357 revolvers

[jkonquer]

For those with newer model s&w revolvers, can you check and see if what i stated is correct?

[pyromensch]

Aren't you glad Colt's Mfg doesn't make DA revolvers anymore? I think the King Cobra is best as a defensive revolver and that's coming fron a die hard Ruger revo guy.

"diehard ruger revo guy"?, most of those in the pic, are s&w's.

[orangeusa]

If you can find a used 66 cheaper than a 686 in the same condition, I'll buy it. I looked for almost 8 months.
Your point about used guns is spot on. Most of the guns I own are used, and barely used at that..

I have to chime and say that I own a 66 and did some reading on subject but and heard this over and over but never found anything to document it. even tried the smith and wesson forums. I have not looked recently but i thought the 66s sold for slightly less than a 686
I have owned a good number of 357s to include a gp100 that was a very good shooter that i sold to a calgunner ,they are over built and can be tuned to have a acceptable trigger . the 686s that i shot were nice and recently passed on one from custom shop simply due to the fact that i have 3 real nice .357s now .
As stated by other members i think the Smith ends up with a slightly better trigger . My home defense is a .357 smith 66-1 and is smoothest most accurate double action .357 I have shot and often load up some hbwc's in 357 brass for new shooters . I would not hesitate to buy a used revolver , alot of the time they have just been a safe queen.

[Legasat]

I have used a Ruger .357 for 30 years. Great gun! The 686 is very nice also, I just never found a reason to spend the extra money.

[HermanH]

I'm glad someone brought this subject to the surface!
I just completed loading 158 rounds of 38 special for my FRIEND, not myself, because I've sold my SR Security Six a couple of decades ago and have been looking into a 3rd handgun and I finally decided I wanted it to be a revolver (already have a 92FS/9mm, and SA 1911/.45ACP).

I'm in the same boat and I have been wondering about the S&W 'lock' mechanism. I think it's rather odd. I know my SA has it but never really used it and has never been an issue in use. But I came across some YouTube video where this person had his automatically activate on it's own and no matter what he does with the 'tool' it will not unlock. He hates it and openly said he'll sell both of his 686 as soon as the locked one is repaired by S&W. But keep in mind that's just ONE opinion. But it did give me pause as I look into other issues (seems S&W Customer Service isn't what it used to be, again, from other opinions, not my own.)

I will say this - when I did own my Security Six, I was very young and was experimenting with loads. I eventually gave my 6" barrel a hairline crack. My co-worker at the time, bought the gun off me for about what I paid for (back in 1979). He called S&R about the barrel and they replaced it for free w/o question; he just paid for shipping to and from.

Today, that gun belongs to my ex-manager whom I still talk to and he loves that revolver.

I'm a tinkerer at heart and I think the GP-100 might be the gun I get. Sure, the S&W looks better IMO, and the trigger is probably much better out of the box, but I don't mind taking a stab at a trigger job on a revolver after about 1,000 rounds.

In terms of used, I'm very tempted to ask another friend of mine, for his Colt Python. It's a 6" blue finish that has at least 50 rounds fired through it. Knowing the type of person he is, I don't think he ever shot it again... and that was back in 1980! Time to see what those go for on the used market.

Back on topic, Good luck with whatever you get.

[beerman]

Model 13? Old school smith. The standard for 4 in duty revolvers

I agree with this, but whare you gonna find an old K frame 13? I havn't seen one for sale in years.Pretty scarce (but awesome)guns

[movie zombie]

i purchased used a s&w 19 and s&w 66. no issues with either. both pre-lock, etc. both are great guns. the k-frame fits my hand well. L-frame is too large for my hand otherwise the 686 would also be in my collection.

[desertmedic]

I have a 6" matte stainless King Cobra that I absolutely love! I bought it back in the early 90's for 200 bucks. I see a stainless 4" for 950 on Gunbroker...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=296547017

[desertmedic]

These are the stock sights... Orange ramp and white outline. I couldnt get the phone to focus on the orange ramp.

[RedFord150]

...I'm a tinkerer at heart and I think the GP-100 might be the gun I get. ...In terms of used, I'm very tempted to ask another friend of mine, for his Colt Python. ....

I assume you are older and wiser now and have your handloads under control.
The GP100 will take much hotter loads than the Python. If you buy the colt, keep that in mind.
I have a GP100 for around 22 years and have never had a problem. I shoot mostly .38 special through mine. I like the gun so much I have another NIB GP100 in my safe waiting for my daughter to turn 21. Happy B-Day, little girl ;-).

[HermanH]

I assume you are older and wiser now and have your handloads under control.
The GP100 will take much hotter loads than the Python. If you buy the colt, keep that in mind.
I have a GP100 for around 22 years and have never had a problem. I shoot mostly .38 special through mine. I like the gun so much I have another NIB GP100 in my safe waiting for my daughter to turn 21. Happy B-Day, little girl ;-).

Now that's being a nice father!!!
Yes, I learned.

[macey109]

dollar for dollar buy a colt MK III. You can find a tank for 500.

[gibt]

Buy one you like. It won't be your last.

[schneiderguy]

Been doing some researchon 686 and smith and wesson quality control and it seems that their qc has been went down the drain. According to most "newer" 686 owners, almost 80%, of 686 comes with barrel not aligning to the frame. Many dont notice the gap and misalignment. And many say its cosmetic, but fact of the matter is its not straight. Therefore many have problem the gun not shooting straight out of the box and requires adjusting the rear sights.
However their customer service is very good and are willing work with you. Some cases they will ship out brand new gun. But it doesnt fix the problem that most newer smith and wesson revolvers have canted barrel.
I believe if you paying top dollar for a quality product, you should get a perfectly fitted gun. I can live with the minor cosmetic issue, but it will truly bother me as long as i have the gun if it is mechanically flawed

I bought a new 686-6 a couple of months ago and the fit and finish is perfect. YMMV.

[redcliff]

Buy one you like. It won't be your last.

I admire both your revolver collection and the tile in your bathroom. I've seen plenty of feet in sandals before but I think having a toilet in the picture may be a first for the handgun section here at Calguns