In the past, I’ve owned a S&W 60, 66, and 686…all snubbies. I’d like to get one of them again. I know where I can pick up a new 686+ with 3" barrel new. The problem is, all my speed loaders are for the 6-shot. I also know where I can pick up a 60-14 (2.25") a 60-15 (3") and a 686 2.5" presumably 6-shot, all used.
I tend to like my autos with long barrels and my revolvers with short barrels. Wierd, I know. :rolleyes:
The 686+ 7-shot with 3" barrel is nice because of the extra round and the full length ejector and longer sight radius. However, as said, all my speed loaders are for the 6-shot and they don’t make the Jet-loader (my favorite) in 7rd capacity.
The 60-14 would be an exact replacement of what I once owned. However, the -15 would be nice for all the above reasons for the 686+.
The 686 2.5" would, likely be a replacement of what I also once owned, assuming it’s 6-shot and has the much hated lock.
General purpose, HD/SD, plinking.
BTW, prices are as follows:
New 686+: $800
Used 686: $595
Used 60-14: $525
Used 60-15: $525
Used 60-15Pro w Night sights: $600
SL Variant makes the fastest speedloader this side of moon clips. They are not cheap but they are tough and reliable. I used the 7 shot ones when I carried a S&W 681PC as a duty weapon back in the suburbs. If you are gonna carry that fat L frame cylinder get the extra round.
I am old enough to remember when you could buy a used smith revolvers all day long for 200 bucks- hard to swallow todays prices.
I’m not much for stainless, and especially in a snubby see no reason for the heavier l frame over a k frame. I don’t think I see the extra value in the 686+ at 800 bucks. Consider the used snubbie stainless police trades (k frames) that are on the market now for under 300 bucks.
Remember the mass dumping of revolvers for autos by LE? Dealers and wholesalers were sitting on piles of them and couldn’t give them away. 10s, 64s, 65s, 66s, 19s, 586s, 686s…all for a couple hundred, if that.
I realize you weren’t asking about these, but you might consider a Ruger “Six” series. They are excellent revolvers and real work horses, and can easily be “field stripped”, unlike most other revolvers.
The Security Six is a particular favorite of mine, and they can still be found for much less than a comparable used S&W.
I did a quick look on GB and found a few that started there. Most though are in the $500 range. I had a 66-7 and it was nice but decided I’d get rid of it for something else since, at the time I still had my 60 & 686.
I haven’t looked at the Six series. I’ve thought about the Ruger SP101 and GP100 but I still have grips, speed loaders and holsters for the Smith guns. Usually if you include them in the gun sale, they get tossed in a bin and you maybe get $20 more.
Can’t beat them for reliability. Of the armorer’s schools I went to, Ruger revolvers have given me the least chances to use what I learned. I like shooting my Smith’s, but the Ruger’s will keep working without any maintenance for a lot longer.
They used to be the sleeper in the revolver market. But that’s changing. I’m looking for a 4" Speed or Service Six for my brother in law, and clean ones are hard to find, and have definitely gone up in price.
