Best fighting revolver or pistol what is it? S&w 686+:episode 1

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 27, 2021, 06:13 PM

You see these questions all the time.

What is the best revolver?

What is the best pistol or semi-auto?

What is the best fighting handgun?

There are 4 immediate thoughts that come to mind when I see these questions. The best is, what you have on you in a time of need, The one you train most with, The One you are most likely to carry and last but not least the one you shoot best. So I have put together a little test to figure out what is best for ME.

https://youtu.be/xdHhigG-K68

Japle · February 27, 2021, 07:38 PM

I normally carry an XDs .45, but when I carry a wheelgun, it's the 3" 686+ .357.

Moenie · February 27, 2021, 07:47 PM

"Fighting revolver"?

So which military & law enforcement units use a 686+?

ms6852 · February 27, 2021, 07:47 PM

No such thing as best. Best is what you like and functions and is reliable. I don't care for Colt 1911's or Kimber but like Springfield. Carried a 1911 throughout my military career and than carried one for 30 years afterwards. I chose Springfield because their firearms appeal to me where the other ones don't. Now I carry a 686 with 3" because this gun appeals to me also. But is it better than a Ruger or Charter arms or any other gun. I don't know and have no practical experience to say anything negative or positive about other manufacturers.
Buy what ever pulls your heartstrings because you will get responses based on emotional attachments of what they own.

mk70ss · February 27, 2021, 08:46 PM

If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight, I want my Wilson Beretta in my hand.

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 27, 2021, 08:55 PM

Nice MK70ss can't say I blame you there. I do not own one but have shot one and really nice they are.

**JohnKSa** · February 28, 2021, 12:23 AM

I'll be interested to see how other revolvers score on your test. What's going to be tested in episode 2?

Nanuk · February 28, 2021, 10:33 AM

S&W Model 65/13 3" RB 357 mag. Best fighting revolver of all time.

Nanuk · February 28, 2021, 10:35 AM

Quote:

So which military & law enforcement units use a 686+?

None. Because a 7 shot 357 L frame in as abomination.

Mr.RevolverGuy · February 28, 2021, 10:47 AM

Episode 2 will be a S&W mountain gun in 45 Colt.

ammo.crafter · February 28, 2021, 12:09 PM

If I knew what and where it was coming from, for 50 yds my .357 Max Contender.
Within 25yds my S&W 41Mag
Any closer, Colt 1911.

mikejonestkd · February 28, 2021, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Episode 2 will be a S&W mountain gun in 45 Colt

Sweet!!! I have one, its a dandy revolver. Awaiting your next episode.

mrt949 · February 28, 2021, 04:58 PM

mountain gun 41 mag

dontcatchmany · February 28, 2021, 05:28 PM

Nanuk

lol...Then you might like the S&W model 327 PC 2"....again lol! * shot 38/357.

Nanuk · March 1, 2021, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Nanuk

lol...Then you might like the S&W model 327 PC 2"....again lol! * shot 38/357.

I do.....

jrothWA · March 1, 2021, 11:30 PM

Basically, it come down to what you are carrying right then and there!

Normally, carry a S& J-frame, in .38SPl., either is a IWB or inside pocket, [read weather dictates.]

Was at a bookstore , while wife was at a fabric store across the parking lot.
fabric store closed and she walked to bookstore and retrieved me.

Walked straight to our car and noticed amid-90's Lincoln Town car pulled from a
parking space and did a 180 and drew a bead on US walking. I keep the hood ornament in site and confirmed it was centered on me, as it cut across the two lines of marked stalls. As it entered the normal driving strip towards me, I was approaching a light pole with a cement base about 18 inches high, I turned to my right[giving me a modicum of protection] after passing it and I had decided that if the driver DIDNOT deviate from me, as I was fingering the J-frame in my pocket. [Basically I was going to throw myself on his hood and press the muzzle against the windshield.] The driver turn to his right breaking off.
As he passed his window was down. I just stood and let him pass.
When I go to that city {NW Ohio] I am carrying a 4" revolver .38 Spl., or .357 , 1911 style semi in 9mm or .45

Simply it comes down to situational awareness and planning what you response will be.

When traveling especially @ night, I'm carrying in a shoulder holster with light sweater or fleece jacket.

pete2 · March 2, 2021, 12:46 PM

"Fighting" handgun brings to mind as in a fire fight, I would want one of the hi cap guns, Glock, Beretta, Sig etc. That's why the military uses them. For self defense and in a carry gun, I carry a 642 in my pocket. For 15yards I would prefer a larger gun. I can get hits on an IDPA target at 15 with the 642 but they won't all be in the "zero down" area. I'm a tad faster with the LC9 but I can't draw it out of a pocket due to it's shape. From a low ready the LC9 or any other semi or larger revolver is faster and more accurate than the 642. The 625 45ACP or L Frame are favorites for shooting but both a tad heavy for carry. I have a new Shield 9MM EZ at S&W right now that may be good for carry if I can find a holster I like. For me it handles much better than the G19 or thinner Glock.

**44 AMP** · March 2, 2021, 02:43 PM

Quote:

"Fighting" handgun brings to mind as in a fire fight,...

I look at it slightly differently, and so, have different priorities. TO me, the "best" fighting handgun will be one that is actually one that is "best" to fight with, and I'm not talking shooting.

"Fighting" to me, means an actual hand to hand fight, where you might actually have to hit the other guy with the gun. For that, I'd want something with some heft to it, steel, and the more the better.

Is it unlikely? oh yes. a very, very low order probability, BUT, when/if everything else fails, your handgun is an impact weapon. Remember the old Superman shows, he bravely stood there and bullets bounced off him, but when the bad guy threw the gun at him, he ducked!

Seriously, if you are in a grapple, hitting the other guy with your gun is an option worth considering, and I'll carry the extra weight on the tiny, tiny chance I might NEED it, someday.

I also rule out guns that can be pushed out of battery by firm contact with an opponent, as the "best" fighting handgun. Everybody is going to have their own opinion of what is "best", there's no one single answer.

shurshot · March 2, 2021, 03:08 PM

My idea of the "best" fighting handgun? It has .30-30 Winchester on the barrel, a lever action and a walnut stock.

Kind of difficult to tuck in my waistband, so I have several handguns I carry instead... but have no doubt, they all, no matter how good, are my 2nd choice. Hard to beat a good rifle.

Nanuk · March 2, 2021, 08:44 PM

Quote:

I turned to my right[giving me a modicum of protection] after passing it and I had decided that if the driver DIDNOT deviate from me, as I was fingering the J-frame in my pocket. [Basically I was going to throw myself on his hood and press the muzzle against the windshield.]

You watch too many bad movies.

jrothWA · March 2, 2021, 09:41 PM

it was real life and I was deciding to take action as that lincoln was closing in !

Nanuk · March 4, 2021, 08:24 PM

Quote:

It wasn't a movie.
it was real life and I was deciding to take action as that lincoln was closing in !

I have been bounced off a hood, its not that easy....

jrothWA · March 4, 2021, 10:02 PM

dealing with a "run-down" feeling at a minimum.

recoil junky · March 5, 2021, 09:44 AM

I'm reminded of every episode of Starsky and Hutch.

Unfortunately no matter the truth of your heroic recap of jumping car hoods, no one believes you. It's pretty sad how the internet works so I keep those stories to myself.

No, I never jumped over car hoods but we had the hood off a '48 Buick that would hold eight kids and we reached speeds in excess of 15 MPH when being towed around a hayfield behind an 8N Ford tractor. The cows barely moved out of the way and the prospect of hitting a fresh cow pat that was part of the game because if you sat in front, well, you know the rest.

RJ

wild cat mccane · March 5, 2021, 10:35 AM

That story from the other person was, "didn't know I almost got shot for no reason while driving."

February 27, 2021, 07:47 PM	#4
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	No such thing as best. Best is what you like and functions and is reliable. I don't care for Colt 1911's or Kimber but like Springfield. Carried a 1911 throughout my military career and than carried one for 30 years afterwards. I chose Springfield because their firearms appeal to me where the other ones don't. Now I carry a 686 with 3" because this gun appeals to me also. But is it better than a Ruger or Charter arms or any other gun. I don't know and have no practical experience to say anything negative or positive about other manufacturers. Buy what ever pulls your heartstrings because you will get responses based on emotional attachments of what they own. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

February 27, 2021, 08:46 PM	#5
mk70ss Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,598	If I knew I was going to be in a gunfight, I want my Wilson Beretta in my hand. __________________ Say when.....

February 27, 2021, 08:55 PM	#6
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Nice MK70ss can't say I blame you there. I do not own one but have shot one and really nice they are. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 28, 2021, 12:23 AM	#7
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,992	I'll be interested to see how other revolvers score on your test. What's going to be tested in episode 2? __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

February 28, 2021, 10:33 AM	#8
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	S&W Model 65/13 3" RB 357 mag. Best fighting revolver of all time. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

February 27, 2021, 07:38 PM	#2
Japle Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2004 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 1,340	I normally carry an XDs .45, but when I carry a wheelgun, it's the 3" 686+ .357.

February 27, 2021, 07:47 PM	#3
Moenie Member Join Date: December 17, 2020 Location: In a house Posts: 53	"Fighting revolver"? So which military & law enforcement units use a 686+?

February 28, 2021, 10:47 AM	#10
Mr.RevolverGuy Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 991	Episode 2 will be a S&W mountain gun in 45 Colt. __________________ Mr.Revolverguy http://www.dayattherange.com Firearms Reviewed and Reported On: An unbiased opinion with real world use.

February 28, 2021, 12:09 PM	#11
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	best? If I knew what and where it was coming from, for 50 yds my .357 Max Contender. Within 25yds my S&W 41Mag Any closer, Colt 1911. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

February 28, 2021, 04:58 PM	#13
mrt949 Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,692	mountain gun 41 mag __________________ No Gun Big Or Small Does It All

February 28, 2021, 05:28 PM	#14
dontcatchmany Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2010 Posts: 460	Nanuk lol...Then you might like the S&W model 327 PC 2"....again lol! * shot 38/357.

March 1, 2021, 11:30 PM	#16
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	In revolver, which is best?? Basically, it come down to what you are carrying right then and there! Normally, carry a S& J-frame, in .38SPl., either is a IWB or inside pocket, [read weather dictates.] Was at a bookstore , while wife was at a fabric store across the parking lot. fabric store closed and she walked to bookstore and retrieved me. Walked straight to our car and noticed amid-90's Lincoln Town car pulled from a parking space and did a 180 and drew a bead on US walking. I keep the hood ornament in site and confirmed it was centered on me, as it cut across the two lines of marked stalls. As it entered the normal driving strip towards me, I was approaching a light pole with a cement base about 18 inches high, I turned to my right[giving me a modicum of protection] after passing it and I had decided that if the driver DIDNOT deviate from me, as I was fingering the J-frame in my pocket. [Basically I was going to throw myself on his hood and press the muzzle against the windshield.] The driver turn to his right breaking off. As he passed his window was down. I just stood and let him pass. When I go to that city {NW Ohio] I am carrying a 4" revolver .38 Spl., or .357 , 1911 style semi in 9mm or .45 Simply it comes down to situational awareness and planning what you response will be. When traveling especially @ night, I'm carrying in a shoulder holster with light sweater or fleece jacket.

March 2, 2021, 12:46 PM	#17
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	"Fighting" handgun brings to mind as in a fire fight, I would want one of the hi cap guns, Glock, Beretta, Sig etc. That's why the military uses them. For self defense and in a carry gun, I carry a 642 in my pocket. For 15yards I would prefer a larger gun. I can get hits on an IDPA target at 15 with the 642 but they won't all be in the "zero down" area. I'm a tad faster with the LC9 but I can't draw it out of a pocket due to it's shape. From a low ready the LC9 or any other semi or larger revolver is faster and more accurate than the 642. The 625 45ACP or L Frame are favorites for shooting but both a tad heavy for carry. I have a new Shield 9MM EZ at S&W right now that may be good for carry if I can find a holster I like. For me it handles much better than the G19 or thinner Glock.

March 2, 2021, 03:08 PM	#19
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	My idea of the "best" fighting handgun? It has .30-30 Winchester on the barrel, a lever action and a walnut stock. Kind of difficult to tuck in my waistband, so I have several handguns I carry instead... but have no doubt, they all, no matter how good, are my 2nd choice. Hard to beat a good rifle.

March 2, 2021, 09:41 PM	#21
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	It wasn't a movie. it was real life and I was deciding to take action as that lincoln was closing in !

March 4, 2021, 10:02 PM	#23
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	Black and blue wasmore preferable than dealing with a "run-down" feeling at a minimum.

March 5, 2021, 09:44 AM	#24
recoil junky Member Join Date: June 20, 2014 Location: TheElkHuntingCapitol CraigCO Posts: 60	I'm reminded of every episode of Starsky and Hutch. Unfortunately no matter the truth of your heroic recap of jumping car hoods, no one believes you. It's pretty sad how the internet works so I keep those stories to myself. No, I never jumped over car hoods but we had the hood off a '48 Buick that would hold eight kids and we reached speeds in excess of 15 MPH when being towed around a hayfield behind an 8N Ford tractor. The cows barely moved out of the way and the prospect of hitting a fresh cow pat that was part of the game because if you sat in front, well, you know the rest. RJ

March 5, 2021, 10:35 AM	#25
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,627	That story from the other person was, "didn't know I almost got shot for no reason while driving." __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.