hey Rupe, i have a model 686 and I have it scoped.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/regnets1/scoped686.jpghttp://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/regnets1/2007_1130Image0024.jpgMine is a little older so I had to send it to S&W to get it drilled for a scope mount. The grips are big on this one so it fills my hand up. If you are looking at a 6 inch hunting gun I can recomend this one. the barrel length helps manage the recoil and the 38's shoot like 22s. If you scope the gun, I don't see how you would use it in a CCW scenario. but the one I own was dead on accurate with the iron sites as well. So I suppose you could use it without a scope until you can afford a nice ladysmith or other J frame for CCW. Nobody really talks about it, but I recommend hammerless double actions for women who want to carry in a purse or pocket since the hammer won't catch on anything when they have to pull it out. you get the best of both worlds. the reliability of a revolver and no hammer to hang up. anyway for what it's worth I hope it helps. And congrats on your SBH, I was looking for one of those when the S&W fell into my lap. The owner made me an offer and I could not refuse the price so I am still lookign for my SBH.
Regnets
