Smith & Wesson double action revolvers

[Kelsey Cooter]

So I had a play with a mates S&W 686 a couple of months ago and it got me really keen on them, now with the release of the new colt python all over the net, I've been thinking about double actions alot.

So how many of you blokes own double action revolvers and what do you like/not like?

I see there are some cheaper brands but I'm thinking I would buy a second hand 686 stainless 357 with a 4" barrel.

Action match is what I intend to use it for.

What do you blokes like/dislike about 4" vs 6" barrels

[Blr243]

My Taurus 44 was new. My ruger 22 and my smith 357 were pre owned. I would buy a pre owned smith over a new something else they just feel nicer

[MrSavage]

I used to have an 8" 686 for using with silhouette.
Great gun. Felt great in your hand, easy to do a trigger job, was accurate as.
It loved 200gn cast with 296 behind it.

Worst decision ever to sell it.
I'd get another.

Can't help with the barrel length question..

I played with an older python and while fit and finish was excellent the Smith sight was better and it seemed to fit better in my hand.

[No1Mk3]

G'day Kelsey Cooter,
You won't go wrong with your choice, I find the 4" is quicker to aquire but the longer sight radius of the 6" gives better results at range. For Action Match you want speed of aquisition. Having said that, I score pretty much the same in 50m Deliberate with the 4" Python as the 6" Python, the 6" Trooper V and the 4" Diamondback, so I don't feel a 6" will give you any advantage for what you mainly want to shoot. I have also found I consistantly shoot 20 or more points higher with the 586 than any Colt I own, and only marginally less with Model 10 or Model 13 S&W. Must prove I'm a S&W man! Buy it and enjoy! Cheers

[Kelsey Cooter]

What are your thoughts on the 6 shot vs 7 shot ?
Will both take hot 357mag loads?

[No1Mk3]

G'day Kelsey Cooter,
Don't worry about the 7 shot, all your courses of fire are 6 shot and a 7th cylinder is only going to cause problems. Power Factor for Action Match is minimum 120,000 and this can be met with 158g lead projies at starting loads, so don't worry about "full house" loads. The only revolvers that can handle a neverending diet of heavy loads are the Ruger GP100, Manhurin MR73 and Korth with the latter 2 asking around $4 to $6000. Load for around 150,000 pf and keep shooting forever, Cheers.

[Bugman]

I have a 686 in 357 with a 4 inch barrel. I have used it Met Sill matches (25m, 50m 75m and 100m) and with pretty good results, for me anyway. I also use a S&W model 67 (38spl) and a S&W M10 (38spl). These are used for various matches.Yep I am really keen on my S&W. I don't think you can go wrong, however in saying that, you must be careful when buying 2nd hand revolvers or any gun for that matter.
Hope you have success.

[wrenchman]

i am a revolver guy i do have semi autos but i like the wheel gun i run a ruger gp100 the most i have some older s&w revolvers .
my ruger is also my side arm when i hunt and i run hand loads in it i started out witha revolver.

[Gun nut.]

You won't go wrong with either a GP100 or 686.
For range comp shooting I would'nt go under 6" barrel length. The longer sight radius makes a big difference especially if you have old eyes like me. Pics are my GP100 - 6". And 686-3 -8/38". The 686 is my favourite silhouette revolver and getting hard to find in that barrel length. Cheers.