S&W 686 vs. 686+

[goofcat]

Hey gang,

Been thinking about getting a wheel gun. Looking at the 686. Just wondering what your takes on the 6 shot 686 as compared to the 7 round 686 plus. I'm looking to get the 4 inch barrel of either. Is one considered better or more valuable than the other?

Thanks,

[223556]

Im sure both are great revolvers!
Im not too familiar with the models other then the capicity.

I like the "6 shooter" better hehehe more traditional.

Plus Im sure its smaller then the 7 round 686+

I have a S&W 642 snubby I love

[Freq18Hz]

The 686+ is a newer 7 rounddesign. If you want a 686, you should try to find an older 6 shot pre-lock model. They are on average built much better, do not contain MIM parts, and do not have the trigger lock which can fail under rare circumstances. As a wise man once said "if you can't get it done with 6 shots, you shouldn't be doing it."

No matter what revolver you decide to pursue, you need to read the revolver check out procedure that is Sticky'd here. Finding a well built smith isn't guaranteed with the older guns, and can be considerably harder if shopping for a new one.

Here's some pics of my pre-lock 686-3 4" to whet your appetite.






-Freq

[ckprax]

There really isn't much difference other than the extra shot. You can find pre-lock, pre-mim 7 shot guns but they are not common. An additional benefit to the 7 shot is that the trigger pull will be slightly shorter since the cylinder does not move as far between shots.

Here is my 686-3

[gorenut]

There really isn't much difference other than the extra shot. You can find pre-lock, pre-mim 7 shot guns but they are not common. An additional benefit to the 7 shot is that the trigger pull will be slightly shorter since the cylinder does not move as far between shots.

Pretty much what I was going to say. Even more noticeable in 8 shots from my 627 vs other 6 shot N Frames.

[gunafficionado]

I've had a 686+ for over 10 years now, no complaints so far. I've heard of 686+ with cylinder timing problems but that's about it. Haven't had a MIM part break....yet.

[littlejake]

Cylinder diameter is identical for the 686 and 686+. They space the chambers closer together. The weak point in the 6 shot cylinder is where the index bolt notch is cut right at the thinnest part of the chamber wall. With the 7 shot, they moved the index bolt off center in the frame and cut the index notches between cylinders. Something they've done for a long time on 5 shot J-frames. I've owned the 586, the 686+ and a special run of 586+, all in 4 inch; all pre-lock; and they were all great guns.

I wish S&W would drop that silly lock.

[Brandon04GT]

I don't mean to hijack but I am also interested in a 686 and heard the 686-4 is the best version to get. Is this true? Am I also correct that they make a 686-4 in a 7 shot as well?

[jyo]

I would look for a nice used 686 4" pre-lock and be happy to grab the best deal I could find---6 or 7 shot---you will have revolver that will last the rest of your life and the life of whoever gets it next...

[goofcat]

Thanks for all the info and the pretty pictures. Now I'm a bit worried that this wheel gun thing is not easily contained at just one gun.

I have a lead on a 686+ 4 inch near new, but it is the lock model. What would you guys say is a fair price?

[ckprax]

I would say around $600. I got mine for $575 about a year ago and it had the origiinal wood target grips (and no lock).

[t0kie]

Cylinder diameter is identical for the 686 and 686+. They space the chambers closer together. The weak point in the 6 shot cylinder is where the index bolt notch is cut right at the thinnest part of the chamber wall. With the 7 shot, they moved the index bolt off center in the frame and cut the index notches between cylinders. Something they've done for a long time on 5 shot J-frames. I've owned the 586, the 686+ and a special run of 586+, all in 4 inch; all pre-lock; and they were all great guns.

I wish S&W would drop that silly lock.

Bingo!

[Mr. Gillious]

i'm in the market to buy the same thing too. i've decided to get the 686+ for the 7 round cap. they both feel the same in the hand IMO but i just like the 686 plus cause it has 7 which really much weight felt compared to the 6 shooter... i'm just waiting for my 30 to get done and i will get one.

[Bongos]

Cylinder diameter is identical for the 686 and 686+. They space the chambers closer together. The weak point in the 6 shot cylinder is where the index bolt notch is cut right at the thinnest part of the chamber wall. With the 7 shot, they moved the index bolt off center in the frame and cut the index notches between cylinders. Something they've done for a long time on 5 shot J-frames. I've owned the 586, the 686+ and a special run of 586+, all in 4 inch; all pre-lock; and they were all great guns.

I wish S&W would drop that silly lock.

+1 Going price on these are $600-$650 (though lots are asking in the $700-$750 range)

[9mmepiphany]

Just curious, as I've never seen them, but who makes speedloaders for the 686+. The only other down side is that it wouldn't be competitive in IDPA