The 686 - Page 18

DougDubya · February 20, 2008, 05:52 PM

What a lovely thread. Gorgeous pictures of awesome revolvers.

I seriously need to join this club.

Evocatii · February 20, 2008, 05:54 PM

I would like to hear how much such an operation would run as well.

Snagglepuss · February 20, 2008, 06:01 PM

An excellent, high quality handgun. Here's mine.

Evocatii · February 20, 2008, 06:06 PM

I must say, that 686+ looks sharp! What stocks do you have on it and where did you get it?

Snagglepuss · February 20, 2008, 06:10 PM

They are made by Hogue. Got them off of their outlet/auction site. I got them a few years ago and they were $50 or so. Looks like prices have gone up.

http://www.hogueauction.com/

Thanks for the kind words. It is a shooter.

rollcage · February 20, 2008, 09:33 PM

all this 686 porn!!! i love it. i actually purchased mine in dec. its a 686+ 6 inch. i absolutely loved my father-in-laws model 27 and i had to have something similiar but different, and the 686 fit the bill. for me anyways its SO easy to be accurate with that it really makes it a joy to shoot.

anyways heres my crappy pic, the flash made it look all jacked up but oh well

Floppy_D · March 15, 2008, 08:12 PM

I just got my 686-3, 6" barrel. Will post pics when I take 'em!

Evocatii · May 21, 2008, 10:15 PM

Can we get a list together of upgrades for the 686 that improve both looks and functions. Any favorites?

Stainz · May 22, 2008, 09:20 AM

Hmmm, how about starting with a 5" partially lugged 686+ - and adding a HiViz front sight - and an Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo grip? Wait - that's how this thing was made - what a bargain that 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' was! Oh - and a V-notch rear sight - not as important. Of course, as a plinker, mine also sports the lighter Wolff hammer and trigger return springs. Fun firearm, even if it only sees my .38s and wimpy .357s. Seriously, the grip is a great dress-up - and quite functional. Those Goodyears have got to go! The HiViz front sight has to be drilled to fit -then pinned.

Make that:

Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo grips
Wolff springs
HiViz front sight
HKS #587 7 rd Speedloaders

Stainz

Seven For Sure · May 22, 2008, 09:26 AM

Stainz - That is the ultimate 686 for me. I've got a 2.5, 3, 4 and 6 inch - all +'s. I need that half lug 5"! Beautiful gun.

LA Rondo · May 23, 2008, 05:06 PM

Hi there!

Brand new member here. Just ran into this thread a couple of days ago.
Purchased my first firearm ever just a month ago.

Ofcourse it was clear to me, it had to be a Smith & Wesson revolver model 686 6" BBL.

Les Jones has a post on the web:

"If I had to make a choice for one gun only ... "

I'm glad to be in such fine company.

Evocatii · May 24, 2008, 12:22 AM

Welcome to the club. The 686 is a quality revolver.

Nematocyst · May 24, 2008, 02:41 AM

I miss a 686.

The 4" didn't work for me.
Too front-end heavy.

So, I sold it,
and bought a 3" 65.

Nice revolver. It'll do.

But I want a 3" 686.

Catherine · May 24, 2008, 06:33 AM

Nice thread. I have one too! I don't know if I ever answered on THIS thread before and if I did... forgive me please.

Catherine

Catherine · May 24, 2008, 06:35 AM

Quote:

I miss a 686.

The 4" didn't work for me.
Too front-end heavy.

So, I sold it,
and bought a 3" 65.

Nice revolver. It'll do.

But I want a 3" 686.
~~~~~

Buy one! An early birthday or fill in the blanks present!

Catherine

Oro · May 24, 2008, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Can we get a list together of upgrades for the 686 that improve both looks and functions. Any favorites?

None. The desirability starts with the 686 "no dash" of 1980 and goes down from there as production features were cheapened. However, there was little difference from the "no dash,", -1 and -2. Those were about equally desirable. The recall on the "no dash," and -1 on the firing pin bushing was nonsense - just politics the factory had to do to keep LE buyers happy after they abused a few guns with a legitimate problem (small batch of bad bushings). No-dash versions are desirable for their superb triggers and internal work quality.

If you can, buy a no dash, or -1 or -2. At -3, they deleted the nice wooden grips and started to alter the top strap to the newer rounded style. After that, it really went down hill with MIM parts, cheapened CNC finishing, and then finally the ILS system in 2000. Basically, it was the best when introduced then went gradually down from there.

xring44 · May 24, 2008, 07:40 AM

I own or have owned several 686s, from the early no dash to the -6s, all were fine revolvers, I believe there are two currently in my safe, one a pre-lock 6" that is a joy to shoot, the other a 8 3/8" -5. The wood grips are pretty but if your buying it to shoot full house .357s in, the rubber grips are much more comfortable for extended periods of shooting. I use the 8 3/8 -5 shooting hunter silhouette, it has thousands of full power rounds through it and the hated lock has never failed, in fact the only failure of any kind took place after many thousand rounds, the ejector rod backed out slightly, was a easy fix and its accuracy is astounding. After all the use its seen, it still locks up tight and if the accuracy has degraded, its so slight that I can't detect it.

That said, it has to rate as one of the finest production .357s ever built.

Evocatii · May 25, 2008, 02:55 AM

I have a -6 in a 4" and it is a beauty. No complaints here. I have noticed the difference in trigger function when it is compared to my 19-3. The trigger has a different feel but is just as accurate and even smoother as I have put many more rounds through the 686. The one thing I don't like is the rubber stocks. I would rather have a nice set of wooden stocks which just happen to be in the mail. Ahrends Goncalo Alves Square Butt Smooth.

vermilion · May 25, 2008, 12:48 PM

Argh! Just went thru all 18 pages and not one pic of the new 686 SSR

Confederate · May 25, 2008, 11:30 PM

I have the no-dash version and I have to say I've never felt such a fine trigger on any revolver, even those slicked up Pythons. In fact, I have a 629 that has an almost identical trigger. Ice smooth and as light as a spring morn. Plus, today's production runs make the stainless finish look as though it were finished by gorillas with sandpaper (see Stainz's gun above). How can Taurus and Rossi put such nice finishes on their guns while today's stainless Smiths look so crappy?

nambu1 · May 25, 2008, 11:36 PM

I have a 4" and 2". They are sweet to shot. I bought the 4" for the wife and a friend that I worked with sold me the 2", need the money. I think they are the best S&W ever made.

Catherine · May 26, 2008, 04:08 AM

Sweet firearm pictures and thanks for posting them!

Catherine

kframe357 · May 26, 2008, 04:25 AM

Here is my entry.... 686 8 3/8"

Oro · May 26, 2008, 07:13 AM

From Confederate:

Quote:

I have the no-dash version and I have to say I've never felt such a fine trigger on any revolver, even those slicked up Pythons. In fact, I have a 629 that has an almost identical trigger. Ice smooth and as light as a spring morn. Plus, today's production runs make the stainless finish look as though it were finished by gorillas with sandpaper

It's not as eloquent as I wish my prose would always be, but this, kids, is it. Listen to Confederate. I've had maybe 30 S&W revolvers over the years, from 1916 to 1986. I swear the finest factory trigger came on the 686 "no dash" and the only one that was nearly equal was a 1986 limited edition "Lew Horton" Special 629. And I totally agree about the finish. There's this weird cult about "bead blast" finish. Let's just call it what it is - "cheap." Put a fine finish on it and polish it or just admit you are cheaping out, OK? High polish blue, nickel, or polished stainless? Fine. Otherwise, sell it as a "Ruger," or a "Taurus," but don't foist this crap on us and call it "S&W."

If you want the finest work S&W did, you have two periods to go to - 1950 to 1969 (until Bangor Punta screwed it up), or 1980 to 1993 (when CNC and the last of the "old breed" machinists) recovered. When S&W put a lot effort into the 586/686 in 1980, they really invested all the best they had. Get one made from 1980 to 1990 while they are still affordable.

frankt · May 26, 2008, 01:54 PM

I am just updating my post from March of last year with upgrades and hopefully a picture.

I have added Ahrends grips, Millett rear sight and SDM Fiber Optic front. I have shot it a good bit in IDPA competition and it has worked perfectly for me w

ith Safariland Comp III Speedloaders and a Talon Tactical Kydex holster.

February 20, 2008, 05:52 PM	#426
DougDubya Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Location: The People's Republic of Cook County. Posts: 1,649	What a lovely thread. Gorgeous pictures of awesome revolvers. I seriously need to join this club. __________________ Doug Wojtowicz, author, and cranky, amnesiac, but loyal Ogre hordesman. My books.

February 20, 2008, 05:54 PM	#427
Evocatii Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 123	I would like to hear how much such an operation would run as well. __________________ Sergeant, USMC, 2002-2006 NRA, EPL Distinguished Life Member VFW Life Member "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) "If you're not a member of the NRA, then Ted Kennedy thinks you're alright." - Ted Nugent Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists" It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

February 20, 2008, 06:01 PM	#428
Snagglepuss Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 314	An excellent, high quality handgun. Here's mine. __________________ EXIT STAGE LEFT Criminals thrive on the indulgence of an understanding society http://www.1911auto.org/forum/index.php?referrerid=24

February 20, 2008, 06:06 PM	#429
Evocatii Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 123	I must say, that 686+ looks sharp! What stocks do you have on it and where did you get it? __________________ Sergeant, USMC, 2002-2006 NRA, EPL Distinguished Life Member VFW Life Member "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) "If you're not a member of the NRA, then Ted Kennedy thinks you're alright." - Ted Nugent Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists" It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

February 20, 2008, 06:10 PM	#430
Snagglepuss Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 314	They are made by Hogue. Got them off of their outlet/auction site. I got them a few years ago and they were $50 or so. Looks like prices have gone up. http://www.hogueauction.com/ Thanks for the kind words. It is a shooter. __________________ EXIT STAGE LEFT Criminals thrive on the indulgence of an understanding society http://www.1911auto.org/forum/index.php?referrerid=24

February 20, 2008, 09:33 PM	#431
rollcage Member Join Date: February 17, 2008 Posts: 40	all this 686 porn!!! i love it. i actually purchased mine in dec. its a 686+ 6 inch. i absolutely loved my father-in-laws model 27 and i had to have something similiar but different, and the 686 fit the bill. for me anyways its SO easy to be accurate with that it really makes it a joy to shoot. anyways heres my crappy pic, the flash made it look all jacked up but oh well

March 15, 2008, 08:12 PM	#432
Floppy_D Member In Memoriam Join Date: July 4, 2007 Location: NAS Pensacola Posts: 2,157	I just got my 686-3, 6" barrel. Will post pics when I take 'em!

May 21, 2008, 10:15 PM	#433
Evocatii Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 123	Can we get a list together of upgrades for the 686 that improve both looks and functions. Any favorites? __________________ Sergeant, USMC, 2002-2006 NRA, EPL Distinguished Life Member VFW Life Member "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) "If you're not a member of the NRA, then Ted Kennedy thinks you're alright." - Ted Nugent Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists" It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

May 22, 2008, 09:20 AM	#434
Stainz Member Join Date: April 24, 2003 Location: Pinson, AL Posts: 3,023	Hmmm, how about starting with a 5" partially lugged 686+ - and adding a HiViz front sight - and an Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo grip? Wait - that's how this thing was made - what a bargain that 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' was! Oh - and a V-notch rear sight - not as important. Of course, as a plinker, mine also sports the lighter Wolff hammer and trigger return springs. Fun firearm, even if it only sees my .38s and wimpy .357s. Seriously, the grip is a great dress-up - and quite functional. Those Goodyears have got to go! The HiViz front sight has to be drilled to fit -then pinned. Make that: Ahrends square conversion fg cocobolo grips Wolff springs HiViz front sight HKS #587 7 rd Speedloaders Stainz

May 22, 2008, 09:26 AM	#435
Seven For Sure Member Join Date: November 3, 2006 Posts: 437	Stainz - That is the ultimate 686 for me. I've got a 2.5, 3, 4 and 6 inch - all +'s. I need that half lug 5"! Beautiful gun. __________________ www.floridaguntrader.com

May 23, 2008, 05:06 PM	#436
LA Rondo Member Join Date: May 23, 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 65	Hi there! Brand new member here. Just ran into this thread a couple of days ago. Purchased my first firearm ever just a month ago. Ofcourse it was clear to me, it had to be a Smith & Wesson revolver model 686 6" BBL. Les Jones has a post on the web: "If I had to make a choice for one gun only ... " I'm glad to be in such fine company.

May 24, 2008, 12:22 AM	#437
Evocatii Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 123	Welcome to the club. The 686 is a quality revolver. __________________ Sergeant, USMC, 2002-2006 NRA, EPL Distinguished Life Member VFW Life Member "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) "If you're not a member of the NRA, then Ted Kennedy thinks you're alright." - Ted Nugent Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists" It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

May 24, 2008, 02:41 AM	#438
Nematocyst Member Join Date: August 5, 2005 Location: 44°N x 69°W Posts: 11,610	I miss a 686. The 4" didn't work for me. Too front-end heavy. So, I sold it, and bought a 3" 65. Nice revolver. It'll do. But I *want* a 3" 686. __________________ ______________ Blades, Levers, Sticks & Wheels

May 24, 2008, 06:33 AM	#439
Catherine member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 879	Nice thread. I have one too! I don't know if I ever answered on THIS thread before and if I did... forgive me please. Catherine

May 24, 2008, 06:35 AM	#440
Catherine member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 879	Quote: I miss a 686. The 4" didn't work for me. Too front-end heavy. So, I sold it, and bought a 3" 65. Nice revolver. It'll do. But I want a 3" 686. ~~~~~ Buy one! An early birthday or fill in the blanks present! Catherine

May 24, 2008, 07:40 AM	#442
xring44 Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: Yell Co. Arkansas Posts: 467	I own or have owned several 686s, from the early no dash to the -6s, all were fine revolvers, I believe there are two currently in my safe, one a pre-lock 6" that is a joy to shoot, the other a 8 3/8" -5. The wood grips are pretty but if your buying it to shoot full house .357s in, the rubber grips are much more comfortable for extended periods of shooting. I use the 8 3/8 -5 shooting hunter silhouette, it has thousands of full power rounds through it and the hated lock has never failed, in fact the only failure of any kind took place after many thousand rounds, the ejector rod backed out slightly, was a easy fix and its accuracy is astounding. After all the use its seen, it still locks up tight and if the accuracy has degraded, its so slight that I can't detect it. That said, it has to rate as one of the finest production .357s ever built.

May 25, 2008, 02:55 AM	#443
Evocatii Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 123	I have a -6 in a 4" and it is a beauty. No complaints here. I have noticed the difference in trigger function when it is compared to my 19-3. The trigger has a different feel but is just as accurate and even smoother as I have put many more rounds through the 686. The one thing I don't like is the rubber stocks. I would rather have a nice set of wooden stocks which just happen to be in the mail. Ahrends Goncalo Alves Square Butt Smooth. __________________ Sergeant, USMC, 2002-2006 NRA, EPL Distinguished Life Member VFW Life Member "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) "If you're not a member of the NRA, then Ted Kennedy thinks you're alright." - Ted Nugent Calling Illegal Immigrants "Undocumented Aliens" is like calling Drug Dealers "Unlicensed Pharmacists" It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first. - Ronald Reagan

May 25, 2008, 12:48 PM	#444
vermilion Member Join Date: June 16, 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 18	Argh! Just went thru all 18 pages and not one pic of the new 686 SSR __________________ Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance

May 25, 2008, 11:30 PM	#445
Confederate Member Join Date: February 19, 2005 Posts: 2,489	I have the no-dash version and I have to say I've never felt such a fine trigger on any revolver, even those slicked up Pythons. In fact, I have a 629 that has an almost identical trigger. Ice smooth and as light as a spring morn. Plus, today's production runs make the stainless finish look as though it were finished by gorillas with sandpaper (see Stainz's gun above). How can Taurus and Rossi put such nice finishes on their guns while today's stainless Smiths look so crappy? __________________  *Don't Talk to the Police—Click Here!* *Don't Talk to the Police, Part II*

May 25, 2008, 11:36 PM	#446
nambu1 Member Join Date: May 12, 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 317	I have a 4" and 2". They are sweet to shot. I bought the 4" for the wife and a friend that I worked with sold me the 2", need the money. I think they are the best S&W ever made.

May 26, 2008, 04:08 AM	#447
Catherine member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 879	Sweet firearm pictures and thanks for posting them! Catherine

May 26, 2008, 04:25 AM	#448
kframe357 Member Join Date: September 25, 2005 Location: Detroit/Mackinac Island Posts: 53	Here is my entry.... 686 8 3/8" __________________ S&W 1905 .38 Target S&W 29-3 6" .44 Mag S&W 64-3 3" heavy .357 Mag S&W 642-2 1 7/8" .38 +P S&W 686 8 3/8" .357 Mag CZ-75 BD 9mm Para Ordnance CCW .45 ACP

May 26, 2008, 01:54 PM	#450
frankt Member Join Date: June 20, 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 253	I am just updating my post from March of last year with upgrades and hopefully a picture. I have added Ahrends grips, Millett rear sight and SDM Fiber Optic front. I have shot it a good bit in IDPA competition and it has worked perfectly for me with Safariland Comp III Speedloaders and a Talon Tactical Kydex holster.