Model 686: any benefits with ported model?

[Ned]

I'm hoping to get started in "Distinguished Revolver" competition and have all but definitely decided on the S&W 686.

I would only be using .38 ammunition and not .357; is there any advantage with the ported versus the non-ported version? I'm assuming the porting serves to lessen felt recoil (?); if that's true then with .38's it would not seem to be needed.

I also noticed the Model 60 on the S&W website and that might be another model to consider although it only holds 5 rounds (all that's needed for DR competition however).

Would welcome any opinions.

Thank you.

Ned

[John Traveler]

That S&W 686 is a fine choice for revolver competition shooting.  Barrel porting is not needed for shooting mild .38 Special loads.  It may even cause problems from lead/carbon fouling buildup.  The model 60 is a J frame size, whereas the 686 is an L frame.  I would not consider the J frame unless you intend snub gun competition.

A bit of history on the development of the 686.  Prior to it's introduction, the Colt Python was considered the premium competition revolver with it's full length barrel under lug, balance, and factory smooth action.  The 686 L frame size was introduced as a more durable duty gun that would stand up to continuous firing of .357 Magnum loads, something the K frame sized models 13, 19, 65, and 66 guns had problems with.  The full length barrel under lug was added to give the gun "Python" marketing appeal.  The factory double-action trigger is acceptable, and with a little action work, is exceptional.  It quickly dominated PPC revolver shoots since it's introduction in the 1980's.  Check out the revolver competition shooter's lists and you will find a majority use S&W guns, with a minority still preferring the Python.

HTH
John

[Lloyd Smale]

dont know what to tell you. I HATE ported guns but when i shoot ppc i shoot 38s and 9mms loaded so light youd think you were shooting a 22. Any reduction in recoil defineatly helps my scores. A guy has plenty of time to shoot in ppc but the reduced recoil helps with recovery and just makes me much smoother. If im not in the ZONE when shooting and even much up a reload for a split second it takes me out of that zone for the rest of the round and my scores show it. They dont allow porting in the ppc league i shoot in or id proably be using it.

[canon6]

I never tell a man,or woman, what they should have on a firearm.The only firearm I have that is ported is a performance center safe queen.I cannot stand the muzzle flash (upward) it bothers my flash sight picture and if you need to engage at nite,WOW   my2c  Doug

[DWTim]

I'm not sure if weight/size is the significant factor for you, but have you considered a new or used M15 or M67 "Combat Masterpiece"? If you're only going to be shooting .38 Special, why not have a revolver that is so chambered?

[Ned]

DWTim:

I was thinking of the 686 as it offers a 6" barrel; do you think the 4" barrel on the 67 would hinder target shooting accuracy? I'm sort of torn on this as I like the look of the shorter barreled guns but am concerned about the effect on accuracy; then I remember that 1911 type guns dominate .45 Bullseye shooting and most of them have 5" barrels so perhaps that is not a major factor??

Thanks to all for their responses.

Ned

(was away for the weekend so did not have a chance to write until this morning)

[DWTim]

I would think that if the tolerances are good, if the chambers are good, if the barrel is good, and the bullet is being spun fast enough to stabilize, then a 4" barrel would be fine. If you prefer the balance with a 6" barrel, then perhaps an old K-38 would do the trick. (But good examples are getting harder to find.)

I've found that, provided the ammo is good, accuracy is a characteristic related to the individual gun, rather than barrel length. Well, there's the extremes, though. My 442 and my DW M12 with 2.5" are less accurate than my revolvers with 4" (or longer) barrels.

I'm not trying to steer you in this particular direction, I'm just giving you another option. I have a beat old 686, and I love it to pieces. (Literally, if I don't send it in for a tune-up.)

[buck460XVR]

I have a ported 686 with a 6" barrel. Use it for hunting and plinking. I shoot 357 mag loads thru it exclusively as the reduced recoil and the minimal difference in price of ammo makes shooting 38's unnecessary.  I probably average around  500 rounds a year thru it. My youngest son has been shooting it with commercial magnum loads since he was eight years old. My wife also enjoys shooting it as the recoil is minimal. As far as the upward muzzle blast, it seems to keep the barrel down for faster target acquisition on follow up shots for me......and since any SD at night with it would be @ point blank range, I doubt if it would for me anyway, be anymore detrimental than standard muzzle flash at night. It works for me, but what works for others is up to them.

[wizard78]

My 6 inch, 686+ was my favorite revolver and enjoyed shooting it. Very accurate (better than what I was capable off). I've recently gotten a 627PC and it has changed my revolver shooting experience. The heftier size, weight, smoother action and porting have spoiled me. The 8 rounds are fun too.  The brake comes off the 627PC,  if I don't want the blast. The 686 is a great revolver and I have no doubt you will enjoy it. The porting is a personal preference and I'd recommend trying both, ported and un-ported before making up your mind.