S&W 686+ Accuracy / Range Thread

[Moving Chicane]

I'm going to start this thread with a question specific to me, but hopefully responses will be useful to all S&W 686+ owners especially if we get into discussing other barrel lengths and/or other loads (e.g., .357).

And so: Shooting .38+P through my S&W 686+ 2.5" barrel revolver, what is:
1. the "range window" I should realistically be praticing within and expecting good groupings/results; and
2. what is the maxium range I should be realistically trying to operate at with this firearm assuming I'm a good shooter

I've read all sorts of responses on the 'Net tonight (from practicing and getting solid at "CQB" / 12.5' as ideal; to 75 yards (WTF!)). I also went out and shot a little over a 100 rounds tonight at distances from 15' to 50' with all sorts of results. And so it drives me crazy to not have an ideal distance to practice within and develop, AND make sure the revolver is performing as it should.

Thoughts on 1 and 2?

TIA!

[ckprax]

Honestly the limiting factor will be the shooter. The short sight radius will make it harder to be accurate but the gun should be plenty capable.

Since its the short barrel is it intended for defense? I would practice double action until proficient to 20 yards. In single action it would be fun to shoot steel at 50 to 75 yards.

[9mmepiphany]

I pretty much agree

I'll practice in DA out to 25 yards for serious work and out to 50 yards just for fun. When I shoot out at 100 yards, I'll usually go to SA. I do it with a 2.5" M66, it should be even easier with a M686.

IDPA's center zone (-0) is 8" and they will shoot out to 20 yards. Shooting quickly, I would expect a 686, in DA, to hold < 6" at that range

[atomboy]

25 yards for 1.

[jdg30]

I shoot different distances usually within 25 yards. Most commonly I shoot the S&W 686+ 2.5" at 12-15 yards. The gun is plenty accurate within these distances.

Shoot it at whatever distance you are comfortable with and can perform well at. If you are having trouble then start close at 5 yards and move out from there.

The 686+ 2.5" is my favorite gun and the one that I shoot best with. Just because it has a shorter barrel doesn't mean it is inaccurate by any means. I rarely shoot single action and tend to get better groups shooting double action because I focus on my trigger control more.

I've shot more than 1000 rounds through my 686 with a majority of them being .357's. The gun handles them great and I have fun shooting the more powerful load over .38's. If I didn't reload I would be broke.

You picked a great gun and it doesn't matter what distances others shoot their gun at. Everyone has different skill levels at shooting and I have a feeling many people exagerate their skill level and distance they shoot at when they are reporting on the internet. The only way you will know what a good distance to shoot the gun is for you is by practicing with it.

[mlevans66]

I start out at 10 yds and work my way to 25. I may not be as good a shooter as the others on this thread with my 686 but I get some good groups with the +P with those distances.

[vmwerks]

What are you expecting to do? Practicing fast fire DA under 30 ft center of mass for defensive training. SA bullseye shooting pick your distance but you don't have much barrel.

4" 686 with 4.4 grains bullseye and 158gr Rainier JRN

30ft DA 1 shot per second

[Super Spy]

I really want a S&W 627, I know this thread is about a 686, but it still makes the point that S&W makes some pretty sweet wheel guns.