Look what I got!!!!!

[lilop]

A couple of days ago, I posted a thread (Glock 26 for S&W 686-3? - Glock Talk) about whether or not I should make a trade for a pre-lock S&W 686-3 with a 2.5" barrel. The answers were pretty much unanimous in agreement for making the trade, so yesterday, I traded this...

...for this...

It came with this holster:

I used this thread (Revolver checkout: how to tell if a particular specimen is any good - TheFiringLine Forums) to make sure I wasn't getting into something over my head.

I haven't shot it yet, but it feels great, and the trigger pull has to be felt to be believed. Once I put it through its paces, this will become my primary carry as we move into the colder months. I have carry guns in all the standard calibers, but I find myself drawn to the .357 magnum cartridge lately, despite its drawbacks. I figured that I would just get a platform that I could shoot my preferred caliber in comfortably and accurately, rather than acquiring one of the "superlightwondermaterialbarelyknowitstherebutscaredtoshootthedaggonethingwithanythingotherthanpluspthirtyeightium" revolvers that are so popular nowadays. It makes no sense to me to spend that much money on something that would essentially be a glorified .38 special.

Anyway, I have a couple of questions. I'm strongly considering getting a set of wood grips for this beauty. I'm leaning towards the Ahrends with the finger grooves, however if anyone has suggestions, and preferably PICTURES of any, it'd be greatly appreciated. I'm also interested in any holster suggestions that members might have. Thanks for looking, and let's hope this thing shoots as good as it feels!

 

[hemicharger]

You made the right choice in your trade. Everyone should have a least one wheel gun. I have a 686 with a 4 inch barrel. I couldnt be happier with it. Let us know how it shoots.

 

[slacker]

Looks very nice. I think my next handgun purchase will be a revolver of some sort.

 

[sonovasailor]

I have taken 2 bucks with my 686 with a 6" barrel. I am more than pleased with it's performance! I think you made a good trade.

 

[Mgderf]

I'll tell you now, unless it's been run over by a tank, it is going to shoot as good as it looks!
I have the same size revolver in .357mag total titanium 2" bbl, and in .327 federal magnum 2" bbl
You'll enjoy the platform I think. Just be sure to wear GOOD ear protection at the range. That short barrel barks loud enough to feel like a bite!

 

[alwalker84]

Agreed...good choice. I have a Rossi model 492 .357, and that thing is an absolute beast....and prob the loudest handgun I've fired.

 

[jmiller676]

One word....YES! Nice gun!

 

[Phil502]

Smith makes great revolvers, nice trade.

 

[hotfarmboy1]

Very nice trade! You did very well!

 

[Sasquatchhunter]

now that's a nice looking gun. looks good with the holster too. for sure nice trade

 

[hc4sar]

if you go to wood grips save the synthetic ones! most wood grips are going to want to "rotate" in your hand when you fire those hotter .357 loads. been there done that but still carry a smith snubby j frame with +p125gr-hp 99% of the time!! those grips on it now will help suck up a lot recoil too. and in wet or cold weather give a more positive purchase for your draw if god forbid things get down and dirty.

 

[jdub]

Sweet looking gun. I need to add a revolver to the list.

 

[GlenD65]

Nice gun! I have had a 6" 686 for over 20 years. It still shoots great and is the most accurate revolver I've ever shot. I'll never part with it.

 

[Thundorr]

you should definately put wood grips on it. I think they will look great.

 

[Glennster]

You done good kid....

 

[motoman]

i havent owned many revolvers but the 4inch 686 i do own is a great wheel gun. have fun with it.

 

[huntall50]

That makes me miss the 686-3" I sold to a friend. I might have to scratch up a few bucks to get it back!

 

[kcaskey]

I love revolvers. I have a Ruger 357 Blackhawk from 1971 that also has a 9mm cylinder. I've owned S&W's in the past and they have always performed flawlessly.

Nice trade

 

[RCB]

Nice trade! I am wanting to pick up a Super Redhawk or Raging Bull this year. Will be the first revolver I have had in a while.

 

[Bisley Man]

Super nice S&W! A good .357 revolver can't be beat, no mags, no picking up brass everywhere, no tap-rack drills, shoot.38 shotshells, wadcutters, to fire breathing magnums.