Ok the 686 thread got me going. Which one to buy and why? I don’t care that the 686 is. 7 shot btw. And 2.5 or 3” on the 686 if you chose it?
S.

Full length extractor rod of the 3” makes it preferable to me over the 2.5”.

I’ll take an old Smith over a new one every time. And would rather have the added barrel length.

Anyways I better buy both the 3” 686 and the 2.75” 66

I bought a 4 inch 686 today.

Jim you bought the wrong barrel length!
S.

So did I.

I know it!

A 3 inch might have been cool.

dale06 what did you get?

Smallfry: I agree with "TheLastLemming76" I much prefer (to exclusivity actually!) the older pre-hillary lock Smith & Wesson Model 686's.
In my experience they are a much better/safer/wiser investment of ones monies.
Many sellers actually go to lengths to try and conceal the fact that the Smith revolver they are trying to sell are "hillary-holed".
Lesson there.
What will be your primary usage of the Model 686?
I really LOVE the pre-lock Smith & Wesson Model 686's.
Anyway last month I bought my 6th (sixth) Smith & Wesson Model 686 and I now own models with barrels in 2 1/2", 4", 6" and 8 3/8" lengths.
Again, I much prefer the pre-lock models and with longer barrels when field accuracy is the prime motivation.
Best of luck to you with whichever model you get.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I use to worry about the internal lock but not so much anymore. I’ve bought a ton of Smiths pre and post lock and find newer smiths shoot as well or better. Maybe I’ve been lucky. They would be used for mixed use but would mostly be carried on a chest rig in the woods.

Years back in the 70's I bought a 586 no dash new in 6", after a little work clearing machine chatter marks in the internals was the best revolver I have ever owned. With that said always wished I had gotten a 4".

Went to buy a 4”, but left with a 3” because the 4” had a really Schitty forcing cone. The 3”s was perfect. Both current production and what was in the display case was what they had in stock. I’ve grown very fond of the 3” and don’t think I’m in the market for a 4” anymore, in 686.

My 4" 686 no dash is like a Fire breathing Harley Davidson in your hand.

Most loads in 357 I don’t shoot at full tilt.