For those who don't know any Asterix adventures: the pilum was the Roman legionaries' throwing spear. But even Asterix fans are not necessarily familiar with the ingenious design of this early long-range weapon. Unlike normal spears, the pilum had an iron head that extended its tip by a good meter before turning into a wooden shaft. Although the legionaries hoped to hit their opponents when throwing it, the spear usually only stuck in their shield.
The shaft of a normal wooden spear with a short head would have been hacked off with a single sword blow – but not the pilum with its long metal head. Retrieving the often bent spears, whose points were hardened but not the metal shaft, was almost impossible under combat conditions. This was because the legionaries generally only threw at distances of up to just under 20 metres, more likely around 15 metres. In addition to the difficulty of separating the pilum from the shield, there were only a few seconds between the throw and the sword fight. The pilum's additional weight and bulkiness rendered the opponent's shield useless. As a result, the Gallic and Germanic warriors usually dropped their shields and had to fight without their protection. Bent after a throw, the pilum could hardly be thrown back effectively. The pilum was therefore a very sophisticated long-range weapon with several modes of action.
2000 years later: Pilum 2.0! The Waimex 686 revolver in detail
The Waimex Pilum is essentially a Smith & Wesson Model 686 – at first glance. Because apart from the "disconcertingly Latin" designation, the changes only affect apparent marginal details. Like the wide .500" hammer spur. Not really new, just like the .400" wide trigger. Even better: the LPA WXT01-07 match rear sight with interface for red dot sights. A great help, as red dot sights can be used by anyone with presbyopic vision without any additional aids. However, those who prefer "open" sights will find a two-stage Scheuring front sight optimally matched to the LPA rear sight. Also top: the ergonomic Nill grips with a texture reminiscent of the "Lorica Hamata", the Roman chain mail. There is also an extended cylinder release latch. But as with the antique pilum, it's more to be than to appear! Because when handling it, it becomes apparent that this time the current pilum is also thoroughly and finely thought out. Before you have even realised it, the hammer is released at the end of the trigger pull, which was used in DA mode on a trial basis. The trigger action has nothing to do with that of a factory revolver. Only custom revolvers of roughly the same price or significantly more expensive ones can perform like that, and not even noticeably better. When operated in SA mode, there is only just under 1,200 grams of resistance to overcome. However, due to the flawless characteristics, it seems to be significantly less.
The inner values of the S&W 686 in the Waimex Pilum version
The fully-fledged trigger tuning cannot be realised without springs with slightly reduced force. The original trigger return spring is included in the scope of delivery along with a few other original parts. Any possible points of friction in the action have also been eliminated. The trigger runs smoothly. However, this would only be half the battle if every chamber did not lock exactly in front of the barrel forcing cone. The timing, i.e. the interaction after a 60-degree rotation with the cylinder stopped and the barrel percectly concentric with the chambers, must therefore be right. There are appropriate range rods to check this which, as in our case, measure between .357.00" and .357.50". If the alignment between the cylinder chamber and the barrel is not correct, a slightly higher resistance will be felt when the range rod is inserted into the cylinder chamber. If it clicks when it is inserted, the barrel entrance is even less aligned with the cylinder exit. "Soft" bullets are more or less damaged during the transition. The "slap" that the cylinder transmits to the stop notch during the shot discharge with this forced centering leads to unsightly widening of the flanks of the stop notches in the long term, even in pure single-action operation. In the test gun, the range rod glides smoothly through the barrel and cylinder chambers up to the recoil shield – timing is perfect!
On the shooting range: Waimex 686 Pilum
More shots were fired from the hand than from the machine. The results from the shooting rest are part of the compulsory programme, of course. However, this tool does not register an unsuitable grip, inadequate sights or a trigger with horrible characteristics. Finally, the weight of the test gun also plays a major role (depending on the application). With light pistols or revolvers, fast series of some large-caliber disciplines can't be shot as precisely as with heavier models.
At around 1,300 grams – or just under 1,400 grams when loaded – the 686 with a 152-mm barrel is excellently balanced in the hand. Heavy enough to absorb some of the recoil of a .357 Magnum, but still light enough to keep it steady for long periods in precision disciplines. The weight distribution of the gun is optimally supported by the excellent grips. The well-balanced hand position, the trigger behaviour and the sights all come together to form a harmonious functional unit that never gave even veteran testers the feeling that something could be improved here or there. If the bullet doesn't land inside the ten ring, or in the mouche with top loads like the WM Bullets cartridges, it's the shooter that has messed it up...
Waimex S&W 686 Pilum technical specifications and price
Model: | S&W / Waimex 686 Pilum |
Caliber: | .357 Magnum |
Capacity: | 6 rounds |
Dimensions (LxWxH): | 295x39x162 mm |
Barrel Length: | 6"/152 mm |
Sight Radius: | 194 mm |
Rear Sight Notch: | 3.0 mm |
Front Sight Width: | 3.0 mm |
Trigger Pull Weight: | 1,200 g approx. |
Weight: | 1,300 g |
Price: | 2,499 euro |
Equipment: | Stainless gun, individually marked cylinder chambers, LPA match sights with Picatinny interface, Scheuring front sight, trigger stop, match walnut grips by Nill, match cylinder release latch .400" target trigger and .500" target hammer, full trigger overhaul, selected timing, plastic case. The original parts replaced by match versions (Hogue rubber grip, cylinder release latch, rear sight and trigger return spring) are included. |
Waimex S&W 686 Pilum: wrapping up
When characteristic designs such as those of the Smith & Wesson model 686 have been retained for decades, both the mass distribution and the shooting behaviour are obviously still correct.
Despite the clearly retained recognition value, the Waimex Pilum rises to the league of custom revolvers thanks to the comprehensive improvements –out of the box, a contender for title opportunities even in top championships. The price-performance ratio is absolutely right. That's why we recommend buying it.
