I have a 686SSR with an unfluted cylinder (long story) and a superb action job.
I believe "unfluted" means there are no flutes, but I'd love to hear the story.Was that the SSR that came with the incorrect number of flutes on the cylinder, resulting in paper thin cylinder walls?
Yes I am aware what unflutted and flutted means.I believe "unfluted" means there are no flutes, but I'd love to hear the story.
In fact, if anyone knows why there are flutes at all, I'd like to hear it. I don't know whether they first appeared on single-action pistols to facilitate the handling of the cylinder while being unloaded (my guess), or for cosmetic reasons. The flutes seem to work well in loading and unloading d/a revolvers as well. I've gotten to the point where I like their looks.
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Was that the SSR that came with the incorrect number of flutes on the cylinder, resulting in paper thin chamber walls?
With a handle like “460Kodiak“ and more than 3,000 posts I figured you probably did, but I also figured it was the best way to get the s story. I can't imagine S&W ever letting that cylinder get out. Btw, did they let him keep the old cylinder? It'd be great for self defense. Just put it in a sock....Yes I am aware what unfluted and fluted means. Japle's gun, if I remember correctly, originally came with a flutted cylinder but with the wrong number of flutes. The result was that the spacing between flutes and chambers was incorrect and a few of the the chambers had the flutes positioned directly over the chambers, leaving extremely thin metal on one side of those chambers. I believe he sent it back and requested a unfluted cylinder as a replacement. Unless I'm remembering a different gun.
S&W used to put out the best-looking guns, period. And the early 686s are gorgeous! (So were the early 66/19s.) And one thing that made those early guns so easy on the eyes was the hard chroming of the hammers and triggers on stainless guns and the older cylinder-releases. Once it added the internal locks and the crummy rubber grips, and left the hammers and triggers their beautiful coffee and cream colors , well things have never been the same. (The company also uglified its 5906 9mm line of autos by adding cheap, plastic hammers and triggers and other black parts and even black lettering, all to give them an awful two-tone look. Still shot up a storm, but there are plenty of 9mm autos out there that shoot like the dickens, but are so ugly they should come in a brown paper bag instead of a box. (And we all know what guns I'm talking about.)RON in PA said:I agree 100%...the 686/586 is the best production revolver out there. I'm fortunate to have acquired an ex-police 686 with the "M" and I bought a new 586-4 back in 1996. The 686 is my house gun, loaded with the Remington version of the FBI load.
Yes, but both have their place. Hunters and long range shooters will want the 6-incher, though the 8+-inch models should come with training wheels!I have a 4" while my best friend has a 6" one. He likes the longer barrels (he even has an 8 3/8" 29), but I think the 4" balances perfectly. You definitely will want to handle both one with a long barrel and one with a shorter one. The difference is noticeable, and your preference may be confirmed, or you may want to switch.
Yes, but both have their place. Hunters and long range shooters will want the 6-incher, though the 8+-inch models should come with training wheels!