Question about 686 stainless finish

[TarpleyG]

I found this gun for sale online and the seller stated it is a 686. I sent him a message to clarify if it is a 686 with a blackened stainless finish or if perhaps it is a 586 but haven't gotten a reply yet. Did S&W offer the 686 with a blackened finish? Also, most 2.5" bbl 686s that I have seen have a full underlug. Is this perhaps an older revision? I like it but I need stainless and if it is black stainless, that's even better. Anyway, if any of you L frame experts can lend a hand here, I would appreciate it.

Greg

 

[P95Carry]

Greg - that pic does not look like even a 586 to me - maybe it's the skinny grips.

Now I am NOT a resident Smith expert but - I have yet to see or find a 686 that is other than self-color stainless - unless of course a special ''job'' was done to one.

Otherwise I see things being 586 and blued - plus - again I would assume a full underlug for the '86 models - because i guess never seen anything different. I have had 686's and full underlug tho these were 6" tubes.

For me that pic ain't a '86 series.!

 

[texagun]

Open the cylinder and check the Model Number...it's engraved right where the cylinder swings out. It sure looks like my Model 19 with 2 1/2" barrel. I have 2 686's and that's is not a 686. Doesn't look like a 586 either. By defintion, the 686 is a STAINLESS gun...never seen one with a black finish.

 

[Black Majik]

actually I think its a Model 27 or Model 28

Check in the crane, in should state what the model number is.

 

[dfariswheel]

That's a S&W Model 19 with a 2 1/2" barrel.
It's a polished and blued gun NOT stainless.

No other blued S&W looks quite like the Model 19.

Either the seller has the wrong model listed, or he's posted the wrong picture.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Definitely a 19. You're right, a 2.5" 686 has an underlug that extends to the end of the barrel. Never heard of an L frame gun outfitted with a K frame barrel (I doubt it's even possible). Although S&W has blackened some SS guns in the past, the few that I've seen led me to believe the finish more resembles a matte black than a polished blue.

 

[phorvick]

There have been very limited production runs of the black finish on 686's. I have seen a few and they are beautiful guns. It has a cutesy name...but I can't recall it now...really nice looking alterntive to the 586's

 

[roo_ster]

Darn you all!!

You keep posting these eye-candy images of purty blued K-frame S&Ws...especially the 2-3" bbl specimens, which intrigue me.

Keep it up & I'll have to go out & pick one up.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

You keep posting these eye-candy images of purty blued K-frame S&Ws...especially the 2-3" bbl specimens, which intrigue me.

Keep it up & I'll have to go out & pick one up.

Well, get on it. You're really not complete as a gun enthusiast until you've owned at fine blued gun. I had a nice 19 2.5" identical to the one above that I foolishly traded off. One day, I'll find a pristine one for a price I can live with and I'll have another. Until then I have my 19-3 4" to keep my company. Stainless guns can look nice, but blued ones are downright pretty.

 

[DHart]

Here's a 2.5" 686:

Here's a 2.5" 19:

 

[cgv69]

There have been very limited production runs of the black finish on 686's. I have seen a few and they are beautiful guns. It has a cutesy name...but I can't recall it now...really nice looking alterntive to the 586's

S&W did a special run of 686's a few years back coated in "Melonite"
I don't remember the specific year they were made but supposedly only 1500 were made. Here is a cruddy pic of one...

 

[TarpleyG]

Well, search is over finally. Decided to stick to a 6 shooter just for speedloader compatibilty with my other .357s. Paid too much for it but it is supposed to be in excellent shape and looks it here in the pic. It is a no dash 686 with original box, manual, and cleaning stuff. I have seen one or two with these grips which I think are original but I am not sure. Maybe someone else knows. I should have it by next Monday.

 

[1557]

Yep,it's a 21/2 in Mod. 19,alright. A fine little piece of armament.
One of my favorites.

 

[TarpleyG]

A model 19 is a K frame, correct? I have a 65 LadySmith that's looks to be pretty much the same gun but stainless.

Greg

 

[SouthpawShootr]

The 65 and 19 are the same frame (K). The Ladysmith has something a bit unusual for K-frame fixed sighted guns, an ejector rod housing. Nice combination IMO. Makes for a nice-looking piece. The plain jane 65 lacks the ejector rod housing. 'Bout the only other difference between the 19 & 65 is the 19 has adjustable sights.