686 (No Dash) 6"

1075tech · #1 02-18-2021, 01:38 PM

New on the forum but figured I'd post up a picture of my 686 "Distinguished Combat Magnum". Pictured is the original box (which still has the wax paper and tissue paper inside), the "instruction" manual, and the original wood grips.

It is wearing a set of Pachmayr Presentation grips I put on it shortly after buying it new. It is missing the rear sight leaf screw that disappeared while it was wearing a B-Square scope base and rings.

swagmeister · #2 02-18-2021, 01:52 PM

Nice. Gotta love those old L Frames.

wproct · #3 02-18-2021, 02:01 PM

Very nice 686 no-dash there!

1075tech · #4 02-18-2021, 02:22 PM

Can anyone tell me the ship date based on the AEY prefix serial number?

Sevens · #5 02-18-2021, 04:58 PM

We can tell you much much closer if you show a picture of the box end label!

1075tech · #6 02-18-2021, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

We can tell you much much closer if you show a picture of the box end label!

No end label on box.

Sevens · #7 02-18-2021, 05:23 PM

Bummer, because that end label will tell you the exact day and year it was made.

If you visit the S&W website and click the “contact us” and fill out the e-mail form, they will send you an e-mail typically within two days that tells you when it was either made or shipped.

1075tech · #8 02-18-2021, 05:47 PM

I believe the "M" on the yoke was added in 1994 as it was returned to the factory for a timing issue. There was some type of modification they were making at the time that was common to the 686.

bgrafsr · #9 02-18-2021, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1075tech

I believe the "M" on the yoke was added in 1994 as it was returned to the factory for a timing issue. There was some type of modification they were making at the time that was common to the 686.

It wasn't a timing issue. There was a "fix" in which the hammer nose, and hammer nose bushing were replaced due to sporadic lockups when using a certain type of .357 Magnum ammo, Federal to be specific. The "M" was stamped to show the gun had been retrofitted.
The fix applied to 686's, 586's, 681's, & 581's. Don't remember if it included the -1"s also.

1075tech · #10 02-18-2021, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgrafsr

It wasn't a timing issue. There was a "fix" in which the hammer nose, and hammer nose bushing were replaced due to sporadic lockups when using a certain type of .357 Magnum ammo, Federal to be specific. The "M" was stamped to show the gun had been retrofitted.
The fix applied to 686's, 586's, 681's, & 581's. Don't remember if it included the -1"s also.

I wasn't sure what the issue was. It was returned for a timing issue and they did the modification while it was there.
I should have been more clear.

1075tech · #11 02-19-2021, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Bummer, because that end label will tell you the exact day and year it was made.

If you visit the S&W website and click the “contact us” and fill out the e-mail form, they will send you an e-mail typically within two days that tells you when it was either made or shipped.

1984 was the reply. They did confirm the "M" was to indicate that it had been serviced under the recall

Sevens · #12 02-19-2021, 01:53 PM

Even clear through til today, S&W will do the recall work and add the “M” stamp. All 686 no dash and dash-1 are affected, the 686-2 and beyond are not affected.

sodacan · #13 02-19-2021, 02:31 PM

You'll have to tell me how it shoots. I bought a no dash 686 (6") several years ago and have yet to shoot it. It's a pretty gun, but 357 "N" frames are my thing and this one's turn just hasn't come up. Your post has nudged me, however.

Sevens · #14 02-19-2021, 03:24 PM

First handgun I ever bought with my own money was a 6-inch 686-3 in the early summer of 1989, I was 16 years old. I was either late 30’s or early 40’s when I got my first N-frame, a 6-inch Model 28-2.

The 686 is a better looking revolver IMO, and has a smoother and more enjoyable double action trigger stroke. But the 6-inch Model 28-2 balances better for me while the full lug 6-inch Model 686 feels muzzle heavy at arm’s length.

I love them both and I have more sentimental attachment to the 686, but on a range day and especially for my heaviest full-nuts .357 Magnum, I’m more likely to grab the 28-2.

Tennessee Cattleman · #15 02-19-2021, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

First handgun I ever bought with my own money was a 6-inch 686-3 in the early summer of 1989, I was 16 years old. I was either late 30’s or early 40’s when I got my first N-frame, a 6-inch Model 28-2.

The 686 is a better looking revolver IMO, and has a smoother and more enjoyable double action trigger stroke. But the 6-inch Model 28-2 balances better for me while the full lug 6-inch Model 686 feels muzzle heavy at arm’s length.

I love them both and I have more sentimental attachment to the 686, but on a range day and especially for my heaviest full-nuts .357 Magnum, I’m more likely to grab the 28-2.

A 686-3 was my first handgun bought with my own money also. Still have it, sporting a set of Nill's grips these days.

Sevens · #16 02-19-2021, 11:42 PM

Haha, I purchased a brand new Pachmayr SK-G “Gripper” for my 686 a week before the revolver came in to my dealer! To this day, the goncalo alves target with speedloader cutout stocks have lived in the original box. I never once fired a round of ammo with them installed.

If I could do one tiny thing differently way back in ‘89, I would have ordered that adjustable silhouette front sight!

Benchrest1 · #17 02-20-2021, 01:13 AM

I have always thought that the 686/586 S&W revolvers are the best.

rwsmith · #18 02-20-2021, 01:16 AM

...except mine had Hogue grips.

1075tech · #19 02-20-2021, 06:38 AM

This was the first handgun I bought new. My very first pistol was a Mod 60 snubby.

I like it. Trigger pull is smooth throughout. It's not so heavy that it can't be carried in the woods all day. The weight keeps it "soft shooting" with 158gt magnum loads. In my younger days with better eyes, I used to be able to hold around 1" @ 30 yards off a sandbag rest. I had a scope on it for a while but at 4x, it really was too much. Now days I'm considering a 2x or a red dot. Not being drilled and tapped for a mount limits the availability although I do still have the B-square mount that replaces the rear sight.

rubiranch · #20 02-20-2021, 11:19 AM

Great find, you'll love it. I love mine.

Mine was wearing Hogue Mono grips when I acquired it.

jdlii · #21 02-20-2021, 11:55 AM

Close to being my favorite .357 for shooting, a Mod. 686 with a 6" barrel is a dream at the range. This one was purchased new, with the box and paper work but, no tool kit.

The second photo shows it with its cousins, a 4" and a 2.5" both great shooters.

Mightyheb · #22 02-20-2021, 08:21 PM

Those are some beauties.

llowry61 · #23 02-20-2021, 08:32 PM

Love L frames - and that is a nice one.

They are sweet shooting pistols. A 586 8 3/8 was my first pistol bought second hand from a close friend. The gun is a tack driver and had very little use. Bought it for 250 bucks. My friend just didn't want to hassle with the recall. I finally sent it in about 2years ago when the cylinder was a bit tough to open. I just thought better safe than sorry.

She is in the middle wearing a set of after market combats. There may be some other L frames hiding in there as well.

lhump1961 · #24 02-20-2021, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benchrest1

I have always thought that the 686/586 S&W revolvers are the best.

K's and L's are my favorite...blue especially. You will love the way that 6" shoots. My 6" 586 is a keeper. Enjoy!

Rod727 · #25 02-21-2021, 02:48 PM

My 686-1 since were sharing pics....

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klind45 · #26 02-21-2021, 11:51 PM

Well I love a show and tell just as much as the next guy, so here are mine. A 6 in. ND followed by two-3's some of the most accurate revolvers I have.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

1075tech · #27 03-24-2021, 08:04 PM

I was able to get the screw needed for the rear sight thanks to a referral from another member. So that's good.

Today, I did replace the Pachmayr Presentation grips with Hogue Mono's just because.

ME94 · #28 03-24-2021, 10:21 PM

I like to share also. 686- no dash 4" ,686-1 6" and 686-3 6" (midnight black) I am missing a dash that will be remedied. 20191122_112501.jpg

20191011_142501.jpg

20191021_142214.jpg and my 681 just because 20201213_092147.jpg

samuelrp · #29 03-25-2021, 07:32 PM

When concealed carry permits first became available, the six inch 686 was the only hand gun I owned at the time. Qualifying at the range, the instructor remarked that flames were coming from the barrel in the quick fire drill, LOL. It’s heavy, but every spring I carry it when the black bears are waking up.