What exactly is the difference between a 586 and a 686?

Also, what does the -1 on a 686 indicate? Was there a design change, or is this just a year of manufacture designation?

Thanks.

586 is blue, 686 is stainless steel. Dash # indicate a manufacturing change. Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for the reply and the welcome.

Is there any list or site that tells what manufacturing changes are represented by the dash numbers?

The "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" third edition, AKA SCSW3, "The book", etc, lists the dash changes by model. What a particular "dash" indicates depends on the specific model. SCSW3 is available from many on-line and conventional book sellers, just Google the title, including the "", and take your pick of sellers based on price. You should find it in the $35-40 range. If you have any interest in firearms this has become one of the basic reference sources. Buy it, you will not regret it.

Ahh.. This is the "Supica" I keep seeing you guys refer to. Thanks. I have the book favorited, and hope to get it in short order.

As was stated they are the same gun either blued or stainless. So you can choose your favorite based on that or buy both as I did.

585 no dash with 6 inch barrel and with adjustable front sight

686 no dash with 6 inch barrel

yeah buffco you do need to buy that book as everyone has said. lots of knowledge in there. you think you have an interest in smiths now that book will turn you into an addict.