I know the info is buried in here somewhere, but could anyone tell me what the difference is between a 686 no dash and a dash 1 ?
I saw a YouTube video and the guy said what all the dashes were, but I still don't know if they've were actually improvements or just a way to cheapen up the guns. I'm mainly interested in a no dash and a dash 1. But I'd love to have an explanation on dash 2 and 3 as well. Thank you

686 no dash, 1980, introduced model
686-1, 1986, radius stud package, floating hand
686-2, 1987, changed hammer nose, bushing and associated parts
686-3, 1988, new yoke retention system
686-4, 1993, change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, change extractor, Hogue grips the -4 eliminated the square grip frame on 4" and longer models.
686-5, 1997, change frame design to eliminate cylinder stop stud, eliminate serrated tangs, change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, change to MIM trigger, change internal lock work
686-6, 2001, internal lock
686-7, 2002, Performance Center variation in 38 Super

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

That's what the video mentioned....but on a dash 1, what is a radius stud package and a floating hand? Are these actually improvements? No one can tell me what they both do. I can't find that explanation anywhere.

It would be great to have a rundown of what all these changes (dashes) do. Where they really improvements or just a way to cheapen the cost? It would be so helpful for people to know. Thanks

The -1 is a different duck. Sorta.

Its virtually identical to a no dash. With minor work to the studs but introduced the "floating hand ".
I would only get a dash one if I knew it wasn't shot up alot. They did have problems. S&W was trying to simplify the building process with it and later dropped it.
A floating hand setup can be converted to a non floating hand. And both models are under the "M" recall also.

Not sure what the floating firing pin was supposed to do, but it seem to create a "hitch" in the double action trigger pull. Thankfully, it was replaced with the original design. I ditch all I find!!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Lou the welder, what issues did the -1 have? I just recently bought one. So far, everything about it is great, and I intend to keep it for life. Mine does have the "M" stamp.

My 686-1 has a hitch in the single action cocking motion towards the end. I thought of trying to install a non floating had but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

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-Matt

If it already has the "M" modification, you should be fine. The only other issue was the hand, but that isn't a big deal.
My 686-1 is a no "M", floating hand and i shot it DA on purpose. It did ok.

Without the modification "M", the revolver would purportedly lock up on certain type of ammo.

Thx. My -1 is one of the the smoothest revolvers I've ever shot in DA. GREAT SA trigger too. I dont know its Hx, but I bought ot at a pawn shop for $600. The owner said an 80 something yo man brought it in with a pump action 30-06 with a 70s scope. I thought about buying it too. I dont think either were shot for the last 20 years.

Before that, who knows.

My 686-4 6" bought new in 1994 still had the square butt frame and the original style cylinder release.

Also the 686-4s I've seen no longer have the flash chromed trigger/hammer and have the case hardened finish like the blued revolvers.