I have settled on buying a 686 with a 4" barrel. But there are so many variants of this gun I am trying to find the right one for me. Does anyone have a link to what the difference is for all of the Dashes.

Also would love to here your experiences both positive and negative with this gun.

Thanks,
Brian

Give this thread a try:

M686 Engineering Changes.

686 no dash, 1980, introduced model
686-1, 1986, radius stud package, floating hand
686-2, 1987, changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
686-3, 1988, new yoke retention system
686-4, 1993, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, Hogue grips
686-5, 1997, change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lockwork
686-6, 2001, internal lock
686-7, 2002, Performance Center variation in 38 Super

__________________
Back to back World War Champs.

I thought you settled on the variant by choosing a 4". ;-)

I'd get whichever you can find readily available for the best price.

I would definitely not pay a premium for a dash number. Though the one item that might change that is if there is a need/desire for a pinned-on front sight, or better yet the interchangeable front sight found on the SSR (which I'm not a fan of the barrel profile).

Stay with the original no dash. The older revolvers are made better.

I have to respectfully disagree the the new line is inferior. The new ones are made just as well as the old ones, just differently.

The most elegant current variant, in my opinion, is the 686 SSR Pro. As has been mentioned, some don't like the square barrel profile and recessed crown.

I love the 686 my friend has one but It's a snubby. I hate to do this twice in one day but have you looked at the Ruger gp100 ?

I love mine. I would still love to find a no dash 4"