a 686 variant I've never heard of

[WestKentucky]

RARE SMITH AND WESSON 686 PRACTICAL CHAMPION MADE FOR EUROPE 357 686-4 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 1037580768

Buy RARE SMITH AND WESSON 686 PRACTICAL CHAMPION MADE FOR EUROPE 357 686-4: GunBroker is the largest seller of Revolvers Pistols Guns & Firearms All: 1037580768

www.gunbroker.com

There it is. Im not bidding, and I'm not at all affiliated with this one, but its an interesting setup. Im not sure I have ever seen a front sight setup like that one. Im curious of what the mechanics are there. It appears to be possibly adjustable for elevation with 4 individually adjustable presets for target games. Im not exactly a fan of the lettering on it, but its not off-putting either. Overall I would say its an interesting gun that would be highly tempting if the disposable cash were there and the gun was in front of me for inspection and reasonably priced.

 

[.38 Special]

That's a new one on me too. Good looking gun for sure. The adjustable front sight was not uncommon on PPC guns, where low-velocity loads were used from seven yards to fifty. I agree with you on the barrel markings - and of course the square-butt grips look ridiculous on the round-butt frame - but for someone looking for a do-all .357, that one seems about ideal.

 

[Bama59]

Yes seen the Target sights on US models and imports on S&W forum, Simpson LTD has 686 with targets sights listed

 

[alfsauve]

While not common those are sights for silhouette competition. the four settings would be for 50, 100, 150, 200 meters if you were shooting big bore. Or shorter distances if shooting the NRA or Field Pistol regimine. In my day we counted clicks.

 

[Jonesy814]

S&W made the same setup for the US market. I believe it was for a steel shooting competition with steel pugs, sheep, etc set up at 25,50,75 and 100 yards. The 4 position sight is made so you can zero it at each of those distances. I have seen 686’s and a 586 like that

 

[Old_Grouch]

S&W made the same setup for the US market. I believe it was for a steel shooting competition with steel pugs, sheep, etc set up at 25,50,75 and 100 yards

You're close but the centerfire handgun metallic silhouette competition it was designed for was chicken, pigs (actually Javelena), turkeys, and rams shot at 50, 100, 150, and 200 meters respectively. The rimfire competition was reduced size targets at 25, 50, 75, and 100. They were also made with 8 3/8" barrels. I seem to remember 10" as well, but that may have only been for the .44.

 

[Miami_JBT]

RARE SMITH AND WESSON 686 PRACTICAL CHAMPION MADE FOR EUROPE 357 686-4 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 1037580768

Buy RARE SMITH AND WESSON 686 PRACTICAL CHAMPION MADE FOR EUROPE 357 686-4: GunBroker is the largest seller of Revolvers Pistols Guns & Firearms All: 1037580768

www.gunbroker.com

There it is. Im not bidding, and I'm not at all affiliated with this one, but its an interesting setup. Im not sure I have ever seen a front sight setup like that one. Im curious of what the mechanics are there. It appears to be possibly adjustable for elevation with 4 individually adjustable presets for target games. Im not exactly a fan of the lettering on it, but its not off-putting either. Overall I would say its an interesting gun that would be highly tempting if the disposable cash were there and the gun was in front of me for inspection and reasonably priced.

I know about 'em. Buddy also has one too. He got an 8" model.

 

[Nullcone]

"Never say never" is my motto when dealing with odd S&W variants. When they discovered CNC machines all hell broke loose.

L Frame titanium cylinder 40 S&W RB set up for moon clips? Yes, yes they did. The same with a slab sided barrel? Yup.

617's with slab sided barrels in 4, 5, and 6 inch flavors? Yep.

Lastly, if you value your bank account do not visit The Attic's offerings on GB multiple times a week like I do...

 

[Old_Grouch]

When they discovered CNC machines all hell broke loose.

Yep. In 1988/89/90 era the talk around any gun shop counter was "what is S&W going to come up with "this week?"

 

[P5 Guy]

686-4? I had one made at the Performance Center. It is the one with the 2.5 inch barrel and seven shot cylinder.



Loud son of a gun with the ported barrel.

 

[daverich4]

Bigger is better…..

 

[Miami_JBT]

Yep. In 1988/89/90 era the talk around any gun shop counter was "what is S&W going to come up with "this week?"

S&W's gun of the week and the Whiz Wheel to decode the massive collection of 3rd Gens being produced.