OK I know that TGO isn't a good place to ask for an opinion because the members here are so shy about saying what they are thinking.
NOT!!!!
Now to get serious, I have had the 686 for 10 years or so now and absolutely love shooting this gun. I never have carried it nor do I ever see myself doing so. I just hate the thought of parting with this baby. The problem is that I have the chance to buy a friends S&W 66-2 w/ a 2.5" barrel for $600. I've shot this gun and like it very much also. Has anyone had both of these guns and if so what is you opinion of the 66-2? Even if you never owned a 686 but have owned the 66-2 please give me your opinion on it.
The best case scenario is obviously to buy the 66-2 and keep them both and that may be exactly what I do. I also think that the 66-2 may be one that I do actually carry at some point.