Can some one fill me in on the 686 models that can only shoot 38 specials not 357. I have seen a 2.5" SKU 164238 and a 3" SKU 164338. Were these special Distributor models only? Is one rarer that the other? Where there other barrel lengths?

Thanks for the help.

Current production, I've seen 2.5", 4" and 6" models, 6-shot. Haven't seen the 3" listed before, S&W apparently using up some extra cylinders.

While not 686's in the eighty's I worked for a place called pennsylvania police supply.We had smith and wesson build a special run off 681's in 38 special for the conrail police department.The guns were traded back sometime later. I should have bought a dozen of them since they are now quite collectible.l believe there is a mention of this model in the standard catalog of smith and wesson third edition. It is my understanding there were some 586's made in 38 special but I have no proof of that. The 38 special 681's are uncommon and command a premium.

when you said conrail police dept. were you referring to "conrail rail system".

That's correct,they were for the railroads police officers. Not sure if they still have police anymore.In my area the Chessie System did away with most if not all of their officers.

There's a 4" 686 .38 Spl only listed as NIB on Gunbroker with SKU 164438.

Item 206906882 if you want to look it up. It's not mine, and I don't know anything else about it or the seller.