Would you drill the top strap on a 686?

I think of revolvers as serious holster guns. (I'm an old timer.) So I personally wouldn't drill any holes in the top strap (which is based upon my own prejudices and not empirical data).

The 686 used to be available in 4" barrel length. However, with the removal of revolvers from stylish police wear, I'm not sure if it still is cataloged. My understanding (subject to updates) is all the "L" frame revolvers have grip frames the same size as "K" frame round butts.

Post this in the revolver section not the reloading section.You will get better answers there

Archie said:

The 686 used to be available in 4" barrel length. However, with the removal of revolvers from stylish police wear, I'm not sure if it still is cataloged.

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https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-686-0?sku=164222
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-686?sku=11759

This needs to be moved to the appropriate forum. You'll get better answers there.

I would, and have done it. The mounts and spacing should be the same for k/l/n frames.
But if you're not overly attached to it you may be able to sell the -1, buy a newer one thats pre-drilled and have money left over.

Just drilled/tapped my 29-3 a few weeks ago
I like the Allchin mount for low mounting a reflex. Burris FFII on mine

If you remove any metal from the top strap, the frame is weakened!
As massive as the Super Redhawk is Ruger still use's their special ring mounts,
no holes.

jaguarxk120 said:

If you remove any metal from the top strap, the frame is weakened!
As massive as the Super Redhawk is Ruger still use's their special ring mounts,
no holes.

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Many S&Ws now (minus J-frames) are pre-drilled from the factory.

NO!!!!

Sell it and buy a newer, predrilled one, I beg you.

I say Do it. But do it well.

How about this little North American Arms .22 Mag Black Widow project with a Sig Romeo Zero red dot.

Bill M. said:

...I have a 686-1. The newer 686's have a hole under the sight midway along the cylinder. Do they have the same size top strap as the older guns or was it a re design? Thinking about trying a reflex sight. Can not change the front sight on this gun. Or do I just need to bite the bullet and buy a newer 686...

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My opinion of reflex sights is they crap up the looks of a revolver for dubious gain. But, it is your revolver, you want one, go for it!!!

I have had a few Model 686 and access to several more. They all had replaceable front sights. A pin held the front sight in place. Drift it out, then remove and replace the sight. I usually replaced the ramp sights with a Patridge sight.

Bill M. said:

...Another question. I have seen round butt 686 in 3" barrel and liked the grip and the gun. Is that configuration available in a 4" barrel model?...

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With a hacksaw and a file, the round butt is available on any revolver you want. Here is a Model 28-2 that I modified in the 80,s.





Here is a Model 25-2 someone rounded the grip frame and chopped the barrel.




I have a bit of work to do on this one!


Kevin

Understand if the look isn't too your tastes strawhat, but the dubious gains brought me pause.

I feel the gains may be dependant in your eyes. My fifty year old eyes don't do what they once did. Adding a red dot to two of my pistols brought my fifteen yard group to 25 yards. That increase in distance without any loss in group size brought quite the smile. The only dubious part of that was that I couldn't believe it so I had to keep pulling the trigger to test it repeatedly... at this point I'll quit buying targets and just buy "target centers"

Erief0g said:

Understand if the look isn't too your tastes strawhat, but the dubious gains brought me pause.

I feel the gains may be dependant in your eyes. My fifty year old eyes don't do what they once did. Adding a red dot to two of my pistols brought my fifteen yard group to 25 yards. That increase in distance without any loss in group size brought quite the smile. The only dubious part of that was that I couldn't believe it so I had to keep pulling the trigger to test it repeatedly... at this point I'll quit buying targets and just buy "target centers"

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Results like that are reason enough to pursue the addition. In my hands, the results have been the opposite. Possibly the “old is better than new” mentality.

Kevin

jaguarxk120 said:

If you remove any metal from the top strap, the frame is weakened!
As massive as the Super Redhawk is Ruger still use's their special ring mounts,
no holes.

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That might also be the difference between a forged frame and a cast frame.

Kevin

Erief0g said:

Understand if the look isn't too your tastes strawhat, but the dubious gains brought me pause.

I feel the gains may be dependant in your eyes. My fifty year old eyes don't do what they once did. Adding a red dot to two of my pistols brought my fifteen yard group to 25 yards. That increase in distance without any loss in group size brought quite the smile. The only dubious part of that was that I couldn't believe it so I had to keep pulling the trigger to test it repeatedly... at this point I'll quit buying targets and just buy "target centers"

Click to expand...

A friend I use to shot with always told me if I was to cut the BE (center) out of the Target. The target would last longer, since it will only show the misses.

I can relate to aging eyes. I have a C-more on my 1911, which allows me to shoot at longer distances. I no longer see the sights, just a blur. The dot sights have made it a joy to shoot again.