Opinions on Smith & Wesson 686 with the 6" barrel in 357

[likes2grill]

I'm looking for my next gun for the house. Want some opinions on the .357 mag in this model Smith & Wesson 686 with the 6" barrel Link Removed or other models for the purpose of Recreational, Home Protection, Handgun Hunting. If attacked will this be big enough to take a bear down? I'm pretty sure about anything else that would be in the woods here in Florida but I could be wrong.

 

[jelo45110]

I have a 686 that I bought 25 years ago. It has an 8 3/8 barrel and is one of the best handguns I have ever shot. The 357 magnum caliber is more than powerful enough for hunting deer size game, and to protect you from a bear.

 

[firelooker]

While I have always loved the 357 mag, if I'm going to be in bear country I would prefer something with a little more "ooomph" like a 44 mag. Taurus makes a very nice 44 mag called the Tracker w/ a six inch ported barrel and rubber grips it's very manageable. The only drawback to the tracker is it's a five shot instead of six. This is just my opinion but I'd rather spend 400.00 for a Taurus and use the savings to buy more ammo or accessories. In my opinion Colt & S&W are over priced.

 

[TooCalm]

My 6 inch barrel 686 is 28 years old. I like it, but for stopping a bear attack at close range I would prefer a 3 inch chambered 12 gauge, pump action shotgun using 00buckshot.

 

[stingray2100]

I purchase my S&W 686 6" and I love it. it is heavy for a carry gun... but it is always next to my bed stand at home when I go to bed.

Lionel had a blanket...I got a S&W 686

 

[Ringo]

Colt & S&W are over priced.

Especially if you can't afford one. Otherwise, you get what you pay for.

 

[santa]

In my opinion SW is overpriced. But there is no question they make fine firearms. While a 357 mag is usually adequate against black bears(NOT grizzlies) a 44 mag is much better. However if you have a problem handleing the 44 mag the 357 will work. I agree with TooCalm that a 12 gauge 3 inch chambered loaded with OO bockshot is even better. Or a 1oz slug. Whatever you do remember that success always depends on hitting the target.

 

[likes2grill]

What I was thinking the ammo would be a lot cheaper than 44 mag so I would get to shoot it more. When I go hunting my 20g or the 30-06 is my main hunting weapon but what if it gets knocked out of your hands a BUG would be nice to have. My EDC gun is the G19 which I carry 100% of the time awake so the 357 mag would be my bed side gun and hunting BUG. I'm not set on any brand/cal as of yet just exploring.

 

[OUTTAHERE]

40 year love affair with a S&W Mod. 27 6" and more recently the same for a 686 with 6" barrel. Both of them, to me, are extremely well balanced and whether I'm target shooting or CQC point and shooting neither one of them disappoint in either
category. As far as Black Bears, if the 686 is what you choose then load it up with the heaviest bullet you can get and take
good aim if you ever have to use it on one. Great guns and not cheap, but for me, quality is worth the few extra dollars.

 

[Oldgrunt]

What I was thinking the ammo would be a lot cheaper than 44 mag so I would get to shoot it more. When I go hunting my 20g or the 30-06 is my main hunting weapon but what if it gets knocked out of your hands a BUG would be nice to have. My EDC gun is the G19 which I carry 100% of the time awake so the 357 mag would be my bed side gun and hunting BUG. I'm not set on any brand/cal as of yet just exploring.

I have a Model 586 (blue) with a 4 inch barrel and have used it for 25 years. To shoot a little less expensively, I use .38 special ammo and have a lot of fun with it. It is right beside my bed at night and my Glock 23 in only a foot further away.

 

[fxstchawg]

I love my .357 S&W 586 6" barrel have had it for 21 years and perfect for target and Home Defense. In Night stand at night.Reload my own .38special and .357 so relatively inexpensive to shoot. G27 is also close by along with Colt 1911.

 

[Cannonade]

My first hand gun is my S&W 686 .357 6". It has been my go to gun for 25+ years. Bitterroot Valley sells a 180gr 'bear load' that packs quite a wallop. I have packed it all over Colorado hiking, pack packing and hunting as my side arm. Never had any regrets or second thought in bear and mountain lion country!