S&W 357 Magnum model 686 with a 6″ barrel….?
By adminIm looking to purchase a S&W 357 Magnum model 686 with a 6″ barrel.. Im interested in knowing if it would be a good back up side arm for pig/boar/hog hunting as i already know it would be a great round for home protection…. My hunting rifle is a Savage 30.06… but when walking through tall brush not knowing what is ahead of me I would like to have a handgun handy… Do you think this gun would keep me safe incase i wake up the wrong sleeping boar?….. PS i know the 44 Mag would be a better choice for hunting but im not interested in that caliber.. Thanks
is there a big noticable difference in recoils with the 357 and the 44 mag? I just think having a round as big as the 44 … having such a big recoil, aiming the darn thing might be a pain especially in a situation where i need to point and shoot quickly…
10 Comments
March 29th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
The L frame S&W 686 is my favorite .357 mag revolver. Using 158 grain semi jacketed soft points, I have taken hogs with it. It’s not gonna be a one shot stop in most cases, especially if it is charging head on. My personal opinion is that I’d use either a .44 mag or a 45LC, but since you rule that out, you won’t get a better revolver than the 686.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
I had one with a 4 inch barrel and it was a great gun. To answer your question yes it will do the job. I dont care for the 44mag for me but I definately recomend the 45lc. I am 5 10 and weigh 150lbs and The 45lc is one of my all time favorites and it will stop anything. Oh yes cowboy loads in 45lc are like shooting a .22 great fun.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I carry a 6″ 686 with a Pro-Point red dot sight sighted in at 100 yds, and have found that it’s perfect for up to deer sized game with good shot placement. I use 140 XTP’s loaded to 1400 fps. I would probably go up to 180 gr’s for pig hunting though.! 125 jhp’s for the house and shot placement at all times. Recoil is mild but it is noisy!
March 29th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Thre is a sizable difference between the .44 Mag recoil, and that of the .357 Mag.The 686 will serve you well in what you plan to hunt.
March 29th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Absolutely you are A-OK with the 357 Magnum.*
March 30th, 2010 at 12:30 am
yes, i carry a model 13 every where i go in pennsylvania
March 30th, 2010 at 12:46 am
I have a S&W 586 with a 6 inch bbl, 357. Ill never part with it. I use 125gr semi jacketed hollow points. They are devestating on deer, and excellent for home defense
March 30th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Great backup especially with the six inch barrel. Load heavy solid round in it. The 180 grain hard cast Federal Hunter is good.
H
March 30th, 2010 at 1:38 am
It would be an excellent back-up for wild hog hunting. However, having owned 2 over the years (one a 6″), I might prefer a 5″. A little more maneuverable. A great pistol. I should see about getting another.
March 30th, 2010 at 1:49 am
I’ve got a SW 357 model 686 and i love it.I’ve used it in Florida for wild hogs and it does a great job.Just make sure you got a good hollow point bullet for it.I use the 158 gr in mine and it works good.The last hog i shot with mine was a 375 lb and it dropped right in it’s tracks.Good Luck Hunting.