686+ vs 686

[mtndragon]

I have a 686+ 3". It's an amazing gun and everyone who has picked it up and shot it loves it. Get the one you really want, as a Smith revolver is something to keep and enjoy-a couple of extra weeks is nothing for a lifetime of pleasure. If it is for range only, then a longer barrel is not a hindrance.

[Echidin]

Of the choices I would take 686+ in 4" because it feels most balanced to me. I sold my 686+ 4", but would have to fall on some pretty hard times to sell my pre-lock, no dash/M 686. The 686 makes a great camping gun, can take a beating and looks good doing it.

[chrisbw]

My 4" 686+ has quickly become one of my favorites. It really is a fun gun to shoot. If you want the 4" 686+, just wait for one to become available. I considered the SSR, but preferred the look of the standard.

Also, those are really good prices; I paid $830 before taxes and fees for mine. Guess that's one of the "perks" of living in the SF bay area.

[SJulian10mm]

I picked up a 4" 686+ mid month, hold out for the 4"+.

[Iminocca]

Like others have said, order what you really want. You're going to have it for life and the short wait won't seem like anything in 10 or 20 years...

[Crazed_SS]

Dont have much to add other than I got a 6" 686+ awhile back and it's lovely..

[usmcchet9296]

I don't have a 686 but I do have a S&W R8 and 617 (which is the same frame size as a 686) and I would get the 4 inch + gun. Seven rounds is just more and the 4 inch is a great balanced gun

[Jeepergeo]

686+ 6" is great for the range and hunting if you ever propose to hunt. But it will be a tough one to carry concealed....a 4" could be carried if needed.

S&W makes 5" in one of their .357 lines but Indont recall which line it is.

[Ronin2]

686+ 6" is great for the range and hunting if you ever propose to hunt. But it will be a tough one to carry concealed....a 4" could be carried if needed.

S&W makes 5" in one of their .357 lines but Indont recall which line it is.

The also make a beautiful 5" Classic Model 629 that I had to pick up.. my only post lock S&W

[ClickClickPow]

686+ 6" here also, it is gorgeous revolver, accurate and easy to shoot! Great price from you LGS, I think I paid that for consignment one! But that is California premium price, no regrets!

[Maddawg46]

Either in 4 or 6 inch. 6" has a longer sight radius, hence more accurate. 4" better ballance. Six or seven rounds....I would go for seven.

[WRXKid]

those are some amazing prices for S&W revolvers.

[highpower]

I have had S&W's in nearly all the barrel lengths and I find that the balance of the 4" barrels to be the best. That is not to say that a longer barrel isn't nice, but I find that the newer Smiths with the full underlug and long barrel tend to be rather muzzle heavy.

I recently picked up a older 586 with a 4 inch barrel and it is a very nice gun to shoot with near perfect balance.

[Wes C Addle]

I went through this same thought process and for a range toy ended up with the 686 SSR 4". Then went with a 586 6" which I like even better than my SSR.

The 6" is perfect for range work as it soaks up the shots a bit better.

As for the 7 vs 6 shots, I went with 6 mostly because of the choice and availability of speed loaders in 6 vs 7.

The is nothing sexier than a 586 in 6" though in my opinion:

(Blatant post of a 6" 586, not mine but just like it )

that 586 is nice!

[Beendare]

I have the old SW 629 Classic in 5" which is essentially the 686 model now.

My buddy talked me into the 5" and I have to say I'm very happy with it as a happy medium between the 4" and 6". Its not too long to draw from a holster quickly [my Grzz backup gun] and it has really nice balance.

I wouldn't own one in 3" or smaller.......