I sold this.



Then I used the money to buy this.



Straight across swap for me and I got the better end of the deal IMO.

Reason for my trade, tool marks and burrs on the 686 which I have found consistently on older stainless Smiths. Apparently carbon steel is easier to work and therefore finished to a higher degree of refinement.

Actions are identical and all dimensions are as well, so it's aesthetics that determine a favorite. In my case I prefer a finer finish of the metal. Burrs around the forcing cone, tool marks around the ejector rod shroud, top strap and recoil shield do not affect function, but I prefer revolvers without them.

Additionally, IMO and this is totally subjective, blued steel revolvers feel different when firing. Probably no way to quantify that and perhaps it's absolutely a figment of my imagination, but it's real enough to me.