I have owned a S&W 686 now for 10 years. It was the first "legal" handgun I bought. Previously I was under 21 and had an Uncle who would purchase the pistols and such that I wanted for my collections.
The S&W was the first non-collector piece that I bought and I have carried it with me with 2 soeed loaders whenever I have ever felt a need to do so. The only other pistol I would trust my life to is my 1911 model but I am afraid to shoot it becuase it's a Govt model "Singer" manufacture. One of these days I will buy a Springfield 1911-A1 and I'll be complete for protection.
My 686 is a 4" mod 3 with Hogue gripper grips. I bought them when I purchased the pistol before they were common and were not even a factory option. The only reason I got those was becuase the wholesaler I got it from was out of the Pachmyer grips. In Hindsight I am glad of the shortage. The Hogue Grippers fit my hand perfectly and I point naturally every time I grab the pistol without even having to think about it.
Johnny McD.