S&W 686 SSR... What a beauty!

[LorenzoB]

I just held a S&W 686SSR at my local gun store. I almost didn't leave without it! I've never seen one before, but I have been looking for my first wheel gun. Either a 4" Ruger GP100 or a 4" S&W 686. The SSR model is the Pro Series (basically has some upgrades). The trigger was even nicer than the standard 686, which is already really nice. Does any one have one of these? And if you do, is it worth the extra $200 more than the standard 686? It is almost $1000! Could I find a used one for less? Not sure these days.... I know I wouldn't sell any of my guns if I didn't absolutely have to. Maybe I'll look on gunbroker.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1375592173.822007.jpg

P.S. I found that nice lookin' photo on the internet. The photo at Smith & Wesson's own website don't do it justice.

[yqtszhj]

That's a beauty for sure. I've lost my desire for wheel guns I guess because I can't shoot them worth anything but I do like stainless and/or nickel or chrome plating on anything, especially semi autos.

I do have a desire for a Ruger LCR in .38 though. If the CW380 and CM45 don't come out soon I may be getting that LCR.

[kerby9mm]

Since I have a sig p238/Kahr mk9 & mk40/SA EMP I have a renewed interest in revolvers. A year ago I got a S&W m&p 340 and recently found a discontinued NIB S&W 329 Nightguard. While looking I saw a S&W 627pc at the LGS for $1125. I found the grip a little too large for my smaller hands. The 329 I found has a round but that is smaller. The 627 I mentioned holds 8 rounds & has the tuned action. Good luck deciding. I read all that is available before I decide.

[b4uqzme]

My brother-in-law has a Model 60 Pro. Basically a small frame version of the gun you found. I've made him a standing offer: $200 + my Ruger SP101. I don't expect him to take me up on it.

The sights are what I like best. Plus it has a very light trigger for a revolver. I shoot it more accurately than any other revolver.

1 gr is a lot...but if you ever run across a used one, I say jump.

[muggsy]

I prefer the deep, rich, lustrous S&W blue finish, but then I'm a purist. You're right, that is one beautiful revolver. It could find a home in my gun safe.

[K9_Two_Tone]

I have a 686 SSR and a 60 Pro. Both are accurate for what they were designed to do, but cannot be compared. The 686 SSR is an L-frame that has been "tweaked" for competition. Mine has a forged hammer and trigger, and the trigger has a trigger stop. I do not know if that's true with the current 686 SSR production.

I suspect the trigger was "tuned." Both the double and especially the single action trigger pulls are perfect. The let-off is so crisp and predictable that I cannot imagine anyone not improving their shooting over any similarly priced handgun (revolver or semi-auto) when using it. The grip fits the hand perfectly. As you can tell I highly recommend it.

I purchased the 60 Pro to keep the SSR company. Since the 60 Pro is built on the J-frame, the trigger mechanism is completely different, utilizing a long coil spring. The double action trigger is heavy. It's mission is to be used as a 24 ounce carry gun. That said, a 3-inch barreled revolver is much easier to shoot accurately when compared to a 1 7/8" or a 2 1/8" snub nose. S&W J-frames are a bit small for my hands.

Good luck with your choice. I do not think you will ever regret adding a 686 SSR to your collection. It's a great handgun. The first time my wife saw it after I brought it home, her reaction was, "why did you buy that?" Then we went to the range and she proceeded to cut a fifty-cent size hole out of a target at 15 yards free standing. She continued to shoot through the same hole for nearly an entire box of 38 specials. Even though her favorite handgun is a CZ75 stainless, she could not stop talking about the SSR and how easy it was pick up and shoot well. By the way, she has always used semi-autos, she had never fired a 357/38 special revolver before. Pretty impressive endorsement.

[LorenzoB]

S&W 686 SSR... What a beauty!

Thanks!
I'll keep looking to see if I can find a better deal on it.

[340pd]

Mine has served me well and all of my students seem to shoot it well. Here are a couple of grip options.

[ozkahr]

While I do not own a 686 SSR, I do own 4 S&W wheel guns, (2) Model 66, (1) Model 65, (1) Model 60. All are from the 1970's and either no dash or -1 series. They are the most accurate handguns I own! My first shot with the 65 that I purchased last week was 1 inch off of dead center at 25 yards. I am not a good shot as I have been shooting for less than a year. S&W revolvers are well made, accurate, and fun to shoot. You won't regret your purchase.

[Barth]

My S&W 65-3 M&P 3" Heavy Barrel 357 is my most accurate revolver.
Even with a notch rear and short blade front sight it's a tack driver.