S&W 686, Plus or No Plus............

[JG]

Ordering a 686 4'inch in the next few days,
I searched the archives and didn't find any real convincing posts on which one to get.

What should I do? Heard something about the trigger being strange on the 7shot- but thats all I know. Any input would be great.

[G. Kennedy]

I haven't heard anything about "strange" triggers on the 7-shots. I know a couple fella's who have them and they think they're great, no problems.

In my opinion, there are only two reasons you might want the 6-shooter as opposed to 7.

1. If you shoot IDPA you can only load 6 rounds in your revolver. It would be a real nuisance only loading 6 instead of 7.

2. If the 7-shot won't fit in a holster for a 6-shot 686, also if speedloaders won't work in holders made for a 6-shot revolver. This is assuming you may already have gear and don't want to buy more for another gun.

[skeeter]

6 shot is a little faster to cycle as there is less mass and less of a moment arm for the mass there is.

[Oleg Volk]

I thought that 7-shot had a better trigger pull as it only has to turn 1/7 instead of 1/6. I have 6" unported and while it is accurate and recoils mildly, it produces all the noise I can stand on an indorr range. I'd go with unported 7-shot...speedloaders fot it exist. Also, indexing notches aren't right on top of the thinnest part of the cylinder, unlike the 6-shot.

[Guy B. Meredith]

JG,

If you do IDPA, a 6 shot with 5" or shorter barrel is required. In ICORE (revolver only) competition a 7 shot is very popular, as is the 8 shot 627. All three fit the competition holster I use, a Safariland Cup Challenge or 002.

I bought the 7 shot before getting into competition as I thought it would be clever to have an unexpected round available if I ever came up against a Bad Guy. However, it really gives only minimal advantage in competition against autos.

One speedloader made for the 686+ (HKS) is awkward and the other (SL Variant) costs 3 to
4 times the others. I would suggest getting a moonclip conversion if the HKS do not serve your needs. The conversion costs $85 from Bob Miles in Pasadena (310-324-1858) and includes 3 clips. Extra clips are less than $3 in quantities of 10. Moonclips are inexpensive, very popular in competition and can also be had for the 6 shot. They are somewhat sensitive to brass manufacturer, doing well with R-P, Federal, Starline and PMC, okay but loose with Speer and downright cantankerous with most Winchester varieties.

[JG]

I will most likely not be doing much competition shooting with it, mostly target shooting- house gun also. I might just go with the 6shot, will probably send it into the PerfCenter to do a couple things (Action job, install black ramp) and whatever else might seem interesting. Thanks for the all the info-its appreciated.

[7th Fleet]

I have a six shooter, 686 and it is the finest revolver that I own and I own several dozen different ones. Its action is better and more easily tuned to perfection than any Colt Ruger etc, except for perhaps the Python. But with the Python you have a limited life span handgun, due to their going out of time so easily. Hosters and speed loaders are abundant for the six shot and if I require more rounds, I always have a battery of auto loaders in the vault. :)


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The Price Of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance

[Russell92]

I have a 686+ and like it a lot. The trigger is great. it is very accurate and is well balanced. The 686+ fits in the same size holster and can use the same speedloader pouches as the 686. The 686+ has the exact same size cylinder as the 686 but they just carved 7 holes in it instead of 6.