Smith & Wesson 686 2 1/2 inch barrel

I've got a 4" 686, but a good friend of mine has the 2.5" version. It's a very well built revolver and it's certainly capable of great accuracy, he shoots it at 25 metres regularly and his groups are tight.

It wouldn't be my first choice for a home defense weapon, it's really loud and the muzzle flash would probably be a problem in low light conditions. Plus, you don't get the .357's full performance in a short barrel. I like a minimum barrel length of 3", and have settled on 4" for home defense.

S&W makes great wheel guns, you shouldn't have any problems with it. Take it to the range and try it out with different brands of ammo, I'm sure you'll be pleased.

 

Worst gun ever made! It has an urgent factory recall and should be sent back ASAP!

Let me give you my address so you can dispose of this dangerous weapon.

 

It's a good concealed carry weapon...of course carrying .357 bullets in it could blow your ear drums to kingdom come if you have to use it...I'd probably carry with the hottest .38 +P loads available.....unless you like wearing earplugs whereever you go.

 

The lock is easily ignored. It actually makes sense to me if you have kids in the house who are to young to teach about guns and can't afford a safe. I can easily be taken off as well.


We've got the fixed site 686 or model 681 pre lock...so mesa love it.

 

Unlock the gun and put the key in a safe place. You won't need it again unless the safety nazis come around asking for it!

Take her out and get her dirty.

Toss at least 200 rounds down range finding the optimum 2 1/2" barrel accuracy.

Bet it works great at CQB (4M or ~12.5’) and closer.

At 2 x CQB or more, I’m sure it’s greatly reduced.

I can't believe you've had her for ~3 years and never took her out for a test drive!!

Get on it and come back with a range report!

 

How about a little gratuitious 686 2.5 inch gun porn?

 

Excellent carry, super dependable, accurate, deadly. Wise choice but lose the lock key...

 

Now there's a wheel gun even I could love!

 

Woodsman, have you taken her out for a spin yet?

 

Oh holy Jeebus! Bang, bang, bang. Go play with it for Jeevus' sake!!!

 

Grips?

Bighead,

Which grips are on your revolver? Great picture!

Tony

 

S&W Model 686

Woodsman, keep your 686. It is a great weapon.
I have owned my 4 inch model since 1980 when it came out and have fired over 30,000 rounds through it - mostly the 38 +P+ 148 grain Federal Ammo, but also a lot of 357 ammo. Good gun. Carl..

 

I can't match the photo quality, but I like my version of the 686. It's been slicked inside and out, and is concealed carry friendly, and done in my particular taste, which is mostly old school.
In 77 I used a 357 mag in a fight, and in 78 a 45 acp. I am retired L.E. At 61 years I carry the 357 mag in the 125 gr JHP configuration. Best one shot stopping record in L.E. stat history. Sorry abou the pic, I'm new here.

 

I had a 686 with a 2 1/2 incher. I put Pachmayr Bill Jordan grips on it, liked it a lot. Come to think of it, don't know why I got rid of it. probably got the big eye for something else.

 

I have a 66 3-incher and a 686 6-incher, and I think you have an excellent firearm. The short barrels are very pointable, IMO, and the only accuracy issues belong to the shooter, not the gun. I also don't put much in the barrel length vs. muzzle velocity argument; I'm pretty sure it would hurt if you got shot by a .357 out of a 2-1/2" barrel.

 

The 686 2-1/2" barreled revolver is a great gun. I've shot my Dad's and it performs almost as great as our model 66s do as far as accuracy and overall smoothness.

Don't even let the thought cross your mind that you are giving up stopping power (muzzle velocity) in exchange for the convenience of a short barrel. These guns are intended for use in the inside 25 yard category, although you may find surprising accuracy at 10-15 yd range.

 

Love mine. Had it about 10 yrs. Easy to carry and very accurate w/158 grainers.

 

Here's my version of the 686 only polished.