Will ANY of the variations of the 686 accomodate a 7 shot cylinder?

If not, what model starts that interchangability and what would have to be modified, other than the hand, to accomplish this?

As a side note, if any members are near their SCSW, what dashes start the 7 shot option ?

Thanks for any immediate help rendered.

The 686-4+ starts the 7 shot 686's. Regards 18DAI.

So...does that mean that say a -3 can NOT use a 7 shotter?

Or...does that also mean that any post -4 can use a 7 shotter with relatively minor mods?

Thanks for the response 18DAI.

From what I understand as long as the cylinders are in time they can be switched back and forth between the 6 and 7 shot. Unless there were changes in the gas ring or rachet I would guess it would also work on earlier models made prier to the -4s'.

There is obviously a difference in the ratchet, it'll have 7 drive lugs instead of 6. I expect that there is also a difference in the hand but I wouldn't consider that as being cast in stone. I've noticed on my 620 that the drive lugs on the ratchet are shaped in such a way that the hand can "scoot" past the lug once the cylinder stop is engaged. I think that it's possible that with some clever design of the ratchet that the same hand could be used for either 6 or 7 shooters. Perhaps one of our fine members has compared the 6 and 7 shot hands and can confirm if they are the same or different.

I CHECKED THE HAND WINDOW ON MY 686 NO DASH & MY 686-5 WHICH IS A 7 SHOT WITH CALIPERS & THEY MEASURE THE SAME & THE HAND SHAPE IS THE SAME.

Ever just swapped the cylinders out to see if they function correctly?

Based on what you're saying, I can't see a reason why they would not. Unless I'm missing something here (which I very well could be) it would seem that it should be a relatively easy matter to swap them out, without affecting timing, lockup, etc. Certainly I am no gunsmith but...

what am I missing or not understanding?

Individual cylinder variations that might require fitting?
"Can be made to work" vs "drop in."

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Science plus Art

swapping the 686 no dash cylinder with the 686-5 never entered into my pea brain,so i gave it a shot. The no dash 6 holer will go into the 7 holer & index & the chambers line up with barrel perfect but at the bottom of crane there is about 3/16 inch gap between the crane & the frame & 7 holer wont go into the no dash frame like okfc05 said it will require fitting but will work, iam not sure but looks like the fitting will be done to the crane.

I HAVE A NO DASH 686 SNUBBIE THAT I SENT IN FOR THE FACTORY FIRING PIN MOD---FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS. WHILE IT WAS THERE, I HAD THEM FIT A 7 SHOT CYLINDER TO THE GUN. IT COST $140. I THINK IT WAS AWLL WORTH THE PRICE....

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.