Question on recent purchase...

[BlK Lantern]

ALCON:

I recently committed to the purchase of a S&W 686 w/4" barrel (6 shot) after waiting several months for a S&W 686p w/4"'barrel in 7 shot to arrive.
After I got home I read more reviews of the 686p & the general feedback is the trigger is smoother & stronger. The purpose of the revolver is for HD & carry during trailing or hunting.
My question is:
1. Does it really make that much of a difference between the two models.
2. Is it worth converting the 6 to a 7.
3. I've seen many Glocks in stores but very few revolvers; Does S&W produce these revolvers ever so once in awhile?

Thank you,

[BlK Lantern]

Correction: "trigger is smoother but cylinder is stronger."

[nikki#2]

I have the 6-shot 686 and use it occasionally for IDPA competition (the 7-shot is not legal unless you only load 6 rounds, which is a PITA). If I was getting the gun for your purposes I might go for the 7...
Having one extra round is the only difference. I've never heard that the 7-shot has a better trigger out of the box (my trigger is as smooooth as a baby's bottom), and the 6-shot has been around for many decades firing magnum loads.
Personally, I don't think it would make sense to convert a 6-shot to a 7-shot to gain one more round of capacity. I think HKS makes a speed loader for the 7-shot, but there are several brands to choose from for the 6-shot.
I use Safariland 1, 2, &3 speed loaders on my 6-shot and they are FAST!

I would ask your question over on the S&W Forum (http://smith-wessonforum.com/) but I doubt the reply's will be any different on this one.

Enjoy your classic 6-shot! Look for a 617 .22LR 6-shot to match it!

[BlK Lantern]

Thank you. I might just get them both ;-)

[Lead Waster]

The theory behind the smoother action is that since the cylinders are the same size, but in carries 7 rounds the. The effort needed to turn the cylinder to the next round is less because you aren't turning the cylinder as much (1/7th of a rotation versus 1/6th) but come on.. Seriously? I don't know maybe its incrementally true. S&w revolvers have very smooth triggers anyway.

Cylinder strength theory is that the bolt stop notches (or whatever To start in USPSA find s local range that hosts events and ask them about a USPSA safety class. That's what I did. You'll meet plenty of people at each match!To start in USPSA find s local range that hosts events and ask them about a USPSA safety class. That's what I did. You'll meet plenty of people at each match!they are called) falls between the chambers in a seven shot, but sit over the chambers in a six shot. I doubt any six shot magnum s&w has ever failed due to this ... But who knows maybe it is true. S&w says there is not strength difference.