A New Toy: S&W 686-3 .357 Mag.

[cargaritaville]

I just picked this up from my gunsmith. A thorough cleaning, some polish work, and new Rosewood grips. Off to the range tomorrow. I love shooting .357 mags. Anyone else?

[tracker]

I have a 686, not nearly that attractive, and a beautiful, stainless Python. I haven't shot either one in awhile but you have just rekindled my interest.

[MRC]

Nice pistol Norm.  The 357 and 38 special are two of my favorites and the 686 id my favorite 357.

My 6" 686 is close to 20 years old and I have put over 10,000 of my hand loads through it.  If I were liquidating my guns, it would be one of the last to go.

Have fun.

[cargaritaville]

There are those guns that are beautiful to look at and handle and shoot. IMO the Colt Python and the Anaconda and several of the S&W revolvers are those. Unfortunately for the prospective buyers, the Colts have appreciated into very high prices. If you are a collector and own one, good for you!  I wonder if any other gun has appreciated like the Colts have, especially the Python. On the other hand, the S&W's remain one of the best values in revolvers out there... and they are a ball to shoot!  I went to a Gun Show yesterday and the cheapest Python was $3k! Wow!

[MRC]

There are those guns that are beautiful to look at and handle and shoot. IMO the Colt Python and the Anaconda and several of the S&W revolvers are those. Unfortunately for the prospective buyers, the Colts have appreciated into very high prices. If you are a collector and own one, good for you!  I wonder if any other gun has appreciated like the Colts have, especially the Python. On the other hand, the S&W's remain one of the best values in revolvers out there... and they are a ball to shoot!  I went to a Gun Show yesterday and the cheapest Python was $3k! Wow!

I have three Pythons, a 6" 357 and two 8" 38 Special Target Models.

The 686 will out shoot them.

[hedrok]

Quite possibly, the reason a 686 with a good + trigger will out shoot the Colt snake guns (the best triggers Colt offered, from what I've read) is that the S&W wheelies don't "stack up" right before the trigger breaks and are smooth to the break. 
Dan Wessons "stack up" enough in the middle of the trigger pull that it ruins my shooting for a while when I go back to either Rugers or S&W.
IMHO...it's ALL about triggers for consistency and accuracy.

[tracker]

I agree; that is why I always have trigger action work done by Teddy Jacobson, "Actions By T." He is a master of his craft.

[MRC]

I have to say that the revolver  I shoot the best is a Model 16 Smith in 32 H&R.

I have always shot it single action both one hand and two handed and with a 90 grain HBWC on top of 2.1 grains of Bullseye, it is scary accurate.

It also is quite accurate with 100 grain JHP's loaded to max, but the load escapes me now.

If you ever see one for sale, grab it if you hand load.

[Richard S]

I agree; that is why I always have trigger action work done by Teddy Jacobson, "Actions By T." He is a master of his craft.

Roger that!