As I said, a vague memory. But, since you decided to make a point of it, are you saying there was Not a run of the 686 done in 38 S&W Special?
Kevin
Is a .38 Special S&W 686 possible?
- Thread starter LonesomePigeon
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Kevin
I bought mine so I could shoot the ACP cartridge in a revolver that came to me as a 45 long Colt. I fit the cylinder 4 decades ago and lost track of the long Colt cylinder. I have several other ACP cylinders so if I get a deal on an N frame chambered in the wrong cartridge, I can make it right.
Kevin
For sure, there is something special about shooting 38 Special ammunition in a gun chambered for 38 Special.As for K frames and .38 Specials, there is something extra fun about shooting .38 loads through those guns. Maybe it’s all in my head, but the smaller/lighter frame and non-lugged barrels really do fit together perfectly with the round itself. I have several .38 Special-chambered K frame S&W’s (Pre 10 M&P, 14(3),15, 64 & 67) and a Colt Officers Model Heavy Barrel that receive a lot of my attention at the range. My favorite .38 load of 4.5 gr Unique and a 158 gr SWC shoots well in all of them.
I have several J-frame and K-frame S&W revolvers chambered in 38 Special that I enjoy shooting.
Homerboy
Member
I just chuck a .45 cal cleaning brush to a cleaning rod and dip in Hoppes, then 5-6 seconds on low speed in each cylinder hole and the cylinder is as clean as the day it was made.
This will definitely work. Care must be exercised to not do more wear more than necessary. Note, this a bit of a learning experience and how much "cleaning" is required.
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P5 Guy
Member
Homerboy
Member
I guess the method can be overdone, but a brush spinning on low isn’t gonna cause any damage. Of course, never use this method in the bore due to the rifling.
A bronze or nylon brush on a dril will not damage the chambers with moderate cleaning.
I would not use a stainless steel brush. The stainless brush is equal or harder than the cylinder.
Styx
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I have confirmed with two people who own model 686 revolvers marked with 38 Special that they are no different than regular 38/357 Model 686 with the exception of the markings
There doesn't appear to have ever been a model 686 chambered in 38 special.
shoebox1.1
Member
I didn’t get to see the local one. That would be kind of neat if it were marked 38 but would chamber 357
Here is a thread that mentions some marked 38 S&W Special Will chamber the 357 S&W Magnum cartridge and some were made specifically for the 38 S&W Special cartridge.
Kevin
Styx
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You are correct according to a member there. Some runs weren't "true" 38 specials as in the cylinder was shorter. The 686 in 38 spc allegedly had the same exact dimensions and was exactly the same as the 357 686 in every way, shape, and form with the exception of the cylinder being thinner at the end to disallow 357s to be seated properly. A 38 Special round would still have to travel before hitting the feed throat.
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Buzznrose
Member
Question…sorry if this is a dumb question but does shooting plated or FMJ bullets alleviate the issue of any buildup when shooting .38 Spl? What about HiTek coating?
I’m a rookie with revolvers…I mostly load plated or FMJ, but haven’t shot enough to really know. Thanks!
I’m a rookie with revolvers…I mostly load plated or FMJ, but haven’t shot enough to really know. Thanks!
The build up in a 357 Magnum chamber from shooting the shorter 38 Special ammunition is from the powder not the bullet.
I suppose some powders would burn more cleanly than others which would affect the rate the accumulation of powder residue.
Styx
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Is it even worth having a 38 special cylinder that's still the length of a 357 cylinder, but has cylinder chambers that are only cut to accept 38 special? I reckon it will have the sane power marks and still have to travel the same distance to the feed throat, so what's the point? What am I missing?
Some folks just prefer the 38 S&W Special cartridge. It used to be, the 38 S&W Special was offered in a slightly lighter weight and quicker handling revolver than the 357 S&W Magnum. But when you get into the L frames with the underlug, there is no weight difference. And the L frame is too heavy for the magnum cartridge anyway.
Kevin
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