrol. We actually needed them. Great pistol.
Great video - thanks. A 686-6 was my second revolver, which I bought in 2013. It has a little longer barrel and is a performance center gun so it shoots very well. I shoot only one other gun as well, a Wilson Combat 1911 that's got a good trigger job. The 686 is my favorite.
They are so good I have two!
Thanks Sam that's a great revolver you have. I have enjoyed watching you use it the last few years in your videos. 👍👍
My favorite 4 " .357 mag. Is my Ruger Security-six I've had it since 1980. I had a S&W 66 but I traded it years ago.
For me in the revolver 357 mag rules. It is so versatile. Great review of the 686. I am very fond of the 686.
A couple months ago I purchased my first 686+. I have been to the range with it shooting both 38 & 357 Magnum and I love it. It feels so solid and confident in my hand I was comfortable right away. I did change out the rubber factory grips to the Thompson custom wood grips, it's so sexy. The new grips feel much better for my big hands. Good review man, thanks 👍
I have a 586 and a 686 and I love them both. Perfect size guns, good video!
I did not press that trigger lol sounded like a Baldwin moment thanks for the review and honestly this reply is just for humor nothing derogatory keep up the great work
For me if shooting 25 yds for best group, friendly betting with buddies,a retired state trooper trained me single action,one hand,bladed body,off hand in back pocket. I always win. 357 mag or 38+p. I've got a 4" 686-6 and a 4" 686-7 , the 7 shot is slicked up for bowling pin clearing when it was popular.DA only and scary fast and lite trigger. Also have 629 DX.Smith/Wesson would single them out of regular production .44 mags if they printed a 1/2" group at 25 yards and stamp them 629DX , not deluxe as today. They came with 2 sets of grips,nice rounded butt wood and Hogue soft rubber,brass bead front sight and orange ramp also. True bargain. From my experience the Python and the Anaconda, mine 3" Python,4" last batch Anaconda are well built and accurate but don't have the trigger return speed SW has,if competing.I'm always doing something with the 686-6.👍
Although I don’t currently own a 686 I have shot quite a few of them over the years and am always impressed with them in terms of accuracy. I’m also impressed with how durable they are. Thanks for another great video.
I have one and it's a quality firearm but hard to carry concealed. Great accuracy.
Take a look at JM Custom Kydex. I use their IWB 3 holster and carry the 4" with no more difficulty than automatics.
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop I will check it out, Thank you!!
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop Thanks Kato, I will check it out. I also have a Model 66 4.25" that I'd like to carry. I have a Bigfoot holster made with a steel lining for that purpose.
@@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop I just subscribed.
The best revolver ever !
I am buying a 686+ with a 4.25 inch barrel tomorrow. Been wanting one for a while now. It is a dash 6 model.
Never had 686, did have the M66-4 back in the late 80's loved that SW. Had to part with her. Got Taurus M-66 4 a few years ago. Functions fine im just ok. Not my old Smith. Thanks GS
Sir I brought mine December 31my Christmas gift to myself it is sweet. I was at the range today ran different make Ammo SWEET 👍🏿🎯👍🏿
One of the best ever made❤.
Hey Gun Sam, thanks for freezing out there in order to make this video. I love the 586 and 686: they are great looking guns that are superbly accurate. My 686+ 3-inch barrel is my go-to gun when I am at the farm late at night; that extra round might come in handy. I do notice a difference in the DA trigger pull between the Plus and the regular six shot models. I suppose that I am used to the older six-shooters, but really, either one works well in double action. Like you, I almost never thumb cock the hammer; I recommend training with the full trigger pull. When the chips are down and you are jittery with adrenaline you don't want to accidentally squeeze a round off just because the hammer was cocked, and the trigger-pull was just too light to control. Double action is much safer (and more satisfying in general), but you have to practice. I always say, train the way you'll use it, and you'll use it the way you've trained. Good luck to all. --Old Guy
For carry I use the 3" 686+. For open carry in the woods It's the 4". For hunting I carry the 6". I have recently added the Mod 19 Carry Comp 3" for concealed carry also.. For a short time I carried the 2.5" 686. The Ruger GP 100 is also a great gun but the 686 is number one for me too.
Great review Sam! The 686 is my very favorite revolver. I have the 6" version and shoot primarily .38 special from it. It has been supremely reliable, you just can't beat its looks, and ergonomically it fits my hand better than any semiauto I have ever fired. Off a bench (using a pistol rest and Magtech 38 special ammo) I can put 3 rounds in the same hole at 10 yards, so any accuracy problems I might have are my fault, not the gun.
Nice Vid. I have a 686-6 too. One of my favorites. Never go to the range with out it and my M9
Sam, I think you're right about the L-frame. It seems to he just right (for the right hand size). That said, I have an N-frame snub nose. Im able to get a good grip on it, but I'm still searching for the perfect grips. Initially, I had Pachmyr Diamond rubber grips. They felt pretty good, but damn it...i wanted wood. I bought some combat contour wood grips from Eagle. They're pretty nice, but the wood above the bottom groove sticks out a bit more, and the back of my hand isn't up high enough.I'm thinking I should have purchased slightly larger round-to-square butt conversion grips. At 100-120 dollars a set, I'd better settle on something. 😁
Very interesting ...my favorite handgun is my S&W 620 which is a lot like the 686 but does not have the full length under lug and is a 2 piece barrel....it is an L frame also....like you this is my #1 handgun i love it and would never get rid of it...we have been using Accurate #9, 4227 and 2400 all run very well with 158 Ssft points.....real nice shooting at 75 yds...stay safe in these crazy times
The 686 is cream of the crop. I would like a plus version. If I had the money, I would get this one: SKU: 170170. Yeah, the barrel is a bit shorter. It's made for carry. It won't generate quite the energy. But I think it would intimidate anyone on the wrong end!
Called in for work here in NE Michigan today... Freezing rain. So, here you are! This revolver is on my "bucket list". Hope gun prices start coming down. When these are close to the same price as a M1 Garand, I can wait. I have a S&W 1920 M&P. LOVE that antique! Thanks for another good entertaining vid.
Yeah I got the rain here in central MI too. Slipping around walking in parking lots.
I have the 686 International with a matt finish and unfluted barrel. Hogue grips and LPA fibre optic sights. Full trigger job. My second L frame. I just put down 150 double taps at 15 metres of hot 158 grain semi jacketed hollow points after a year of not shooting. 7 shots outside the 8 ring on a standard silhouette target. I use an old fashioned weaver stance and it works every time.
Love me a nicely blued 586 with 4 or 6 inch barrel. My pappy always said it's like a sore peter. You just can't beat it.
My great regret is failing to buy a three inch 686. It was built for the Custom and Border Patrol K9's.
I own a 2.5 inch and care for my late father's 581
I dunno, maybe I best start with the S&W 617.
lol at 75 yds I'd be lucky to see the target let alone hit it good job.
Just sold my 686.. but.. 586 on it’s way ; )
im a little late to the party lol. i edc my 686-6 plus with a three inch barell. i carry it in a 1791 owb holster. this gun is one of the few i own where you hit what you are aiming at without having to put your thinking cap on. i like reloading 38special with trail boss and 158 gr swc kieth. just fun for me!\, my favorite pistol.
I do own the 3" barrel model 60. You can say it's the shrunken version of the 686 as it holds only 5 rounds. I have thought for a long while whether or not I should purchase either the model 686 or the model 60. I settled with the latter because it's still pretty concealable even with that 3" barrel and, at 24oz, it is light enough to carry around most of the time. But even with the 2.5" barrel, the model 686 is still at least 10oz heavier. My $0.02.
The 3" 686+ is the best .357 revolver in my opinion.
Great shooting. I loved the multiple targets at the intro.
I started using your single action technic and my shooting improved. Thank you for all you do!
I would love to see you review a current production King Cobra 3 inch.
Good video. Again, nice shooting. Great preforming gun. Take care.
Nice review. Ever since I got into handguns it’s been my opinion that a 4” stainless 357 magnum double action revolver is the best handgun to have if you can only have one handgun. It can do everything from train a new shooter to be a CCW to take down large animals.
My 686+ in 4” is probably my favorite handgun too. But my opinion would equally apply to a Ruger GP100 or a Colt snake gun.
I don’t own a 686, but carried one years ago - mine marked BP-1 inside the frame. It was reissued to me. Don’t know how many rounds it had accumulated, but it always worked fine for me. Carry and qualification round was the Federal 110 grain 357 mag. SJHP - not extreme but still fairly snappy. I haven’t been a great enthusiast of the S&W internal lock designs, but have noticed when handling Smith revolvers that it seems as though newer renditions of the K-L frames have shorter lock work and thus shorter trigger travel - which isn’t a bad thing. The only issue I ever noted from general issue 686s was the ejector rod occasionally unscrewing slightly and preventing the cylinder from opening. Those incidents, while fairly uncommon, always occurred during range sessions, usually when shooting magnums. They also always occurred to those who were not overly gun-savvy and didn’t pay much attention to their handguns outside of the range.
I appreciate your honesty and showing us how it happened. Honestly the auto performed as good if not better than the revolver in this situation and I'm sure that's not what you were looking for. you can say double feed in the auto but then again the strange dud on the revolver and your comment about some spring that needed to be addressed that apparently caused some type of failure issue in your revolver previously. I've seen some good instructors talk about revolver failure on their lines in the past and they are not 100% like everyone makes it sound. With that said I'm here because I'm looking to buy my first revolver and I do see the inherent advantages in some situations. I really appreciate your honest reviews and you are a part of why I'm now considering some revolver shooting.
Great weapon .still my favorite cal. Carried one in service and out of
I have a 686+ with a 6" barrel. I bought it for bulls-eye target shooting, and suffice it to say that it is FAR more accurate than I am. My issue is shooting 38 specials in it (very accurate), and then trying to clean the 7 cylinders where the bullet left the casing. Hoppes solvent and using a copper brush doesn't seem to do anything.
Slick scraper will clean it out check out unique tec
It’s my favorite hand gun. I got the 2.5 inch and I love it.
That recoil looks so tame!!
I have one too. I bought it 15 yrs ago.
Cool video thanks.not bad considering the weather 🥶
Cold weather will loosen crews so loktite those
Need to get mine out. Last couple of outings I brought it along but didn't get to fire it. About the only gripe I have are the HKS speedloaders in my area that always seem to hang onto one round. I wish Safariland would make a good seven shot speedloader.
Love mine as well. A very durable revolver.
Great vid! I'm trying to decide between this and a Model 27 with the 4" barrel.
Buy both!
I have always loved the K, have J frames, have had N frame since 1975. I guess it’s time I tried one of these newfangled L frames. 😀
I have a 7 shot 3" 686 and it's a beautifull firearm
👍 I purchased a new 686-6 plus 3” barrel about a year ago and think it may be the best all around 357 available for under $ 1K.With a inch less barrel and the smaller rounded grip it is much easier to conceal carry than the 4” version
Great video. Even though the barrel is canted on mine I love my 686. Accurate and built like a tank with a smooth trigger. Just like a sore Wang it's hard to beat
That’s some impressive skill and marksmanship. Hits at 75 yards in double action. Nice video, keep up the good work.
Great review , thank you for sharing. As for accuracy , all of my smiths 617,686,586,19 , 27 and 36 all deliver some really sweet accuracy.
They’re so nice, I bought 3 of them? 👍👍👍👍
I just saw that new video randomly on my subscription feed lol.
I don't have a 686 but I am a fan.of the 19
When I was in patrol in Dallas in the 80s and early 90s I carried one. Absolutely love it. Trust me, if you hit someone with it, hard, they went down. Did not even have to use a bullet lol! Hit a very bad guy in the head with mine, instead of having to shoot him. Knocked him right out. X-Rays, Stitches, good as new, and on to prison.
Never shot anyone with mine, thank God. Got into two shootings and a zillion near shootings but never had to shoot. One guy shot a Plano officer. He shot at us. I got him cornered and was going to shoot him but when he saw I had the drop on him he threw his pistol down. The other idiot wanted to stab me but another squad-car did not stop in time and got between us. Then he tried to stab the driver who was getting out. He got shot four times with a 686 .357 and one X-ring from the drivers long colt.
Then we went to automatics, but I was detective by then. I was on the pistol team also one year. I shot a 6 inch 686. But for patrol I much preferred my 4 inch.
Absolute great pistol. If someone is thinking of getting one, I do not think you can make a better revolver choice.
P.S. We had 500 homicides in Dallas in 1991. It is about 220 now with very many more people. It was absolutely wild and deadly in the late 80s, early 90s with the crack epidemic and no prison space.
I have found it next to impossible to put mine down if there is any ammo left. best
revolver in the world
Bought the 4” barrel with the special edition talon wood grips. It’s a perfect big brother match for my Bond Armor snake slayer with the same grips! The S&W is a great shooter, especially with the Hoag runner grips. The more you shoot, the better it gets. Best after about 500 rounds.
I own a 686-2. From the 80s. Im sept of 88 born. I called smith and turns out so is the gun. My dads friend had it and gave me a wonderful deal on it. age twins. Excellent revolver. 4 inch model like yours. Ill never pick another favorite revolver. The 686 is strong and will run forever. I love mine! 😁 never will be for sale!
Mine is a 2017 model with the weird lock. I won't sell mine either but it's because I have spent 7 years doing ballistic tests with it and have never once had a hang up. That sort of reliability stands out and makes me feel confident that if it's all I had, it's going to save me.
My friend let me use his 8 " a tack driver felt very good in my hand
I really miss my old 681 Combat Magnum.
Agreed the 686 is the best handgun made for the price, durability and all around use, of course there are arguably finer 357 magnums, like Korth ext.. but for a mass production 357 there's nothing I'd say that is better than a 686.
Great range man 🌲 ❄️
Never had held or shot this revolver. My only SW was a M66-4. Miss her. Dumb sale Years ago. My current revolver is a Taurus M-66 4 what I could afford 35 years later. This just hurts my heart. Thanks GS. Beautiful 😍!!!
I have a model 686+ 4 inch, model 29 4 inch, I love them both so much. I would like to see 125 g Hornady Critcal Defense 357 vs 44 special Hornady critical defense. I bet it would be closer than you think.
I have the 686-6 7 shot. 2.5 in barrel and I like it better than my G 21 and taurus G2. But I’m on target with all 3.
My 686 is the bomb!!!! Best shooting gun I have hands down. Ps. Mine has an adjustable front sight for 4 different distances.
I concur with your opinion on the 686. I also own a 4 inch version and it is one of my all time favorite guns. In comparison to the Colt Python, the Python is a very pretty gun and I have owned three in my lifetime, but the S&W 586/686 is a much more robust firearm.........and there aint nothin wrong with the looks of the 586 or the 686 ! Signed, Doug.
Shooting revolvers is the best type of shooting.
The Ruger hat is a nice touch. Love the 686.
That’s a sweet revolver brother
Came into some inheritance money and got my son a 686plus performance center 357 ….. and omg this beautiful thang is so fun to shoot and hold
Hey bud thanks for your videos I enjoy them and have learned a lot from them. I'm about to buy my first revolver and I'm looking at the Ruger GP100 also the S&W 686 and 586.my question for you and your followers which not should I go for in your opinion. Thanks
My s&w revolver broke after 26 shots. It seems the quality of all of the big manufacturers is down. I feel that if I hadn't called 4 times it would have been twice as long to get it back. I had it 2 days, it was back for repair 5 weeks. I recommend researching on the internet, and carefully inspecting the gun in person if possible. It did have a break in of about 70-80 rounds.
It is surprisingly accurate now. For fun I try to shoot the numbers on the targets at 7 yards. Try cocking with your support hand like Sam shows here, it helped me. Good luck.
Sorry Sam, there is one, and only one gun better than a 4 inch S&W. 686, and that gun is a 4 inch S&W 686+. You can take that to the bank.
Noticed a misfire with the 357 Remington ammo, could it be the cold? I never did any shooting in snowy weather!
Always wanted a 686 DX model, that was the first handgun I ever shot at distance and made every hit with. Right now in my area .357 and .44mag are impossible to find locally.
Any chance you can test the 10mm 200gr Federal Fusion (trophy bonded bear claw) JSP? I can't find a test of that round anywhere.