I have a no dash 686 with white outlined rear sight, and a dash 3 that is just black. Is this period correct?

Since you don't say, let's pretend it's a 6-inch gun.

A gun without the White Outline (WO) rear blade is product code 104206.

A gun with the WO is 104208.

Otherwise, identical in every other aspect. So to answer your question. "Yes" it is period correct, since they made them both ways. 4-inch guns, too.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

They are both 4" guns. So they came both ways in both the no dash and the dash 3 models?

I have an early no dash that my dad bought new in 1981. 4" and it came with the white outline if that helps.

Same deal for the -3 (all the pre-lock guns used the same product codes, regardless of dash number). Made both ways. A 4-inch gun with was 104222. A gun without was 104221.

But, if you like to worry , unless you have the original box, only a Factory Letter ($50/ea gun) will tell you for sure how these M686's shipped originally. Rear blades are sold as parts and easily changed.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Thank you guys very much for the responses...

How hard is it to add a WO Rear sight to a 686? Where can one get the part?

S&W Parts Department sells them. They're not expensive. Be sure to get a "nut kit", too. You'll need it. Be advised the newer WO rear blades have a sort of dim semi-white outline. Almost looks gray. Don't know why. Saving money on white ink, I guess. The older ones, from like 20 years ago, had a very bright solid white outline.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~