Help me pick a S&W revolver

[RUDY850]

Looking for a range target gun


I have never owened or shot a S&W revolver. So I know nothing about them

I recently looked at a 686 Talo edition
I liked the size and the feel of it in my hand and I liked the red ramped sight along with the rear white out lined sight



Want it to be stainless steel
5 inches or longer barrel
Good sights
357 mag

Here are some I like but only held the talo one so far

Performance Center Model 627


Champion & Pro Series Model 627

Model 686 Talo edition

The regular Model 686

[Grillman]

I have a 686 +P 2 1/2'' barrel.What a awesome gun,great feel in the hand
very accurate.I shoot 38 +P and 357 both 158gr.Like i said shoots smooth
i would recommend it.The other S&W revolvers you mention are good as
well i have shot them too. but i do love that 686 +P

[PhilB]

Well, according to the S&W catalog, the 627 is a shorter barrel than what you want. You do get the 8 round cylinder, though.

If it were me, I'd go with the 686 in the 6 inch barrel. Good place to start and it will run forever. Have a look at used guns, too. If you decide to trade up at some point you will save some money.

--Phil

[Rundownfid]

When purchasing a range gun I believe accuracy and comfort would be primary considerations. Think N frame first. Model 27 and 28 are good candidates. Essentially the same gun with the 27 having the high gloss finish and the 28 the work a day look. Used they can be found reasonably cheaply and are a good bet.

The L frame is somewhat smaller than the N and if you have smallish hands may fit you better (they use the K frame grips). The 686 is the basis of the L frame guns and is a strong candidate.

The K frame guns are worth considering. They are only available new in .38 of smaller. However, there are thousands of fine .357 K frames floating around. A 6" Model 19 or 66 (stainless) might be the best bargain available. Ks seem to be most expensive in the shorter versions and are rather reasonable in barrels longer than 4". If you get a K avoid <125 .357 mag loads. They will shoot a life time with the heavier 135-158 gr loads. Or like most everyone else you will probably shoot primarily .38s anyway. My brother has a 6" nickel 19 that is a tack driver, and although all of my K frames are 4" or less they all are great guns.

I suspect this is just confusing, but there are good arguments for the N,L & K frame guns. Eventually you will probably want at least one of each, but that is for later. I don't think you will go wrong with any of the above, and what you end up preferring is impossible to predict.

[tim81688]

I have a used K frame 4" smith (used leo dept. gun.)
inexspensive fun to shoot dead on accurate.
love that gun.

[Wolf Daddy]

Looking for a range target gun


I have never owened or shot a S&W revolver. So I know nothing about them

I recently looked at a 686 Talo edition
I liked the size and the feel of it in my hand and I liked the red ramped sight along with the rear white out lined sight



Want it to be stainless steel
5 inches or longer barrel
Good sights
357 mag

Here are some I like but only held the talo one so far

Performance Center Model 627


Champion & Pro Series Model 627

Model 686 Talo edition

The regular Model 686

Hey im a HUGE S&W fan. The best advice i can give you is that the older S&W are a lot nicer than the new crap they have out. I have a 686-1 and it is way better built than any of the new smith and wesson revolvers. I use to own a 629-6 but i sold it because the quailty of the gun was really crappy. They were to cheap to even engrave or stamp the logo or model number on it. New S&Ws have their model numbers stuck on with some type of sticker or something.

Another way S&W wesson cuts corners are with their grips. All the new S&W wesson grips are CRAP! they are thinner than the old ones and they are too cheap to put medal medallions on.

[Qtrborecrazy]

The 686 is a beautiful pistol. I have one and it is sweet. I also have a 629 8 3/8 barrel and with the new Hornady FTX 225 gr stuff I`m shooting a 2 inch group at 100 yds. You might also want to look at Tuarus Raging Bull. I`d like to get one in 41 mag with a 6 inch barrel.

[pstew]

Your best bet is to find a 4" or 6" 868 in the used case of your local shop. If you want to buy new though, the unfluted cylinder on the Talo really looks nice, but the 627-PRO gets you an extra shot. The 627-pro takes moon clips, so that may be a plus or minus depending how you plan to use it.



edited..

I just looked up the price on the Talo edition.......I'd be getting the 627-PRO.

[God's Country]

If there isn't a 686/586 6" in your home. Your home is empty.

[Brick]

As long as you're "looking", check the used market for used S&W Model 28 (Highway Patrolman) or Model 27 (.357 Magnum) or for that matter any of the models you mention. You might also check for Model numbers 13, 19, 66, 64 & 67. I know you said you wanted a stainless gun, but don't pass up a good but on a blued steel gun, you won't be able to tell the difference when you shoot them.

I recommend the used market because most you find will be gently used (there are very feew people who shoot as much as I).

BTW the 627 is an 8 shot "N" frame.