Smith & Wesson Model 686 Reviews

by **jhallrv4** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 1:19 am

winenutz, a spring kit from Wolff gunsprings will make an amazing difference in the feel of the trigger, both single and double action. If you don't know the secrets of successfully taking a Smith apart and getting it back together, don't try it, but get a gunsmith to put a slight bend in the hammerspring, then put a reduced power rebound spring in. It's like a new gun. It's inexpensive and effective.

by **SittingMooseShaman** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 8:45 pm

... S&Ws' M586- my main gun.

The mate to my Ppk...

Finally replaced the cylinder...lesson learned-

no more than 3/32nd" for chamfering the chambers.

I'm gonna keep 'em @ 1/32nd"...

Just remove a few burrs...

Two more improvements and she'll be set:

Three in truth,

Mepro sights.

Crimson Trace laser grips...

plus a cashmere lined sling holster.

For me... the perfect revolver...

by **SW-Insured** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:05 pm

SittingMoose, no argument here. The 686/586 IMO, rates "excellent" in all categories, except capacity. Years ago, when many thought the revolver was a dying breed, the 686 keeps going strong. A great range gun. Even my wife enjoys shooting my 686s (with med. velocity magnum loads) -- for the accuracy and the power "rush". Just can't bring myself to sell them.

by **SittingMooseShaman** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 12:24 pm

... when I first bought my 586 w/the 8&3/8" bbl and the great 4-position elevation front sight- she was to be dedicated to hunting/target shootin'...

Then came 9-11.

Her 'mission' changed that instant.

Anything can and may happen here in the USA now.

Added to this- the Swiss-Cheese Border of the DeMarxO'cratZies' Party... That S&W M586 has become my main sidearm... My Ppk my stalwart back-up...

Since I've always had this fascination w/all things mechanical from the 1890's(+-) industrial revolution era... I decided to maximise the carry-usefulness of the 586 from it's initial 'boxed' modern configuration to a piece that would facilitate a relative quick-draw from a shoulder rig/sling or from simply in-the-drawers behind the buckle.

No 'corners' or snagging points... and also looking a bit

"Steam-Punk"...

One new cylinder and a lot of sanding, careful fine-filing and polishing later... I believe I have succeeded.

That 586 looks like she was machined back in 1893...

Just a bit more polishing and some fine etching w/acid

should do it.

She really looks good! 'Holstered n' able'- Leathered through the 'years.'

... My next project is to cut n' whittle a wood 'carbine' fore-end & stock she'll just slip n' lock into- not forgetting to fabricate an unobtrusive flash deflector for the gap 'tween the cylinder & forcing cone...

Think I'll use brass hardware... not decided on the wood yet...

I mean... this 586/686 design is just friggin' timeless...

Like Winchesters' & Marlins' levers or the DC-3 and the B-52... Colts' 45 auto or Colemans' gas-stove & lamp!

It just works!

by **jhallrv4** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 8:43 pm

I have to tell you guys, the Smith 686 (+ in my case) never ceases to amaze me. It's rockin' in the pistol league I'm in right now, and has won it outright in the past. BUT, here's the kicker: I teach NRA basic pistol classes. In every class, I let the students shoot most of what I have. That includes Beretta's, Walther's, Dan Wesson 1911's, Smith 3916NL, and a Hammerli target pistol.

WITHOUT EXCEPTION, every single student has favored the 686. Some had never even considered a wheel-gun, but this revolver really opened their eyes. As it did mine. Oh, they all wanted to shoot the semi-autos, but in the end, they ALL wanted to shoot the Smith 686 again.

BTW, not a single person has refused to shoot it because it has an integral lock. Go Figure!

by **sledgehammer44** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 1:47 am

I was never that big on guns growing up. I liked them and respected them but never cared to own one. Well, i went to the gun range about 8 months ago with a friend and I was hooked. After shooting several different types of guns at the range, I new the 686 was going to be the first gun I owned. It's simple design and accuaracy makes even the most novice of shooters look good. It's a little heavy, but that's a good thing when shooting the magnums through it. Which is a lot of fun. It's a great gun and I couldn't be happier with it.

by **neverenough** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 2:10 pm

SittingMoose.....BRAVO.....I like the way you think. Not content with leaving "good enough" alone! Your customization process is most excellent!

Most everything I acquire seems to need some tweaking in order to make it better.....Every time I come home with something new, it's not long before I start "fixing" it. The GF always rolls her eyes and asks, "Why are you messing with it?"

We know.....

neverenough

by **ProudPatriot** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:14 pm

Own several guns, but my S&W .357 686-6 is my favorite! It has deleivered everything and more I have ever asked- and would encourage anyone considering one to buy it! :-)

by **rrapidron** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:51 am

I am gonna buy this revolver-heh I always look around and negotiate a bit when buying-whay did u all pay for yours?

by **SYORK61** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:39 pm

I have a 686+ Talo edition 5 inch brl un-fluted cylinder, best looking gun I have ever seen & it shoots great..