S&W 66 (2014-) vs 686 Plus

[Wrangle]

Hi all, new poster, long time lurker here. Apologies if this has been discussed, but I for the life of me couldn't find a thread regarding the issue.

I'm looking to obtain a S&W .357 revolver to complete my holy trinity of handguns, as I already have a polymer 9mm and 1911 in .45 acp.

After much research, I've narrowed it down to either the re-released Model 66 Combat Magnum in 4.25'' or the Model 686 plus (7 rounder) in 4'' (both are very similarly priced in my area).

Initially I was sold on the 686 due to the the extra round and it being Smith's staple .357, but after some digging, I've read alot of comments and articles stating that the 66's trigger is noticeably smoother due to the smaller and lighter cylinder. In addition, I was told that the new 66's have mitigated all the problems with the original 66's and 19's where a steady diet of full power .357's would eventually damage it.

The extra round from the 686 plus isn't really a deal-maker for me, as the gun will function purely as a range and legacy gun. So as it stands my decision comes to the 66's purportedly superior trigger vs the 686's durability and proven track record. I'm assuming both have similar if not equal build quality.

I know that the new line of 66's have been out only for a couple years, but I was hoping that any of you with experience shooting both revolvers could point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

[Issara]

686 better on recoil, full under lug?

[Justin562]

I own a 66-2 which now needs the barrel replaced after to many hotloads. The trigger was reworked by a smith at one point and was a dream to shoot. Beautiful gun. That said I broke down and bought the 66-8 and shot many 110grain remington magnum loads through it with no problem. Definitely can use a trigger job but smooth action out the box. Double action is fairly stiff but I typically shoot single action so Don't mind. Things I really dont like bout the new 66 is the glass bead blast finish, black trigger, black hammer, and the lock. Aside ffrom that the updates s&w made are great and bout time.
I was very tempted to go with the 686 instead of the 66-8 when I made the buy, but I nbought into the hype of the new 66 for 2014 and it wasnt on the safety roster yet.. kick myself cause I used my last sse opportunity to by it at the end of the year. Figured I buy the 686 later.

Bottom line I'd think you be happy with either one... if it was now when I was buying think I'd get the 686 first-it's one sexy girl

[Gryff]

I think you need to handle both guns and choose the one that feels the best to you. Honestly, the trigger difference due to cylinder size is more theoretical than practically noticeable. And even if you could feel the difference, it isn't like the 686 is going to feel horrible.

I'm sure that S&W's metallurgy has improved, but if you are going to run a steady diet of .357s, you are probably better off with the 686 because the gun offers slightly more heft due to the larger frame/cylinder, as well as the heavier barrel due to the underlug.

I don't own a 66-8, but I've handled them. Very nice. I do own a couple 686s (regular 4" and an SSR) as well as several older 66s (2-1/2", 3", and 4"). If I could only keep one, it would be one of the 686s (although giving my 3" model 66 would cause permanent emotional scars in me).

[Gryff]

Things I really dont like bout the new 66 is the glass bead blast finish, black trigger, black hammer

Funny. I actually like that about the 66-8's looks.

I was very tempted to go with the 686 instead of the 66-8 when I made the buy, but I nbought into the hype of the new 66 for 2014 and it wasnt on the safety roster yet.. kick myself cause I used my last sse opportunity to by it at the end of the year. Figured I buy the 686 later.

Remember that SAE hasn't gone away, so you can always buy off-roster S&Ws through that process as long as they meet the minimum dimension critera.

[trigger945]

Welcome!

Gryff made a lot of great points - trigger, metallurgy, etc.

It almost always boils down to preference, too. As much as I like my L-frames, I slightly favor K-frames over them. Hence, if I were to buy a new revolver and pick between the two, the 66 would be my choice.

Sorry, this is all I can offer on the topic. I tend to focus more on pre-locks and don't have the newer 66's or a 686 Plus.

I wish you good luck!

PS - Try the S&W forum also. Post in the "S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present" forum and ask your question (copy-paste your post). Maybe you'll get some answers that you need since the forum is more focused on revolvers that you are considering.

[Capt Jack]

As others have said, go and handle both. I have a 66-8 and its one of my favorite guns. I mostly shoot .38s at the range and only have the .357s for serious encounters.

The finish is like that as its meant to be a fighting gun, hence the "Combat Magnum" moniker:


I really like the 2 tone look.


Here's mine with bad lighting. Its had a trigger job and now I want to swap the rear sight to a fixed type, but otherwise its a great gun.


but seriously, the real Calguns answer is - Get Both!

[Wrangle]

Wow thanks for the prompt replies!

Beautiful gun btw, there's something about the K frame Smiths that just oozes class!

[VintageDUG]

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but seriously, the real Calguns answer is - Get Both!

That's what I did.

[Wes C Addle]

I have a 686+ 6" and my dad liked it so much he got the same gun but 4"!!!

686+ for the win

[movie zombie]

yes, the real answer is get both!

I have a Model 66-1 so I can't answer your question........but I can say the 66 fits my hand and the 686 does not.

you cannot go wrong with either.

[Jeepergeo]

It is really hard to go wrong with a Smith & Wesson revolver. So don't sweat the decision too hard...maybe someday you will have both, so pick one and get it to the range, and dream about owning the next one someday.

[73 RB-Z]

My 2 cents,

I have a 4" Model 65, which is the bull barrel K frame with fixed sights. I reload 158 gr 357, and initially had to shoot factory 158gr to get my brass. 158 grain 357 has been no sweat, it's comfortable shooting. My reloads are loaded maybe slightly warmer than the middle of the range for the powder I'm using, and feels comparable to the factory loads I've tried.

I went to the range with my buddy who has a little 357 J frame. He'd put Pachmayr's and wore gloves to shoot it because it packed such a wallop. I handed him mine and didn't really pay attention to what ammo he was using. When he told me it was only marginally better I took a look at his ammo and he was using 125 gr hot defense loads. I tried it, and it sure enough it was some really hot stuff. I've never felt my 65 jump like that haha. He tried my 158 gr loads and there was a marked improvement in his marksmanship and happiness with it. He was ready to sell it

Basically that's a long way to say if you're going to be shooting really hot 125 grain loads all day, you might find the L-frame 686 more comfortable for those. Otherwise, 158 grain 357 is fantastic. I haven't even tried 38 special yet and I'm sure those will be mouse farts by comparison. Ultimately, get the one that fits your hand the best. They both look bada** and I get a case of permagrin when I take mine out

[Cowboy T]

I've fired both, and I like both. You will not hear me knocking Smith and Wesson for quality (well, except for the nanny-lock).

Regarding triggers, I find them actually very similar. Have a little polishing done on the proper surfaces, and either one will be a dream to shoot. My Model 64 (a K-frame) had the loooongest double-action trigger pull this side of a Super Redhawk until a gunsmith friend worked on it for me. Now it's terrific.

So, it boils down to which one feels best in your hand. My cameralady prefers the K-frame size because it's lighter. I kinda like the little extra heft of the L-frame, but I'm a pretty big guy. It all depends on the individual, and not remembering that is really the only way you can "go wrong".

[SLO1911Fan]

I'm a huge fan of the k-frame over the L-frame. I've owned a number of 66's over the years, but never a 686.

I would recommend the older model 66 versions over the new one. It truly is very hard to beat a well polished classic S&W trigger. And most of the problems with the 66 came from light/hot loads. They didn't have nearly as many problems with 158gr .357 rounds.


If you're local to HB I have a 2.5" 66 that you're welcome to try out.