S&W 686P: "Full Power Option" by Nutnfancy

How could a 7-shot 39.5 oz revolver be a favorite of Nutnfancy?! Two words: Shooting it! To shoot the Smith and Wesson 686 (or in this case the 686 Plus or P) is to love it. Yes it still is a limited capacity revolver that's heavy and a bit bulky. But in certain POUs, as discussed, the weight of this stainless steel 686P is ideal and appropriate. This 4 inch barreled 686P is steady on target with a perfect balance that inspires confidence. My selected POU on this full-sized .357 Magnum combat revolver is primarily (but not limited to!) range use and as a recreational target gun. For me it is a joy to shoot. One reason for this: the amazingly smooth and light double and single action trigger as factory-modified by the Smith and Wesson Performance Center. That makes it fast to shoot and the double action is my preferred firing methodology with this 686P. Add in the typical but still excellent high contrast SW sights, a smooth and wide trigger face, full lugged barrel (great balance), fast and sure ejection of empties (usually), grip cutouts for speed loader use, good Hogue rubber grips, intuitive cylinder release, and excellent accuracy and you can understand my enthusiasm. Also in the review I roll in a pristine 4 inch Colt Python .357 for some interesting comparisons as I cover some their details side by side (two gun reviews in one!). Both are outstanding in most roles but the 686P wins more ergonomic points with me; the Colt Python on wins on absolute cool and exclusisivity. Both guns showed impressive accuracy as we shot them from standing 8 to 20 yds positions. Handloading with improve the results even more. Though chambering the very expensive but extremely capable.357 Magnum, the 686 benefits of course from .38 Special versatility and economy. Shooting steel plates with such loads is high entertainment to be sure. The weight makes firing of full power loads manageable and actually enjoyable. Durability of the 686 series is widely documented and stellar. This 686P is outfitted to near perfection for me as is but one could add in different stocks, some HKS, Maxfire, or Safariland speedloaders, different sights (including optics as each 686 is drilled and tapped for a base underneath rear sight), and any number of holster options for the gun. But as currently outfitted this SW 686P is ready for action and some solid service as a hunting gun, defensive option, or recreational firearm (a good, low recoiling gun to introduce new shooters to centerfire shooting). Its longevity in the Smith and Wesson line is a testament to just how timeless and endearing the 686 is and it shows no signs of losing popularity, even in an auto world!

/////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability: 9.5 of 10 (Perf Center 686P) //////////////// Music is my own composition and by Jimmy G at http://jimmyg.us/FreeMusic/tabid/99/Default.aspx //////////// Photos are TNP originals. A select few come from the public domain. Their posters/owners have consented to royalty-free worldwide unpaid distribution through unqualified agreement to Photobucket.com Terms of Use and through their selection and agreement to worldwide public use.