S&W 686P without the internal lock?

[mdaugherty1988]

Were the S&W 686 "P" (7 shot) models in production prior to the introduction of the infamous internal lock that's present on most brand-new S&W guns?

 

[18DAI]

Yes, there were very nice 686-4 plus models that were unspoiled by the idiot lock and had no cheap MIM parts either!

Sadly, the 686-4+ was only made in 1996-7. Then the MIM parts 686-5+ was produced. It had the ugly MIM trigger with the trough in the back and the frame mounted firing pin too.

If you search a bit on the auction boards you can find a LNIB 686-4 plus. It took me awhile but I finally found both a 4 inch 686-4+ and a 2.5 inch 686-4+. Well worth the search. Good luck!

 

[Hammerdown77]

I think I have a 686-5 7-shot. No lock, but hammer and trigger are MIM. The trigger pull on this gun is actually better than a 686 6-shot I had previously without the MIM parts, but it does sound kind of "tinny" when dry firing. Doesn't bother me a bit though, the gun shoots great.

I think the competition guys running super light double action pulls require (or maybe just prefer) the frame mounted firing pin, primarily because they can use a longer firing pin to ensure reliable ignition (with appropriate primers, of course).

 

[mdaugherty1988]

I'm OK with the MIM parts and the frame mounted firing pin. I'm assuming the frame mounted firing pin works as some sort of transfer-bar safety in the same fasion as modern Ruger revolvers? If this is the case then I'm also assuming that the hammer mounted firing pin models are not safe to carry with the hammer down on a loaded chamber?

In regards to the years the "no-lock" 686 Plus models were made, this would be from '96 on up then, correct? When exactly did S&W introduce the internal locks? I thought it was in 2000, but I'm not sure.

Thanks!

 

[Hammerdown77]

Hammer mounted firing pin Smith & Wessons are perfectly safe to carry fully loaded.