New S&W owner here...with questions

[tprice]

Hey all. Just bought my first S&W revolver -- a 686 6". The gun was $500 used, an older 1980's model (SN starts with AUD). Cleaned up real nice and shoots great - amazing fun shooting a full-load 357! However, I've been told that the hogue rubber grips on it were not the original ones. I think the originals would have been the wood target style?

Anyone know more on this model? Would you recommend calling S&W to see if the original grips are available and bringing the gun back to original stock, or should I leave the hogues on?

 

[cyclopsshooter]

do the hogues have a smith logo?

 

[Noxx]

Grats on your 686, best .357 ever. In my experience the Hogues are almost certainly not stock, unless stamped with the S&W logo.

As far as "keeping it stock", the 686 is not a collectors item, generally speaking, unless you have an unfired early model with all the paperwork. It is however, a premier revolver for punching holes in both targets and zombies, and out to really wild ranges (for a pistol mind you). Given that, I'd go with whatever sits best in your hand. I use Crimson trace grips on my 4", and the factory full boot wooden grips that came on my 6". YMMV, but it's very much a case of "as you like it"

 

[tprice]

Cyclops - nope, older Hogue logo without the fancy H.

 

[jjohnson]

It's a Shooter.

You have one of the finest Smiths made in recent times, without a Hillary Hole. It's not a much of a collector's piece unless it's at least "Almost New In Box." Since it's pre-Hole, some guys like me would pay a small premium for it. I already have mine, though. I'd shoot it and hand that one down to somebody who appreciates a fine revolver.

Mine came with "the older Hogue grips" with plain Hogue medallion.

 

[walker944]

The 686 was my first ever handgun purchase. I paid $289 for it new back in '85. I owned it for about a year or so, then sold it, and have kicked myself ever since. :banghead:
I WILL own another one soon!! Mine had the wood grips.

 

[bangkok]

Ebay is a great place to find the original grips.

 

[MountainBear]

I don't believe S&W started putting Hogue grips on its revolvers until the 21st century. Grips in nice condition can bring a premium, but the Hogue rubber grips and even their wood grips look nice and give excellent control over the revolver.

 

[tprice]

Thanks guys. I splurged and ordered the L-frame rosewood target grips (no checking) from S&W. Should get them in a week. Figured the price difference with Hogue wood grips was minimal, and I do want those S&W medallions on it

Great to hear all the positive things about the 686 from you all!