I have been wanting to get a Smith 686 or Model 66 for a while. You always here about the other lines being pretty crappy guns (taurus Etc.). Well I picked up a Rossi M971 .357 in a trade. I was very hessitant at first until I felt the grip and the trigger. I thought WOW the grip is awesome and the trigger was very smooth and I hate to say it but about as good as I have felt on any stock Smith. The Rear sight was plastic and was broken. It wasn't real clean but did not look like it had been shot much. It had a 3/4 Compensator sticking out the front that I was not sure about. First I shot the gun to see if it worked okay before I did anything else. Pretty impressive so far and even with half a sight seemed pretty accurate. I asked on INGO if the Comp should go and the answer was yes from everyone.
So I custom fit S&W rear sight, cut off the compensator and cleaned it real good. Had some trouble with the cylinder hanging up a little and found out that that air gap from Cylinder to forcing cone was none. I stoned the Cylinder to open the gap on two holes that where touching and now seems perfect.
The moral of the story: There are some pretty nice guns out there that can be had a pretty good deal. Some may need a little lov'in and a little work but if you are handy it can be done. Would I love to have a super tricked out Smith- Heck ya. But right now I am not willing to go out and drop 6 Bills on one when I think I got a pretty sweet little Revolver and really do not have the itch to get anything else right now. Jim
So I custom fit S&W rear sight, cut off the compensator and cleaned it real good. Had some trouble with the cylinder hanging up a little and found out that that air gap from Cylinder to forcing cone was none. I stoned the Cylinder to open the gap on two holes that where touching and now seems perfect.
The moral of the story: There are some pretty nice guns out there that can be had a pretty good deal. Some may need a little lov'in and a little work but if you are handy it can be done. Would I love to have a super tricked out Smith- Heck ya. But right now I am not willing to go out and drop 6 Bills on one when I think I got a pretty sweet little Revolver and really do not have the itch to get anything else right now. Jim