Won a 686 plus w a 6 inch barrel and I'm obesessed to say the least....

Now I'm a revolver guy..

Whats the timeline of smiths? 357, and 44s

When did they move to the hammer mounted firing pin? And when did they stop nickel plating?

I can't find a good site anywhere with the info I'm looking for....

Any books maybe?

Get a copy of the "Standard Catalog of S&W", the 4th edition was released earlier this year. It's the "Bible" of everything S&W.
Welcome to the Forum BTW!

Welcome to the Forum

In 1935 Smith and Wesson invented the first magnum cartridge and a revolver to go along with it. Both the cartridge and the firearm were named the 357 Smith and Wesson Magnum.

Thanks in part to the efforts of Elmer Keith, 20 years latter in 1955 the World's first 44 Magnum was introduced by Smith and Wesson

Yes you need to get yourself a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson

Smith and Wesson has been producing revolvers with frame mounted firing pins for more than a century now.

Smith and Wesson has not stopped nickel. Since so many firearms are made of stainless steel these days, nickel is no longer necessary for corrosion resistance. Carbon steel Smith and Wessons are still offered in nickel from time to time. Like this 4" Model 27 from a few years ago