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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 07-17-2009, 05:42 PM
Darkenfast Darkenfast is offline
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Chance on a 686Plus - advice?  
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Default Chance on a 686Plus - advice?

I joined this site a few years ago because I've always liked S&W revolvers. Extreme poverty and sheer chance led me to own only one gun however, a classic Browning Hi-Power (hey, life does have some nice consolation prizes sometimes!). Anyway, another sheer chance may give me the opportunity to acquire a 686Plus. All I know at this point is that it has "a long barrel". Years ago I owned an early 586 6", so I've always had an interest in L-frames. Some questions:

1. Can anyone here offer some general pointers on what I should look for when I examine the gun?

2. Assuming the "long barrel" comment is correct, have these revolvers ever been made with anything longer than six inchers? I would've liked a four, can live with a six (or five!), but I'm not really interested in anything longer.

3. Since the Plus was introduced ('96?), what changes have been made, and are certain variations any more likely to be more accurate than others (two-piece barrel vs. old-style, etc.)? I'd like to own a really accurate revolver again. I have no idea how old this one is.

4. Other than competition rules (such as IDPA), are there any disadvantages to the seven-shot cylinder?

Thanks in advance, and thanks for a great forum!
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Old 07-18-2009, 01:00 AM
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Schmidty Schmidty is offline
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Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice?  
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Darkenfast,

There is a posting from a couple months ago about how to look at/examine a revolver for problems. It is really good and a bit long, so I will let you hunt for it. It came up about 2 months ago and you should be able to find it in a search. I would post the link but I am pressed for time right now.

I think they did have a longer barrel at one time, but I haven't seen one as of late.

I have a 4 inch 686+ and it is great! I don't shoot competitively though. I use it as my back up duty gun should my semi-auto break and need to go get fixed. I shoot the 686+ more accurate than my semi, but I am much faster with my semi on reloads and general operation.

The only disadvantage I seem to find with my 7 shot cylinder is reloading fast. At times, it seems having those 7 rounds in the speed loader make it kinda tight in loading it fast. I do better with the 5 and 6 shot revolvers. 7 rounds of .357 is nice though.

Take care,
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Old 07-18-2009, 05:15 PM
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vytoland vytoland is offline
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Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice?  
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these web sites may help you with your revolver inspection..........good luck

YouTube - Gunsmith - How to inspect a Smith & Wesson revolver

Buying a Used Handgun

Revolver Inspection: How to tell if the specimen is any good.

Used guns: such a deal | Guns Magazine | Find Articles at BNET
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Old 07-20-2009, 02:33 AM
Jimmymac46 Jimmymac46 is offline
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Chance on a 686Plus - advice? Chance on a 686Plus - advice?  
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For a time, Smith made the 'L' frame 686 with an 8" barrel. Only reason I know that is because I have one which I purchased new. It is a seriously fun gun to shoot, especially if you enjoy long range handgun fun. I do not know if the plus ever came in an 8". The six inch is probably the most practical unless it is a regular carry piece. Regardless, the 586/686 'L' frames are great shooters and you will not be sorry in owning one. I don't remember having ever purchased a used Smith that was newer than 1970, so I can't reliablity help you with what to look for in a used gun. Good luck.
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Old 07-20-2009, 03:21 AM
357Ruger 357Ruger is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmymac46 View Post
For a time, Smith made the 'L' frame 686 with an 8" barrel. Only reason I know that is because I have one which I purchased new. It is a seriously fun gun to shoot, especially if you enjoy long range handgun fun. I do not know if the plus ever came in an 8". The six inch is probably the most practical unless it is a regular carry piece. Regardless, the 586/686 'L' frames are great shooters and you will not be sorry in owning one. I don't remember having ever purchased a used Smith that was newer than 1970, so I can't reliablity help you with what to look for in a used gun. Good luck.
The actual barrel length on the long 586/686 guns in 8 3/8 inches. That was the standard length for long barrel Smiths though they did do some special runs a couple of times using 7.5 inch barrels but I believe those were all on 29/629 series guns.
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Old 07-24-2009, 10:38 PM
Darkenfast Darkenfast is offline
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Chance on a 686Plus - advice?  
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Thanks for the comments. No more info yet (might be awhile).
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Old 07-24-2009, 10:56 PM
JayDubya JayDubya is offline
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I own an 686+ and a t-series Browning High Power. I love them both, shoot them weekly. You have put me in a Robbie the Robot lockup.

Jack
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586, 629, 686, browning, gunsmith, hi-power, idpa

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