Question on Smith & Wesson 686 ammo

[sundaz]

Hi, this might seem to be a dumb question but am relatively new to handguns.
I am looking at a Smith & Wesson 686 and see it fires a .357 or a .38 special+p.
My question is can it also fire a regular .38 special round, or does it have to be the special+p?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Love this website!

 

[Boondock Saint]

No problems with .38 special in a revolver chambered for .357.

 

[Numidian]

Any .38 special. And that goes for any .357 magnum revolver.

 

[sundaz]

Thanks, guys! That's what I thought but always good to double check.

 

[Sundazes]

What a moron, he should know that. Take the damn NRA class....

BTW, this is my brother. I can give him crap....

 

[rondon600]

According to the S&W manual .38 special +P is OK in a modern .357 revolver. +P is hotter than regular so no problem with regular .38. I think the manual is just saving print space by omitting that info.

I found the info here, on page 9:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/S&W_Revolver_Manual_01-30-2011.pdf

 

[Marauder]

Not a dumb question! Any 38 special ammunition can be fired in a 357 Magnum.

 

[Baccusboy]

Not a dumb question! Any 38 special ammunition can be fired in a 357 Magnum.

Pretty much any .38 Special ammunition can be fired in a .357 Magnum, because .357 is actually just special .38 special ammunition. So yes, you can fire .38 Special ammunition in your special .38 special (.357).

Now, isn't that SPECIAL?

 

[offroaD]

How do you like your 686?

 

[sundaz]

Don't have it yet- shipping today hopefully. Thanks again for the info to all, except the one who diluted the family gene pool.

 

[dunteachin]

You're going to love the 686. This was my first gun purchased about a year ago.

I use S&B .38 115g for target practice, which is usually the least expensive copper FMJ. A little dirty, but the stainless cleans real easy. I also use the S&B for the .357. I've never used any +p, either regular or magnum.

 

[sgt23preston]

What a moron, he should know that. Take the damn NRA class....

BTW, this is my brother. I can give him crap....

Sgt Preston here...

That's funny BUT this IS the right place to ask questions...

And for people who know the answers to chime in & help out a newby...

There ARE NO dumb questions here...

People get in trouble when they DON'T know & don't ask...

Hope this is helpful...

 

[DeadeyeJack]

FYI,
Clean well after firing .38, as the cases are shorter. After time, a ring can build up making 357 cases difficult to fit.

 

[lkenefic]

FYI,
Clean well after firing .38, as the cases are shorter. After time, a ring can build up making 357 cases difficult to fit.

Deadeye beat me to the punch....

I loved my 686... I had one with a 6-inch and another with a 4 inch barrel... awesome trail gun!!

 

[offroaD]

You're going to love the 686. This was my first gun purchased about a year ago.

I use S&B .38 115g for target practice, which is usually the least expensive copper FMJ. A little dirty, but the stainless cleans real easy. I also use the S&B for the .357. I've never used any +p, either regular or magnum.

Most of the +p rounds I've seen are just defensive round and they're marked up. Makes sense to have a defensive round that isn't quite loud and recoilful like the .357 but has a bit more punch to it than a .38 special.

But honestly, if you ever shoot a .357 mag you'll never shoot .38 specials.