Sidearms & Scatterguns Thoughts on S&W 686 Performance Center revolver?

[Firedude]

I recently sold my S&W R8 and I'm looking to get something a little smaller to help develop my revolver shooting skills. I'm thinking on getting a S&W 686 Performance Center with a 4" barrel. Though the R8 shot great, I didn't like how large it was (for what I wanted to use it for), the 5" barrel made finding a holster a pain, and the 8 shot capacity made speed loaders cost twice as much or more than 6 or 7 round ones.

Those of you that have or had a 686 PC revolver, do you like it? Would you buy it again? What didn't you like about it or wished you would have got?

I know I don't like the orange plastic front sight from the models that I've held, I would probably be replacing it right away.

In S&W's, I currently own a 642, 329PD, 317 and a 1917.

Thanks for any advice and input.

 

[kl3309]

What's with all the links in your post?

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Www.smith-wessonforum.com

hard to go wrong with a classic wheel gun...

But the above place will get you your best advice!

sirhr

 

[diggler1833]

Not being a fan of locks, MIM parts, and Taurus-level aesthetics (YMMV on the last part), I'd recommend a 686-1 through 686-3. With the -4 came the new rear sight with bored through holes for optics mount, but that usually causes burn marks on the cylinder that are hard to remove bunch of times without altering the finish.

The older 686s aren't hard to come by for a good price, and can be slicked up to PC-level smoothness in a short amount of time.

Probably not the route you are interested in, but there is a reason why the older revolvers have such a following.

 

[Downtown]

Exactly what Diggler said. You can still find 686 4" police trade ins, though not quite as readily as the years go by. Also, don't discount the excellent K frame 64,65,66. Same grip size, but slightly smaller and lighter frame. Most people shoot .38 Special most of the time, anyway.

 

[Firedude]

What's with all the links in your post?

No idea why it did that when I posted.

 

[Joebill]

I got bit by the revolver bug a few years ago. I found a pre lock 586 4inch that is a great shooter. I would highly recommend one if you can find one. Most of the pre lock guns around my area are pricey. As far as new PC guns I do have a competitor 686 that I really enjoy but its a 6 inch barrel. I have been satisfied with all of the PC revolvers I have purchased over the past several years. Good luck with your search.

 

[shoot4fun]

There was a time when Performance Center meant something more than just "a look". True craftsmen with knowledge of how to do everything it took to make a PC revolver a real custom gun. Today, sadly, the S&W Performance Center is used as a way to put lipstick on a pig and suck more dollars (hence greater profit margin) out of the consumer's pocket. When they stick a Leapers brand red dot and a Caldwell bipod in the package they are not really serious about quality gear any longer.

 

[Aaros143]

I got super lucky with a pre lock 686. Guy walked in my shop with a barely used one like maybe a box of ammo through it. Needed to sell it for his father. I asked what he wanted for it. He said he'd be happy if he could get $325 for it. That revolver went home with me.