S&W 686 ... Any Reason Not To Buy One?

[Misery Loves Shotguns]

Has anyone owned a 686 or any S&W revolver that disappointed them? I've looked at a lot of the bargain brands like Rossi, Taurus, Charter Arms and I really like some of them but the S&W revolvers are exactly what you would expect for the price. It's not just a name you're paying for, they are PERFECT! The trigger is incredible, they look amazing and the grip is perfect. I want it. This may happen before the group shoot at the end of the month.

[God's Country]

Absolutely, they're solid handguns.

[arjohnson]

They are great revolvers but the only 686 or other Smith revolver I'd buy would be a pre-lock version. I currently have one S&W with the lock and it's a j frame .22 air weight, guns ok but those locks IMO ruined S&W.

[West Chester]

How did the locks ruin the pistol... i am curious?

[arjohnson]

How did the locks ruin the pistol... i am curious?

It's in the eye of the beholder, I don't like it and think it's something they should have never done to appease a few commie states.

I also had this gun,http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y a performance center 627 and the lock failed(engaged) on me while shooting it, that kind of ruined it for me.

[sprrdhawk44]

They are great revolvers but the only 686 or other Smith revolver I'd buy would be a pre-lock version. I currently have one S&W with the lock and it's a j frame .22 air weight, guns ok but those locks IMO ruined S&W.

This.

[ScotsGuards]

If it's a pre-lock, older firing pin-on-the-hammer model, DO NOT pass it up. If the price is ok and the condition is appropriate. While not a huge fan of the Model 686 (The under-lug barrel makes it a bit front heavy for me), others think it's the best stainless S&W out there. I can't keep them in stock in the store.

One can't go wrong with any S&W revolver if it is good condition. Especially the pre-lock, pre-MIM examples. If they are the pre-1982 pinned/recessed models; even better. They are classics which just get better with age.

Even with the controversial lock feature and newer production MIM parts, they are still, hands down, the best new revolvers on the market. I know many worship at the alter of the Colt "Snake" revolvers; but for durability, strength and all around service I'll take the S&W any day.

[bluetrane2028]

I've got a pre-lock 586 (same gun in blued). Great revolver. Would gladly get another, but I too agree it's gotta be lock-less.

[jthrelf]

Don't intimately know about all the lock business but the 586 and 686 I've shot have both been pretty awesome.

[pennlineman]

They're great weapons. If you don't get one before the group shoot and want to try one of mine, let me know. I have a 6" and 2.5" 686. I would not go so far as to say they are the best revolver S&W ever made but they are certainly in the top 10. Maybe even top 5.