S&W 686+ Opinion

[Aldemar]

I've been looking adding either the 4 or 6 inch version of this model to my stable. In looking thru the S&W website, I came across the Model 327 TRR8 and the M&P R8. The latter two look identical except for the light rail on the M&P. I currently have a 2.5 inch Nightguard 386 and it's given me no problems so far.

If anyone can offer an opinion on any of these I would appreciate it very much.

[tmh1]

All of what you specify are wonderful guns. If you want an M&P R8, RUN don't walk over to this thread:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=780361

These guns are few and far between, so give Bob a call ASAP. I just ordered mine from him last week, and at that time he only had one left. Haven't seen them ANYWHERE else.

And you DO want an R8... trust me on this.

(Although the 686 plus's are wonderful as well, but why not get a gun with a scandium frame, and which has already gone through the S&W performance center? ONLY issue with the M&P R8 and TRR8 relates to fewer available off-the-rack holsters, but there are still some out there).

Good luck!

[trigger945]

I currently have a 686 and put a 686 SSR on layaway... That should tell you something

Great guns. I prefer the heavier frame myself. 686+ offers an extra round over 686. Functionality is the same. I prefer 6-shooters.

Good luck! Can't go wrong.

[Lead Waster]

I have the 686+, it's everything you'd want in a .38/.357.

I like the idea of 8 rounds, but 7 is nice!

One thing to think about maybe is speedloaders. The 7 rounders have only two companies making speedloaders... hks and SL Variant, but realistically, only HKS are available.

For 6 shooters, there are a million speedloader options.

Some say the 7 round cylinder is better because the bolt-stop notches do no sit on top of a cylinder, but I think that's just nonsense.

I still think 7 is better than 6, but 8 is better than 7.

The Single Action trigger on my 686+ is great ... from the factory! The DA is smooth, but heavy.

Seriously, the 4 inch 686/686+ is your functional Honda Civic of guns, with BMW styling (or whatever car you like).

it's a revolver, it's accurate, it carries 7 rounds, it goes bang and it looks good. What other criteria is there? And no, I would never CC this gun.

[Aldemar]

^^^^^
I found these 7 rounders http://5starfirearms.com/speed_loaders_38.html
these are absolutely great - no plastic - all aluminium. They also make 8 rounders and I would bet that the quality is just as good.

Had the trigger done on the 386 by Jim Hoag in Canoga Park along with a Jerry Miculek spring kit. It's now about 7.5 lbs DA and 3.0 lbs SA.

[tmh1]

...They also make 8 rounders and I would bet that the quality is just as good.

I've got a couple of those coming for my R8. Plus, I BELIEVE (not fully certain) that the R8's cylinder is factory cut for full moon clips. The 686 would have to be custom cut if you wanted to use moonies.

EDIT: Verified today during DROS: Back of cylinder IS factory cut for (full) moon clips.

[dbbspider]

U will not b disappointed with the 686+

[ptgarcia]

I like N frame Smith's so of those listed I'd go with TRR8. If you want steel take a look at the 627 Pro. It's 8 shots of pure sweetness!

[nephrodoc]

Depends on which frame size you prefer. I love my 686+, it has a shorter trigger pull than the six shot version. I sent mine back to the factory for the revolver combat package. It has one sweet trigger.

[Old4eyes]

^^^^^
I found these 7 rounders http://5starfirearms.com/speed_loaders_38.html
these are absolutely great - no plastic - all aluminium. They also make 8 rounders and I would bet that the quality is just as good.

In reading the sites description, am I correct in that you twist the 6 sided "handle" to load and unload the rounds like is done with the HKS loader? How much better are these than the HKS.

I prefer the Safariland mechanism that releases the rounds by pushing down on the body of the speed loader. Unfortunately, they don't make it in seven rounds.

[glockman19]

I absolutely positively love my 4" 686+. Perfectly balanced, Excellent trigger. I with all confidence recommentd a 4" 686+

[saki302]

The 4" 686+ is one of my favorite revolver designs, "just right".

I'm not into the railed tacticooled revolvers- just osmehting a little odd about them IMO.

If you like N frames, go 27-2. That revolver is every bit as good, and in some respects much nicer than the Colt Python.

-Dave

[Aldemar]

In reading the sites description, am I correct in that you twist the 6 sided "handle" to load and unload the rounds like is done with the HKS loader? How much better are these than the HKS.

I prefer the Safariland mechanism that releases the rounds by pushing down on the body of the speed loader. Unfortunately, they don't make it in seven rounds.

You are correct, twist to load and unload. These are aluminum, no plastic at all and the quality is excellent, IMHO.

[glug]

4" 686P all the way. Looks and feels great in the hand and one of my favorite guns to shoot. With light handloads its not much more expensive than 22LR these days.

If I were going 6" I would save up and try to find a Colt Python.

Not into scandium railed revolvers personally... whats the point?