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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 10-21-2018, 01:26 PM
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Hi:
I am considering purchasing a Model 686 "No Dash".
What should I be concerned about (issues) ?

Thanks,
Jimmy
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Old 10-21-2018, 02:43 PM
GCF GCF is offline
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Same things as with any other S&W revolver: timing, carry up, end shake, hammer push off, etc.. Basically just overall condition.

Excellent revolvers - as originally supplied.

Pic of my 4", no dash, no "M", no problem 686 attached.
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Old 10-21-2018, 03:16 PM
Eddietruett Eddietruett is offline
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Make sure you have more money for other barrel lengths. After shooting your first one, you will want others to go with it
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Old 10-21-2018, 03:51 PM
Sevens Sevens is offline
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The early 686's are subject to a recall that is still honored. It addresses a minor potential problem around the firing pin hole. This is the referenced "M" stamp noted above. When S&W has performed the warranty upgrade, they stamp it.

Not having an M stamp can be a price bargaining chip when looking to buy but lack of the stamp will NEVER be a reason to not buy, the issue is that minor.

All of the early 686's came with Goncalo Alves Target as far as I know... when shopping used 686's, the original stocks are often missing. Opinions vary, but I find the original wood handsome and not at all enjoyable with warm magnum ammo.

My only other suggestion: 686's are fantastic but they are not scarce. If you seek a great deal, stand firm and keep shopping. No matter the common gun forum rhetoric ("well they aren't making no-dash 686 anymore!") don't buy in to any idea that you will struggle to find one at a good price.
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Old 10-21-2018, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
Hi:
I am considering purchasing a Model 686 "No Dash".
What should I be concerned about (issues) ?

Thanks,
Jimmy
Just the usual things when you look over a potential purchase.

I got a real early one way back when. S&W was sort of reserving them for police and trying to make sure they got first dibs on them. I wanted one!

The dealer did something and about a month later a 686 4''.357 arrived with my name on the paperwork. Put a bunch of rounds through it and replaced the grips with Pacs, which is how it sits in my safe now. (have the original grips and box)
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Old 10-21-2018, 04:42 PM
greenmachine greenmachine is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddietruett View Post
Make sure you have more money for other barrel lengths. After shooting your first one, you will want others to go with it
Ditto that.
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Old 10-22-2018, 06:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
Hi: I am considering purchasing a Model 686 "No Dash".What should I be concerned about (issues) ?
Thanks,
Jimmy
What others have already suggested above. One thing though, my "bought new" 686 No-Dash has a cylinder gap of 0.005in, and my recently purchased 686 No-Dash has a cylinder gap of 0.009in, Probably/likely because of a history of heavy use.

Some may suggest that the one with 0.009in gap is just how it was manufactured and "is within S&W Specs". I don't know but doubt that large a gap was original, since it is at the very upper limits of what S&W considers acceptable.

Unfortunately, online brokers/sellers seem to never disclose THAT information, so the buyer is left to look at other signs of wear and tear that "might" help one determine a tighter gap revolver. NOT a 100% method, but if at all possible, consider purchasing one locally, where you can show up with your own feeler gauges in pocket/hand.
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Old 10-22-2018, 10:08 AM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
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Mike is spot on! Some years ago, I bought an estate 686 with 6” barrel at a large gun show. It looked new and had apparently been used little. I am embarassed to mention that my first range session disclosed that it had excessive barrel/cylinder gap.

I really like the 686’s, and am fortunate to have a really good, really reasonable, pistolsmith. I had him set the barrel back and rethroat it. It now has minimum clearance and shoots EXTREMELY well.

It also taught me a lesson. “Properly examine ALL purchases BEFORE you buy”��!

By the way, did I mention that IMHO the 686 is one of the absolute BEST platforms for a .357 revolver? ������

Dale53

Last edited by Dale53; 10-22-2018 at 10:09 AM.
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Old 10-22-2018, 05:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyj View Post
Hi:
I am considering purchasing a Model 686 "No Dash".
What should I be concerned about (issues) ?

Thanks,
Jimmy

Having the money for it.
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