Slimming barrel on S&W 686

O

Onty

Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2003
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The revolver I am considering for a long time is S&W 686-3 or -4, Target Champion. What I don't like on it is the weight. That revolver weighs about the same as S&W 29/629 with partial underlug. As a matter of fact, I do have S&W 686-3, but because of the weight I am selling it.

I can understand heavier barrel on S&W 686, 4", but why full underlug on 6" or even 8-3/8"? Take a look at this barrel profile:

DSC00309-04.jpg

I was thinking about S&W 66, 6", but that problem with flat spot on aft side of the barrel prone to cracking was turn off. I am considering Ruger Security Six, 6", but so far most of them I found don not have a nice barrel ( see https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/...-revolvers-be-firelapped.409277/#post-4851118 ), or sellers do not provide pictures.

In that respect, the only option I could see is a skilled smith that could machine the barrel to make it like on S&W 66 or 27, or Ruger Security Six. Of course, to get a nice round profile as on factory barrel on a milling machine is basically impossible, but nice octagonal shape could be done. Are you aware of anybody doing that? Any pictures?

Thanks!
 
Bowen produces quite a few "Frankenguns" with barrels from other makes, as well as with custom barrels - ovate, octagonal, etc. Get your wallet out; any of it will be four figures.

For what it's worth, I understand that the newest versions of the 19/66 have solved the forcing cone issue. If you don't mind the locks and MIM, that's going to be the cheapest and easiest way from here to there.
 
.38 Special said:
Bowen produces quite a few "Frankenguns" with barrels from other makes, as well as with custom barrels - ovate, octagonal, etc. Get your wallet out; any of it will be four figures.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know about Bowen. Unfortunately, his guns are out of my league. Otherwise, I will just ask him to make me a custom GP 100. For a while I thought that 6" or 6:5" barrel from S&W M27 could be used, however, threads are too close in size. The only way would be if there is an expert welder who can build up threaded area and thread on barrel could be cut fresh.
For what it's worth, I understand that the newest versions of the 19/66 have solved the forcing cone issue. If you don't mind the locks and MIM, that's going to be the cheapest and easiest way from here to there.
Click to expand...
I checked S&W website, seems to me that the only lengths available for M19 are 4.25" and shorter, no 6" https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/k-frame-12040 .

AJC1 said:
Why not just get a classic model 19 if you don't want the underlug...
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Because of this https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/s-w-model-19-with-cracked-forcing-cone.906934/

I know, some will say what is the problem with 45 oz 686? When I was younger, probably none. Heck, one of my first revolvers was 7.5" Redhawk. Now, when I hit 69, weight became something I consider more than before.
 
Onty said:
...to get a nice round profile as on factory barrel on a milling machine is basically impossible...
Click to expand...

The correct way to do that is to pull the barrel, hog off the bulk of the material with whatever you have handy while leaving enough to ensure that you get a good finished product, chuck it between centers in a vertically mounted rotary table and tail stock, and grind the profile on a surface grinder.
 
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I have seen 686 and 617 Smiths with the full lug shortened to traditional length and the barrel smoothly contoured.
I have not seen one with the barrel tapered to the old style, it would be a major machining project.
 
Here is what a gunsmith in Slovenia did:

Gm32xDT.jpg

A big help here is the barrel sleeve that could be removed like on DW revolvers.

As for a machining of 686 barrel, yeah, looks like that the only way is to remove it from the frame.
Jim Watson said:
I have seen 686 and 617 Smiths with the full lug shortened to traditional length and the barrel smoothly contoured.
I have not seen one with the barrel tapered to the old style, it would be a major machining project.
Click to expand...
Any idea who did noted modification, any pictures?
 
S&W Model 27, 28, 627 have the barrel profile you desire, if the difference between L and N frames don’t bother you
 
rabid wombat said:
This may not be your cup of tea, but Clark’s does great work. Browse the site, or call them…they may have what you want, or may make it…

https://clarkcustomguns.com/custom-gun/revolver-custom-lightweight-lwr/

https://clarkcustomguns.com/custom-gun/revolver-custom-ssr/

https://clarkcustomguns.com/custom-gun/revolver-custom-combat-swar-swcm/
Click to expand...

This one looks interesting https://clarkcustomguns.com/custom-gun/revolver-custom-lightweight-lwr/ .
Bwana John said:
S&W Model 27, 28, 627 have the barrel profile you desire, if the difference between L and N frames don’t bother you
Click to expand...
I had M27 with 5" barrel. Yeah, too big revolver for a caliber. That is the same reason why, just few months after purchasing, I sold Ruger Bisley, 357 Magnum, 7.5" barrel.
The Happy Kaboomer said:
What you need is a 686 mountain gun. The 686 you want with NO grinding
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First time I've heard about it:
sw686.jpg

Can you imagine 686 Mountain revolver with, 6 or 6.5" barrel, and target hammer like on Target Champion:
sw-686targch-6d.jpg
 
As Happy Kaboomer stated, a Mountain Gun barrel, or a Pro Series 686 SSR barrel, my favorite.

Or have your original ground down. The world is your oyster.

Edited to add picture - it's the one at about three o'clock in this group. Ignore the other junk:

DSC_0004-vi.jpg
 
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I know a guy with one of these from Ruger. I think he paid $550 for it. Not made now but they're around if you look for a while. I don't think he shoots much and I often wonder if I should offer to buy it from him.
upload_2023-7-8_4-4-14.png
 
I see people have mentioned 686 Mountain Guns, SSR's, and that half lug GP100.

If you can deal with a 5 inch barrel, take a look at the 686 Stocking Dealer Specials. I like mine :)

IMG-2996.jpg

Edit: Almost forgot... check out the S&W 619/620 as well.
 
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W
Nullcone said:
I see people have mentioned 686 Mountain Guns, SSR's, and that half lug GP100.

If you can deal with a 5 inch barrel, take a look at the 686 Stocking Dealer Specials. I like mine :)

View attachment 1161919

Edit: Almost forgot... check out the S&W 619/620 as well.
Click to expand...

WOW!
Going to have to get a set of those grips for my M69.
I would have luster for one of those in my PD days…
 
Jim Watson said:
Trivia Alert: There are early Pythons with hollow underlugs.
Click to expand...
The underlug was integral with the barrel. How did they do that?

BTW, I suggest a barrel swap for lighter barrel. Heavier barrels are good for recoil control for follow up shots but if it hurts the hip to carry the gun (think older shooters), they have to go with lighter guns.
 
4v50 Gary said:
The underlug was integral with the barrel. How did they do that?
Click to expand...

Same way they got a hole in the barrel, I assume.
There is a nickel Plated "perforated Python" in town, I used to own it. A good friend lusted after it, so I traded it to him for a blue one with solid lug, a somewhat later gun. It moved around a bit after that, but I know who has it now.
 
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