Model 686

S&W has a LOT of models I'd like to have because most of my submarine commands have matching model numbers with them.

SSBN-625: Model 625 revolver chambered to fire .45 ACP
SSN-671: Model 67-1 revolver in .38 S&W Special and the SW671 tomahawk
SSN-686: as above. Also, this was a 637 class submarine, which would equate to the Model 637 chambered in .38 S&W Special
MTS-626: Model 626 in .44 Magnum
MTS-635: Doesn't have a corresponding model number, nor class number (616 class submarine, originally)
SSN-765: Alas, also no corresponding model number. Nor class number (688 class)

This is part of my wish list...maybe some day!

NIGHTLORD40K said:

Yes, yes, and YES!
My absolute favorite handgun-
View attachment 897957
and Ive had/got a few......dozen.......hundred......

The dash revisions didnt make it a better gun, just cheaper to manufacture.

There were some early teething problems with binding due to oversize FP bushings and a few reports of canted/loose barrels, but otherwise the 686 is one of the finest weapons (or even tools in general) made by man.

Although they were made in large numbers, you dont see them for sale every day anymore because those who have them tend to keep them. I would say they are definitely collectible, as is any pre-lock S&W revolver.

Click to expand...

I just bought the same gun but with a 6" Power Port barrel.....Power Port isn't necessary apparently but what a sweet shooter.


You prefer the 6" barrel over a 4" and if so, why?

Aim1 said:

I just bought the same gun but with a 6" Power Port barrel.....Power Port isn't necessary apparently but what a sweet shooter.


You prefer the 6" barrel over a 4" and if so, why?

Click to expand...

For me, at least the 6" looks much more proportional with the square butt and target grips. The 681 was only available with 4" barrel, fixed sights and Magnas so the barrel looks longer than it is.

Also, the longer sight radius yields noticeable accuracy gains (for me anyway). The added velocity is a nice bonus, but not that critical when shooting .38s.

I know that it's not a first edition but it is my favorite revolver. It came with nice wood grips that I changed out to the small Hogue grips. The wooden ones were just to hard on the hands with 357 mag loads.

J-Bar said:

S&W recalled the 686 no dash because some had problems with locking up when primers failed to reseat completely. The fix, at factory expense, was to replace the bushing around the firing pin. Those that were corrected at the factory have an “M” stamped on the frame under the crane. S&W still honors this recall.

I cannot comment on collectibility. On shootability, I love mine, corrected after inheriting it from an uncle.

View attachment 897959

Click to expand...

No they do not.

samtron said:

No they do not.

Click to expand...

I inherited my 686 no dash in 2017. I contacted S&W about the recall. They sent me a return shipping label, performed the modification and returned the revolver to me at no cost. If they no longer honor the recall, their policy changed since 2017. Anyone needing the modification should probably call S&W for clarification.

Budshad

My Model 686 no dash had the best out-of-the-box DA/SA trigger pull on it of any revolver I have ever shot! With it's 4" barrel it has the perfect combination of size and balance.

ms6852 said:

One thing I've known about the 686's is that they did not balloon in value like my python which I shoot quite often as I do all my firearms as I am not a collector and don't see my firearms as an investment, just big men toys. My 686 with the 6" barrel will probably still fetch me the same dollar value that I paid for the 686+ that I carry and bought 3 decades later.

View attachment 897981

Click to expand...

Awesome collection of 686's

The pre-lock guns are increasing in value. While not “collectible” because so many exist, they are certainly more valuable then they were just a few years ago. If I were buying a gun just to shoot I might save some money and get a more recent one, but if I were buying as an investment I would want an earlier gun, with a no-dash model at the top of the list.

686, 625, 624, 63. Of all, the 686 is my favorite. However, the 624 is the one that goes woods walking with me (or my Lipsey 44 special flattop). 625 I use to get rid of acp rounds my Kimber doesn't like as the Smith shoots everything well. Clips are a pain, however.

Eddietruett said:

The 686 is one of my favorites. I just recently picked up this little beauty.View attachment 898211View attachment 898212

Click to expand...

My wife chose that same snub-nose 686 configuration in 1991. She tried a ton of guns in the display case, but this was the one that was "just right". Fantastic trigger. The grips fits like they were carved just for her. She shoots it well and won't let anyone tinker with it.

A Diplomatic Security agent friend of ours offered to trade his rubber grips for the wood. He wanted something that wouldn't grab his jacket lining, and he hoped she would want the softer grips. No trade, no deal and no patience for any discussion about it.

It is a happy day when she lets me shoot it.

tlynch said:

My wife chose that same snub-nose 686 configuration in 1991. She tried a ton of guns in the display case, but this was the one that was "just right". Fantastic trigger. The grips fits like they were carved just for her. She shoots it well and won't let anyone tinker with it.

A Diplomatic Security agent friend of ours offered to trade his rubber grips for the wood. He wanted something that wouldn't grab his jacket lining, and he hoped she would want the softer grips. No trade, no deal and no patience for any discussion about it.

It is a happy day when she lets me shoot it.

Click to expand...

THAT would have been a trade someone would regret. Those factory combats aren't cheap to replace!