Looking at a S&W 686 no-dash. It has a 2.5" barrel. Serial #AFKxxxx. Mfg date 1984 (possibly early 1985). S&W info I have access to indicates the 2.5" barrel didn't get introduced until 1990. I'm guessing this didn't come from the factory with this barrel? I also see that the M is not stamped in the yoke so factory recall work has not been completed. Is getting the recall work completed highly recommended? Any info is appreciated.

I prefer the dash 3 and better yet the 2 1/2" 686-4.
I have 2 of the Dash 4

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I think they made them as a no dash with that barrel length as I have one as well. Maybe a Lew Horton special?

What you have is most likely a Lew Horton version. S&W created a special run and shipped 2 1/2 inch barrel 686 revolvers to Lew Horton Distributors between 1983 and 1985. S&W released the 2 1/2 inch in their lineup a few years later. I believe they were all round butt with the combat style stocks.

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FBINA # 161

I have no idea what is recommended and I too have a NO DASH that is missing the M, I'm actually afraid to send it back for the upgrade because of the lack of confidence in what will be done to it while back at the factory, I really like the revolver but am very reluctant to return it to the "MOTHER SHIP",, Decisions, Decisions!

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

Without the box and any paper work, is there a way to confirm if this is a no-dash Lew Horton?

You might call S&W and depending on who you talk to they may be able to help with info. In my experience it’s about 60% of the time I have received the info I was looking for.

I sold such a 686 on here a number of years ago, I was able to confirm with the late Mr. Minot of Lew Horton it came through their doors. To me there’s no difference who the distributor was as it very shortly became a standard item. Cool revolvers regardless.

The "M" modification consisted of replacing the firing pin bushing in the recoil shield and I believe the firing pin itself (but not sure of that). With some full magnum, high intensity rounds (read that light bullet, max velocity) the primer would flow around the firing pin into the hole of the firing pin bushing thus tying up the gun.

You may never encounter this condition, but if you are using this gun for SD or HD then err on the side of caution and have it done. If it is a range toy only then do it at your discretion.

JMHO

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I have a 686 no dash 2.5’” that I carry on occasion so I decided to send back to S&w for the upgrade. Took 8 weeks and came back with the “M” stamp and in the same condition I sent it. Don’t forget to remove those grips.

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My 686 no dash no M stamp with 2 1/2" barrel is serial # AEZ 7XXX. Everyone laughed at me when I paid $480.00 for it 10 years ago. I happen to like it.