S&W purchase question..
I live in Phoenix Arizona and new to the forum. I recently fell in love with my brother in-law's Smith & Wesson model 686 .357 mag. It has the 6 inch barrel. We go to the local gun range "Ben Avery" and also plink in the desert. I was amazed by the accuracy. Anything from 5-40 yards is still fun. I convinced myself into buying one. I've been shopping the local retailers "Sportsman's Warehouse"...the small ma and pa gunstores etc. I found one at a little gun store in the suburbs. I found one with an 8 1/4 inch barrel..stainless...6 shot. Its in like new condition. No scratches dings any of that sort. Wood grips that are immaculate. He only wants $400 for it. The new model 686 6 inch barrel, stainless are going for $509-$550. I hunt pigs here in arizona. I've been using my Remington 700ML muzzle loader for my pig hunts. Here in arizona we have "H-A-M" hunts during Pig season. Handgun Archery Muzzle loader. I think this would be the perfect pig weapon. Any thoughts about this from an of you? I think this forum is a plethra of info and I'm glad I found you guys.
I will post pix if I purchase the weapon.
Thank you,
Sam
I will post pix if I purchase the weapon.
Thank you,
Sam
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Don't know about hogs, but here in Minnesota, .357 is the minimum caliber for deer. The gun itself is excellent, tho I think you'll find an 8" barrel is a little clumsy for carry, not bad but tends to jab you, ect, is a little unwieldy and a little heavy. Probably good to check local law if the cartridge is of permitted length, caliber by the law's definition. Here, 10mm is legal, .40S&W is not, .357 is .38spec not, .44 mag is .44 spec. not. Also, ask some other experienced hunters, too, as I understand a wounded hog is not a happy camper and would just as soon put you on his list of irritations to do something about. 0 -
Price isn't bad, but check the auctions on GB as there always seems to be a 686 listed. However, remember to add in shipping and transfer fees to have a "total" price to compare to shop values in your area. Local gun shows are another place you may want to look.
I don't know AZ hunting regs. but I suspect that 357 mag. is allowed. But with that said, consider this caliber to be at the bottom of the hog hunting chart. They are tough critters and you had better be a darn good shot 'less you or a hunting partner might get ripped up.
I would suggest you consider 45 colt or 44 mag. for the pigs.
As for barrel length the 8 inch provides a better sight plane and absorbs more of the recoil, but a 6 inch is almost as good and easier to handle. If you go w/ an 8 consider either a cross draw or one of the hunting shoulder rigs.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
buy it for 400 bucks you wouldn't be sorry and if for some reason you decide its not for you it won't be a problem getting your money back , if you do decide to use it for hog hunting buy the best bullet you can for it, something in the 180 grain range , no hollow points , you want something that will stay together and penetrate deep 0
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