With wisdom comes an appreciation for things that just work in as simple a manner as possible. This is undoubtedly why such things as pencils and hammers have lived far beyond their obsolescence. It may also have something to do with my still being employed in Law Enforcement. Hmmm...
I agree with many that the 686 is the finest handgun ever made. My 3 inch 686 plus has been my go-to handgun for years. I use it for everything, CCW, home defense, animal defense while hiking and backpacking, and even hunting (I've taken whitetails and mule deer, and hogs with it).
I have the 6" and I love it so much. It's so accurate. I originally got it as a camping gun for the bears but it quickly became my favorite to take to the range.
Hrfunk always, always offers the best videos. Always a calm, artifulate delivery, knowledgeable and concise. No yelling, no wasted times of him just shooting and telling war stories.
you have a soft spot for big revolvers ha, I do also. I couldn't see the barrel rise much if any when you fired, very accurate patterns as always. Thank you for your post.
The 686 was my first patrol weapon. I was so green to LE I bought a 686 6" barrel. My Sgt yelled "YOU CAN'T USE THAT CANNON"! I sold it but I really liked it. I then bought the 4" I have to this day. I had a lot of trigger control problems back then so I spent a lot of time with a nickel on the back strap dry firing balancing that nickle.
The 6” is great for field use, but I prefer the 4” for duty carry. Truthfully, you can’t really go wrong with either one. Thanks for watching and thanks too for the comment!
I bought mine in 1993. $350.00 brand new with wood grips. I was one of the last classes to go through my police academy with a revolver. I still have it. I cannot believe how expensive these revolvers have become. Glad I never sold mine!
I've been watching you revolver videos. I love how you describe them, and their purposes. I have a stainless 686 with a 4" barrel. It was an issued weapon when I busted into law enforcement, somewhere around five hundred years ago. I'm glad that I kept it. I still take it our now and then just to give it a workout, and provide some fun for me. I even perform some speed loader drills on occasion, but Jerry Miculek, I am NOT! It's always fun, nonetheless. A belated "thanks" for another video that simply makes me smile.
You're welcome! When I attended the Police Academy in 1990, half of my class was still issued revolvers. I was there with a brand new S&W semi-auto, but I've had occasion to carry and use revolvers during my career and I've always enjoyed the heritage they share with traditional policing (not to mention their performance and simplicity). Thanks for the comment, and keep shooting that 686 from time to time!
Came upon your channel just a short while ago. Watched this and subbed. Like your no-nonsense approach. Very clear & well spoken. I have a 4" 686 that I bought in 1999. It will be with me forever. Never tire of shooting it. Thanks for your time & efforts.
I really like the 686. I almost carried mine to work today just for old times sake. I ultimately opted for a different sidearm. I'm not sure if some of the youngsters would have known what it was!
Excellent video as per usual! I've wanted a revolver for quite some time and have recently just purchased a 586-3 with nickel finish. I paid handsomely for it but have no regrets whatsoever. It's an absolutely gorgeous revolver, lovely fit and finish and, of course, shoots like a dream. Thanks again for a great review :D
Great video. I have this exact same gun. Was my first handgun purchase in the early 90's. It's a square butt and I added wood Hogue grips. Very pretty gun. Like you I carry this gun when trouncing through the woods. We have rattlesnakes on our property so I make sure I have some shot rounds handy just in case. You shoot it well. Thanks for making my day with this video.
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it. My 686 is one of the square-butt versions too. I have nothing against the newer round-butt models, but I personally prefer the square butt for revolvers with 4" inch barrels or longer. Take Care!
Thank You for this video!!!!!!!!! My go to firearm is a Smith and Wesson model 64. 357 is a little much for me right now, but 38 is perfect for me at this time. This is a gorgeous machine. I shoot a 4 inch barrel 64-5 and the stainless steel look is perfect. I live in Oregon and firearms are flying off the shelves at very inflated prices. I have been at 2 stores and they were selling 686s at each store. Both customers were saying they were searching everywhere for a 686 I enjoy watching any Smith and Wesson revolver video. I love your model 10 qualifying video. Your videos look great on a 65 inch TV
Personally, I would choose a 686 over a Colt Python. The Colt length of pull for my hand seems a little long versus the 686. Also, I prefer the forward movement of the cylinder latch on the SW over the Colt latch that you have to pull to the rear.
Actually you can hunt some big game with 357. Years ago my friend was out camping and got up one morning early and shot a black bear in his pajamas with a snub nose S&W 357. (how the bear got into my friends pajamas I don't know) Thumbs up!
I heard Groucho Marks' voice in that last sentence! I know the .357 is capable of taking big game. When it was debuted by Smith & Wesson in 1935, Douglas Wesson took the new .357 revolver on a safari around the world to promote it. He took many large animals with it as a way of demonstrating its power. As you know, there are more appropriate cartridges today for large species of game, but with good shot placement, the .357 is capable of surprising effectiveness.
I carried a 681 4" barrel for two years on SDPD until we switched to 9mm's. I had concerns about the adjustable sights on the 686 getting knocked out of alignment from duty use so I went with the 681. After the switch to 9mm I gave my 681 to my dad who was an Agent with California DOJ, he qualified with it his last two years with DOJ and he said it was the best balanced of his revolvers.
I recently just purchased this month the 4 inch 686 plus in stainless steel as a belated birthday gift for my self an i love it its solid strong 7 rounds of 357 magnum cant go wrong with that
DAVID CAMPOS They are great revolvers! I have a 4” 686+ too. I usually carry/shoot my 6-shot version, but the 7-shot is just as good with one extra round!
Great video. I do quite a few videos on shooting mine, it's always interesting to research how many cops carried the 686 in the 1980's even into the 90's
The S&W Model 686 was the first .357 revolver I ever shot, used a 6 inch though. Currently craving that 586 S&W has in their catalogue. I much prefer blued revolvers. Great video!
@@hrfunk The law differs in each state, but the state in which I live is very strict. We are allowed to own handguns, but only for sporting/target purposes. The firearm licence for handguns can take up to a year or more to acquire, and it is separated into categories. Each category within which you own a pistol, you are then mandated by the state to compete a minimum number of times per year with that gun, or you lose it and your licence. There are separate licences for collectors as well, but they require that you have a strongroom in your home, with security systems and such. No plinking, recreational shooting, or hunting with handguns is permitted. So, haha, you can imagine, I quite envy you lucky fellas in the USA!
I can understand why. I always hate to hear from firearms aficionados in other parts of the world who face so many restrictions from their government. Maybe some day they will ease those restrictions for you.
And just that fast... I hit the "like" button. Another excellent instructional video. Thank you. I have a 4" 686+. The weight of the full under-lug makes recoil with hot .357 magnum ammo manageable for even my 66 yr. old hands. Splashing gallon water jugs is still fun! (I always thought the full under-lug was for bonking heads without doing damage to the ejector rod. But, I might be wrong.) These revolvers are beautiful, expensive works of mechanical art and function. Wish I could shoot like you!
The 686 S&W was a masterpiece, especially in the 1980's (not sure about new quality) that WERE used by U.S Customs - Border Patrol - and Seal teams. Some called it The S&W "Python!" I have a 625 -7 3 in. .45 LC. based on its design. And though I have used a 1911A1 Springfield Trophy. for decades,...its the only other firearm I'd stake my life on... (After my 1300 win. 12 ga. pump - my first choice). Great Video!
Great video! This is the next gun on my list, having been bitten by the rovolver bug lately. I already have a Ruger Vaquero in .357. Also, good job on cocking the hammer with your LEFT thumb...rarely see people practicing this correct habit.
Thanks! The left-thumb cocking is much quicker and more natural. I don't remember if I was ever taught that technique, or if it's something I developed on my own.
I first saw it in cowboy action shooting. Using your left thumb allows you to maintain your right hand grip without readjusting. I'm not sure where else they teach it.
I am a bit rusty, however I am heading l to the range with my buddy in battle creek next week. I am confident my S+W 686, with the 6" barrel will do the job I expect it to do for me, it just had a great feel to it. I will be getting the '38 special ammo to use on the range. Very informative video. Thank you.
I am a revolver junkie. The S&W 686 is an absolute beautiful revolver. I just purchased the coveted 686-1 2 1/2 in barrel extremely hard to find. Great video keep up the good work.
Good video 👍 I have a 4in version as well. I installed a .5 S&W target hammer, rosewood boot grips and polished the gun- leaving the frame and barrel top strap in the factory finish. Now, to me, it is perfect.
I have the 5" 686 + Unfluted cylinder that I carry in an Alaskan chest rig and it's a tack driver! I also have the 686+ Fluted cylinder 3" barrel version for one of my carry options. Gotta love the 686!!
I have a 686 and a GP100 both 4” and even though the GP100 has no flaws I would rather fire the S&W I guess it is something about the grip anyway it’s cold and raining it’s a good day for gun videos
I purchased a 586 Classic Series five years ago and recently cracked the forcing cone. I used to think this L frame was a tough cookie but I'm having my doubts. I sent it back to S&W and it costed me $300 to get it fixed. In my letter explaining the issue I was a dumbass and happened to mention I sometimes shoot my handloads, which voided the warranty. Just an FYI.
I think it’s possible for that to happen with any revolver. Too bad it happened to be yours. I hope you have better luck with the new barrel when it comes back.
one could argue that a 2.5 inch 686 is plenty concealable...and a 6 inch model is quite an adequate hunting pistol...so yea in my opinion it could do it all
intense_pickle I agree. When I made the comments in the video I specified "deep concealment" and "big game". For typical CCW duties, and hunting deer size animals and smaller, the 686 will perform admirably. Thanks for the comment!
@@hrfunk I loved it HR! it was my first time with .357 and enjoyed it greatly. Firing .38 special was almost like .22 just a feather like recoil. I certainly dont regret this purchase!
I have the exact same gun as you do hr, which I believe is a 686-4. Only I have installed a grip by Hogue made of Cocobolo. This particular firearm is one of my all time favorite guns that I own. The thing that even a lot of gun guys are unaware of is that the 586 and the 686 have a much more robust action than the beautiful Colt Python. I have not ever been able to examine a German Kurth revolver, and I am very intrigued by it, but who has a couple of grand to cast down for a fine revolver ?? I am very satisfied with my 686-4 and my " other " Smiths and they are just fine by me.......
+hrfunk Thanks for making this video! I am saving up for one of these but I am not sure whether to get the blue 586 or the stainless 686. I like both of them for different reasons. I love the 586 because of the old school look. On the other hand, I like the stainless one too because it is more modern and is easier to keep looking nice. However, I am worried about the sun glaring off the shiny stainless at the range. Where I live, handguns are restricted to range use only. Would the bluing wear off eventually if I carried the 586 in a good leather belt holster?
Sooner or later, depending upon how much the pistol us used/carried, blueing will start to show signs of wear. That's not necessarily a criticism, it's just a fact of life with blued firearms. The stainless revolvers will probably look "new" for longer, but eventually they too will show signs of wear. The biggest advantage of stainless steel is its rust-resistance. If you are going to have your pistol out in the rain, snow, high-humidity, etc, then I would recommend the stainless 686. On the other hand, if you will only have it out on sunny warm days, the 586 will probably do fine (you still might want to wipe it down with some oil after shooting/handling). I have never had an issue with sun reflecting off my stainless steel firearms and causing any problems. Fortunately, both the 586 and 686 are really fine revolvers. Between those two, there really is not a "wrong" choice. Just consider how, and under what conditions, you will typically be using your revolver. That will dictate which one will work best for you. Good luck!
I have just recently purchased the 686 plus in 4 inch stainless steel .... An believe me cant be more happy with it 7 rounds of 357 magnum an it though an just looks great
I think you’ll like the 6”. The added sight radius and bullet velocity are both great. You do loose a bit of portability, but if you’re not wearing it in a belt holster, that won’t matter much.
Of all my revolvers I have my 686-1 is the last one I would part with. It was made in 1983 and is still in like new condition. I just removed the wood trooper grips and added some Hogue grips.
I have 2 686's, a six inch and a three inch. The six -1 is maybe the best firearm I have ever shot, and I have been shooting since I was a kid (more years then I am willing to admit)
Carried the Model 65 in 4 inch on duty for over a decade. (Prior to that we were issued the model 10 with bull barrel). The 65 was was less expensive than the 686 but just as reliable and durable, but no where near as beautiful ! I was allowed to purchase it and still shoot it today after after 36 years of heavy shooting.
You didn't mention the 5" model which is my favorite. The 6" is great, I generally don't care too much for shorter magnums, and 4" is right there at the borderline for me personally, but they do ergonomically handle well, and look nice. The 5" is perfect really, it is well balanced, decent sight radius, enough barrel to allow for magnum powder to burn, looks and handles/feels nice. Other than that, I would go with the 6" myself. I have an 8-3/8", a 5" Pro Series Plus model, and a 386Sc which is the AirLite 3-1/8", (and yes, shorter than 4", lol) The 686 is the best .357 Magnum revolver in mt opinion. Nice video.
I love the double action trigger on these. I was dual shooting two yesterday a five inch and the six inch and I found both very light in double action and the five inch was even easier than the six inch
I own one ! My 1st pistol I bought as a young man of 18 & still my favorite. My son didn’t like it I said shoot it, he took it to a range thought he was missing & put 6 in a dime @ 25 feet he’s a Usmc Officer 🇺🇸 my daughter @ 15 shot 38+p & center mass all her shots 1st Time. So need I say more both of my kids ♥️it ,trigger has been massaged ✌️🇺🇸.
@@hrfunk yes ya do. Lol my kids found out how this ol six gun shoots now I’m 😂😂. My friend has a 629 3 44 which is my 2Nd fav .. lucky 3 me s&w isn’t more than 50 min from me & I drove by on my way 2 work so I get in easy. ✌️🇺🇸
Holy cow, is that a 686-4? Those were the last ones without MIM parts or a lock, and the last to have the pin on the hammer. I could tell because of the holes drilled in the top strap for scope mounts, along with the rounded tip of the black sight mount. I have a no-dash 6" and a 686-1 4". I love, love, love them. Great stuff man!
i have the 686 6" i bought 25 years ago. i rented the 44 mag at my local gun range and after firing 200 rounds, there was a hairline crack in the frame
Love my S&W 686 DCM. Was my EDC for over 20 years! Then at night it went into the night stand besides my bed. Tho I have a smaller easier to carry side arm now as I've gotten older. I still rely on it in in my home and often carry it on hiking and canoe trips. I do enjoy reloading so just about every trip to the range I take it. As you stated its a great trainer for new shooters when loaded with light .38spl. Mine is easily 20-25 years old. Mine has firing pin that is roll pinned into the hammer. I would say it's loose but moves ever so slightly. I've seen other 686 models withe the actual firing pin molded onto the hammer. Do you know why they differ or which is better? Thanks again for another great video. Respectfully Ned in NY
The 686 is a drop-dead GREAT revolver. I really like mine. The firing pin has "evolved" over the years. The slight looseness you noticed in yours is normal and in fact it is intentionally made that way. The newer 686's have the frame-mounted firing pin, so you don't see it on the hammer any more. I've never seen one molded to the hammer, I'll have to keep my eye out for one of those. Take care!
Yup I don’t think I described it correct. You did a better job. Mine is pinned to hammer spur. Others I’ve seen the hammer is shaped that it must hit a firing pin on the inside.
Ok, good! I thought for a minute I might have missed something. Both systems are good. I tend to prefer the simplicity of the hammer mounted firing pin.
Sir, I love your videos. Always so informative and helpful. My questions involve reloads. Ive been researching the value of using moon clips vs speed loaders. Do you have an opinion one way or the other. I've also thought about picking up a S&W model 627 8-shot. The extra capacity would be nice, I believe. But is it worth the $1100 price? Thanks for your thoughts.
Good questions. Generally speaking, I like clips a little better than speedloaders. They work best with short cases and round bullets. I haven used them with .357 cartridges, so I can’t really say how well they work with them. Regarding the price of S&W revolvers, I have to say they are too high. A plain Jane 686 hovers just below a grand, and a 4” Model 19 is only a few dollars less. Any of their more premium wheelguns are far north of the $1000 mark. I think S&W is pricing itself out of the market. I would like to think we might see that situation reverse itself now that their new facility is online, but it’s a rare day when firearm prices come down.
I do currently own a S&W ( 460 5" ) along with some Rugers 357 4.25" Match Champion and 2 regular Gp100's in 4.25&6" . What is your opinion on the trigger / action of the newer S&W 686 compared to your earlier model ? I'm curious to know if the older actions are smoother .
Speaking in generalities, I think the older actions are a little better than the newer ones. I'm sure individual revolvers might have better or worse actions regardless of when they were made, but in general the newer ones feel a LITTLE heavier and slightly less smooth to me.
Notice that is a more classic S&W with the firing pin on the hammer and no lock. Concur very versatile and the 586 or a 581 can fill that role as well. Thank You!
Sorry for the long delayed response, but I was just reading the Replies today. Not sure the complete story, but a mercenary fighting at the Mozambique airport ran dry on his rifle and was attacked by not sure either 2 or 3 enemy, carrying AK47s. He drew his sidearm and hit each one twice in the chest and once in the head. Also, I think his pistol had ball ammo. He survived. They did not. Giving somebody the Mozambique is shooting them twice in the chest and once in the head. Some people call it the "failure to stop drill," because some teach it as wait and see the assailant's reaction after the two to the chest before going to the face. If anybody has better details on the event in Mozambique, please elaborate.
I've been researching pistols to buy my first. Strongly considering the 686 Plus (7 round) or GP100 (7 round). The biggest downside I see is .38 spl ammunition costs about twice that of 9mm. .357 is 4x. And that would be painful for doing a lot of practicing with it.
Good morning, HR! I just stumbled across this older video, and I have a question. While I entirely agree that a four-inch barrel, .357 magnum, stainless, full-underlug revolver is the ultimate “do almost everything extremely well” handgun, I wonder why you selected that 686 instead of the Ruger KGP-141? Of course, they are VERY similar: same holsters and same speed loaders (for example). I’ve used both extensively, I own two KGP141s, and (imho) the Ruger is an even better design and quite likely more durable and reliable. While I acknowledge the initial - and slight - superiority of the 686’s crisp and light trigger, both my GP-100’s triggers soon evolved (perhaps after a thousand rounds) into indistinguishable-from-S&W territory. The biggest advantages I perceive in the GP-100 (as contrasted to the L Frames) is the ease with which the entire forearm can be accessed, the probable marginally greater structural strength, and the no-pin replacement of the front (I easily replaced the ramped front sight with a Blackhawk Partridge/gold bead that I personally prefer). BUT, you’re the expert, and I would welcome your insights.
Ha! I don’t even know what the word “expert” means. To answer your question, I prefer the Smiths for their forged (as opposed to investment cast) frames. The former results in a less chunky firearm. I also, as you noted, prefer the trigger of the 686. That said, the GP-100 is a great revolver and I don’t begrudge you your preference.
@@hrfunk Thanks, HR, I cannot disagree with your points (a bulkier investment casting can be stronger than a forging - compare the 686’s and the KGP-141’s top-strap, for example - but generally forgings are more robust). However, returning to your video’s essential premise, either the four inch 586/638 or GP/KGP-14X (imho) satisfy the “do everything pretty darn well” criteria you rightfully emphasize.
i have the 6" bbl. and i totally agree with you except i like the 6" bbl. cause i shoot it at 50 n 100 yds. i like it better than my python. easy to clean than the colt.
@@hrfunk I noticed from your recent vids that you lost alot of weight, good looking then but now you should rename yourself to hrhunk lol couldnt resist the corny joke lol
With full-power .357's recoil can be a bit stiff in any handgun. The 686 manages it about as well as anything of comparable size and weight. The full barrel under-lug helps keep down muzzle flip, and if you're using the synthetic grips they provide some cushion as well. With mid-range .357's and .38 Special ammunition, the 686 is very tame.
Thanks and does the barrel size matter with the recoil? i want to get a 3 inch barrel or will the 4 inch barrel be better for recoil or is there no difference? thanks.
a 4" will probably do a little better due to the greater weight at the muzzle accorded by an additional inch of steel. Even so, if you like the 3", just make sure you train with it to acclimate to the recoil impulse.
Keith Gregory I have the 3 inch and 6 inch. I had the 4 inch but sold it yesterday. I can't notice any difference in recoil between the 3 and 4. 4 inch is a little more accurate, but if you're not going to open carry the 3 inch conceals a lot easier even though it's only an inch.
For strictly range work, the 6" is probably the better choice. If you are going to carry it, though, I would personally opt for the 4" just because it's more easily portable.
Looking @ 2 guns next 2 me @ the moment. Watching this video of course. I wont be satisfied, till I have a .357 Magnum again in my hand! I'm really yurning 4 this gun!!! Keep up the great work hrfunk!
@@hrfunk Well I just got back from the range my god what an amazing gun I shot so good right out the gate nice tight groups almost all dead center! I had so much fun . wasn't disappointed totally worth all those years of waiting to get it
I have my sights set on a performance center 686 competitor. Have you ever shot that one? If so do you believe it would be worth it over a standard 686? I am considering competing with it.
