357 revolver

[walter]

thinking of getting a smith 686. I see that they have a 7shot available now.. is this going to affect the DA in any way? 6 vs 7 isnt a big deal but I want the tried and true original design unless its the same thing?

also thinking about 3in vs 4in. pros and cons?

any alternative brands?

[jlh95811]

3"
pros: More concealability. Manuverability.(minimal difference) Balance.
cons: Less acccuracy and velocity. More recoil.
4"
pros: Increased Accuracy due to longer barrel and sight line. Also more velocity(minimal difference) Less recoil.
cons: A bit heavier in front.

If for carry or home defense I suggest 3". If for plinking or longer ranges(handgun scoped) then the longer the barrel the better.

A good brand to check is Taurus. They have a nice 7 shot 357 mag called the "Tracker" model 627

[Spearo]

Taurus.

Even a Ruger would be better than a Taurus.

All BS aside...

I personally would suggest a S&W. 686+ is a great revolver. Very popular revolver with a nice trigger.
4in is a good all around size. Decent for plinking, home defense, or carry if need be. However, that is what j-frames are for IMO.

[JTROKS]

The 686P definitely has a different trigger feel than the 6 shot model. With the 686P it is definitely a shorter throw of the cylinder to get to the next one. Almost same weight, but with one round extra is a bonus for any revolver. Another great feature of the 7 shot is where the cylinder notchs are located. It seems they cut them between each chamber instead of on tom of them, thus making me feel it's a bit stronger. Kind of like a Ruger. Oh! Ruger is definitely better than a Taurus. In fact if not for the trigger pull, the Ruger is the bomb.

[rolly]

i have a S&W 686P and i LOVE it!!!!

[savasyn]

Agreed, the 686+ is an excellent choice. I have the 2.5" version and am looking to get a 4" to go with it.

[cactuspete]

I have a 4" 686 Plus. Great gun. I liked it so much, I bought the 6" version. Buy it - you won't regret it.

[sorensen440]

686 is a great choice
if your not going to conceal carry get the 4 inch

[mbrown]

I too have a 686+ with 4" barrel and love it. Truly a fantastic machine.

[nobs11]

If you are even thinking about competing sometime in the future, get the 4", 6 shot. Even our local informal range match rules say that you can load no more than 6 rounds at a time.

[walter]

ok so one person says that the DA is different. any other inputs?

[savasyn]

I've only shot a 686 6-shot once and it did feel different than my 686+. I assumed it was because mine is an older"pre-lock" one and the 6 shot was a newer "lockable" range rental. Of the two, I prefer my + model, but it's not really a fair test as I don't think the rental had ever been cleaned. Still functioned 100%, though!

[aklon]

ok so one person says that the DA is different. any other inputs?

I can't say the DA is any different from any other revolver, but if there's any question about the 686' acccuracy, see below.



Single action with Miwall 158 gr JHP, 12.5 yds at Davis Street, outside.

[Kid Stanislaus]

If for carry or home defense I suggest 3". If for plinking or longer ranges(handgun scoped) then the longer the barrel the better.

For concealed carry the difference between a 3" and 4" is negligible. The 4" gives a bit more velocity and a bit more penetration, a premium in any SD handgun.

[Viper49]