Ok I found out from s&w that this 686-5 two tone is a Lew Horton special order and is midnight black finish over stainless. Case harden hammer and trigger, Patridge front sight, Laser engraving on barrel. Gonna have to send in to s&whf and get it documented ? Just putting the informattion out there .?

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That’s pretty cool.

For reminder, the midnight black :

Hmmm.... I think I really like that "Midnight Black" finish. Looks like it might be more durable than the standard blue.

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Smith. And Wesson. And Me!

It wasn't

If you want a durable black finish for stainless use one of the DLC finishes, Ion Bond for example

A quick call to Lew Horton will verify this for you.

You want to talk to Earl Minot.

If this was a Lew Horton Exclusive offering, Earl will E-mail you a letter with the particulars.

I dlc'd a Smith & Wesson Model 60 (.357) once. The finish was anything but durable. It scratched, and after awhile the front of the cylinder couldn't be cleaned without taking the dlc off. Eventually it looked *****ty enough that I let it go.

Metal coating don't last forever and aren't durable the way one wants them to be.

Needs some custom stocks with black in them-JMHO.

Interesting, the cylinders that I have that were done by Ion Bond look almost new after shooting and carrying for decade.

Perhaps like bluing or nickel, not all DLCs are created equal.

Which company did the work? and what did they tell you when you called to discuss the poor durability of the finish?

Contacted Lew Horton today ? He said it is 1 of 18 and will email all the info Monday or Tuesday . product code comes up two tone and 18 ordered for Lew Horton .

Rship1- Did you see that on AZ armslist?

That was mine on armslist in az . I was gonna sell it till I found out how rare it is? Deleted my ad

Got ya. I saw it and tried to read up on it in the S&W book but couldn't find much. Maybe I missed it.

It peaked my interest for sure. May be able to offer a partial trade +cash down the road.

It looks amazing, upside down pic's and all!

I like carbon steel with blue finish better than stainless, with or without finish. Carbon steel is harder than stainless and will hold up better for example when it comes to cylinder stop peening etc. The blue carbon steel surface looks great and not many things scratch it. Stainless is more ductile and does not rust. Coatings are normally less tough compared to blue from my experience.

Duneshoot, The guy at Lew Horton was surprised he couldn't find it in the book either. but did find out only 18 were shipped to him. I will entertain all offers ?

I offer what you had it listed for

He said the product code was 149102 ?

I'm gonna hold off and get it authenticated .

Does anyone have an idea of the value off this gun ? I have documentation coming from Lew Horton saying it is 1 of 18. I'm also applying to S&WHF. When I called Smith they also said it is a 1 of 18 run for Lew Horton. Left the factory June 2000, midnight black barrel and cylinder, partridge sights, case harden hammer and trigger etc. about 85 to 90 % with very little muzzle wear and a turn line ?

More pics would help. 85-90 percent is quite a bit of wear for those looking for collectables. Close ups of wear areas would help also.

I'll try but my pictures keep uploading upside down ? Lol The wear is very minimal , just a little at end of barrel and has a turn line. Lockup is tight, timing perfect and no end shake. Maybe it is 95% ? Just saying it was used.

1 of 18 and I was told it's not in the special catalog ? Maybe cause such a low run ?

As others have stated this is a revolver I've never seen, and certainly a desirable variant. However, given that this is a fairly modern revolver that has some condition loss or handling use and is missing it's original box that obviously impacts its value. A collector is willing to relax () a little when a pre-war gun has some condition issues and is missing its accompanying box/paperwork simply due to age and rarity. If you add another 20+ years that will change, but if selling today I'd expect this to fall in line with a complete LNIB 686. But I don't collect L-frames and don't know their prices as well, so I'd wager $1,000-$1,500? I'm sure people are sending you PM's each day... so take the highest offer. My advice would be to keep it.
For what it's worth
-BH

Appreciate the input. I understand the age thing but it has a one year only finish on it and a 1 of 18 run ? I have never seen one before ? I probably will keep it. Just curious what people think ? Thanks again

It wasn't. I was thinking about buying one when they were introduced until I started hearing about problems with the finish staying on.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

It look sorta like the two revolvers from " Electra Glide in Blue". I've always thought they were handsome revolvers, and yours is, too!

If you get a letter from Lew Horton do you also need a letter from S&WHF ? Or is LH enough ?

Got it lettered today from Lew Horton. 1 of 18 and is being sent to special catalog of s&w . Not in current edition. What due you guys think of value ?

This has nothing to do with this gun in particular, but as a new guy to Smith and Wesson I would like to say I learn something everyday with your postings. I appreciate all your knowledge and expertise and will continue to peruse the listing for more info. thank you to all.

Should anyone give a hoot, they made 2876 of these with 6" barrels and 1559 with 4" barrels.

See if this helps with your picture.

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GWW, Thanks so much. No matter what I do my picture goes on upside down ?

If anyone is interested I'am considering offers on this gun ?

Trying to post better pictures ?[ATTACH]20180627_111338 (1).jpg[/ATTACH]

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