Info on the Smith & Wesson 686?

Question

I was curious to see if any of you had experience with the S&W 686? I am considering one for a house/hiking gun, and wanted your input and opinions. I am also interested in the cylinder length. I plan on carrying heavy loads in the woods (I live in black bear and cougar country here in East TN) and I'm wondering if the cylinder has enough space for them.

Answer 1

Smith & Wesson makes the .357 mag. in four different frame sizes. The smallest is the J frame snubbies. Next is the K frames, the mdl 19 and 66 are examples. Then come the L frames that your stainless 686 belongs in. The largest is the N frames like the old Highway Patrolman mdl 28.

The L frame was developed by S&W when it was discovered that the K frames were getting pretty battered by heavy .357 mag. loads.

Your 686 should handle any commerical load for the .357 mag.

If you are considering some heavy duty handloaded stuff, you might want to look at the big N frame. Lots of beefy metal on the cylinder and frame of that gun, its the same frame S&W builds it's .44 mag on. The trade off is the N frame is a much heavier gun.

When revolvers were being carried by law enforcement, the S&W 686 was the most popular one carried. Even I had one before going back to my Colt .45ACP.

You have enough gun for the cat and the dinky little Black Bear. I wouldn't pack it in Wyoming, the Grissley Bear is a might bigger.

Answer 2

The Smith & Wesson 686 is a stainless steel, medium frame .357 Magnum revolver. It is plenty strong for any factory .357 Magnum load. It is a good field gun available as a standard six-shooter or optional seven-shot. You ask about cylinder length. The length is enough to accomodate the .357 Magnum bullet. Did you mean cylinder thickness? The six-shooter will have thicker cylinder walls than the seven-shot 686. So if that is a concern stick with the six-shooter.

If you feel you still need a stronger revolver consider the S & W Model 27 or 28 which are built on the huge N frame, the .44 Magnum frame. Shop around for a good used one, as these are no longer being made. My Model 28 has recessed cylinders so that no part of the bullet is exposed in case it should burst the shooter won't be hit by debris. This is probably quite unnecissary, as the revolver is as strong as they get, but it is a nice extra touch.

Best.

H

Answer 3

Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in the early 1980's. It was chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special +P calibers. The 600 series Smith & Wesson revolvers are true workhorses for both duty and sporting use. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6 or 7 round cylinders.

Answer 4

686 is an excellent thunderstick in all respects. Well made, accurate, reliable, yaddah. However, in bear or cougar country you might consider the buddy system in the great outdoors. Carry a long bladed knife, when an animal charges you slice your buddy's achilles tendon; and while he is flopping around you make your getaway. This is also a good system when swimming where there are sharks.

Answer 5

You have chosen an excellent gun! The weapon of choice of the Navy Seals. Most S&W guns are made in two or three frame sizes. Make sure you get the heavy frame if you want to shoot extra powerful loads. (My model #19 comes in 3 choices). You should be able to get the specs of the cylinder off their website, or just call a good dealer and he will tell you the exact length.

Answer 6

The 686 is an excellent one. I have one at home for defense. It is reliable, deadly, and zero maintenance. Mine has the 4 inch barrel and still is amazingly accurate.