I just picked up a 4" S&W 686 from my buddies widow. I was wondering if any one has had any issues with the 7 shot version of the 686. Is the 7 shot cylinder less strong than the original 6 shot?

Good question. I don't know, but I do know I have had 7 shot revolvers and like the fact that I can get one snake shot and still have 6 round balls. Or, 2 snake shots and 5 round balls. These are my summer month carry guns around the house.

If you look at the cylinder you will see the slots for the locking lug falls between the bores making the cylinder stronger than an even numbers of bores. By the way I have a 686,you will not be sorry!

I also have a 5" 686 seven shot S&W that happens to be a excellent revolver. The bolt holes are off set and the handgun will handle any load that falls within the pressure limitations of the caliber...

Thanks for the info. @ airedale lover. I used to have a 4" inch 586, but I "lost" it to my brother. I also have had a 28 Highway Patrolman, but the 4" 586/686 just seem to be the perfect truck/trail/camp/truck gun there is.

Sure enough....

I carry mine a lot, backup deer hunting handgun, short range woodchuck gun, protection when hiking, all in all just a great do anything gun.

Grendal. I see your from Wisconsin. So I don't guess snake shot is even on your radar. I lived in Minnesota for a while and snakes were not a worry.

Hope you enjoy your new gun!