1983 Model 686 no-dash






Although not rare or collectible, the 686 no-dash was a grail-gun for me because it was the very first handgun I ever owned (purchased one brand new back in 1986 with my LAST paycheck from USMC). I only had it for a short time, but I thought it was super-cool. I know a lot of revolver-purists don't much care for the models with the full lug barrels or the shrouded ejector rods, but I kinda dig em.

Seller for this particular gun was asking $1200, we settled on $1000. I realize that's still a lot of coin for a relatively common revolver, but it was an emotional purchase...I really wanted it, and I didn't know if I'd ever come across another mint-condition no-dash in the original, numbers-matching box. Other than a few fine scratches on the barrel shroud, and a very faint turn ring on the cylinder, its exterior is cosmetically perfect. It was definitely handled, but the forcing cone area shows no indication of anything more than a factory test-fire.





I haven't been this stoked about a gun purchase in a long time, so thanks for letting me share. I'm looking forward to getting it out to the range.

That is a nice one ! Glad to see you got one. They shoot great !

Congrats!!

I know exactly how you feel about reacquiring an "old friend".

__________________
Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Very nice score! Cool grain in the stocks too. I purchased mine for the same price as yours. Like yours, mine came in seemingly unfired condition, with box papers and tools.

These no dashes are one my favorite S&Ws.

Congrats on the find!

If you got exactly what you wanted at a price you were willing to pay, the price was just fine. Enjoy.

Ooooo! That's beautiful revolver.
It´s in great shape too.
Can't ask for anything more than that.
I noticed there wasn't any scorching, and or fire etched line above the forcing cone as well.
I believe you´re absolutely right about it only being test fired at the factory. You definitey scored a big one!
Congratulations!

Hawk

Sent from my motorola one using Tapatalk

A very nice revolver! Enjoy!

What a great gun!

I too bought my first 686 (a 4in) in 1986, for attending my NPS Law Academy. Still have all the box/paperwork, etc. Still have mine, though I really do empathize about having missed it for so long.

I like them so much I bought a second 686-ND with the same alpha prefix, for the very same reason... just HAD to have it!

In many ways, nearly all gun purchases are emotional purchases. Some are just more so than others. It sounds to me like you got exactly what emotions and sentiment would demand, so congratulations. Here’s hoping this one will be with you for a long time to come.

Froggie

I am happy for you. Great gun

I had one when they first came out. Special ordered it with high Patridge front sight and black rear sight. Used it in competition where it did quite well for me. Sold it when I got away from competing.

Enjoy yours, it should be a good shooter.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I bought a 686 no dash as my first gun as well while stationed in Germany. Unfortunately had to sell it when I got out of the military but it looked exactly like yours. Nice gun!

__________________
Support Israel!

Very nice, my 686 is a dash-3. Bought with money from my first job and some saved paper route money. That was 1989. Time flies!

Keep in mind that the 686 no-dash has an active recall if you don’t have the “M” stamp on the frame flat behind the closed yoke. If you don’t have the “M”, S&W still does the recall work.

You must be in the "younger folks"(at least younger than me) category.

Anyways. Congratulations are in order.

Getting a "Graal" gun is always a good thing.

__________________
Expect the unexpected

Welcome to the Best Smith & Wesson Forum in existence.
Accept no substitute. You will find a wealth of Knowledge here.

Congratulations on your new S&W Model 686 (No Dash)
357Rem Mag. It appears in great shape. 686's in that
condition are getting harder, and harder to find.

Price doesn't matter, as long as it's something you have
wanted for a long time and you will enjoy shooting.

The S&W 686 357Mag has always been one of the Best
Revolvers out there, for Value and Shooting.

Thanks for sharing your Story, Pictures, and the Best to you.

My Circa '93 -3

Attached Images

SW 686 357mag target.jpg (3.6 KB, 370 views)

__________________
SD social distanc'n since 1889

I think the price you paid was reasonable for that package. I bought a 4" no dash 686 in 86 or so and I wouldn't sell it for $1,000.

I love mine!

Congrats on your new 686. May you enjoy it for many years! If you want something get it, I know i don't worry too much about the price if it's a lil higher than some might say is average. If you want it enjoy it. Life is too short to worry about $100 one way or another.

That is a beautiful 686, and I love the grain on the stocks. With the box and everything and in the condition it is in, I don't think you will ever regret buying it!

Pretty sure it’s the most versatile handgun S&W ever made.

When I bought my second 686-ND it did not have the "M" service stamp, so I sent it off to the mothership for the "M" and for some work on the trigger/cylinder. Everything came back in about a month.

• The trigger and advance was noticilbly smoother
• And they replace the firing pin and bushing. They returned the old set. BUT THERE WAS NO "M" STAMP!
• I know that they actually did the "M" service because I took before and after images.

In other words, my second 686-ND still looks like a virgin, even though it is not...
No worries, I had the C/B gap reduced from +0.009" --- down to just 0.003" and I also decided to do another trigger job/stoning to see if I could improve things further... It now shoots very smoothly. Happy camper here.

Kidfixer-
I bought one too, a 4” with my 1st check after joining the Marine Corps(1987)....this was was my 1st new gun purchase as well and I let it go a few years later....a 6” model 586 was had for awhile but didn’t satisfy like the 4” 686 for me....then some decades went by and I found a n.o.s. like my original for $600 at a San Antonio gun show and am happy for it.....also I was able to gain a 6” like yours and a 4” 586. All new old stock guns with boxes and accoutrements, I have put 12 rounds through the 4” model and not sure if I will fire the other two L-frames....I also landed a pre-lock 6” .22 lr model 617, and wow they are nose heavy, the 4 inchers balance best for me :-)
Congratulations on your search! I always say, a guy could have a worse hobby!

Nice looking gun. Congrats! I hope to someday experience what it's like to get my grail gun. *fingers crossed*

Congratulations! Nice looking 686!

Getting a grail gun is always very special. Yours is a beauty. Love the grain in the stocks.

__________________
Ken

Very nice revolver. It looks like you got a good one.

My brother had a 686 back in the late 80's or early 90's. It had Don't Tread On Me and the Gadston Flag etched on it. Not sure if that was factory or if the guy he bought it from had it done but it was a good shooting revolver that he still cries about selling it to this day. If I could find one like it...or that particular gun...I'd pay the $1000 for it too and give it back to him and to spite his ex-wife who made him sell it after they got married.