Speaking of 3" Snubs... Need ID help on 3" model 686

[biglmbass]

I recently came across an odd S&W model 686 w/ 3" barrel. I'm hoping someone here could give me more info on whether a 3" barrel is a rarity in this model. Below is the info that I have on the gun. Any and all help is appreicated.

*Model 686 S&W
*SATIN Stainless finish (bead blasted)
*3" barrel - .357 caliber
*Round butt
*Wood combat grips w/ S&W medallions
*Product code is 104237
*Serial number is CBB66XX


The product code is as listed on the end of the box which may be incorrect for the gun as it incorrectly lists the barrel as 2 1/2".

Thanks in advance.

 

[ruger357]

Might of been sent back to the factory for custom work?

 

[MR.G]

I have one of those in 7 shot. Has the bead blasted finish, round butt, and the 3" barrel. I was told by S&W Customer Service that mine was one of 535 made on a special order, for a distributor, in 1999. If you call them with the serial number they will look it up and give you a verbal history on the gun. 1-800-331-0852

 

[biglmbass]

I assumed the gun was a 6-shot. It may in fact be a 7-holer. I don't own the gun and have never examined in in my hands. Came across it on an auction page.

Question MR. G -- does the product code on your gun match the one I listed?

 

[MR.G]

The product code on my box is 104190. The box does indicate 3" barrel.
The only other 686s that I have seen with a 3" barrel were made for the Customs Service and were stamped CS on the yoke. They were 6 shot, and did not have the bead blast finish. Not positive, but I think the customs service had the square butt.

 

[Kor]

I got one 'a dose...

...back in 1995, I spotted a 3-inch 686 at a now-defunct local gun shop and jumped all over it. Mainly because it was "special," also I'd been reading about the US Customs 3" 686's, so I was already interested. From what I understand, Lew Horton commissioned a special run of these from S&W, and my gun was one such.

FYI, my gun has a 6-shot cylinder, pinned-on black front sight blade, all-black adjustable rear sight, round butt, and it came with rubber Hogue Monogrips installed(which I pitched in favor of Pachmayr Decelerator Compacs). Hammer and trigger are case-hardened, without the flash-chroming that other 686's had at the time. It ID's as a Mod. 686-4, with the new-style self-centering extractor star, but still has the hammer-mounted firing pin. Serial # is BSF76XX. I can't find the box, so I can't tell you the product code.

I carried this gun all day, every day, for over a year in a Kramer IWB holster, and was well satisfied with it then and now.

 

[9x19]

Actually, RSR Distributing regularly sold the 3" six shot 686s as an RSR exclusive in the '90s.

The one you saw may be one of those... they also sold 3" 66s at the same time as an "exclusive".

FWIW

 

[Kahr carrier]

Does it have the old hammer with the firing pin or the new internal firing pin???

 

[biglmbass]

It does have the firing pin on the hammer (as it should be), and I should have mentioned that in my original post. Also, it does have the black pinned front sight. I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting the link, but see below for the gun in question.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=3925858

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=3958742

I stopped asking questions from the seller when the price climbed over what I was willing to pay.

 

[MR.G]

Mine is newer, with the MIM parts and the FMFP. I paid $425.00 out the door for mine at a local dealer. Had been fired less than 100 rounds by the original owner, and came with the original box and papers. Excellent condition except for the face of the cylinder. When it was cleaned the bead blast finish was removed. I have considered polishing the entire gun and removing the rest of the finish. The cylinder face is now like a polished stainless. The one in the auction looks nice.

 

[Tamara]

A "Buy It Now" of $600!?!?!


He needs to put down that crack pipe...

 

[biglmbass]

Agreed, Tamara. Maybe 6 bills if it was a PC gun...

 

[MR.G]

I paid less for my 686 plus 2-1/2", unfired in the box, than for the 3". The 2-1/2" is a current production gun and easy to find. Sit them next to each other and there isn't much difference. I wouldn't pay any more for 1/2" longer barrel again, even if they are scarce.

 

[9x19]

Mr. G,

One attraction to the 3" vs 2.5" is the full length ejector rod on the former.

It makes positive ejection of those loooong .357 cases much easier... especially when you're in a hurry!

 

[MR.G]

Good point 9x19. Dicn't think about that.

 

[Albert Shear]

S&W did do a run themselves about 3 years ago of 3" 686+ with glass bead finish. I have one. It is my understanding 500 were produced. Mine has MIM parts, FMFP and no lock.

 

[9x19]

Picture of RSR "Exclusive".