This is my first post so go easy on me. I'm a real noob when it comes to revolvers. I just won a 686-3 distinguished combat with 4" barrel on gunbroker and just wanted to find out everything I can about it. I paid $500 for a 99% gun. What is the difference between the distinguished combat and a normal 686?

The model 19 and 66 built on the K frame are known as the "Combat Magnum." When the 586 and 686 were introduced Smith decided to call them the "Distinguished Combat Magnum." Since they were new and hadn't had a chance to "distinguish" themselves, in reality it's just a name. So....all the 686's are considered Distinguished Combat Magnums. Many of us here consider the 686 to be the best 357 Mag Smith has ever built.....and they have built some great one's! Enjoy your revolver, it's the best.

Welcome to the forum!

I have a 686-3 4" too and like others I think the 586/686 Smith and Wessons are the best all around 357. I have all of the 357s from the K to the N frame. They are 66-4, 686-3 and a 28-2. They are all 4" barrels. I prefer the service type revolvers that were once carry revolvers for law enforcement. The only one above that is not a previous revolver carried by a officer is the 66-4. But the 19/66 were carried by many officers when the revolver was king of law enforcement. As the previous member indicated the distinguished combat magnum was just a name given to the L frame revolver. I think it was Smith and Wesson idea to carry on the tradition that the combat magnum started. My model 28-2 which is called the highway patrolman revolver, again was a name that Smith and Wesson put on the revolver to carry the tradition Smith and Wesson was famous for in law enforcement. Really, Smith and Wesson started with the Military and Police revolver back in 1899. This revolver envolved into the model 10. There are several books you can buy from Amazon on the History of Smith and Wesson and get a idea when a revolver was made and a basic value based on condition. All though I have other makes of revolvers the Smith and Wessons are my favorite. There history is very interesting.

Enjoy your new revolver.
roaddog

I have a 686 in 4" and enjoy the pistol very much. Shoot where I point it which is a good thing. You picked one of the best, if not the best to start your wheel gun collection. Congratulations.

Clint

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Welcome. I also have a 686-3. It's one of the finest revolvers ever. Enjoy!

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" I don't recall, senator."

where is the pic

S&W stated in their introductory literature that the gun was named for the Distinguished Combat match in a form of police competition.

Thanks for all the info, I'll post picks when it arrives.

My 686-3. Picture with the wood grips and a picture with Hoques grips.

Attached Images

	686-3wood.jpg (54.6 KB, 339 views)
	686-3.jpg (55.0 KB, 296 views)