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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 05-23-2020, 03:36 PM
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Default 686-4 2.5” find

Listed as a 3” barrel I thought I would find a black ramp sight and full length extractor. Upon visual it turned out to be a red ramp, 2.5” barrel, & RB. Either way, Couldn’t pass it up for $800. I do not like the grips and am on the look out for K/L RB Shooter grade checkered walnut Target or Magnas. I just prefer the classic look of stainless and walnut or blued with walnut.

On to the pics!










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Old 05-23-2020, 03:42 PM
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Nice find! I really like the 2" 686's. I got 2" 686-3 last year with the same grips. Ugly in my opinion, but man do they fit my hand well! I've slapped on a set of Culina's, but kept the Hogues...at least I think they're Hogues.
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Old 05-23-2020, 03:49 PM
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Nice score!

As for the grips, I am not a fan of laminated woods, especially unusual colors. That said, Hogue hardwood grips like those are very utilitarian and ,in the right wood, very good looking.

I'm with you, though, in preferring original factory stocks on classics like that one!
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Old 05-23-2020, 06:26 PM
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I hope you like it as much as I do mine. Great shooters and the accuracy will surprise you!

Nice find!
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Old 05-23-2020, 07:10 PM
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Great revolver you have there - congratulations. I lucked into one in amazing condition last month without the box. I believe my AEZ was produced between 11/84-01/85. I read that these short-barrel L frames were ordered as a custom configuration for Lew Horton and that S&W did not make a 2.5” version before that.

I learned mine is part of a product warning for “reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition.” Mine did not have the M stamp indicating the improved hammer nose (firing pin) & hammer nose bushing work was performed. It is in the good hands of our friends at S&W right now for inspection and modifications, if needed. When I get “the call,” I plan on asking about action tune and possibly high bright polish treatment from the Performance Center.

Really curious to hear from others about grips and holsters that work well? Anyone replace rear sight with a combat-style sight? What ammo do you plan to use? If you plan on firing yours and get it out to the range, please let us know how it performs.
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Old 05-23-2020, 07:39 PM
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Congratulations! That's a nice snubbie. I'm with you on the grips.
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Old 05-23-2020, 08:05 PM
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Very nice find.
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Old 05-24-2020, 01:30 PM
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Default Excellent IWB Holster

MK-Tek makes my favorite 686 2&1-2” holster. Kydex with an offset belt clip that will work with even the thickest belt. You can order with out the end pinched for 3” guns. Conceals amazingly well. ‘Wish they made K frame holsters.
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Old 05-24-2020, 02:06 PM
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Great find. I have shot those short barrel 686's. They balance and shoot great..
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Old 05-24-2020, 02:36 PM
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Congrats on finding such a desirable piece. I sure appreciate my two remaining examples.

-4+
no dash LH
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Old 05-24-2020, 09:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMoose View Post
Great revolver you have there - congratulations. I lucked into one in amazing condition last month without the box. I believe my AEZ was produced between 11/84-01/85. I read that these short-barrel L frames were ordered as a custom configuration for Lew Horton and that S&W did not make a 2.5” version before that.

I learned mine is part of a product warning for “reports of cylinder binding with some types of standard .357 Magnum ammunition.” Mine did not have the M stamp indicating the improved hammer nose (firing pin) & hammer nose bushing work was performed. It is in the good hands of our friends at S&W right now for inspection and modifications, if needed. When I get “the call,” I plan on asking about action tune and possibly high bright polish treatment from the Performance Center.

Really curious to hear from others about grips and holsters that work well? Anyone replace rear sight with a combat-style sight? What ammo do you plan to use? If you plan on firing yours and get it out to the range, please let us know how it performs.
My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?

OP, as you can see, not much better looking grips than the Snubby with Combats, just fits this gun perfect IMHO.
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Old 05-24-2020, 10:05 PM
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Those are all really nice, been looking for one for awhile. Won't pay the full freight on the ones I have seen where folks are asking 1k plus. Love the 686's in all barrel lengths. Need these to cover all the lengths, oh well that is the fun right.

I love the original combats and I am ok with the laminated stocks as well.
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Old 05-24-2020, 10:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NavySCPO View Post
My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?

OP, as you can see, not much better looking grips than the Snubby with Combats, just fits this gun perfect IMHO.

I wouldn’t kick the combat stocks out of bed!


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Old 05-25-2020, 01:33 AM
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I would buy that all day long for 8 bills, without blinking...
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Old 05-25-2020, 06:03 AM
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I love my S&W 686+ with a 2.5" barrel. Would like to get a 3" but for $800 bucks I can do without the extra .5" barrel. Besides mind is very stylish.

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Old 05-25-2020, 12:54 PM
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Nice find on the 686-4 2.5"! The -4s are my favorite L-Frames. Yeah I would get new grips too.

Owned a 686 2.5" in the late 1980s that came with the factory combats which looked fantastic but hurt my hand from round one. The edge at the speed loader cut is where the discomfort for me was at the base of my thumb. I bought new grips for the next range session. I did eventually trade that one.

Some years later I picked up a 2.5" 686-4+ . Seem to be a pretty good shooter. I am glad to see they are going up in price as it would be the first of my L-Frames I would part with.
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Old 05-25-2020, 03:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NavySCPO View Post
My -1 has been up there for the same fix for a couple of months now, actually the receipt letter came on March 3rd...All quiet on the Western Front, not a peep out of Springfield yet, but then who knows if they have even been working?
My receipt came via e-mail on 5/15. Mine will probably take a bit longer because I’m going to have them do (at least) an action tune while they have it in the shop. Great “little” revolver. I’m thinking some Gold Dot Short Barrel rounds will be fun in this one. Anybody have a pet load for their 686 snub?
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Old 05-25-2020, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMoose View Post
My receipt came via e-mail on 5/15. Mine will probably take a bit longer because I’m going to have them do (at least) an action tune while they have it in the shop. Great “little” revolver. I’m thinking some Gold Dot Short Barrel rounds will be fun in this one. Anybody have a pet load for their 686 snub?
I’m sure some would disagree, but after hours of reading, and literally hundreds of ballistic test videos, I can’t imagine much better for self defense than the Speer Gold Dot. I used to carry only Hornady, but Speer has become my round of choice in whatever I’m carrying. Heck they even make the little 380 look good for expansion (3” or above of course).
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Old 05-26-2020, 09:56 PM
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Beautiful gun, OP. I just bought a new 686+ 3" myself. I love 686s in all lengths. I like your grips but if you don't, there are plenty to choose from. Liking grips is a very personal thing. I know I've changed my mind about what I like more than once. You might take a look at the Hogue Rosewood grips. They are very, very nice. Have a set on my 4" 686+.
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Old 06-03-2020, 10:27 PM
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I have been shopping for some new grips for my revolver as I wait for my 686 to return from S&W wearing an “M” tattoo. I like the original combat grips, but wanted to dial the appearance up a notch or two. I decided on my set of new grips by first reading applicable posts here on the forums, then reaching out for Jennifer Culina at www.culinagrips.com. Jennifer provided expert advice and helped me pick out a nice set of new K/L round “Tiger Eye” wood combat stocks. I must say, the Culina’s have terrific customer service. My new grips are in the mail and I am eager to see John’s craftsmanship up close in person. I have a feeling this will lead to a Culina grip habit

Taking a close look at that Tucker Gun Leather OP referenced also...
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Old 06-03-2020, 10:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMoose View Post
I have been shopping for some new grips for my revolver as I wait for my 686 to return from S&W wearing an “M” tattoo. I like the original combat grips, but wanted to dial the appearance up a notch or two. I decided on my set of new grips by first reading applicable posts here on the forums, then reaching out for Jennifer Culina at www.culinagrips.com. Jennifer provided expert advice and helped me pick out a nice set of new K/L round “Tiger Eye” wood combat stocks. I must say, the Culina’s have terrific customer service. My new grips are in the mail and I am eager to see John’s craftsmanship up close in person. I have a feeling this will lead to a Culina grip habit

Taking a close look at that Tucker Gun Leather OP referenced also...
Exquisite!!
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Old 06-04-2020, 12:34 AM
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OP - Those are some ugly grips!

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Old 06-09-2020, 04:38 PM
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Quote:
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OP, as you can see, not much better looking grips than the Snubby with Combats, just fits this gun perfect IMHO.
Well, my 686 came home from Massachusetts today wearing an “M” stamp. I included a note asking about an action tune. Never got a call. The action is much better than when I sent it in. Stages perfectly on all six cylinders. Smooth, DA and amazingly crisp SA. I have no documentation to support it but, I’m sure they did a job on it. Great customer service.

I was able to install the wonderful set of Culina Tiger Eye Combats that I bought a couple weeks ago. I like the way this combination looks and feels. Can’t wait to go get it dirty
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Old 06-09-2020, 06:44 PM
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Ok, well if we’re going to start showing off Culina stocks on 2” 686’s here’s my submission:







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Old 06-09-2020, 08:29 PM
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Very nice find. Congrats.
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Old 06-09-2020, 08:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMoose View Post
Well, my 686 came home from Massachusetts today wearing an “M” stamp. I included a note asking about an action tune. Never got a call. The action is much better than when I sent it in. Stages perfectly on all six cylinders. Smooth, DA and amazingly crisp SA. I have no documentation to support it but, I’m sure they did a job on it. Great customer service.

I was able to install the wonderful set of Culina Tiger Eye Combats that I bought a couple weeks ago. I like the way this combination looks and feels. Can’t wait to go get it dirty
Well that stinks...My confirmation receipt came on 3/3, and yours on 5/15, yours is home and I haven’t heard a word from them yet??? Obviously S&W doesn’t do them in the order they were received. Curious, did you get any written notice it was coming, or did it just show up? I shipped it direct to them, so it should come straight to my house.

Okay, enough griping, that is a “Beautiful” set of Culinas, Sweet!
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Old 06-09-2020, 10:22 PM
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Well that stinks...My confirmation receipt came on 3/3, and yours on 5/15, yours is home and I haven’t heard a word from them yet??? Obviously S&W doesn’t do them in the order they were received. Curious, did you get any written notice it was coming, or did it just show up? I shipped it direct to them, so it should come straight to my house.

Okay, enough griping, that is a “Beautiful” set of Culinas, Sweet!
I received confirmation of receipt via e-mail a few days after I FedEd’ed it up to Mass. I received a shipping confirmation via e-mail notifying me it was on its way back via 2-day Express last Friday. It arrived in plain cardboard box, paper indicating it was in for recall and a paper indicating it passed function test. I am satisfied enough that I just sent another piece up there...

Hang in there - yours will be back before you know it!
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Old 06-09-2020, 10:31 PM
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Ok, well if we’re going to start showing off Culina stocks on 2” 686’s here’s my submission:
Wow. I really like the contrast with dark wood against stainless steel. Just terrific. Is that marble cake walnut? Congrats to all for collecting one (or more) of these great 2.5” L Frame revolvers...
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Old 06-10-2020, 08:36 AM
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Nice Gun! I really like the looks of round butt target stocks. They tend to be expensive! My 66-2 wears Herrett RKR stocks. Nothing fancy, but work well for me! Bob
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Old 06-10-2020, 05:36 PM
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Very nice revolver! I think that the Hogue smooth wood combat grips are the most comfortable that I have ever owned. I have a set just like the ones shown by the OP only mine are Tulipwood, and I just love them.
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Old 06-11-2020, 07:35 PM
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Another vote for Speer short bbl 135gr. 38+P. Very accurate.
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Old 06-11-2020, 08:55 PM
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The grips matched his night stand. My only explanation.
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Old 11-10-2020, 07:32 PM
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Wow. I really like the contrast with dark wood against stainless steel. Just terrific. Is that marble cake walnut? Congrats to all for collecting one (or more) of these great 2.5” L Frame revolvers...
Sorry I didn’t see your question earlier. It’s French Walnut and there is a bit marbling.
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