I too purchased my 686-5 in 1998, in November. It was my first pistol. Looking back what an incredible choice to have available to me, as my first pistol! Long story short that was stolen from me in 2003 and later recovered and per reports destroyed (I have my doubts) by the county sheriff's office. I FINALLY decided to purchase another one and did so via GB a couple of weeks ago, and just love that one as much as I did my first one. Waiting to have an IWB holster made for it by a local company which due to its rarity requires that they have the MG for 3 business days to make the mold. As I was giving it to them yesterday I had forgotten that the firing pin is internal i.e. not attached to the hammer. I had my 29-2 there and was demonstrating how to cock and release the hammer to the counter gal, with her holding my 29-2 while I demonstrated with the 686-5. Another rarity (internal firing pin) for the MGs in particular or somewhat common?