686 4"! Six or Seven Shot?

[Dee]

Ive been carrying Smiths for over 40 years, and like the the Model 686, and have carried it on duty in the past (now retired). I looked at a 4" seven shot today, and am thinking about tradin a 2 1/2" six shot for it. Your thought on the seven shooters. Never carried or shot one. Whaddayathink? Might make the the trade tomorrow. MAYBE! Need some input.

[45-70.gov]

i am  happy with  a 5 shooter

but  my 619 smith  7 shooter  shoots  so much better

the  extra bullet has never   been  needed....but  i like it

you  will too....i think

[Dee]

I carry a Smith model 60 5 shot, and love the thing, but I have always liked the 6 shooter. The seventh shot is an interesting concept.

[mcwoodduck]

I guess if you are carrying it for self protection the extra round can not hurt.
and hey if you really only like the 6 shot after you get the 7 shooter, just load 6   
I passed on a 4" 7 shot a few years ago, because most of the shooting games I was doing at the time were based on 6 shots and trying to get a speed loader with only 6 rounds into the gun and then wondering where the empty was drove me nuts.  till someone else got an 8 shot N frame and he just counted to 6 and tossed 2 live rounds on the ground in his moon clips.
the speed loaders are going to be different, if you use speed loaders.  Other than that the 7 shot fits in the same L frame holsters the grips are the same.
The 4" is a good all purpose barrel length.  The cylinder is stong enough for the most potent factory hunting loads and will take the 125 Grain SJHP or what ever you are carrying in your M60 fine.

[Dee]

Thanks duck. I think I will talk to the guy, and see if he wants to trade or just sell.

[Mohawk]

Dee!!! Don't trade! Buy outright but don't trade. Had timing issues with 7 shots when in Vegas. They would go 10-96.......

[teamnelson]

I've got a 7 shot 586 4" and I like it fine, right next to a 6 shot, 8 shot & 5 shot Never have too many.

[Warhawk]

I have a pre lock 7 shot 686 Mountain Gun, it's my favorite 357.

[Dee]

I went and looked at the 4" 7 shot again and put my 2 1/2" beside it for comparison. There was no comparison.  My 2 1/2" is not pre lock but, the fit and finish was way above the newer 4". I just ordered a set of Ivories and am going to keep it. Gotcha on the 10-96 timing Mohawk. At my age I like old school wheel guns, and this one is goin old school right down to the Tyler T-grip.

[Mohawk]

LOL..... Yes old school rules. Its like with surveillance cameras. With the exception of IP systems, analog rules. And they're cheap! I just hope Smith introduces the tapered barrel Model 10 in their classic line. That would be sweet! Oh, Dee, you will be an uncle in 7 months... Along with GB, MarkC, Mikey, and everyone else(sorry, on my phone and can't type that many folks......) 

[Dee]

CONGRATS! Mohawk. I've already slicked the action, and about to do some external polishing. When I'm finished I will post a pic of the results of the matter.

[mcwoodduck]

Post a before picture too.
Always good to see the ugly duckling before it turns into the swan.

[Dee]

The ugly duckling in this case, really ain't all that ugly. Slicked out action, higher polish on the frame, and a new grip style. That's about it. I call it an added dose of old world character. The pic posted shows the style with the J-frame, to which the 686 will also get. The polish on the frame shows up very little on camera. At least on mine.

click to enlarge

[Mohawk]

Nice! Are those Ajax grips? I had a pair on my M 19, pearl.

[Dee]

Yep! Been using Ajax for years. They age very slow, and are expensive, but have a good fit and finish. For concealed carry, no rubs from rough grips.

[Mohawk]

Keep it.