686

[mattmillerrx]

I was given a 686 with a 6 in barrel for some work I did.  I do not know much about the gun nor do I know that much about revolvers.  I have a basic understanding of how they work and the internal workings, as I do most guns, but do not know much about what to look for as they are wearing out and so on.  So that brings me to my first question: I need to do a through inspection before firing. What do I look for?  My next question: I know that the rugers are over built and will take more than other guns.  Will this gun handle any factory ammo? ( I would think it would be thought I better ask)  On reloads, of course I would work my way up and probable find a good shooting load before max, but will this gun handle the max loads for a .357 listed.  I do not see a separate section for ruger in any of my books for the .357 like I do for some other rounds.  Thanks for your help any info about the gun would be appreciated.  I usually find all this out before I buy but this one was given to me before I did research.  I would like to use it for close range deer this year, is the 158 gr a good bullet wt for this?  I have not handgun hunted either.  Factory hunting ammo  recommendations?  I may not have time to work a load up for it this year.

[Graybeard]

S&W made the L-frame .357 Magnums (Models 586 and 686) to address what to me was a non issue to begin with that being the K-frame guns wearing out prematurely due to heavy use of full magnum loads. Personally I never experienced it to begin with. I fired my early Model 19s many thousands of times with REAL .357 Magnum ammo back in the day when the standard was a 158 grain bullet at 1550 fps. Now a days not even 125s are pushed close to that velocity they've tamed it down so much.

Your 686 should take full magnum loads both at the current weak sister level and the original Magnum level both as long as you live and then you can pass it on and let someone else use it the rest of their life.

I'm planning to turn my 6" 686 into a five shot .44 Special hopefully next year. I'll continue to shoot my Model 66s for .357 Mag use.

[Cottonwood]

I did shoot a 4" mod 19 loose one time    I never could do that with the 586 I owned.

[Swampman]

The S&W 686 is the best double action revolver ever made.  You don't need to worry about it handling hot loads.

[bilmac]

Greybeard pretty well nailed it. The L frames are heavier than the Ks which makes them less fun to carry but easier to shoot. A 6"er should shoot very well for you. Something to watch for that happens to me with double action revolvers is that they are sensitive to the way you hold them. Any variation in my stance caused the gun to shoot a different place. Check it out before you try shooting critters with it.

S&Ws need to be kept clean around the back of the cylinder. If powder grains get under the ejection star it will cause it to drag when the cylinder turns, also you have to be careful of high primers on your reloads. You have what most in law enforcement consider the ultimate revolver. It was the best in the evolution of the full size belt gun, and then everybody switched to autos.

[JoeG52]

I'm planning to turn my 6" 686 into a five shot .44 Special hopefully next year. I'll continue to shoot my Model 66s for .357 Mag use.

Bill,
Have you thought about getting a 696 instead? The 696 is a pretty nice 5 shot L frame 44 spl without any gunsmithing.
Joe

[Graybeard]

Any variation in my stance caused the gun to shoot a different place. Check it out before you try shooting critters with it.

That's a personal problem of yours NOT a situation common to DA revolvers as it has never affected me in that manner. It is of course important to maintain a similar grip on any gun you shoot but I've never had a problem with POI shifting on me like you mention.

Bill,
Have you thought about getting a 696 instead? The 696 is a pretty nice 5 shot L frame 44 spl without any gunsmithing.
Joe

Yeah I did consider it but they are next to impossible to locate and outrageously priced if you do find one. Then too they are snub nose guns and that is NOT what I want. I want a 6" barrel.

[JoeG52]

Matt,
Here is a link with some good information on checking out a revolver...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430
Joe

[mattmillerrx]

thanks joe, just what I was looking for.

I went through it and it seems to be in great shape, can't wait to shoot.

[RD2]

Matt.. I have had a 686 for years. With .38 wadcutters it is very accurate. Of course shooting a .357 mag is fun although those on the range next to me do not like it as much as I do... Enjoy and have fun with your S&W.... Rick

[mattmillerrx]

I have always wanted a revolver.  I like the gun but am not comfortable shooting it.  I have not figured out how to grip it yet but I will ( it does not have the factory grips on it either, they are pachmayr presentation grips--I am thinking of ordering some wood for it, which may help).  I do ok gripping it one handed but have not figured out two hands yet and it is kinda heavy.  It is very accurate ( off the rest), I had a few good groups off hand but not what I would like.  I have been trying to shoot .38 special in it until I learn this gun better.

I have been trying to find some info on when it was made.  I understand there is a book Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson that list serial numbers for them.  I have no other reason to buy the book at this time so was hoping someone could help me out on the date of birth on this little guy.  serial number is abb2xxx.  Model 686 with no dash.

[Graybeard]

Wrap your shooting hand around the grip as you would if shooting it one handed. Now set the bottom of the shooting hand down into the palm of your off hand. Place the bend of first joint of little finger of your shooting hand right along where the bottom bend of the first finger of your off hand is. That's right for me at least work it out for you.

Now wrap the thumb of your off hand over the top of your shooting hand thumb just behind where the thumb joins the hand. Again this is right for me work it out for you.

You now have a decent description of how I shoot two handed. It works for me and in my day I was one of the top dozen or so handgunners in competition in the state.

[mattmillerrx]

Thanks GB,
I just tried it and that hold is rock steady for me.  Can't wait to get to the range and put some on paper.