S&W 686 SSR Pro .357

[ExtremeX]

Anyone know if the premium for this specific model is worth it over a standard 686?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765786_-1_757775_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

[tjbeck]

Beautiful gun. I was considering one awhile ago but, opted to stay away from wheel guns and just focus on the semi's. I don't know enough about it to state if internals or extras on it are worth a premium for it but, that price seems high. Though in this market almost everything seems priced high. When I saw them about 6 months ago I want to say it was at least $100 cheaper.

[cwin]

I definitely want one. If I could find one near me, I'd probably snatch it up.

[8200rpm]

It's catered for competitions where you're limited to 6 rounds. The interchangeable front sight is nice if you like to swap front sights often. The chamfered charge holes assist in reloading from speedloaders. The mainspring is supposedly a Wolff unit with lighter pull weight, but it's pretty easy to change yourself if you decide to get a standard 686.

For a HD type gun, a standard 686+ with 7 round cylinder would be fine especially if you install the Wolff mainspring. But then again for a nightstand gun, I'd want a light. M&P45 with a Surefire X300 would be the same price as a 686+ and about $150 less than the SSR.

I had a 625JM which is similar in approach but I only paid $589 new. I really never warmed up to it since I shoot semi-autos so much better than revolvers. I personally couldn't justify spending $1k on a 6-shot revolver. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a rifle or optics.

[ExtremeX]

I'd rather have the 627 PC for a couple hundred more. No MIM, action work, gold bead front sight.

[ExtremeX]

For a HD type gun, a standard 686+ with 7 round cylinder would be fine especially if you install the Wolff mainspring. But then again for a nightstand gun, I'd want a light. M&P45 with a Surefire X300 would be the same price as a 686+ and about $150 less than the SSR.

I had a 625JM which is similar in approach but I only paid $589 new. I really never warmed up to it since I shoot semi-autos so much better than revolvers. I personally couldn't justify spending $1k on a 6-shot revolver. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a rifle or optics.

I’m not looking to buy this as a HD gun… I already have all that stuff covered across multiple semi auto pistols, shotguns and various rifles… I’ve already done all my shopping for quality optics as well; my collection is rather well rounded with the exception of a wheel gun and a nice semi auto or OU shotgun for clays…

I must admit the 1k price range is more than I originally set out to spend when I was looking for my first revolver, but this Pro and PC center guns look and feeling amazing. Personally I’m not looking for another gun to work on, I’d like to get something from the factory which I can just reload ammo for and enjoy as a nice range piece as I do with my 1911, but I really want something where I don’t have to keep chasing my brass!

[GREASY357]

I have a base 686 and I've never thought "I need more." I might have mine chamfered like this SSR someday but that's just for the looks.

[mlevans66]

Yeah that's the going price if you can find one. I had a reg 686 with a 2 inch barrel and the trigger was brutal to me. I have the 627 and love it. The 686 SSR from what I heard is a good shooter.

[ExtremeX]

Yeah that's the going price if you can find one. I had a reg 686 with a 2 inch barrel and the trigger was brutal to me. I have the 627 and love it. The 686 SSR from what I heard is a good shooter.

[trob]

Anyone know if the premium for this specific model is worth it over a standard 686?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_765786_-1_757775_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

I very much like it... and I’m seeing it for around $920

I’m really not sure if it’s a deal or not, I’m thinking of picking one up as my first wheel gun...

$920? geez, i bought mine brand new for $749 from SoCal Gun about 3 years ago. I ended up selling it a couple years ago and bought a standard finish 686+ with 2.5" barrel for $500. based on what I use it for, its a much better choice (hiking sidearm). I dont have to worry about scratching the finish, the barrel is shorter, its a 7-shot, and looks better to me.

[The Soup Nazi]

It’s the Performance Center 627 that actually inspired the idea of the 686 SSR Pro... I very much like its styling, barrel profile, and satin stainless finish. Personally I’m not fond of the standard 686 finish, but I like the 686.

Considering I don’t know much about revolvers in general... educate me in terms of PC vs Pro on the 686 vs the 627…

Regarding PC vs Pro Series:
MIM parts aren't used in Performance Center guns.
PC guns are essentially built from the ground up to be hand fitted.
PC guns have a lot more work done on their actions and triggers.
Gold beaded front sight on many PC guns, the 686 SSR has the red ramp IIRC from fondling both but only picking one several months ago.

Pro Series guns have MIM parts but are given more attention to than the standard S&W gun.

Concerning 686 SSR vs 627 PC:
The 627 is built on an N-Frame (Same one used for .44 Magnum and .45 wheelguns), while the 686 is built on an L-Frame (modern .357 mid sized frame).
The 627 has a cylinder which accomodates 8 rounds of .357 ammo through single loading, speed loader, or moon clip.
The 686 SSR is designed for competition so it has a 6 round cylinder but is not equipped to handle moon clips.
Wood grips? If you're incredibly vain, the 686 SSR has medallions on its grips, but the 627 PC only has an engraving/rollmark?

Here's my 627 Performance Center. I had a chance to hold both guns at Reed's this last Fall, but the gold bead sight and action sold it for me.





I was actively looking for a SSR until I found my Python 2 days ago. I have smaller hands and L/K frame grips are a pretty good fit for me.

[checkenbach]

I have an SSR, it's one of my favorite guns. The tapered underlug gives it better balance than a standard 686, it's laser accurate,
has a better trigger out of the box due to the Wolff mainspring than a standard 686, but despite being a Pro series gun, it's pretty normal.
I had to send mine back to fix a few issues so common on new S&W's these days, but service was quick, and to my liking.
It's less of a handful than an N frame gun like a 627(which I'm lusting after as well). You can't go wrong with either one, just look very closely at the unit you're thinking of buying.

[bsumoba]

My wife and I both LOVE this gun. Check out signature for review on this gun.

The fit and finish is great. I have to admit, this is my wife's but I have probably shot this more than her. This is her HD gun by the way. Its a wheel gun so there is not as much that can go wrong if need be.

She was deciding between a 686+ (in 3" and 4") and the SSR. The SSR 4" model is ideal for the weight in balancing the recoil for .357 and is deadly accurate with 38+p. I can shoot ragged holes from 15 yds. The trigger is much better out of the box than the standard 686.