Check and see if it has the quick release front sight.  If so, I really like the replacement fiber optics that are available.

 

From the picture I can see that it is a pinned front sight, not the DX interchangeable one. Not a biggie, as that also can be changed out to a FO - just a little more hassle. Some Smith front sight blades are integral with the base and cannot be changed unless you do a lot of machining.

Great choice, congrats!

And with your 21 too

Good choice partner. My first handgun too. Mine is a 2 1/2" snub.   My brother recently bought one with 8" pipe. They're a blast to shoot.

I want one of these, I have no need for it but I definitely want it.  I just need more permits, which is a total pain.

Congrats!!!! Sweet Gun man.

that was my first handgun also, it's about 15yr old now.

Well I survived my birthday so this gun will be eventually mine

 

 

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So I took this bad girl home tonight, thanks again Steve! Here's some pics. She resides bedside loaded with some .38 +p critical duty. I will be shooting her tomorrow!

 

 

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Very nice!

 

How does it fit in the holster?

Very nice!

 

How does it fit in the holster?

Fits great. I was slightly worried because they didn't have an option for the plus model, it's the same size but the flutting is different but they said it should still fit. Slides in tight but smooth and retention is great. It disappeared under a sweatshirt despite the size

 

 

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Nice meeting you, great choice!

Nice meeting you too Ron, let's see what Steve can get me next I was really liking that cz

 

 

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She resides bedside loaded with some .38 +p critical duty...

 

Any reservations about using a gun with an internal lock for home defense purposes? There are accounts of them spontaneously locking up on people.  Some say this is a myth, but I've heard enough stories and have seen enough videos/pictures of guns where the lock completely jammed up that I believe it.

 

 

 

Any reservations about using a gun with an internal lock for home defense purposes? There are rare but confirmed accounts of them spontaneously locking up on people.

 

 

 

Nope not one bit

 

 

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Nope not one bit

 

 

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Well, that's good.  I love the 686 and am seriously considering getting one but these complaints are definitely something that concerns me.  I'm sure it's rare but the fact that it happens at all is bothersome.

Well, that's good. I love the 686 and am seriously getting one but these complaints are definitely something that concerns me. I'm sure it's rare but the fact that it happens at all is bothersome.

Since I just got it today and haven't shot it yet I can't personally attest to it's reliability but if I put a few hundred rounds thru it every couple weeks and it doesn't fail then I don't think it will on the cylinder I may possibly have to defend myself with. Seeing as many guns as they sell daily and the low number of failures i don't see it as an issue and don't expect mine to fail unless I neglect if

 

 

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So I took this bad girl home tonight, thanks again Steve! Here's some pics. She resides bedside loaded with some .38 +p critical duty. I will be shooting her tomorrow!

 

 

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Wow you took it right home and gun porned it LOL

Nope not one bit

 

 

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I have head the internal locks can be disabled. Im not saying i would do it but iv heard it can be done

Congrats!  That was the first gun I bought as well way back when I turned 21!

Well, that's good.  I love the 686 and am seriously considering getting one but these complaints are definitely something that concerns me.  I'm sure it's rare but the fact that it happens at all is bothersome.

 

The internal lock can be removed in a matter of minutes, Personally - I just remove the flag that would make contact with the hammer to lock it. But there are guys out there that remove the whole "key" section as well and plug the hole with a matching piece of metal.

The internal lock can be removed in a matter of minutes, Personally - I just remove the flag that would make contact with the hammer to lock it. But there are guys out there that remove the whole "key" section as well and plug the hole with a matching piece of metal.

FWIW Massad Ayoob feels this is a bad idea...

 

"I did not remove the internal lock, for the simple reason that I’ve seen a prosecutor raise hell about a deactivated safety device when trying to establish the element of recklessness that is a key ingredient in a manslaughter conviction. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defendant was so reckless that he DEACTIVATED A SAFETY DEVICE ON A LETHAL WEAPON, and so arrogant that he thought he knew more about the gun than the factory that made it!” That’s a mountain I’d rather not have to climb in court, nor debate in front of twelve jurors selected in part by opposing counsel for their lack of knowledge of firearms."

FWIW Massad Ayoob feels this is a bad idea...

 

"I did not remove the internal lock, for the simple reason that I’ve seen a prosecutor raise hell about a deactivated safety device when trying to establish the element of recklessness that is a key ingredient in a manslaughter conviction. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defendant was so reckless that he DEACTIVATED A SAFETY DEVICE ON A LETHAL WEAPON, and so arrogant that he thought he knew more about the gun than the factory that made it!” That’s a mountain I’d rather not have to climb in court, nor debate in front of twelve jurors selected in part by opposing counsel for their lack of knowledge of firearms."

 

 

At which point my lawyer would cue the countless youtube videos of the lock randomly engaging during use rending the firearm useless.

 

I'd rather have to have that argument, then have my firearm jam up when I need it most. 

If that wasn't a "performance center" version (meaning its been altered from original) I might be worried. I'm sure it has happened to a couple factory 686's also. But what you don't see is thousands of videos of people shooting their s&w internal lock revolvers without issues. That would just be boring.

 

I have 3 s&w's, including the 686+, that all have the internal lock. I have shot a lot of rounds through all 3 and never had one lock up. I would say the odds are in my favor. I have a 642 airweight with the internal lock and would not hesitate to use it a primary carry piece.

If that wasn't a "performance center" version (meaning its been altered from original) I might be worried. I'm sure it has happened to a couple factory 686's also. But what you don't see is thousands of videos of people shooting their s&w internal lock revolvers without issues. That would just be boring.

 

I have 3 s&w's, including the 686+, that all have the internal lock. I have shot a lot of rounds through all 3 and never had one lock up. I would say the odds are in my favor. I have a 642 airweight with the internal lock and would not hesitate to use it a primary carry piece.

 

I'll agree that the likelihood of it locking up is extremely small, but it's just that... small odds of it maybe happening, or maybe not.... Why not eliminate ALL chances of it ever happening by removing the lock.

 

All it does is go from " ehhh, I doubt it'll ever happen " to " Now i KNOW it wont happen "

Once I shoot the gun I'll take it apart and see if it's something I feel confident enough to pull out

 

 

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I'll agree that the likelihood of it locking up is extremely small, but it's just that... small odds of it maybe happening, or maybe not.... Why not eliminate ALL chances of it ever happening by removing the lock.

 

All it does is go from " ehhh, I doubt it'll ever happen " to " Now i KNOW it wont happen "

I have absolutely no doubts my revolvers would work. The thought doesn't even cross my mind. I have a beter chance of hitting the lottery. That reminds me, need to pick up some tickets.

If anyone is going to heritage guild Easton I'll be there at 6 to shoot with my gf

 

 

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Wow you took it right home and gun porned it LOL

Your right the first thing I did was take it hind and take 20 pictures of it, it's very photogenic. 2nd thing was wear if iwb for the rest of the night and it was surprisingly comfortable

 

 

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You don't even have to remove the "flag". For those that are into aesthetics, removing the flag leaves a space next to the hammer. All that has to be done is to remove the flag, file off the "D" shaped lug and then replace the flag. All external appearances remain the same. It is the lug on the flag that engages a recess in the hammer that locks the gun.

 

Most instances of failure occur in light, high-recoiling guns. I have no doubt that some 686's may have experienced it too, but that is more a matter of numbers - there are so many of them that the pool of potential malfunctions makes it more likely to happen. If expressed as a failure rate per 1000 guns, I would expect it to be very low.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I can show you a video about a "problem" with EVERY GUN made!